Fallout 3

 PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 5318 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,751 out of 5318
  2. Mixed: 987 out of 5318
  3. Negative: 580 out of 5318
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  1. MaxieZeus
    Sep 10, 2023
    7
    Fallout 3, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is a seminal title in the open-world RPG genre, known for its expansive post-apocalyptic world, rich characters, and captivating stories. However, it's not without its shortcomings, with dated graphics even for its time and gameplay that can be described as less than stellar. Despite these issues, Fallout 3 remains a compelling and addictiveFallout 3, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is a seminal title in the open-world RPG genre, known for its expansive post-apocalyptic world, rich characters, and captivating stories. However, it's not without its shortcomings, with dated graphics even for its time and gameplay that can be described as less than stellar. Despite these issues, Fallout 3 remains a compelling and addictive RPG experience, thanks in part to the innovative V.A.T.S system.

    One of the standout features of Fallout 3 is its immersive and intricately crafted post-apocalyptic world. The Capital Wasteland, a nuclear-ravaged version of Washington, D.C., is a desolate and hauntingly beautiful setting. The attention to detail in the game's environment design is remarkable, with crumbling buildings, radiation-soaked landscapes, and the remnants of a once-thriving civilization. Exploring this world is an adventure in itself, as every nook and cranny holds secrets, stories, and dangers.

    The characters and stories that populate the Capital Wasteland are where Fallout 3 truly shines. Bethesda has a knack for creating memorable NPCs with their own personalities, quirks, and motivations. Interacting with the denizens of this bleak world, each with their unique stories and quests, adds depth and authenticity to the experience. Whether it's the enigmatic Three Dog or the morally ambiguous characters you meet on your journey, Fallout 3's characters leave a lasting impression.

    However, Fallout 3's flaws become apparent when you turn your attention to its graphics and gameplay. Even at the time of its release, the game's graphics were far from cutting edge. Character models often appeared wooden, and the overall visual fidelity was subpar compared to contemporary titles. While some might argue that graphics aren't the most critical aspect of a game, it's hard to ignore that Fallout 3 felt visually dated even upon release.

    The gameplay, while serviceable, leaves much to be desired. The combat mechanics can be clunky and imprecise, and the shooting mechanics are less than satisfying. The saving grace here is the V.A.T.S (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System) system, which adds a strategic layer to the combat. It allows players to target specific body parts of enemies and pause the action, making fights more manageable and enjoyable. Without V.A.T.S, the gameplay might have been a major drawback, but this innovative system makes it bearable.

    Despite these issues, Fallout 3 remains an addicting RPG experience. The allure of exploring the vast wasteland, interacting with its denizens, and making impactful choices in a morally gray world is undeniably compelling. The game's flaws are noticeable but can be overlooked when you're engrossed in its storytelling and world-building.

    In summary, Fallout 3 is a game of contradictions. Its world, characters, and stories are fantastic, drawing players into a post-apocalyptic dystopia filled with rich narratives and moral dilemmas. However, its dated graphics and occasionally frustrating gameplay mechanics hold it back. Thankfully, the introduction of the V.A.T.S system salvages the gameplay, making it enjoyable. Despite its flaws, Fallout 3 is a testament to the power of storytelling in games, offering an addictive RPG experience that's hard to forget.    … Expand
  2. UrchinChieftain
    Aug 29, 2023
    7
    The game had a lot of technical difficulties, it doesn't play like a good FPS, and has massive issues with RPG elements, but still provides a huge Map to explore and an overall good experience, it is my least favorite game out of the Fallout franchise.
  3. ghostwriter84
    Aug 29, 2023
    7
    Pros:

    Atmosphere and Soundtrack: The game excels at creating a hauntingly beautiful and desolate atmosphere. The ruins of iconic landmarks, accompanied by an evocative 1950s-inspired soundtrack, immerse players in the grim reality of a world ravaged by nuclear war. Open-World Exploration: The Capital Wasteland, the game's expansive open-world environment, is a joy to explore. Filled    Pros:

    Atmosphere and Soundtrack: The game excels at creating a hauntingly beautiful and desolate atmosphere. The ruins of iconic landmarks, accompanied by an evocative 1950s-inspired soundtrack, immerse players in the grim reality of a world ravaged by nuclear war.

    Open-World Exploration: The Capital Wasteland, the game's expansive open-world environment, is a joy to explore. Filled with intriguing locations, hidden secrets, and unique characters, it encourages players to venture off the beaten path and discover the stories that unfold in the aftermath of the nuclear apocalypse.

    My biggest gripes with this game, specially considering its an rpg:

    Linear Main Story: Despite its expansive world, the main story can feel somewhat linear in comparison. This could potentially limit the player's sense of agency, especially if they prefer non-linear storytelling.
    Poor writing, quests, dialogues...    … Expand
  4. smahlt
    Aug 22, 2023
    7
    It's a solid Oblivion with guns. There's not much else to say, really. It has a better story than New Vegas and 4, but falls behind NV in other aspects.
  5. PenetratorGod
    Aug 20, 2023
    7
    It's a failure compared to Fallout New Vegas. If you play New Vegas first and then play this, the experience is definitely worse.
  6. zcat5
    Jun 26, 2023
    6
    When released, this game was truly impressive. It built upon the masterpiece Oblivion, and it brought some impressive new elements of gameplay. Immensely fun to explore, and great atmosphere. It has been overshadowed by more modern games, but it was easily a 9.5/10 when it was released.
  7. jamlk
    Jun 12, 2023
    6
    For re-inventing the franchise it is a huge step. Looking apart from that it's kind of a mess. And the magic it gave in '08 sadly can't be felt as much.
  8. GhostlyMenace
    Apr 21, 2023
    7
    To start for a game that’s set two hundred years after nuclear hellfire, the world you’re introduced to looked like the bombs dropped twenty years ago. I believe after that amount of time the waterways wouldn’t be irradiated anymore. Everyone in this game is dressed like they're straight out of a Mad Max flick, and the gunplay is extremely dull. Back to the world, I understand its supposedTo start for a game that’s set two hundred years after nuclear hellfire, the world you’re introduced to looked like the bombs dropped twenty years ago. I believe after that amount of time the waterways wouldn’t be irradiated anymore. Everyone in this game is dressed like they're straight out of a Mad Max flick, and the gunplay is extremely dull. Back to the world, I understand its supposed to be a dark vision of the future but the general coloration of The Capital Wasteland can be very depressing. The jazz music the combat is set to is a strange combination, and most of the characters you encounter in the game are one dimensional and boring.… Expand
  9. MrOldModern
    Apr 10, 2023
    6
    Купа смітевих квестів з яких 10 будуть більш менш. Зелений фільтр. Сюжет. Та після цієї гри я не можу грати у ігри де є хочаб якесь метро. Бо його тут дуже багато.
  10. Naked_Snakee
    Mar 21, 2023
    7
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  11. DrAMaximus
    Mar 18, 2023
    5
    Вспоминая третий фолыч, перед глазами предстаёт картина какого-то мутного, зелёного болота. То и дело мелькают образы глупейших квестов и ситуаций, типа города детей или разборок супергероев. Ещё какой то мужик ходит и заявляет что он мой батя, игра как будто рассчитывает что у меня должна быть с ним какая-то эмоциональная связь, но зачем мне цифровой батя я не знаю, возможно это продуктВспоминая третий фолыч, перед глазами предстаёт картина какого-то мутного, зелёного болота. То и дело мелькают образы глупейших квестов и ситуаций, типа города детей или разборок супергероев. Ещё какой то мужик ходит и заявляет что он мой батя, игра как будто рассчитывает что у меня должна быть с ним какая-то эмоциональная связь, но зачем мне цифровой батя я не знаю, возможно это продукт каких то комплексов сценариста. В общем, непонятно зачем этот обливион с пушками был нужен, хотя… На его основе обсидианы потом сделали обалденный Нью Вегас. Так что, какое никакое сомнительное право на жизнь трёшка имеет.… Expand
  12. FRIST_008
    Feb 6, 2023
    7
    Как и когда-то давно, так и сейчас я убедился в том, что в этой игре чертовски неприятно стрелять. Ни на мышке, ни на контроллере. Мир конечно интересен был и тогда, сейчас менее, время идёт, но плоскость основного сюжета, была заметна ещё в бородатые, а сейчас. При этом дух исследователя никуда не пропал и я до сих пор с удовольствием обследую каждую дырку... Однако пустость пустотыКак и когда-то давно, так и сейчас я убедился в том, что в этой игре чертовски неприятно стрелять. Ни на мышке, ни на контроллере. Мир конечно интересен был и тогда, сейчас менее, время идёт, но плоскость основного сюжета, была заметна ещё в бородатые, а сейчас. При этом дух исследователя никуда не пропал и я до сих пор с удовольствием обследую каждую дырку... Однако пустость пустоты локаций и серо-зелёная гамма просто убивают всё удовольствие от игры.… Expand
  13. JostinAbad
    Jan 12, 2023
    7
    Lo senti muy inmersivo pero un poco carente de emocion en ciertos momentos o bugs, pero es un gran juego
  14. Hyperfailure
    Nov 27, 2022
    7
    (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
    ┻━┻ ︵ ヽ(°□°ヽ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ ＼( °□° )／ ︵ ┻━┻

    ┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)

    (ﾉಥ益ಥ）ﾉ ┻━┻

    ┬──┬ ¯_(ツ)

    ┻━┻ ︵ヽ(`Д´)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻

    ┻━┻ ︵ ¯(ツ)/¯ ︵ ┻━┻

    (╯°Д°）╯︵ /(.□ . )

    ʕノ•ᴥ•ʔノ ︵ ┻━┻
  15. Czechinator
    Aug 16, 2022
    7
    Great music and ambient sounds. Combat has aged badly. The story and dialogues were mediocre.The DLC was interesting and fun. the world was nice and interesting.
  16. Nekrips
    Jul 29, 2022
    5
    An interesting attempt to transfer the legendary world of Fallout into a fully 3D space. The game has its own interesting moments and some atmosphere. And also good additions that reveal more of the lore of the world. But for the most part, it is empty, boring, poor in content, very interesting to explore, and with a rather poor history. Locations are gray and empty. Most travel passesAn interesting attempt to transfer the legendary world of Fallout into a fully 3D space. The game has its own interesting moments and some atmosphere. And also good additions that reveal more of the lore of the world. But for the most part, it is empty, boring, poor in content, very interesting to explore, and with a rather poor history. Locations are gray and empty. Most travel passes through the same type of tunnels (Hi, Skyrim). Cities look corridor-like and limited. Bethesda's idiotic auto-leveling system makes gameplay annoying. The character creation system looks pointless and has almost no effect on anything. Locations are no longer so interesting to explore, there are no interesting descriptions of various items and the possibility of their use. Now it's just trash.
    For me, this is the weakest game in the Fallout series so far.    … Expand
  17. Demon2017
    Jun 24, 2022
    6
    Игра, ставшая классикой, но на самом деле - это стандартный дибилизм от Тодда Говарда. Клёвый большой мир, который интересно исследовать, неплохая графика для своего времени, но квесты и сюжет, как обычно на средне-нижнем уровне.Игра, ставшая классикой, но на самом деле - это стандартный дибилизм от Тодда Говарда. Клёвый большой мир, который интересно исследовать, неплохая графика для своего времени, но квесты и сюжет, как обычно на средне-нижнем уровне.
  18. Lukrejshyn
    Mar 13, 2022
    7
    I think Fallout 3 is a good video game but story, some RPG mechanics, quests and factions could have been done better. It's a fun experience that on PC is plagued by Bethesda lack of care for their aging titles. The game crashes way too often and has tons of bugs. Still it's a well done RPG that holds up even 14 years later. However if you're looking for more fleshed out FalloutI think Fallout 3 is a good video game but story, some RPG mechanics, quests and factions could have been done better. It's a fun experience that on PC is plagued by Bethesda lack of care for their aging titles. The game crashes way too often and has tons of bugs. Still it's a well done RPG that holds up even 14 years later. However if you're looking for more fleshed out Fallout experience play Fallout New Vegas.… Expand
  19. Vittle
    Mar 11, 2022
    6
    Fallout New Vegas is 100 times better!
    Its not a bad game but it dose not have that fallout Oh Yea thing.
  20. Uarabei
    Feb 21, 2022
    7
    This is my first fallout and I really liked the atmosphere.

    Many said that this is Oblivion with machine guns, but the atmosphere and the setting are completely different. Interesting plot, average gameplay, average graphics for its time, but it was fun to play.
  21. lidwang
    Jan 8, 2022
    5
    A dissapointment imo. Coming from the old fallouts, I was actually amazed about how surface level the story, characters and themes of this game are. No really, one of the key aspects that made fallout 1 and 2 so amazing comapred to it's contemporaries was its reach story, soemthing this game lacks.
    Along with that, thee roleplaying mechanichs of this game are really underwhelming, it    A dissapointment imo. Coming from the old fallouts, I was actually amazed about how surface level the story, characters and themes of this game are. No really, one of the key aspects that made fallout 1 and 2 so amazing comapred to it's contemporaries was its reach story, soemthing this game lacks.
    Along with that, thee roleplaying mechanichs of this game are really underwhelming, it doesn't offer mucho of a chance to have your own combat style or give your character some personality through dialogue.
    It's fine on its own I guess, but overall a step back in this franchise.    … Expand
  22. Xeculiar
    Dec 23, 2021
    7
    decent game just i really hate having to install mods just to make the game work properly but bethesda is too dumb to realize people still enjoy this game after many years new vegas still better though
  23. PoptartKing
    Dec 21, 2021
    6
    Fallout 3 is a heartfelt love letter to the original games, but there is still so much it fails at. For a game that focuses so much on gunplay I would expect it to be more enjoyable, but it really isn't that great and it's only ever really improved upon in Fallout 4. But the thing this game does better than Fallout 4 is translating the original RPGs into the 3D environment. The side questsFallout 3 is a heartfelt love letter to the original games, but there is still so much it fails at. For a game that focuses so much on gunplay I would expect it to be more enjoyable, but it really isn't that great and it's only ever really improved upon in Fallout 4. But the thing this game does better than Fallout 4 is translating the original RPGs into the 3D environment. The side quests can be really enjoyable, but you're unlikely to ever see the best ones because of the large size of the map. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem, but there is so little in this map that it becomes a big issue. The main quest starts out fine enough, but quickly turns out to be an absolute disaster! The lack of nuance in allowing your character to create their own backstory holds this game back from being truly great, as does the at times simplified writing. But, it still has its own merits to enjoy.… Expand
  24. vova22379
    Dec 18, 2021
    6
    ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
  25. Jamesmac77
    Dec 17, 2021
    7
    Don't get me wrong, this game was great when it came out, but then fallout new vegas came out and pretty much destroyed fallout 3, still fallout 3 remains a good game to play if you haven't already
  26. Tromble
    Jun 28, 2021
    6
    Fallout 3 is okay, the series hasn't been totally flandarized by this point but you can totally feel that it is on its way.

    I would not recommend Fallout 3.
  27. dikii_hohol
    Jun 6, 2021
    7
    дота 2 крекер дота 2 крекер дота 2 крекер дота 2 крекер дота 2 крекер дота 2 крекер
  28. PaulKorsky
    May 13, 2021
    5
    Благодаря этой игре я понял за что обожаю новый Вегас. Он понимает что его движок ну совсем не прельщяет стрельбой, и там могут пройти часы без единого выстрела. Здесь экшена так много, что на третий час от него тошнит, и я уверен что моя блевотина будет как раз в тон цветовой гаммы этой игры. Этот эпизод серии не самое худшее что было с фоллом, есть же 76. Нооо, есть первая, есть вторая иБлагодаря этой игре я понял за что обожаю новый Вегас. Он понимает что его движок ну совсем не прельщяет стрельбой, и там могут пройти часы без единого выстрела. Здесь экшена так много, что на третий час от него тошнит, и я уверен что моя блевотина будет как раз в тон цветовой гаммы этой игры. Этот эпизод серии не самое худшее что было с фоллом, есть же 76. Нооо, есть первая, есть вторая и есть Вегас, который во всех аспектах лучше, даже стрелять там не так отвратительно. А если рассматривать третью часть как шутан, то лучше уж в чётвертую пойти.… Expand
  29. Kotofon
    Apr 26, 2021
    7
    Инженеры из Vault-Tec круглосуточно работали над интерактивным воспроизведением жизни в Пустоши, чтобы вы могли насладиться ей, не покидая собственного убежища. Сюда входит обширный мир, уникальные бои, поразительно реалистичные визуальные эффекты, множество вариантов выбора и невероятная группа динамичных персонажей. Каждую минуту идет борьба за выживание против ужасов внешнего мира —Инженеры из Vault-Tec круглосуточно работали над интерактивным воспроизведением жизни в Пустоши, чтобы вы могли насладиться ей, не покидая собственного убежища. Сюда входит обширный мир, уникальные бои, поразительно реалистичные визуальные эффекты, множество вариантов выбора и невероятная группа динамичных персонажей. Каждую минуту идет борьба за выживание против ужасов внешнего мира — радиации, супер-мутантов и враждебных мутировавших существ. От Vault-Tec, лучший выбор Америки в симуляции пост-ядерного мира.… Expand
  30. completo3
    Mar 15, 2021
    6
    El juego me ha gustado y lo recomiendo, la temática en general de la saga Fallout me parece super interesante, la historia principal esta bien, pero los DLCs me parecen bastante mejores ya que te dan mas tiempo de juego y algunos son muy buenos. El sistema de dialogo me parece brillante en comparación con la basura que hicieron en el 4.
    Tambien cosas malas claramente, como la durabilidad    El juego me ha gustado y lo recomiendo, la temática en general de la saga Fallout me parece super interesante, la historia principal esta bien, pero los DLCs me parecen bastante mejores ya que te dan mas tiempo de juego y algunos son muy buenos. El sistema de dialogo me parece brillante en comparación con la basura que hicieron en el 4.
    Tambien cosas malas claramente, como la durabilidad de las armas o atuendos o los problemas de compatibilidad con algunas versiones de Windows. Suelen ponerlo bastante barato en rebajas y por el precio que suele tener me parece un pepino.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. PC PowerPlay
    90
    Minor niggles aside, Fallout 3 is almost entirely spectacular. Everything from the graphics, to the sound, to the plot is first-rate. The VATS system worlds like a charm, and it’s so easy to get the hang of, you’ll be cracking skulls like there’s no tomorrow. [Dec 2008, p.55]
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    100
    A vast and open world of unimaginable possibilities opens in front of you in Fallout 3. Great story, flawless combat system, and the option to choose your own way makes it a hot candidate for game of the year. [Nov 2008]
  3. Meristation
    95
    Fallout 3 is one of this year's best games. It's an unforgettable journey that lives up to the series. You are an ex-vault 101 inhabitant, and you discover a whole new world, full of zombies, mutants, raiders, aliens and all kinds of creatures. Welcome to this post-apocaliptic reality, where you are going to spend hundreds of hours.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »