Really cool how in New Vegas the Speech skill actually means something. I've been able to talk people out of doing a lot of things, pretty neat. Right now I have about 75 Speech and I am level 7. Are there any portions of the game where I need to have higher than 75 or even 100 Speech? No spoilers please. I just don't want to invest to much into unneeded pools.

Also, what's the safest way to get to the ranger safehouse that is just northwest of Sloan and Goodsprings? Deathclaws shred me to pieces and they're to strong for me to fight.

How many times can I use the Intense Training Perk? Can you get all SPECIAL stats to 10? If not how many points at max can be invested in SPECIAL? Can you get all skills to 100? Raising Intelligence increases how many I can put into the skills?

Compared to Oblivion and Skyrim, is New Vegas bigger in terms of content? Can I expect a similar amount of quests in the game?

How do I get companions, how many can I get, and do they behave like Elder Scrolls companions?

Why do a lot of people think Fallout 3 was a better game?

I don't look at wikis cause of spoilers.

80 is a fine speech skill, there only a few late-game situations where a higher one is required.

To get to the ranger safehouse, you can run from the Supermutant camp at black mountain or from the Reppcon HQ and use the terrain to jump away from Deathclaws. But, the place is locked and you need a key to open it, so their is no reason to go there until later.

You can't get all SPECIAL stats to ten, but you can buy implants later. Personally, I never use Intense Training. You might be able to get all skills to 100 at level 50 with 10 Intelligence and try to max it, but in all likelihood you won't do it (it's okay, you don't need to).

Their are less quests than in Skyrim, but they are much better quests (unless you prefer linear fetch-quests).

Their are about 8 companions (one human, one dog/robot at time). They are like ES companions, but with much more depth. They also all have a quest to do.

People like FO3 because it gives an open world to explore.

Personally, I have found that you can explore both FO3 and NV and discover all new shades of grey. The difference it, in FO3 grey means the color, while in NV it refers to morality.

If it's no problem, I'll just get Speech to 100 if it can be used.

I got the key for the safehouse.

Thanks for the answers.

Also, I like New Vegas a LOT more than FO3; FO3 felt less open-world to me...

75 is a good stopping point. Just keep a few copies of Meeting People on hand, which awards a temporary +10(+20 w/perk) for those above 75, the few which exist. I do not recall any speech check of 100 being needed, but if you don't feel comfortable with this potential loss, another 5 points to Speech will set you up for the rest of the game.