Project Nevada: A Retro Review of New Vegas' Ambitious Overhaul (Still Worth It in 2024?

Fallout: New Vegas. Obsidian's Mojave masterpiece. A game that, thanks to its thriving modding community, refuses to fade into the nuclear winter sunset. And at the heart of that community, a name echoes – Project Nevada. For years, it was the go-to mod for anyone looking to overhaul their New Vegas experience. But in the ever-evolving landscape of PC gaming and modding, does it still hold up? As a seasoned PC gamer, familiar with the quirks of Bethesda's engine and the dedication of the Fallout modding scene (and a few Source engine oddities along the way), I'm here to deliver a definitive answer.

A visual representation of the Project Nevada mod logo and its ambitious scope.

What Project Nevada Is (and What It Aims to Be)

Project Nevada isn't just a mod; it's an ambitious attempt to re-imagine Fallout: New Vegas. Think of it as a comprehensive compilation, touching almost every aspect of the game. It's comprised of several core modules, each designed to tweak and expand upon the original formula. The main modules are:

• Cyberware: This is perhaps the most iconic element. It introduces a deep and customizable cybernetic augmentation system.
• Rebalance: A sweeping pass on combat, tweaking everything from weapon damage to enemy health and player stats.
• Equipment: Adds a massive arsenal of new weapons, armor, and gadgets to the Mojave Wasteland.
• Core: Provides essential functionalities.

Let's dive into each.

Cyberware: Becoming More Than Human

The Cyberware module is where Project Nevada truly shines. It allows you to augment your character with a wide array of implants, each offering unique benefits and drawbacks. Want to sprint faster? Install the "Reflex Booster." Need to breathe underwater? There's a cybernetic implant for that. Crave enhanced healing? The "Monocyte Breeder" will keep you patched up.

The Cyberware customization menu from Project Nevada, showcasing the diverse range of implants available for character augmentation.

The Sub-Dermal Armor, for example, provides a flat damage resistance bonus, making you significantly tougher. The best part? These aren't just passive buffs. Many implants have active abilities, requiring you to manage energy cells and making your choices matter. The cost of cybernetics are high both on in-game caps and the energy cells it requires.

Rebalance: A Wasteland Where Every Shot Counts

The Rebalance module is designed to make combat more challenging and strategic. It alters weapon damage, enemy health, and the way armor works. The changes to DT (Damage Threshold) and DR (Damage Resistance) are particularly significant. Instead of simply reducing incoming damage, DT now blocks a certain amount of damage completely, while DR provides a percentage-based reduction. This makes armor more meaningful, but also means that low-damage weapons can struggle against heavily armored foes. Enemy stats are also adjusted, making some encounters significantly more difficult.

A before-and-after comparison demonstrating the effects of Project Nevada's Rebalance module on combat, showcasing changes to enemy health bars and damage output.

Equipment: Arming Yourself for Survival

The Equipment module adds a vast selection of new weapons and armor to the game. We're talking everything from realistic firearms to futuristic energy weapons. Standouts include variations of the Anti-Materiel Rifle firing explosive rounds, tearing through enemies with devastating force. Several variants of pre-war and advanced combat armors also made their way into the mod. These additions significantly expand your tactical options. Furthermore, this module introduces the much-loved Vision Modes to Fallout: New Vegas. Night vision and thermal vision provide distinct tactical advantages in low-light or heavily obscured environments.

A character using Project Nevada's thermal vision to navigate a dark environment, highlighting enemies and points of interest.

Gameplay Impact: A Radroach Renaissance or a Balancing Act Gone Wrong?

So, how does all this affect the gameplay? The Cyberware system undeniably adds depth to character progression. It provides a tangible sense of improvement as you invest in new implants and customize your character to suit your playstyle. The rebalancing of combat, however, is more divisive. While some appreciate the increased challenge and strategic depth, others find it overly punishing. The increased lethality can lead to frustrating deaths, especially early in the game.

The new weapons and equipment are a welcome addition, offering more variety and tactical options. Landing a perfectly placed shot with the Anti-Materiel Rifle, sending a bandit flying with an explosive round, is immensely satisfying.

The added complexity, however, can be overwhelming. Project Nevada throws a lot at you, and it can take time to wrap your head around all the new systems and mechanics. Is it an enhancement of the core Fallout: New Vegas experience? For some, absolutely. For others, it might be a step too far. Features like sprint and grenade hotkeys are invaluable and feel like features that should have been implemented from the beginning.

The Technical Side: Treading Carefully in the Mojave

Installing Project Nevada isn't a simple drag-and-drop affair. It requires the New Vegas Script Extender (NVSE) and the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). NVSE expands the scripting capabilities of the game, allowing mods like Project Nevada to function correctly. The MCM provides a user-friendly interface for configuring the mod's settings, allowing you to customize various aspects of the gameplay.

A view of the Project Nevada settings menu, showcasing available options to change difficulty settings, control HUD elements, and customize various mod features.

Compatibility is another hurdle. While Project Nevada was designed to be compatible with other popular mods like Weapon Mods Expanded (WME) and Nevada Skies, conflicts can still arise. Load order is crucial, and you may need to experiment to find the optimal configuration. Patches are often necessary to resolve conflicts with specific mods.

Performance is also a concern. Project Nevada's complex scripts and added content can impact frame rates, especially in demanding areas like Freeside or during large-scale firefights. You may need to tweak your graphics settings to maintain a smooth experience.

Bugs are, unfortunately, part of the package. Project Nevada is a complex mod, and it's not without its glitches. Save game corruption is a known issue, so it's essential to back up your saves regularly. Fan-made fixes and patches are available, but they may not resolve all issues.

Community Reception: From Savior to Divisive Figure

Initially, Project Nevada was hailed as a game-changer. Players praised its ambitious scope and its ability to breathe new life into Fallout: New Vegas. However, over time, criticisms emerged. Some felt that the rebalancing was too harsh, making the game overly difficult. Others criticized the steep learning curve and the potential for save game corruption.

An in-game screenshot of the Anti-Materiel Rifle with explosive rounds from Project Nevada's Equipment module, demonstrating the mod's visual enhancements to weapons.

The rise of more modular modding approaches, prioritizing compatibility and stability, also contributed to a shift in community opinion. Instead of installing one massive overhaul mod, players began to pick and choose individual mods that suited their preferences. Project Nevada became something of a relic, a testament to a bygone era of total conversion mods.

However, Project Nevada's influence is undeniable. It paved the way for many of the gameplay tweaks and additions that we now take for granted in Fallout modding. It demonstrated the potential for ambitious overhauls and inspired countless modders to push the boundaries of what was possible.

Verdict: A Blast from the Past, with a Few Caveats

So, is Project Nevada worth trying in 2024? The answer is: it depends.

An example of the advanced combat armor variants added by the Project Nevada Equipment Module.

If you're a seasoned PC gamer looking for a highly customizable and challenging Fallout: New Vegas experience, and you have a fondness for those early, ambitious total conversion mods, then Project Nevada might be right up your alley. Just be prepared to invest some time in troubleshooting compatibility issues and fine-tuning the settings.

Project Nevada heads-up display showcasing multiple features.

However, if you're new to modding, or you prefer a more stable and streamlined experience, you might be better off exploring some of the more modern, modular alternatives. Many mods offer similar features to Project Nevada but with improved compatibility and performance.

Night vision mode.

Ultimately, Project Nevada is a historical artifact of the Fallout modding scene. It's a testament to the ambition and creativity of the modding community. Even with its flaws, it's a mod that deserves respect for its impact on the game and its influence on the direction of Fallout modding. Just remember to back up your saves, and be prepared for a wild ride.

Augmented character ready to take on New Vegas.