One great 'Fallout New Vegas' fanfiction is 'A Courier's Tale'. It delves deep into the backstory of the courier before the events of the game. The character development is really well - done, and it gives a new perspective on the Mojave Wasteland.
The story of the conflict between the NCR and Caesar's Legion is really interesting. The Courier gets caught in the middle of this power struggle. There are moral dilemmas as the Courier has to decide which side, if any, to support. Each side has its own ideology and goals, and seeing how the events unfold around this conflict makes for a great story.
Well, Fallout 3's story is great for those who like a more personal and somewhat linear adventure. The main character has a clear goal from the start - find dad. The worldbuilding in Fallout 3 is also quite good, but it mainly serves to support this central story. In Fallout New Vegas, the story is a complex web. You start as a Courier who gets caught in the middle of a huge power struggle. There are so many different paths you can take depending on which faction you side with. Each faction has its own ideology and goals, and your choices really shape the outcome of the story. It offers a much more immersive and replayable story experience than Fallout 3.
Lily Bowen can also be considered a top companion for the story. She's a Nightkin with a unique personality. Her relationship with the Courier can be quite endearing, and her story arcs, especially related to her past and her 'granddaughter', are very engaging and add a lot to the overall narrative.
The story of Fallout 3 is set in a more desolate and depressing Capital Wasteland. It's mainly about survival and the search for the protagonist's father. Meanwhile, Fallout New Vegas has a story that is more about politics and influence. The Courier has to deal with different groups like the NCR, Caesar's Legion, and Mr. House, and their different ideas of how to run the Mojave Wasteland. This makes the story of Fallout New Vegas more complex and less centered on a single personal quest like in Fallout 3.
One great fanfiction is 'The Courier's Redemption'. It delves deep into the male courier's past and his journey to make amends for his actions. The character development is really well - done, and it adds new layers to the game's lore.
One of the best companion stories in FNV is probably Boone's. His backstory of being a former NCR sniper and his quest related to his wife's death is really engaging. It adds depth to his character and the overall lore of the game.
It differs mainly in the plot. The original has its set storyline, but the alternate story changes things up. Maybe the main character's motivation is different. For example, instead of seeking revenge like in the original, they could be on a quest for redemption in the alternate story.
The story of how the different settlements in the Mojave survive is really cool. Some rely on trade, some on protection from the bigger factions. The Courier can play a role in their development or downfall. It shows the human side of the wasteland, how people are trying to build something in the ruins. It's not just about big battles and power struggles, but also about the small communities trying to make it through each day.