That Gun: Fallout: New Vegas’s Quirky and Deadly Hand Cannon

A Blaster From The Future, Sold By A Forgotten Past

Fallout: New Vegas is a wasteland wanderer’s paradise, a sprawling desert filled with compelling characters, morally grey choices, and, of course, an arsenal of memorable weapons. Among those weapons, one stands out for its peculiar name, striking design, and surprising effectiveness: That Gun. But what makes That Gun so special? Why has it captured the imaginations of so many players traversing the Mojave Wasteland? This article delves deep into the intricacies of That Gun, exploring its origins, dissecting its stats, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determining if it’s still a worthwhile addition to any Courier’s inventory.

A Blaster From The Future, Sold By A Forgotten Past

That Gun isn’t just a name; it’s an enigma. You’ll find it nestled amongst the curios and souvenirs of the Novac Gift Shop, peddled by the affable but slightly eccentric Cliff Briscoe. For a modest sum of caps, you can acquire this curious .two-two-three pistol. Its early availability makes That Gun a surprisingly potent weapon right from the start of your Mojave adventure, a boon for any Courier struggling to survive against geckos and Powder Gangers. But what Cliff knows of the gun is limited. He doesn’t know its true origins, only that it came to him through circuitous routes, a piece of history passed down and eventually landing in his unassuming shop.

The design of That Gun is where things truly get interesting. Any discerning eye will immediately recognize its unmistakable resemblance to Rick Deckard’s blaster from the iconic film *Blade Runner*. The distinctive bullpup configuration, the intricate details along the barrel, and the overall futuristic aesthetic are all clear nods to the science fiction classic. This begs the question: why this particular design? Was it simply a loving homage from the developers, Obsidian Entertainment? Or does it hint at a deeper, more mysterious connection to the pre-War world of Fallout? Whatever the reason, the *Blade Runner* inspiration elevates That Gun beyond a mere weapon; it transforms it into a piece of pop culture history, instantly recognizable and undeniably cool.

And then there’s the name: That Gun. It’s vague, almost dismissive, yet undeniably intriguing. Why not give it a proper name? A designation, a model number? The ambiguity of “That Gun” hints at a forgotten history, a weapon so unique and perhaps so dangerous that its original name has been lost to time. It becomes a label that players give to it because no one can remember the real thing. Perhaps the developers intended it to be “That Gun” – the weapon that makes other players stop and wonder, that weapon that’s just, *different*. It is a memorable name that captures the mysterious and almost mythical status the weapon has taken on in the Fallout: New Vegas community.

Dissecting The Stats: Power and Performance

Beneath its stylish exterior lies a weapon of surprising capability. That Gun fires .two-two-three caliber rounds, a relatively common ammunition type in the Mojave Wasteland. While not as devastating as larger calibers like .four-four magnum or .three-oh-eight, .two-two-three offers a decent balance of damage, availability, and recoil. The base damage of That Gun is respectable, especially considering its early accessibility. It also boasts a significantly higher critical hit chance than many other weapons in its class. A well-placed shot, especially with a critical hit, can easily dispatch weaker enemies or cripple more formidable foes. The action point cost is also relatively low, allowing for frequent use in the V.A.T.S. system, a key advantage for players who rely on tactical combat.

Unfortunately, That Gun cannot be modified. This is a significant drawback, as other weapons in Fallout: New Vegas can be upgraded with scopes, extended magazines, and other enhancements. The lack of modification options limits That Gun’s long-term potential.

In terms of pure performance, That Gun excels at mid-range engagements. Its accuracy is reasonable, allowing for consistent hits on targets at moderate distances. However, its effectiveness drops off significantly at longer ranges. The recoil is manageable, but rapid firing can lead to decreased accuracy. While the damage per second is not the highest, its critical hit capabilities make it a potent option for players who prioritize precision and headshots.

A character with a decent Guns skill can wield That Gun effectively. Investing in perks such as Gunslinger, which increases accuracy and damage with pistols, and Better Criticals, which boosts critical hit damage, will further enhance its performance. The Finesse perk, which increases critical hit chance, is also a valuable addition for players who want to maximize the weapon’s potential.

There are more subtle aspects of the weapon that are hard to quantify. For example, the spread of the weapon will impact accuracy over distances. And most importantly, how the gun feels to use is just as important as all of these things. Some players love the weapon just for its design.

Balancing The Scales: Strengths and Weaknesses

That Gun’s greatest strength is undoubtedly its early availability. Obtaining it early in the game provides a significant advantage, allowing players to tackle challenging encounters and complete quests with greater confidence. Its unique and iconic design is also a major selling point for many players. Wielding a weapon inspired by *Blade Runner* is simply cool, adding a touch of style and personality to any character. The good critical hit chance makes it deadly for players who can consistently land headshots. Finally, the relatively low action point cost makes it ideal for use with the V.A.T.S. system.

However, That Gun is not without its flaws. The .two-two-three ammo, while common, can be relatively expensive early on. As the player levels up and gains access to more powerful weapons, That Gun’s effectiveness diminishes. Weapons like the .four-four Magnum, Hunting Revolver, and Anti-Materiel Rifle offer significantly higher damage output and greater versatility. That Gun also struggles against heavily armored enemies. Its low damage per shot makes it less effective against enemies with high damage resistance. Its lack of modification options further limits its potential in the late game.

Comparing Arsenals: When to Hold ‘Em, When to Fold ‘Em

That Gun occupies a unique space in the Fallout: New Vegas weapon ecosystem. Compared to other early-game pistols like the nine millimeter pistol or .three-five-seven Magnum revolver, That Gun offers a distinct advantage in terms of accuracy and critical hit chance. It fills a similar role to the varmint rifle, providing a reliable and versatile option for engaging enemies at medium range.

However, as players progress through the game, other weapons emerge as superior alternatives. The .four-four Magnum boasts significantly higher damage output, while the Hunting Revolver offers greater accuracy and customization options. Late-game weapons like the Anti-Materiel Rifle provide unparalleled damage and range, rendering That Gun obsolete in many situations. Unique weapons like Lucky, a unique .three-five-seven Magnum revolver with a higher critical hit chance, and Maria, Benny’s unique nine millimeter pistol, also offer distinct advantages over That Gun.

Strategies for the Mojave: Maximizing Effectiveness

To truly maximize That Gun’s potential, players should focus on acquiring it as early as possible. A beeline to Novac is often a worthwhile endeavor. It’s effective against early game enemies like geckos and weak Powder Gangers. Managing your .two-two-three ammo supply is crucial early on. Scavenge every round you can find and consider crafting your own ammunition to conserve caps.

A character build that complements That Gun should focus on the Guns skill and perks that enhance accuracy, critical hit chance, and damage. High Perception is also beneficial for increasing V.A.T.S. accuracy. Quick Draw is helpful to get the first shot in a difficult fight. Finesse and other perks that boost critical hits are recommended too. When engaging enemies, prioritize headshots and utilize V.A.T.S. whenever possible. That Gun is most effective at medium range, so maintain a safe distance and utilize cover to avoid incoming fire. Don’t forget to factor in specific roleplay and other builds that will synergize with That Gun.

A Lasting Legacy: Community and Influence

That Gun has resonated with the Fallout: New Vegas community for its unique design, intriguing backstory, and surprising effectiveness. Many players consider it to be a must-have weapon, a symbol of the game’s quirky charm and memorable characters.

Numerous mods have been created to enhance or alter That Gun. Some mods retexture the weapon, improving its visual fidelity. Others adjust its stats, rebalancing its strengths and weaknesses. Still other mods add new animations or special effects, further enhancing its uniqueness. That Gun has become more than just a weapon; it has become a symbol of Fallout: New Vegas’s enduring legacy. It is immediately recognizable and evokes a response from other players of the game.

Final Verdict: Worthy of a Holster?

In conclusion, That Gun is a worthwhile addition to any Fallout: New Vegas player’s arsenal, especially in the early to mid-game. Its unique design, surprising effectiveness, and intriguing backstory make it a memorable and enjoyable weapon to use. While it may be outclassed by other weapons later in the game, its early availability and critical hit potential make it a valuable asset for any Courier venturing into the Mojave Wasteland. It is undoubtedly a memorable weapon that deserves a place in Fallout history.

What are your experiences with That Gun? Did you find it to be a valuable weapon? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! What builds did you use with it? Did you carry it all the way to the end?