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. TheUnbeholden
    Apr 22, 2014
    8
    They didn't make it a real time FPS to "make it easier to start with for new players" thats what a tutorial is for, not a whole game. The reason they made is that some people don't like TB strategy games.

    Problem is that hardcore fallout fans won't like this and people who like FPS might not like the necessity of using VATS mode which slows the game down and takes control away from you.    They didn't make it a real time FPS to "make it easier to start with for new players" thats what a tutorial is for, not a whole game. The reason they made is that some people don't like TB strategy games.

    Problem is that hardcore fallout fans won't like this and people who like FPS might not like the necessity of using VATS mode which slows the game down and takes control away from you. Fact is the game is far away from FO3, not just in gameplay but visually the wasteland looks different. It looks alot more grey than FO3 is, not enough brown and green is missing that you should see "some" of, some plants here and there. Signs that the world is recovering.
    No Bosses. Missed opportunity.

    The stories ending is also terrible, the story just felt empty at the end which is kind of really unforgivable for fallout. The endings are so abysmal, they do nothing to give any closure or even summarise all the trails and tribulations you had to go through upto that point.    … Expand
  2. Seryin
    Mar 10, 2013
    8
    The day Bethesda can release a glitch free game is the day they finally earn a real 10/10. It is a shame that a company with the potential to make such amazing games cannot manage to clean them up. The size of the game is not an excuse, it is pathetic.
    Despite its share of bugs, Fallout 3 is a hugely refreshing change from the "swords and boards," "dungeons and dragons" style rpg's that I    The day Bethesda can release a glitch free game is the day they finally earn a real 10/10. It is a shame that a company with the potential to make such amazing games cannot manage to clean them up. The size of the game is not an excuse, it is pathetic.
    Despite its share of bugs, Fallout 3 is a hugely refreshing change from the "swords and boards," "dungeons and dragons" style rpg's that I am sick of.
    The story and world are entertaining. Could have been a 10/10 if not for bugs.    … Expand
  3. ritardedartkid
    Nov 8, 2015
    8
    This was my first fallout game and the largest open world game I’ve ever played. It can be said that the main story is short and not all that good, but the beauty of this game is how much there is to see and do outside of the main story. I racked up 160 hours exploring every section of the map and I’m sure there are still things I missed. Now I’m excited to try out the other games in theThis was my first fallout game and the largest open world game I’ve ever played. It can be said that the main story is short and not all that good, but the beauty of this game is how much there is to see and do outside of the main story. I racked up 160 hours exploring every section of the map and I’m sure there are still things I missed. Now I’m excited to try out the other games in the series.… Expand
  4. Sean-M
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    Nice game, nice gameplay and nice story. If there were no new vegas, this could have been the best in its modern series.
  5. MysteriousRage
    Aug 1, 2013
    8
    I'll do a pros and cons for this review.

    Pros: 1.) Atmosphere- While Fallout 3 had a different atmosphere than the original two, 3 still provides a great atmosphere and feel of the game. I really liked large amount 50s vibe it had to it. The 50s diners, cars, buildings, houses. This gives the game a unique twist and it defiantly makes 3 stand out from the pack. It's also gives a twist    I'll do a pros and cons for this review.

    Pros:
    1.) Atmosphere- While Fallout 3 had a different atmosphere than the original two, 3 still provides a great atmosphere and feel of the game. I really liked large amount 50s vibe it had to it. The 50s diners, cars, buildings, houses. This gives the game a unique twist and it defiantly makes 3 stand out from the pack. It's also gives a twist of irony of the 1950s 'life is good' feel to the bleak world you're in.

    2.) The little things- Small things like leaving the Vault for the first time, hearing the wind whistle as you travel through the wastes, Dogmeat, Harold being a full tree, walking into Springvale for the first time, or the rust broken look of the hunting rifle, the list can go on. These small things really brings out some cool things that can really immerse you into the world and give a feeling of the atmosphere and the game in general.

    3.) Soundtrack, both radio and the OST- I don't like Three Dog, but I do like the playlist. Most of the songs on the radio fit perfectly into Fallout 3's world it's almost unbelievable. It really contributes to bringing the wasteland too life. In fact, most of these songs are 'feel good' music of America's post World War II prosperity and again, it goes back to the irony of the 'feel good' music in a desolate wastes.

    4.) Wasteland- It's well detailed and looks great. Every location has a something in it and the distinct 50s style brings it too life.

    CONS
    1.) Story- My god is it awful. It violates the definition of an RPG game with choices. It's short, linear, and the choices you make are virtually non existent. The story forces you to play the hero and side with the good guys and make all the right choices. Not very much flexibility.

    2.) Characters. Good characters can make a poor story better. But that's not the case. Most characters are generic and 2-D. They share the same personality and sometimes there voices seemed phoned in.
    With James and among other character, it forces a personal attachment on you and the game plays off of that regardless whether you actually care about them or not.

    3.) Black and white morality. The game assumes you want to play hero and almost expects you too. At least story wise. I don't know, it just seems to lean towards being a good guy. You can still commit heinous acts, but if you've seen some of the dialogue options and how the story plays, you'll understand.

    Still Fallout 3 is a good game, great in fact. It captures an immersive bleak, 50s style post apocalyptic DC that's just a joy to explore (despite the oh so many metro tunels).

    As for the DLCS- Operation Anchorage is the worst, as it leans toward a boring linear shooter and the rewards make the game way to easy. Mothership Zeta is the second worst, as the whole alien ship thing seems a bit wacky, even for Fallout 3.
    Broken Steel is a must, as it lets you continue on from the ending. The story for isn't too bad either.
    Point Lookout and The Pitt are the best. Capturing great atmosphere, characters, and story. The Pitt being the best as it forces you into a convincing moral dilemma.    … Expand
  6. Velorockman
    Jun 27, 2013
    8
    This post-apocalyptic game is one of my favorite games, I have spent 35 hours of my life sitting on my couch lost in the unique post-apocalyptic open world of fallout 3. the one bad part is the fact that you can't continue playing the game after you beat the campaign unless you buy the Broken Steel dlc, which is a really lame move by Bethesda
  7. CaptainSmithey
    Feb 5, 2019
    8
    incredible game that still holds up several years later. It has many glitches and the main story is weak. Everything else about the game is amazing.
  8. Slone
    Jul 20, 2013
    8
    Although the original fallout game had a very rich and rather detailed universe, a lot was left to our imagination due to the graphical and technical limitations of the game at that time. A lot was guessed or completed by our imagination, because we couldn't see that much of that world, or of those characters. Therefore, it was obviously a challenge recreating this world in 3D with theAlthough the original fallout game had a very rich and rather detailed universe, a lot was left to our imagination due to the graphical and technical limitations of the game at that time. A lot was guessed or completed by our imagination, because we couldn't see that much of that world, or of those characters. Therefore, it was obviously a challenge recreating this world in 3D with the subjective point of view you have with a traditional FPS. A lot was added to this world, although sometimes you do get the feeling of seeing bits of oblivion remixed in this Mad Max environment. Nonetheless, it's truly a great feeling to wander in these landscapes with the sunlight changing all the time, the moonlight taking over. You have a huge pleasure discovering new places, exploring and searching for small treasures or hints for a possible new adventure.

    Actually, the game gives you so much, it makes you wish you could have some more. After hours and hours of playing it, I wished there could be more different weathers, like rain or thunder, that would affect stealth for example and then I wished there could be seasons that would bring changes in how you could navigate or fight in certain areas; or what species you would be more likely to encounter in the wild, etc. The game succeeds in being immersing, capturing your imagination, making you feel like being there; which makes all the things you would expect in real life more lacking than in any other games.

    There are many great ideas like Agatha's song quests and its outcome. This kind of idea is wonderful and does make your imagination works a lot. And that's why you end up wishing it could have been even better. Same for the what your minds make you see in a certain vault.

    We lost the turn-based combat system of the original Fallouts. And well I haven't missed it as much as I would have expected. It's a common mistake we, fallout fans, have made we have tended to think that the turn-based combat system was essential to the fallout spirit. In the end, it was just a way to render RPG combat that probably was more suitable for the interface we had. In fallout 3, combat are more nervous, and somehow, more fun. It's true that in many cases, you can't apply any kind of strategy, and VATS tends to feel like a convenient way to reminds you that you're not playing an FPS, and helps in reminding how good or bad your characer is at using that particular weapon.

    Unlike what I've read in some other review, aiming an opponent's arm or leg will make a difference in how they move or fight. Crippling their heads makes their aim a lot more random. The only problem is you don't get to enjoy much of these advantages against common foes as them having a crippled member usually means they're one shot away from dying.

    Some of the negatives :
    - lots of glitches and bugs that can be quite annoying,
    - many quests are not that interesting, and feels more like an embryo of an idea.
    - The game lacks some obvious mechanisms. Whatever your character's specialization might be, he/she can wear any type of armor. Playing a stealthy ninja with a Tesla armor shouldn't be possible, should it ?
    - your character can become excellent in almost every skills and somehow the game doesn't give you any other way to fully enjoy all its secrets.
    - Companions are nice but limited and either cumbersome or way too powerful (especially with the add-ons, dogmeat becomes invulnerable for example). I would have rather see more specialized companions. Like, if you're no good in unlocking computers, you could hire a computer genius to do the cracking for you, which would have allowed a more specialized character evolution. Most of the time, I'm walking with Fawkes who does an excellent job as a mule, but who is very annoying in how he tends to shoot everything in sight without any sense of nuance. Shooting Radroaches with a laser gatling isn't really necessary, is it ?

    There are a lots of shortcomings that I could list but most of them would fit better in a wishlist for a future game. For example, I wish character's interaction would be more credible. For instance, what you wear doesn't change how people sees you. I wish I could put an enclave armor to pretend I am from the enclave, or that my ghoul mask would put people off, or that Derek would react differently when I'm wearing the mechanist armor. As immersive this game might be, those kinds of details tend to kill that.

    All in all, this game was a very ambitious game and while it doesn't entirely fulfill all its promises, it does give you an experience like none other. It's still one of the best games I've ever played. I'm 40 and I've played video games since I was 9. :D

    The PC version looks a lot better than the PS3 version, but the PS3 manages to be very enjoyable and provides some eye candies.    … Expand
  9. HONDOMAN
    Sep 9, 2013
    8
    Fallout 3 was a fantastic game. I had never played the previous games, but this one looked promising. The story is superb and adventuring is a boat load of fun. This game, however, lacks the whole post-apocalyptic feel. Sure it looks like a wasteland, but it doesn't feel like one. I didn't feel like I needed to survive. Ammo was too plentiful, and I never say that. The story made up forFallout 3 was a fantastic game. I had never played the previous games, but this one looked promising. The story is superb and adventuring is a boat load of fun. This game, however, lacks the whole post-apocalyptic feel. Sure it looks like a wasteland, but it doesn't feel like one. I didn't feel like I needed to survive. Ammo was too plentiful, and I never say that. The story made up for this and the game was just great fun.… Expand
  10. Condor
    Sep 2, 2013
    8
    8.4/10. Just like The Last of Us, it has a wonderful feel that you really can't put your finger on. The setting is remarkably different from TLOU, as the game satisfies a 50s-perception-of-the-future-plus-bombs, but how hopeless the world feels is simply beautiful as a setting, and this setting is dominant in both games. With that being said, this game does have a few obvious flaws.

    For    8.4/10. Just like The Last of Us, it has a wonderful feel that you really can't put your finger on. The setting is remarkably different from TLOU, as the game satisfies a 50s-perception-of-the-future-plus-bombs, but how hopeless the world feels is simply beautiful as a setting, and this setting is dominant in both games. With that being said, this game does have a few obvious flaws.

    For one, the story. It's a roleplaying game; the story should not be linear, and it should give your character a blank state instead of forcing you into a story you may not want (a.k.a the Vault 101 backstory). The other is the forced system. VATS should be a choice, not something you are forced into. Sure, you don't have to hit "V" every time you enter combat, but you'd might as well, considering that there are no iron sights.

    Voice acting was heavily recycled; they should have hired more voice actors instead of having the same guy voicing almost half of the characters in the game. The world size is nice, but it's mostly the same designs recycled over and over again. Fallout 4 has a ton of potential, if it combines what is good about Fallout 3 and New Vegas alike.    … Expand
  11. rubanzomi
    Mar 13, 2014
    8
    This is a great game but I cant help but think it is vastly rated compared to fallout new vegas. I dont understand how fallout new vegas got an 8.3 but this game gets a 9.1 even if the graphics are the same new vegas has a superior story line and a much higher replay value.
  12. justanhonestguy
    Jan 14, 2015
    8
    Played this game in 2009, had fun, don't remember if I finished it or not.....
    Having finished Divinity:Original Sin and finding nothing comparable to it as of Jan. 2015, I was jonesing for a decent game and went through my old games collection. I re-installed Fallout 3 from disk, (remember disks?), and have been having a great amount of fun in it. Of course the graphics are 2008 vintage,    Played this game in 2009, had fun, don't remember if I finished it or not.....
    Having finished Divinity:Original Sin and finding nothing comparable to it as of Jan. 2015, I was jonesing for a decent game and went through my old games collection. I re-installed Fallout 3 from disk, (remember disks?), and have been having a great amount of fun in it. Of course the graphics are 2008 vintage, but GOOD vintage. The marvelous open world of Washington D.C., post bombs, is a deadly place crawling with absurd mutations and Mad-Max like gangs of survivors, and you simply go from place to place shooting them in the face with whatever weapons you can find. Sounds childish, and is, but in a childish glee-like fashion. The game seems to run well on my mid-low end PC, and I'm having mindless fun. The gameworld is actually HUGE, full of discoverable places much like other Bethesda open world games. i'm having huge amounts of fun, even after 6 years of ageing on this game engine.

    I admit that I set off an atomic bomb in the survivor's town of Megaton, just to see the mushroom cloud.
    Killed dozens of innocent people in doing so, but hey, whatcha gonna do? Cheers to Bethesda for making a game that's actually enjoyable after 6 years of ageing.

    8/10 Would nuke innocent men, women , and children again. P.S., I thought that the early 1900's crooner soundtrack actually served as a chilling counterpoint to the wanton and gratuitous carnage.    … Expand
  13. Mynameiscool
    Jun 14, 2014
    8
    This wonderful game may have a whole heaping ton of glitches (That I've found already) and a short, short main story, by not doing the main story all the time, you can discover the rest of the world of Fallout 3, and reveal hidden treasures, interesting quests, cool weapons, and of course, the add-ons that are pretty impressive (not Mother Ship Zeta! Just my tip to you! Don't play it ifThis wonderful game may have a whole heaping ton of glitches (That I've found already) and a short, short main story, by not doing the main story all the time, you can discover the rest of the world of Fallout 3, and reveal hidden treasures, interesting quests, cool weapons, and of course, the add-ons that are pretty impressive (not Mother Ship Zeta! Just my tip to you! Don't play it if you don't want to risk losing all the work you've done in the wasteland! Believe me, it's glitched as heck.). Oh! And if you want to continue playing after the main quest is finished, download Broken Steel.… Expand
  14. Vamrem
    May 27, 2015
    8
    I have encountered feelings with this title because of its name "Fallout" with a consecutive number that has broken the saga of isometric RPG with this first person shooter. The vanilla game also is plain, with very poor NPC design, an easy RPG system and a linear story-line. But it has one of the strongest mod systems in history of games that makes it one of the best RPG and good-lookingI have encountered feelings with this title because of its name "Fallout" with a consecutive number that has broken the saga of isometric RPG with this first person shooter. The vanilla game also is plain, with very poor NPC design, an easy RPG system and a linear story-line. But it has one of the strongest mod systems in history of games that makes it one of the best RPG and good-looking games even in 2015. The NMCs textures with MMM and FWE are crucial to make this a game challenging, or better, play Fallout 3 with the FNV engine with Tale of Two Wastelands. Whatever, the GECK toolset is the best of this game and turns it incredibly deep.… Expand
  15. Barby
    Dec 1, 2014
    8
    It was one of my best experiences in terms of immersion when I felt alone in the devastated Wasteland, its story is one of my favorites about leaving the innocence to a merciless adult world, I love the chance to choose to play in 3rd or 1st person (I prefer 3rd), also I love the free, open and endless world to do whatever I want.

    But it feels mostly oriented to casuals, it can't be    It was one of my best experiences in terms of immersion when I felt alone in the devastated Wasteland, its story is one of my favorites about leaving the innocence to a merciless adult world, I love the chance to choose to play in 3rd or 1st person (I prefer 3rd), also I love the free, open and endless world to do whatever I want.

    But it feels mostly oriented to casuals, it can't be played without DarNified, Fallout Wanderers Edition, NMCs Texture Pack, Mart's Mutant Mod, Fellout, DC Interiors Project, Reanimated, EVE, Project Beauty, Hair packs, male and female body replacers, weapons and armor additions, homes, Pip Boy replacers, or better, build your own mods!

    Vanilla it deserves not more a 6, but modded is a solid 10, yes, the polishing work have done by the community but this is possible because it has one of the bests toolset out there, well thought Bethesda!    … Expand
  16. HungryVovka
    Jun 20, 2020
    8
    До сих пор помню свой диск ПК-версии игры) Проходил её вдоль и поперёк, каждый квест и не по разу, перепроходил всю игру десятки раз и каждый раз находил что-то новое и интересное. Даже несмотря на проблемы в оптимизации, движке и более упрощённом виде (по сравнению с Fallout 2), она по сей день остаётся одной из самых любимых мною игр.До сих пор помню свой диск ПК-версии игры) Проходил её вдоль и поперёк, каждый квест и не по разу, перепроходил всю игру десятки раз и каждый раз находил что-то новое и интересное. Даже несмотря на проблемы в оптимизации, движке и более упрощённом виде (по сравнению с Fallout 2), она по сей день остаётся одной из самых любимых мною игр.
  17. vault2wasteland
    Jan 5, 2016
    8
    buggy but brilliant when it works

    -great radio -interesting NPCs -loads of quests and locations to visit -Companions (although they do die easily) -Can be good or evil -hours and hours of entertainment If you don't like wandering back and forth from place to place without a run button, then this game is not for you. If you like slowly wandering and discovering new places to    buggy but brilliant when it works

    -great radio
    -interesting NPCs
    -loads of quests and locations to visit
    -Companions (although they do die easily)
    -Can be good or evil
    -hours and hours of entertainment

    If you don't like wandering back and forth from place to place without a run button, then this game is not for you. If you like slowly wandering and discovering new places to shoot and loot, then this is the game for you.

    Warning: Save your game all the freaking time and look up the console commands    … Expand
  18. NatsumeAshikaga
    Mar 24, 2015
    8
    Fallout makes the jump to first person, and while a glorious step in the right direction it suffers from some serious flaws. While many of these flaws may seem like minor nitpicks to a lot of them are serious issues. You play a character who will become known as the Lone Wander, at first wandering out of the Vault you grew up in, to search for your father. This fallows the same plot lineFallout makes the jump to first person, and while a glorious step in the right direction it suffers from some serious flaws. While many of these flaws may seem like minor nitpicks to a lot of them are serious issues. You play a character who will become known as the Lone Wander, at first wandering out of the Vault you grew up in, to search for your father. This fallows the same plot line where things expand from the main quest which evolves into a plot where you eventually end up having to save the world from a sinister evil force.

    The good: Fallout finally reaching first person makes this game nearly amazing. Your first steps out of the vault presents you with a dire wasteland that seems to stretch on for ever. The game retains many of the mutant creatures we've all become familiar with in Fallout, and some new and interesting additions are wandering the wastes. The world is flushed, and if you pay attention to the NPCs you'll get quests galore. The game also encourages you to explore, and the more you explore the better a position you'll be in when you reach the end game. There are some amazingly well done moments in this game, and like the rest of the Fallout franchise there's some big voice talent backing the cast. The game also retains the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. primary stats, skill based derived stats, perks and traits system Fallout is famous for. With several expansions in the form of DLC that add hours of game play and even more fantastic stories to play through this game really does shine inspite of it's flaws. The best part, for PC gamers at least, is the mod-friendliness of the game, which will give the game life long after you've explored all the possibilities through multiple play throughs. The GECK program which is free from Bathesda's Fallout 3 site is also great and gives you the ability to modify the game to your heart's content if the creativity bug bites you. Also the game retains the ability to cripple the limbs of enemies either in real time combat, or using the V.A.T.S. targeting system.

    The bad: Even when this game came out it had some issues, one of which is the graphics which were dated in 2008. I can't blame the game too much for this as it uses the same version of the Gamebryo engine that Oblivion used. Even with the latest updates this game has some bugs, though very few of them are game breakers. The story is a bit on the lack luster side until your father (voiced by Liam Neson) dies. As a hard core Fallout fan the biggest complaint is the fact that the game really eschews the lore of Fallout. There are quite a few things that don't fit, most of the energy weapons have been redesigned, the Vault doors look nothing like the ones in previous games, and worst of all power armor doesn't feel like well power armor. The game lacks a lot of the dark humor that populated the original two Fallout games, mixed with the depressing atmosphere this can make the game a arduous experience. The lack of any usable vehicles, or even a horse or mount of any kind makes treks through the wasteland exasperatingly long. The final offence is that you can only have 2 companions, while in previous game you it was based on your charisma stat, allowing up to 5 with max charisma, along with an extra with a certain perk.

    Side note: The V.A.T.S. targeting system can sometimes feel useless because of the real time combat of the game. On the other hand it's always entertaining to watch a slow motion scene of an enemies head exploding when using V.A.T.S.

    The final word: While a great game that does manage to capture most of the feel of Fallout it just doesn't quite live up to it's Isometric ancestors. The lore is a bit broken and it feels less Fallout than other Fallouts. Still it fits well enough in to the Fallout universe and style that even the most purist fans can appreciate it. It's a fantastic RPG despite it's flaws and for Fallout fans it's a great jump back in to the post nuclear apocalyptic retro 1950's sensibilities of a universe we've come to love. For RPG, FPS, and Fallout fans this game is a great addition to your library. Though it does feel more family friendly than previous instalments with the lack of Fallout's legendary sleaze factor, and lacking the ability to shoot people in the groins.    … Expand
  19. inkblowout
    Aug 5, 2015
    8
    I never understood why people said that this isn't "fallout". Because it is much more different than previous fallout games. Take a look at gta 2 to gta 3, gta 3 pretty much changed everything and that is exactly what happened to fallout 3. Fallout 3 is a role playing game as well as a shooter as well taken place after a long time after a nuclear war hit america. It's story is pretty muchI never understood why people said that this isn't "fallout". Because it is much more different than previous fallout games. Take a look at gta 2 to gta 3, gta 3 pretty much changed everything and that is exactly what happened to fallout 3. Fallout 3 is a role playing game as well as a shooter as well taken place after a long time after a nuclear war hit america. It's story is pretty much you find your dad who has left you behind in the vault they were living in.

    But overall the game is great, customization is not limited, you can play countless of hours of missions and side missions. As well as you can play in a Gained Karma/Lost Karma (aka good/evil) and you can change the fate of most events and you can shape the story in different ways.

    Overall I personally like it, it's one of my favourite games due to it's creativity but it does lose some points in some parts of the game. One the graphics and colour design just doesn't go well with the mood. And yes I know the gray colour scheme is supposed to present a "depressed" mood on fallout. But does everything have to be gray and gloomy. Also another thing I would have liked is cinematic scenes in fallout. I know it's trying to be a role playing game thus why you are always looking at a person at the front of the face. But lack of cinematic scenes makes the story too empty. I personally don't care about the story missions compared to the side missions because the story wasn't all that exciting to me. And cinematic scenes would have changed that.

    But other then that I love this game, one of the best games of all time.    … Expand
  20. Cmmcfreire
    May 12, 2020
    8
    Story - 8/10
    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics - 7/10
    Soundtrack - 8/10
    Levels - 8/10
    Replay value - 8/10
  21. IrregularJoe
    Oct 16, 2015
    8
    My biggest regret is that the game dropped isometric views in favor of first and third over the shoulder. It also suffers from some drab coloring, a very brief story, and quite suicidal companions. Overall, though, the story is good, and their expansion of the world was worthy of its predecessor,
  22. Cougargames
    Nov 1, 2019
    8
    The only good Fallout game from Bethesda a little bit shorter than your usuall BEthesda game but a great game overall
  23. Halt
    Sep 14, 2016
    8
    Really this game is much better than Fallout 4, in that you can find good quests (not a lot) and interesting world, and yes, it doesn't f**k the Lore!
  24. SilverDragon7
    Sep 6, 2016
    8
    The Fallout series has always had this unique vibe with the gameplay and the world itself. The Storyline is developed and shows conflict but risking your life and sacrificing your father just to purify water is a bit off. The land is huge. Not as big as GTAV or Just Cause 2 but still... It is huge. It gives the player a reminder that Fallout 3 is a free roam and free choice RPG andThe Fallout series has always had this unique vibe with the gameplay and the world itself. The Storyline is developed and shows conflict but risking your life and sacrificing your father just to purify water is a bit off. The land is huge. Not as big as GTAV or Just Cause 2 but still... It is huge. It gives the player a reminder that Fallout 3 is a free roam and free choice RPG and that the player doesn't need to follow the story. The content is overwhelmingly massive. Almost all the NPCs have something to say when you interact, just like other Bethesda games like Skyrim. Fallout 3 also has a good and reliable modding community so you will never get bored. For a game, made in 2008 and still popular today is incredible. Fallout 3 really is 'the ultimate video game.'… Expand
  25. magicmonk123
    Jun 30, 2018
    8
    This is a classic game. Now that is is approaching ten years old, I can say that it is still worth playing today. That being said, it doesn't have the best animations, gunplay, or textures, so mods are definitely encouraged. That being said, the side quests and a large map that doesn't just siphon you towards certain areas (I'm looking at you New Vegas, still love you though) are veryThis is a classic game. Now that is is approaching ten years old, I can say that it is still worth playing today. That being said, it doesn't have the best animations, gunplay, or textures, so mods are definitely encouraged. That being said, the side quests and a large map that doesn't just siphon you towards certain areas (I'm looking at you New Vegas, still love you though) are very very strong suits. The main quest is nothing to ride home about though.… Expand
  26. gautamkumar633
    Dec 23, 2022
    8
    Great game set in a hostile post-apocalyptic world with a lot of choices and exploration. The graphics have gotten a bit old but the gameplay still holds up good.
  27. CoreGamer1408
    Mar 17, 2019
    8
    Technically has issues when trying to play this on modern PC's. Steam/Retail needs community fixes, GoG version a little better. If and when you can get it up and running this is still a pretty fun ARPG-lite open world game. Story and characters I don't really care for or about. All across the wasteland to the bombed out DC ruins. To the creepy dark depths of the metro tunnels I just loveTechnically has issues when trying to play this on modern PC's. Steam/Retail needs community fixes, GoG version a little better. If and when you can get it up and running this is still a pretty fun ARPG-lite open world game. Story and characters I don't really care for or about. All across the wasteland to the bombed out DC ruins. To the creepy dark depths of the metro tunnels I just love to loot and explore in this one for sure.

    The game play, animations and A.I. has not aged well. While the DLC super tanked health/damage enemies can be an annoying grind in time and resources to put down. ( I deactivate the DLC till late game ). Another minor annoyance is the actual ability to use power armor only drops very late game. It is not even OP like in Fallout 4 so I use a power armor training mod off Nexus ( level 2 with 25 science requirements ).

    I have spent hundred and hundreds of hours in the base game 99% unmodded on the PC and still do. Yes it does have a dated feel to it all now, but I don't care. In the fun department it has still stood the test of time, because I am still very much playing it.    … Expand
  28. Axilley
    Jul 22, 2021
    8
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good
  29. RagingPoet
    Jan 6, 2018
    8
    Fallout 3 nailed the atmosphere of the series and did really good job at transfering Fallout universe to 3D environment. Exploring Vaults and settlements in capital Wasteland is a blast.
    But the main story, dialogues and combat are very weak.
  30. CenkAlp
    Sep 2, 2018
    8
    Hikaye = 8
    Oynanış = 7
    Grafikler = 6
    Sesler = 6
    Keyif = 8
    Atmosfer = 9
    Süre = 8
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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
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