Ain T Nothing But A Hound Dog New Vegas

Alright, settle in folks, grab your Nuka-Cola, because I'm about to tell you a tale of cyberdogs, questionable morals, and more bullets than you can shake a stick at – all centered around one furry, four-legged companion in the Mojave Wasteland. We're talking about Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog, the quest that proves even in a post-apocalyptic world, you can't escape pet ownership.

Rex: More Than Just a Pretty Howl

So, you're wandering around Freeside, probably dodging Powder Gangers and trying to figure out how you're going to afford that new plasma rifle, when you stumble upon The King’s School of Impersonation. Inside, you meet a dude named The King. He’s got the Elvis look down, complete with the swagger, the pompadour, and an army of, let's be honest, incredibly dodgy impersonators. But the real star of the show isn't The King, it's Rex.

Rex is a cyberdog. I'm not talking about some cute robo-puppy, oh no. Rex is a battle-hardened canine, sporting cybernetic enhancements that would make Robocop jealous. He's got a metal plate in his head, glowing eyes, and a bark that can probably shatter glass. He is absolutely awesome. The King will reluctantly let you adopt him.

The Quest Begins (and Gets Weird)

But here's the catch: Rex isn't feeling too hot. Turns out, his brain is... well, let's just say it's experiencing technical difficulties. He’s basically got a cyber-headache the size of Boulder City. The King tasks you with finding a suitable replacement brain, launching the "Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog" quest. Now, this is where things get interesting – and a little bit ethically questionable.

Because where do you find spare cyberdog brains? Apparently, the Mojave Wasteland is brimming with them! (Narrator: it is, in fact, not brimming with spare cyberdog brains)

You're presented with three charming options, each more morally ambiguous than the last:

1. Violetta’s Brain: You find Violetta at a mercenary camp. She is a cyberdog. If you're the kind to go for the easy route (and potentially create a canine love triangle situation), you can snag her brain. Some people find it…unethical. But hey, this is New Vegas, remember? Morality is a spectrum, and it's mostly on the “dark and gritty” end.
2. Lupa’s Brain: You encounter Lupa guarding some fiends holed up at a shack. Lupa appears aggressive (because she is), and is a cyberdog. Taking her brain will require violence.
3. Rey's Brain: You find Rey’s brain at Old Lady Gibson’s Scrapyard. He is a deceased, and not-so-cyber, dog. Putting his brain into a cyberdog will likely result in a personality change.

The Ultimate Canine Upgrade

So, you choose your brain (hopefully after agonizing over the moral implications for, like, five minutes) and head back to The King. A quick operation later, and Rex is back in business! Depending on which brain you chose, Rex gets a stat boost, and sometimes, even a new quirk. Got Lupa’s brain? Rex might become more aggressive in combat. Went with Violetta’s? You might get a dog that's overly protective. I imagine it's awkward if you brought Lupa to Violetta’s mercenary group, though I don’t think the game accounts for that.

And that's it! You've successfully performed brain surgery on a cyberdog. Congratulations! You're a true wasteland veterinarian... albeit one who probably has a few skeletons (or cybernetic dog brains) in their closet.

Why This Quest Rocks (Besides the Cyberdog)

Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog is a fantastic quest for a few reasons. First, it gives you Rex, who is an awesome companion. He can take a beating, sniff out enemies, and is just plain fun to have around. Plus, having a dog in the apocalypse just feels…right. Like, who else is going to judge your questionable life choices? (Besides ED-E, obviously).

Second, it highlights the moral ambiguity that New Vegas does so well. There's no easy answer to the brain dilemma. Each choice has its consequences, forcing you to consider the value of life (even cyberdog life) in the wasteland. Do you value a particular breed or personality more, or the chance to help a friend at the expense of those values?

Finally, it's just a fun, quirky adventure that adds some much-needed levity to the grimness of the Mojave. After all, who doesn't love a good cyberdog brain hunt? So next time you're wandering through Freeside, be sure to swing by The King’s School of Impersonation and say hi to Rex. He's one hound dog you won't soon forget. And maybe bring him a nice steak. Cybernetic or not, a dog's gotta eat!