The first time I came across Super Mutants and that office building full of ghouls are the two best memories I have of that game. I think overall, FO:NV was the better game, but 3 had its moments. :)The environment is so engaging compared to New Vegas, in my opinion. There have been some situations I can feel my heart rate rising, and I find myself actually a little afraid as to what will happen.
100% agree. New Vegas overall with its choices and factions makes a superior gameplay experience. However, the Mojave vs the Capital Wasteland is so surprisingly different. I enjoy exploring more in FO3; it feels more satisfying somehow. The Capital Wasteland really felt like just that - a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Terrible things happened there and it showed everywhere. The Mojave felt like it was (obviously) a desert to begin with, and the real devastation was mainly concentrated on Vegas proper. In FO3 there's a feeling of isolation, which changed a lot with NV and the various factions, in my opinion.
I loved both as well, the atmosphere and the fun of exploring of 3 was great but the color palette kinda gave me headaches. New Vegas is one of my go-to games when I need to blow off steam. I have a save file where I basically attempt to kill everything that moves for really shitty days. The DLC is some of my favorite, can you guess which one I loved best?