To start off Obsidian has a team of artistic workers who are good a coming up with interesting ideas especially with some of the armor and weapons that we've seen in New Vegas. NCR Ranger Combat Armor, the iconic armor of the game (good job with the added Desert Ranger Combat Armor with no faction tag btw), or the grenade machinegun which is tons of fun. Problem is, not everything was looked over properly.
What bugs me the most is the reinforced combat armors. Even for an older engine these armors aesthetically are below par, and even worse, they don't resemble the classic Fallout 1 & 2 combat armors that they are supposed too. Not very good for a game that is "the spiritual successor to Fallout 2." I know I'm whining a bit, but seriously, take a look at most other armors then swap on a suit of reinforced combat armor (mk I or mk II) and look at the detail put into each one.
There is definitely a portion of fans out there who don't like (or always like) to use power armor. Before Honest Hearts the best armor below power armor was the combat armor reinforced mk II, on par with the NCR Ranger Combat armor but with a lower weight. I don't usually play NCR aligned characters so the reinforced mk II was my preference for armor. Unfortunately it didn't look like it fit into the game world detail-wise. The bland "draw in" section on the back and shoulders, the lazy attempt at showing some wear-and-tear, and even the visor didn't gleam they way the visor on T-51b did. I'll tell ya, that visor looked like a black hole svcking in all light completely.
Obsidian has a crew working hard right now on patches and DLC for New Vegas. If any of them ever get the chance to read this pass it on to one of they guys (or gals) who would love a shot a redoing the reinforced combat armors (hopefully to be put out in a patch or DLC).
I know I'm one customer, but I'm one customer who will continue to play the game and buy the DLC's. Of course I'd be ecstatic to play though if I had a nice suit of actual combat armor to wear. All in all, I say this because, to me, the Fallout 1 & 2 combat armors were a bit more iconic that what it would seem and they deserve to be rightfully restored. Obsidian, don't you also think that it's your responsibility to your customers to make sure that your game, your work, your art! should be put out to it's fullest? Even if it's done by bits and pieces at a time.
Fellow fans, this was a long an daunting rant for just one issue, but it's an issue I personally wanted to at least address (I can at least say I took action even if nothing happens) but I know this isn't the only piece of work that didn't get it's just desserts. Things like the plasma defender look a bit dull, but if something like this in the game bugs you as well, feel free to reply and add to this thread about what you thought needs to be looked at.
Sincerely,
A Fallout Fan