It seems really bizzare that so many people have such a wide variety of issues on the exact same hardware (as opposed to the almost infinite varieties when dealing with PCs). Could it be related to the fact that some people are playing on different updates of PS3 system software? I know I didn't bother to get the latest update for my PS3 for like 6 months once...

If you are having tons of problems, what PS3 system update are you running?
If you are having no issues or minimal issues, same question...

looking for a pattern obviously...

I am running it on my 80 gig ps3(the very first one to come out).I have the latest firmware for it.

I'm using the latest system version, 3.5.

You might be on to something, though, as I don't know if the Gamebyro Engine has been updated recently to address new additions/changes to the PS3's System OS. It would be interesting to see if that could be the cause.

But are you guys having game issues (I assume so but...) or not too bad, or unplayable... etc....?

trying to match the system version to level of problems...

I'm running a 80 gig model with the latest firmware. Though I think it'd be a stretch to say it's the firmware that's the issue... >.>

My problems are as follows:
Framerate issues coming out of certain buildings.Plus some long load times.
Entering the strip from the nothern gate.It loades the area but when it goes to the gameplay i get a black screen.I can hear the music and people but i do not have any visuals and i do not hear myself moving around.
Entering the strip from the tops casino area.It completely loads(all the gameplay and what not) but i move and the game freezes.(gone threw both of these problems like 6 times each and have given up)
Several time the game has frozen on me(like 6 or 7 times..not including the strip problem).

What do you think then? Why such a huge discrepancy in people's experience playing on the same system?

I have a launch date 60gb "fat" PS3 (model CEHCA01) running current (version 3.50) firmware update.
I have downloaded/installed the F:NV patch version 1.01.

PS3 has been kept in a well ventilated shelf, dusted weekly and cleaned with compressed air monthly for four years.
No problems with any other software: have tried multiple Blu-ray games, PSN games, Blu-ray movies, PS2 and PS1 format DVD games and older DVD movies: all work fine.

Have tried: uninstalling game data and reinstalling game
Have tried: turning off all options such as autosave via in game menu
Have tried: playing while disconnected from the PSN
Have tried: restoring the PS3 from safe mode.
Have tried: rebuilding the database from safe mode.

Still having massive and completely random freezing and crashing.

This was the only problem I had before the patch and it's the same after.