The current issue of PC Gamer has just sabotaged Fallout: New Vegas and the game has sprung a major leak. According to All Games Beta, the magazine has gotten its hands on so many details regarding the post-apocalyptic title, that it would make the Pip Boy turn from green to red with embarrassment. By the looks of it, New Vegas will feature an optional hardcore mode, where players will need to provide their wastelander with drinkable water, the ammo will have weight and healing won't be instant, but, in the Normal mode, the gameplay will be similar to the one we saw in Fallout 3.

The main character won't be a vault dweller, or have any kind of direct relationship with one, but will be a mere courier whose life will be saved my a neighborhood, friendly robot. The post-apocalyptic scenario will be merciful compared with the one we saw in previous Fallout games. Taking place in the Mojave desert, Vegas wasn't a main target, so it got away with a minimum nuclear damage. Most of the buildings are intact, as well as the desert flora and the city itself.

The major conflict in the story will be the one between the New California Republic vs. Caesar's Legion and the inhabitants of New Vegas. A screenshot revealed the presence of a vault suit, an assault rifle that looked a lot like the M4, as well as a new, heavy weapon that required a special backpack, much like the minigun.

Firearms aside, for those that preferred a more "up close and personal" approach to their fights, melee weapons received special moves in VATS, one being the "Fore," a gold club attack that's aimed at the enemy's groin. Bartering will now influence more than just sales prices, and a high skill value will also influence the rewards one receives. A high skill value will open up new conversation options and the player's followers have received a context-sensitive menu, by which they can be issued "follow," "stay," or "attack" orders.

Some of the super mutants in New Vegas share similarities with the ones in the Capital Wasteland, but we will also stumble upon intelligent super-mutants or the Nightkin elites. The super-mutant base is located at Black Mountain, while the NCR base is at the McCarran Airport and Caesar's Legion is stationed at the Vegas Strip. Also, our actions in the world of Vegas will also influence our Reputation, not just our Karma.

Currently, Obsidian has the game marked for an autumn release, and, if it won't suffer any delays (which is unlikely if we look at its Alpha Protocol), then our heads will also share the launch date of autumn, since they'll probably explode and head towards the moon once we get our hands on the title.