There are very few games out there that immerse you in its world like New Vegas. Whereas Fallout 3 did this by creating interesting set pieces, memorable events, and a satisfying gameplay loop, New Vegas does this instead by, and arguably does it better, immersing you in its geopolitics, man's lust for power, and taxes (or anti-taxes, if you so choose).

The New California Republic, which is basically the re-emergence of the United States of America before the apocalypse, is starting to show signs of decline as it struggles to maintain its presence in and around Vegas, effectively buckling under its own pressure.

Keep in mind, this game first started development when the last ounce of support for America's war in Iraq had been spent and the American economy was at its worst in generations. No, this game is not an allegory for any of this, because allegories are stupid, but it's inevitable that those events shaped New Vegas's central themes.

When does a nation become too far gone? How can a civilization stuck in the past effectively confront new challenges? What does freedom mean when not everyone is free?

Most games, movies, or books will ask vague questions and then try to answer them. Every now and again, a masterpiece will come along with enough humility to know that it doesn't know the answers to its own questions, but that the questions need to be asked regardless.