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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The story of Fallout: New Vegas centers around the struggle for power and resources in the Mojave Wasteland. You play a courier who gets caught up in a web of political intrigue and must navigate through different factions with their own agendas. There's a lot of exploration, combat, and decision-making that affects the outcome.
The story in Fallout 3 is more about a personal journey of the Lone Wanderer in a post - apocalyptic Washington D.C. It focuses on themes like finding your father and dealing with the Enclave. In contrast, Fallout New Vegas has a more complex political web. You're in the middle of a power struggle between various factions in the Mojave Desert. The choices you make in New Vegas often have far - reaching consequences for the region as a whole.