In Elder Scrolls IV:Oblivion, Bethesda created a game that still stands out as being the most groundbreaking in its generation. It wasn’t simply a huge game, although it was most certainly one of the biggest and most involved games ever to grace a games console. It combined excellent game play, numerous open ended story lines, a class and development system that was brilliance in itself, and one of the biggest game worlds ever conceived. It only got away with such grandiose plans because it did everything so well.

Bethesda is trying its hand again with the potentially close release of Fallout 3. It’s incredible to learn that while a previous version of Fallout 3 was to include 500 separate cut scene endings, there are now over 10,000. These are governed by the way the individual player plays through the game and it seems that literally every choice you make will have an impact on how the game ends.

In reality, it looks like Bethesda’s latest gameplay will combine much of the best strategy games made for the various consoles. Off the bat, it uses the same game engine as Oblivion and is being developed by the same team. The character’s traits and abilities will be determined by the choices the player makes regarding the character’s childhood – a la Mass Effect.

There is, of course, a skill tree as well as perks for the character, reminiscent of the best RPG and tactical games. As with the previous games in the series (not developed by Bethesda, but by Interplay Entertainment who sold the rights when they went bankrupt) and as with Oblivion, the game will clearly play out with a non-linear storyline.

Liam Neeson is being ponied around as the voice of the player’s father, the lead part and there will undoubtedly be more names mentioned before release date. Unfortunately, there is no firm release date as yet, with Fall 2008 still being the official word from Bethesda. For now, enjoy the screenshots and look forward to what will hopefully prove to be another life sapping game from Bethesda.