Been like this since F3. 5x hit or 1 hit with crit multiplier. Because of overdrive criticals can be beneficial but in vats they do next to nothing. Pretty huge oversight to make it into 3 games. All they had to do is fix the power attack animations.

I never used the weapon since it looks ugly to me. I wish Assaultron's blade was a chainsword instead.

Been noticing this since 3, and it's very annoying. At least the damage makes up for it.

Was it the same for new vegas?

Its also a super lame weapon to use. Just hold it in front of you and *bzzzzzzzzzzzz*. I know. I'll do an awesome slow-mo vats kill *bzzzz....zzzz....zzzz...zzzz* zzz OH! Fell asleep there. Super lame.