Wild Wasteland Encounters in Fallout: New Vegas' DLC Old World Blues

The Wild Wasteland trait in Fallout: New Vegas provides a wackier way to play the video game. From Lassie references to a group of old ladies who attack with rolling pins, the trait offers silly experiences through out the Mojave Wastes. In New Vegas' DLC, Old World Blues, the crazy encounters are everywhere. Here's some of the weirdest and funniest Wild Wasteland experiences I found in the DLC.

The Walking Eye
James Urbaniak plays the Think Tank scientist, Dr. O, but he's best known as the voice of Dr. Rusty Venture on the "Venture Bros" TV show. For this Wild Wasteland experience, Dr. O is heard reminding the Lobomites to "wash the walking eye." This is a reference to the episode "Fallen Arches", where Rusty constructs a walking eye and then washes it in his yard. When you enter the Magnetohydraulics Complex, there are four mini walking eyes scattered around the building. Unfortunately, you can't interact with them in any way.

The Tiny Deathclaw
In the Higgs Village, there is a dog house behind Dr. Borous' house. If you get too close, a miniature deathclaw named Stripe runs out. You may think since it's so small, it won't be hard to deal with, but it has the power of a legendary deathclaw. Stripe is extremely tough to kill and if he strikes you a few times, it's over. Luring him out of the dog house then backing up to the fountain in the middle of the village is the only sure way to stay safe. Once you're near the fountain, he will run back towards the dog house. This makes it easy to target and shoot him. Stripe is a reference to the movie "Gremlins". You can even see a chicken leg near his dog house.

The Seven Garden Gnomes
At the Construction Site, red crystals and trucks litter the landscape. If you have the Wild Wasteland trait and walk near a group of crystals, there's seven garden gnome statues with axes and lanterns around them.There is also a grave where Snow White and four shotgun shells can be found.

Poker Playing Dogs
In the X-8 Research Center, you encounter everything from nightstalkers to cyberdogs. Once you survive the testing center and begin walking back to the main area, there's a huge window overlooking a room. With the Wild Wasteland trait, you will see cyberdogs sitting around a table playing cards. There's also bottles and poker chips strewn about. Without the trait, all you see is them staring at an image of Vault Girl petting a dog.

Old World Blues is full of science fiction references and wacky experiences. While walking through the Big Empty, it feels like a new encounter happens every few minutes. Some of the Wild Wasteland events in the DLC are the best in the entire game. If you didn't equip the trait at the beginning of New Vegas, don't worry. You have the option to take it from the Auto-Doc in the Sink.