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.
A third storyline could be them teaming up to take on a powerful raider gang that has been terrorizing the local settlements. As they plan and execute their attacks, they face challenges that test their relationship and loyalty. This could include moments of doubt and conflict that they have to overcome.
First, they should start as comrades. They meet, recognize each other's skills, and decide to travel together for mutual benefit. For example, the Courier needs someone who knows the area well like Veronica, and Veronica needs the Courier's combat skills. As they face various challenges in the wasteland, like running out of supplies or being attacked by wild creatures, they gradually learn to trust each other more.
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.
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.
Archive of Our Own (AO3) is also a great place. It has some really high - quality fanfictions. The tagging system there is very useful. You can search for specific characters, themes, or plot elements related to 'Fallout New Vegas' to find the fanfiction you want.
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.