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. JorgeR.
    Nov 3, 2008
    10
    Overall an amazing work. The world begs to be explored and there are many mysteries to unearth. The character progression system is easily learned and quite fun, yet also has a level of depth allowing for countless types of characters and strategies. The dialogue and story draw you into the world well. Praise is also given for the scalability of the engine. I am playing it on a budget Overall an amazing work. The world begs to be explored and there are many mysteries to unearth. The character progression system is easily learned and quite fun, yet also has a level of depth allowing for countless types of characters and strategies. The dialogue and story draw you into the world well. Praise is also given for the scalability of the engine. I am playing it on a budget laptop with an AMD Turion 2.0 GHz Dual Core Processor and ATI 3100 Integrated Graphics. On that system I have Fallout 3 running at 800x600 with low/medium details and HDR Lighting activated. The framerate is smooth and the game looks amazing. Watching the post apocalyptic sunrise on a balcony in Megaton is a sight to behold. Wandering dead and broken highways, strolling through ghost towns and empty shells of cities is engrossing. It truly feels like exploring the remnants of civilization. The action that is mingled with the exploration is also top notch. The V.A.T.S. targeting system adds more tactics to encounters and is a joy to use. That's not to say that you're forced to it, regular first person combat works swimmingly as well and mixing the two is great fun. I highly recommend this game!… Expand
  2. BMF
    Nov 3, 2008
    10
    Great game Bethesda captured the feal of the original games very well the only con i can think of is the animation for running and some other movements is very strange looking and erratic.
  3. Mozg
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Fallout 3 is a true masterpiece of PC gaming and probably the best RPG since Oblivion. Yes, I played F1 and F2, and yes I love the Elder Scrolls series. Somebody tries to compare Mass Effect with F3. ME does not deliver even a shred of RPG experience you get with F3. This game deserves all the money the developer asks for it. And considering the poor state of PC gaming industry today Fallout 3 is a true masterpiece of PC gaming and probably the best RPG since Oblivion. Yes, I played F1 and F2, and yes I love the Elder Scrolls series. Somebody tries to compare Mass Effect with F3. ME does not deliver even a shred of RPG experience you get with F3. This game deserves all the money the developer asks for it. And considering the poor state of PC gaming industry today (i.e. a tidal wave of ultra-low quality PC games that flooded the market in the recent years) it deserves it even more. And yes it uses the Securom rootkit spyware. So the score is 9 instead of 10.… Expand
  4. BradB.
    Nov 2, 2008
    7
    While the graphics/environment are amazing as a gamer who loved Fallout/Fallout 2 I was semi disappointed in Fallout 3. As many previous raters have said this is a great game for oblivion followers. "Oblivion, with guns" is a perfect description of the game. Storyline was too flimsy, leaving me sometimes confused, "what next"? The new VATS addition was great while the pipboy took obvious While the graphics/environment are amazing as a gamer who loved Fallout/Fallout 2 I was semi disappointed in Fallout 3. As many previous raters have said this is a great game for oblivion followers. "Oblivion, with guns" is a perfect description of the game. Storyline was too flimsy, leaving me sometimes confused, "what next"? The new VATS addition was great while the pipboy took obvious hits. Skills were very limited compared to fallout 3. The new condition/repair could have been left out of the game as it didn't add any substance. Overall, great game for oblivion lovers, not for fallout followers. Can we get a release date for D3 please?!?… Expand
  5. TrevorG.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Absolutely incredible game. Fallout 3 is a near perfect genre meld, borrowing the best virtues of First Person Shooters and RPGs. This game creates a stunningly immersive and incredibly detailed world that combines action, storytelling, and player choice into an unrivaled masterpiece. I have largely steered away from RPGs, due to a dislike for both the fantasy genre and stats based Absolutely incredible game. Fallout 3 is a near perfect genre meld, borrowing the best virtues of First Person Shooters and RPGs. This game creates a stunningly immersive and incredibly detailed world that combines action, storytelling, and player choice into an unrivaled masterpiece. I have largely steered away from RPGs, due to a dislike for both the fantasy genre and stats based gameplay, as well as a love of the first person perspective. Immersion is key to me. Half-Life 2 had previously been the bar for the "perfect game", but Fallout 3 may have vaulted over it. The attention to detail is unbelievable. Bethesda has created a magnificently realistic post-apocalyptic world that defies belief with it's plausibility. It is a testament to their work that you quickly stop marveling at the world and forget that the crumbling world around you had to be painstakingly created. It feels like the developers built a city, nuked it, then traveled 200 years in the future to see what it was like. I just "beat" the game, in terms of finishing the main storyline and being kicked to the main menu. I have not, however, experienced a large quantity of what this game has to offer. Depending on your choices, you create the "game" as you see fit. My decisions led me down a path that my friends did not go, and thus we experienced different things. I visited places they didn't even know about, and vice versus. We did different quests, and completed some in different ways. All of this blends seamlessly with the immersion and storyline to create a living world that is nothing I have ever seen.… Expand
  6. AndyB.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    As a fan of both fallout and oblivion all I see here is the best that both games had to offer. The "turn based" combat is excellent and visually stunning, the storyline is captivating. Its one of if not THEE best game out at the moment. The folks here who have rated this game "0" clearly have no idea what they are talking about!
  7. AndrewW
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    While, its not perfect, this is probably the best game I will play all year. As for the people giving it low scores, they can't seem to get over the fact that the fallout franchise is being made by a new company. This game is worth your money. I played for about 10 hours and then restarted to build a better, stronger character once I had learned the ropes and am now looking at over a While, its not perfect, this is probably the best game I will play all year. As for the people giving it low scores, they can't seem to get over the fact that the fallout franchise is being made by a new company. This game is worth your money. I played for about 10 hours and then restarted to build a better, stronger character once I had learned the ropes and am now looking at over a hundred hours of gameplay. Yes, it is similar to oblivion, but it is made with the same engine so their are going to be similarities. The dialogue is great, even if some of the voice actors are not. Final verdict, get this game.… Expand
  8. RobertT.
    Nov 2, 2008
    8
    A worthy addition to the Fallout franchise. One point subtracted for not having any multiplayer capability whatsoever. A second point subtracted for including "Xbox Live" support in a PC game without any other multiplayer support whatsoever. If I wanted to have anything to do with Live achievements and other BS, I would have bought a Xbox.
  9. PaulL.
    Nov 2, 2008
    7
    I have mixed feelings about this game. I loved both oblivion and fallout 2, but I have to agree with some of the other comments that this is more oblivion than fallout. Its a pretty good game, but it lost that strategic element that was so critical in the fallout 2 game. This is essentially a game that is impossible to loose. You could assign skills randomly and still have a playable I have mixed feelings about this game. I loved both oblivion and fallout 2, but I have to agree with some of the other comments that this is more oblivion than fallout. Its a pretty good game, but it lost that strategic element that was so critical in the fallout 2 game. This is essentially a game that is impossible to loose. You could assign skills randomly and still have a playable character. Unlike oblivion, there is no weather effects, in the PC version there is no button to holster your weapon(assuming because they ran out of buttons on the xbox controller), there is no sound when you reload, there is some serious issues with continuity, and there are some really lame bugs in the game. Not bugs that crash the game, just bugs that make you say "that's dumb". I've played it for about 20hrs now, and its becoming a little repetitive, there is no creature or situation that I can get knocked down below 1/2 health. This is a game that is better than most games on the market currently, but it really is not much of an RPG, it belongs with in the basket with Bioshock and half-life 2. So if you like those FPS, you'll love this, it will be a challenge and a change. This may become an more intensive RPG game in the future, IF the release the editor so modders can get a hold of it and make some improvements/corrections. I'd like to congratulate Bethesda for making the transition from 2D to 3D, that had to happen. But it would have been nice if more effort had been made to retrain the strategic elements that made the previous fallouts famous, and not simply modded Oblivion.… Expand
  10. DylanF
    Nov 2, 2008
    7
    Before I start, let me go ahead and clarify that I havn't played any of the Fallout games, even those considered non-canon. I'm a big fan of Bethesda. Not just for the Elder Scrolls, but also for some of the games they've published like Call of Cthulhu. When I figured out they were remaking Fallout, I thought it would be a good time to get in on the Franchise. Now, I can Before I start, let me go ahead and clarify that I havn't played any of the Fallout games, even those considered non-canon. I'm a big fan of Bethesda. Not just for the Elder Scrolls, but also for some of the games they've published like Call of Cthulhu. When I figured out they were remaking Fallout, I thought it would be a good time to get in on the Franchise. Now, I can see the comparisons with Oblivion. The MELEE combat is almost identical. The way you interact with the world is pretty spot on as well. But in my opinion, the engine is where the similarities end. For one, Fallout 3's world doesn't even have a flavor of Oblivion. It's dark. It's gritty. And in places like Downtown DC, it is pretty obvious that there's few safe havens. There's alot of scrounging early on, though I will admit that it does get easier to find mid ranged equipment and ammunition, but stuff like Mini Guns and Mini Nukes stay relatively rare. As for combat, melee, like I said, is very similar to Oblivion. However, I went with guns, more specifically energy weapons. Let me say that it operated NOTHING like Oblivion's bow and arrow, or even spells. Each weapon felt considerably different. Firing my pea shooting 10mm was far and away different than the gatling gun or missile launcher. Now, the game could have easily gotten a 9 out of 10 or even a perfect score, but I did have a few complaints: First, the characters were pretty bland. The only characters I really cared for at all were Fawkes, Butch, and Amata, but even these characters didn't have enough depth or related quests. You couldn't even ask much about their past, or how they felt about certain things. Dogmeat, one of the only announced followers. was awful. Yea, he could be sent to go get stuff, but he acted very little like a real dog, which I guess is kind of biased after playing fable ii. I mean it just followed behind me and alot of the time I had to look behind me to make sure he was following. In fable ii the dog would bark, run ahead of you, and interact with other people. Which will kind of fit into my last complaint. Second, the different factions don't really feel that alive. The Enclave felt like it had field operations going on, but you almost never saw the Brotherhood of Steel doing anything important save for a few instances. And last, in the 4 years since Oblivion, they weren't able to add any kind of dynamic content to the world. Roving bands, yea sure, people who talk to one another, ok, shops that close, alright. But come on. You never have more than 2 people talking to each other. Those roving bands are just that. Roving bands; they never interact with anything. And you can learn very little from the people themselves. You talk to them, get all the information they have initially, and then you never have to go back to them. They have nothing to reveal about current events, or the past. Still, small complaints from a game that accomplishes so much. Much more than alot of the other games that have come out. And to the people who DID play Fallout who don't believe it stays true: Despair, black humour, and violence. That's what I understand made the series. Well it's all there. If you're complaints are about leaving the turn based system, or the non isometric view: That's evolution of technology. I don't want strategy. I want immersion, story, graphics, AND strategy. All of these are in the game.… Expand
  11. Jerry
    Nov 2, 2008
    0
    This game is atrocious. What an insult to the, already much offended Fallout Franchise. None of what made Fallout memorable is present here. Characters lack all personality, there's hardly any real consequences for in-game choices, the plot is horrendously mediocre. All I can think of is how the real Fallout 3 was under development at Black Isle, back in '03, and how Bethesda This game is atrocious. What an insult to the, already much offended Fallout Franchise. None of what made Fallout memorable is present here. Characters lack all personality, there's hardly any real consequences for in-game choices, the plot is horrendously mediocre. All I can think of is how the real Fallout 3 was under development at Black Isle, back in '03, and how Bethesda actually aggressively out-bid the original developers for the license and then basically told them to get lost when they offered to help, applying for positions at Bethesda. All the while publicly pronouncing themselves as "fans of the original games". Fallout as a franchise, had so much artistic integrity and psychological authenticity. Now, Fallout seems to have been ham-fistedly shoe-horned into the first-person action genre in a careless, half-assed manner, with little thought, by a bunch of hack, incompetent game-designers whose only concern is for sales and money. It truly is as if First Person/Action is the only thing Bethesda know how to design - as if it's the only trick they can do. Bethesda's treatment of the series' fans has been utterly contemptuous. Not to mention, their deplorable manipulation of the gaming media through subtle, unspoken bribes and blackmail (exclusives done with paid-for dinners etc.). Their non-disclosure of real information (most of the little we knew about the game pre-release turned out to be half-truths and outright lies) augmented with their (very) carefully constructed hype machine made it impossible to know what the game is really like before actually paying for it. Consider that it has now been *eleven* years since Black Isle Studios released Fallout and Fallout 2 and people are still playing them. Fallout 3 is so forgettable it's almost pathetic. Nobody will be playing this in six months. Fallout 3 is a complete failure in all but sales. And if you think sales is where real success is measured, then I truly pity you.… Expand
  12. JeffL.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Here comes the voice of reason: Fallout Review from a true Fallout Fan: GRAPHICS: 9 These are fairly Oblivion-esque, obviously, they were made on the same engine, well technically not the same engine, an updated version of the engine. But they still felt whole heartedly like Fallout, you got the sense of despair and dirty/grimy/realism that the original had. I know I had many a time where Here comes the voice of reason: Fallout Review from a true Fallout Fan: GRAPHICS: 9 These are fairly Oblivion-esque, obviously, they were made on the same engine, well technically not the same engine, an updated version of the engine. But they still felt whole heartedly like Fallout, you got the sense of despair and dirty/grimy/realism that the original had. I know I had many a time where when I went into a building or a vault that I saw things on the ground or wall that I went.... "Oh shit, I'm gonna die," never once did I have that feeling with Oblivion. Bethesda pulled off the gore level nicely, we must remember that the originals were over the top for their time as well. GAMEPLAY: 9 The gameplay was solid, I am really impressed that it wasn't just Oblivion with guns, they made it a true Fallout game, and the V.A.T.S. was truly what did it. This allowed for the turn-based ability that one could hope for, I personally never did like the full TB system in the old ones anyway (used the "speed up" mode) I think that there was too much planning for killing one or two critters. If you were battling the echelons of hell then I would understand full TB, but it was only ever at most maybe 3 or 4 at a time. The dialog level fit in nicely, the swearing was only where it was in good taste, which is much like the originals. STORYLINE: 10 Simply amazing. I knew the story really had me when, after searching for my father's holotapes I come across one that is named "Better Days," where it sounds like the character's parents are in the course of romance, I didn't go WTF, but instead I laughed a little and cringed a little at the same time, as if I was actually the kid coming across this. They did a superb job of giving characters that needed to say something a personality that makes you love them or hate them or even something else. I know there were many times where I liked a character so much that I couldn't kill them, or was compelled to when asked to within a quest, this is what the original did as well, and I know it would make the original Fallout team proud. MISCELLANEOUS: The animation was clunky at times, but I expected that, this being on the same engine as Oblivion, and seeing the animation in Oblivion, I knew what to expect. I would say that the PC version is definitely the more streamlined of the 3 systems, and made my overall experience that much better. This definitely was built for the consoles simplicity wise but the computers pull it off so much better. My final verdict is a must buy. It's got its quirks but I know that the community is already strong and those things will be worked out pretty quickly.… Expand
  13. AnonymousMC
    Nov 2, 2008
    4
    Hmmm that game is probably The Fallout 3 but i look into that game and cant find enything who show me that Fallout in this product - Bethezda one more time show to game comunity how to destroy a good game that is not a Fallout that is a Oblivion with guns
  14. YourMother
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    I have played Fallout in the past, and this isn't exactly what the die hard nutjob Fallout fans will want, but it is still a good game. Never mind the zero score haters, because they haven't played the game. And beware of the 10 fanboys, that fail to mention many of the flaws. The good parts are the ability to explore the fallout world in whatever way you want. Fallout 3 is I have played Fallout in the past, and this isn't exactly what the die hard nutjob Fallout fans will want, but it is still a good game. Never mind the zero score haters, because they haven't played the game. And beware of the 10 fanboys, that fail to mention many of the flaws. The good parts are the ability to explore the fallout world in whatever way you want. Fallout 3 is different from the previous games in early gameplay. If you want energy weapons early, chances are you will find them. If you want to blowoff the campaign, go for it. But expect to find hard enemies like robots and supermutants early. The voice acting and dialogue options are pretty fun, and in tune with the previous games. They aren't long and boring like many other RPGs. As you increase in level, the character becomes overpowered relatively quickly, but can still be overwhelmed by masses of enemies fairly easy. The graphics seem a little dated, but overall pretty good for an outdated engine. There are a lot of moral choices and decisions that affect that gameplay in huge ways. AI is kinda bad, kinda sub par for an RPG. NPC bugs are crazy and often. Repair has become the new must have skill. I can't complain about the story and depth of the game. They did a lot of little things that really help paint a good post-apocalypse 1950-ish setting. They also did a poor job of giving the PC users better control options and buttons. Melee and unarmed animations are kinda boring and repetitive. Overall, still a good game, and worth it's weight.… Expand
  15. MrMan
    Nov 2, 2008
    5
    This game should NOT be called fallout 3. It does not play like a fallout game, it plays more like Oblivion which is a watered down RPG aimed towards the mentally challenged, a game which only redeems itself because of its vast mod community and potential. It literally seems like Bethesda has taken oblivion and slapped on new skins and models so it looks something like what you'd This game should NOT be called fallout 3. It does not play like a fallout game, it plays more like Oblivion which is a watered down RPG aimed towards the mentally challenged, a game which only redeems itself because of its vast mod community and potential. It literally seems like Bethesda has taken oblivion and slapped on new skins and models so it looks something like what you'd expect of a post apocalyptic wasteland. There is a constant battle in this game between the two genres of FPS and RPG; they are fighting each other like two scrawny women which results in the clumsy combat mechanics and seemingly meaningless character skill progression. Bethesda have made slight modifications to oblivion and called it fallout 3 resulting in another ruined franchise which appeals only to the undying console gaming idiots which unfortunately make up most of today's gaming market. Now if this game did not proclaim itself as the definite sequel to Fallout 2 and instead was more of a spin-off then my review would be more lenient, the game does have good points but ultimately does not deserve the title of Fallout 3. If you want oblivion with a futuristic setting then this is the game for you. If you want a sequel to Fallout then tough luck, you probably won't ever get one.… Expand
  16. NicholasG.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Bethesda has crafted one of the best role playing games ever with Fallout 3. The gameplay is refined, the open world is incredibly detailed and great to look at, and the moral choices and multiple paths may send many gamers through multiple playthroughs to experience everything. In short, this is one of the best games to be released this year and should not be missed by any action, rpg, Bethesda has crafted one of the best role playing games ever with Fallout 3. The gameplay is refined, the open world is incredibly detailed and great to look at, and the moral choices and multiple paths may send many gamers through multiple playthroughs to experience everything. In short, this is one of the best games to be released this year and should not be missed by any action, rpg, or adventure gaming fan. It's an experience not to be missed.… Expand
  17. AlexD.
    Nov 2, 2008
    5
    Only played this one for about 6 hours and all I can say is that it's more than enough. The fighting system is at least ineffective, the bullet times showing how you've missed are boring and unnecessary; also, I can't understand why they've chosen this game mechanic - for example, there are times I score headshots (from outside VATS) and the actual hit is a miss (lol) Only played this one for about 6 hours and all I can say is that it's more than enough. The fighting system is at least ineffective, the bullet times showing how you've missed are boring and unnecessary; also, I can't understand why they've chosen this game mechanic - for example, there are times I score headshots (from outside VATS) and the actual hit is a miss (lol) due to chance modifiers, despite the bullet being clearly traced through the opponent's eye for example. The dialogue is dull, and the NPCs lack any AI in regard to speech (with AI I'm referring to the logic behind the NPCs from Vampire Bloodlines for example), while the minimap is plain stupid (clue: here, on PC's, we have enough keys in order to put as many markers we'd want onto a minimap; we could also give them names, since we have keyboards, or write whole journal entries about them). The atmosphere is very good, and the Oblivion engine looks quite nice even in 2008, in this second installment of TES: Oblivion.… Expand
  18. RalphW.
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    I love it. I feel like I am wandering a post apocalyptic world. It is great. Oodles of atmosphere and just all around great game. However, I find the UI annoying. why press e, x, or tab to get out of different dialogs? Why not use a single key for all? Why do I have to scroll down to select "I have finished talking" why can't I just press escape of x or whatever?
  19. RCR
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    Fallout 1 & 2 are incomparable classics, my favorite RPGs of all-time, and the only RPGs I've ever enoyed a second go-around with after completion. So far, while in the early stages of playing Fallout 3, I'm enjoying the experience of roaming the Wasteland. The atmosphere is wholly absorbing and the gameplay is quite fun. I gave up hope of a true third installment after the Fallout 1 & 2 are incomparable classics, my favorite RPGs of all-time, and the only RPGs I've ever enoyed a second go-around with after completion. So far, while in the early stages of playing Fallout 3, I'm enjoying the experience of roaming the Wasteland. The atmosphere is wholly absorbing and the gameplay is quite fun. I gave up hope of a true third installment after the Brotherhood of Steel Tactical game came out. Then, like most Fallout purists, I was disappointed to learn that the long awaited follow-up game wasn't to be 3/4 isometric (nor turn-based) and developed by a different team. Playing it, however, I realize it's been developed by Fallout Universe fans. Fallout is alive and well. Enough pontificating; time to hunt some Raiders.… Expand
  20. BobB.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Holy heck, I'm surprised you guys gave it a low rating. I played Fallout 2, and personally I find Bethesda did a great job switching Fallout over to more action oriented. It is in fact different than Fall0out in multiple ways, but it's better to think the game as its own. Great graphics, achievements are there, role playing to boot. I have experienced no bugs other than having Holy heck, I'm surprised you guys gave it a low rating. I played Fallout 2, and personally I find Bethesda did a great job switching Fallout over to more action oriented. It is in fact different than Fall0out in multiple ways, but it's better to think the game as its own. Great graphics, achievements are there, role playing to boot. I have experienced no bugs other than having to turn of DotNet3.0 in control panel, and it runs incredibly smooth on my average comp (at least 40fps). I recommend this game to anyone who hasn't played fallout, i think bethesda targeted you for the game. However, if you are a fan of the old games, there is plenty enough in here, but remember, it's not the west coast in the game, things must be a little different.… Expand
  21. MattC
    Nov 2, 2008
    8
    Very fun game to play - visuals, atmosphere, action, and story are decent. Runs very well. Definitely not 'Oblivion with guns' - they've learned a little since Oblivion. There's some brilliant moments - they've nailed the feeling of exiting the vault perfectly, and some action sequences are amazingly good fun, such as the behemoths. I haven't really come Very fun game to play - visuals, atmosphere, action, and story are decent. Runs very well. Definitely not 'Oblivion with guns' - they've learned a little since Oblivion. There's some brilliant moments - they've nailed the feeling of exiting the vault perfectly, and some action sequences are amazingly good fun, such as the behemoths. I haven't really come across any "go halfway across the land and collect 5 [item]" to complete a quest. There is some running around to do, but these have interesting story lines. The scale of the game feels right, and I'm happy to see there isn't duplication in dungeons. It isn't perfect through, there's quite a few minor problems, most of which you've probably already read about. None of these issues really effect the fun to had though. The 8-rating reflects these weaknesses and a couple of poor design decisions - e.g. the first town being 2min stroll from the vault. Don't pay attention to the 10/10 reviews - the reviewers must have been intoxicated. I'm not sure what's wrong with some Fallout veterans and Bethesda haters - the game really isn't bad at all. The weaknesses in voice acting etc. aren't really noticable unless you're looking for them. I'm hoping that a series of mods will improve the game - if so you can safely jack up my score to a 9 or 10.… Expand
  22. JG
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    A lot of whining over 'it isn't fallout!' Grow up. I see a lot of zero's from people who haven't played the game. Also, grow up. Game's solid, plays well, story so far has been good, voice actings good. It's similar to Bethesda's other games, but it's what you'd expect, with a few good surprises on top. Get over yourselves.
  23. JackR
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    This is an extremely good game. I did not like Oblivion for various reasons, but this game does away with most of what annoyed me in Oblivion (the bad combat system etc.). This game is a great First Person Shooter, but it has a lot of depth too. Under the surface, it's an RPG, so although the combat is as fun and visceral as an FPS, it is a lot less shallow because the game requires This is an extremely good game. I did not like Oblivion for various reasons, but this game does away with most of what annoyed me in Oblivion (the bad combat system etc.). This game is a great First Person Shooter, but it has a lot of depth too. Under the surface, it's an RPG, so although the combat is as fun and visceral as an FPS, it is a lot less shallow because the game requires a lot more thought and care. You have to explore, pick the character traits that best suit your style of play, you have to build up your character's weapons and armour, and there is a real story with lots of real characters. So to me it's the best of both worlds. RPG's have depth but poor combat, and FPS's have good combat but are shallow. This game has the best of both worlds with great combat and lots of depth. It's just a fantastic game. I am constantly reminded of the magnificent System Shock games, and that is no small feat.… Expand
  24. TomB
    Nov 2, 2008
    6
    Fallout 3 is definitely better than its predecessor. However after playing for just hours I feel that it was released to early, as it crashes for no apparent reason (cant actually attribute every crash to one exact thing). The graphics are disappointing considering the technology available today, even when set to high. The gameplay is exciting and the V.A.T.S. system a very nice addition. Fallout 3 is definitely better than its predecessor. However after playing for just hours I feel that it was released to early, as it crashes for no apparent reason (cant actually attribute every crash to one exact thing). The graphics are disappointing considering the technology available today, even when set to high. The gameplay is exciting and the V.A.T.S. system a very nice addition. The story so far flows very nicely and the amount of choices is overwhelming (thats good, makes it less linear).… Expand
  25. PatrickM.
    Nov 1, 2008
    10
    This game is simply amazing, from the gorgeous graphics, to the all out action. Not to mrtion the voice acting is pretty amazing too. This game is non-stop fun. One of my favorite things about the game is the V.A.T.S. targeting system. Overall this is one of the best games I've ever played.
  26. PaulC.
    Nov 1, 2008
    4
    It's a shoddy XBOX port. I hope they tone down the MASSIVE interface fonts (We play on monitors with much better resolution Bethesda - didn't you know that ??) The control system is clunky, the graphics are slightly worse than Oblivion (which is over 2 and a half years old) The RPG elements have been ripped to the bare bones. progression, authenticity ( to the original games) It's a shoddy XBOX port. I hope they tone down the MASSIVE interface fonts (We play on monitors with much better resolution Bethesda - didn't you know that ??) The control system is clunky, the graphics are slightly worse than Oblivion (which is over 2 and a half years old) The RPG elements have been ripped to the bare bones. progression, authenticity ( to the original games) drama, detail, tactics, strategy, RPG.. If you are looking for any of the above go elsewhere, this is a point and click shooter with the tiniest bit of customization and progression added to appease the RPG fans. IMO it fails, 2 days after buying this I'm playing Fallout 2 again, and feeliong really cheesed off that Bethesda cocked this up so massively.… Expand
  27. DavidB.
    Nov 1, 2008
    9
    I'm an old gamer who started playing games in 1984 and few games have surprised me so well like Fallout 3. It has great graphics, a huge game world full of side quests that will entertain you for hundred hours, cinematic combat, good weapon choices, detailed scary monsters and much much more. But most of all, the gameplay immersion.... oh God, the immersion with this game is I'm an old gamer who started playing games in 1984 and few games have surprised me so well like Fallout 3. It has great graphics, a huge game world full of side quests that will entertain you for hundred hours, cinematic combat, good weapon choices, detailed scary monsters and much much more. But most of all, the gameplay immersion.... oh God, the immersion with this game is absolutely wonderful: the breathtakin' nuclear landscape of D.C., the sad '50s retro-music and the attention put on details are all amazing and makes you feel like you were really left alone wandering around in that raped postnuclear world. Even the sophisticated AI routines of the NPCs make them look alive and real. What more could you ask from a game? Nothing is my answer. I thank and bow to Bethesda team for this gorgeous game that will enter the videogame history for sure. Now come with me into the Wastelands.… Expand
  28. openworldlol
    Nov 1, 2008
    7
    How this game has an average score in the mid 90s is beyond me. Fallout 3 isn't bad, just mediocre. The gameplay is incredibly weak. To give Bethesda credit, the RPG elements are done well, and they feel like Fallout. However, if you took out the RPG elements, you'd be left with a clunky feeling FPS. Gameplay just doesn't feel polished enough. The story is simple and How this game has an average score in the mid 90s is beyond me. Fallout 3 isn't bad, just mediocre. The gameplay is incredibly weak. To give Bethesda credit, the RPG elements are done well, and they feel like Fallout. However, if you took out the RPG elements, you'd be left with a clunky feeling FPS. Gameplay just doesn't feel polished enough. The story is simple and uninspiring compared to the stories of either Fallout 1 or 2. The visuals are mostly unimpressive. Weapon effects are nice and flashy, but character models are stiff and awkward looking, with noticeable seams at the neck and hands where the textures don't match up. Yes, the terrain is vast, and many of the issues that Bethesda's previous game, Oblivion, have either been fixed or reduced, such as the distant terrain mesh noticeably rearranging itself and objects jarringly popping in. However, the terrain is also very dull. I don't necessarily mean the small range of colors you'll see. What I mean is that few locations feel truly unique. Voiceovers have been substantially improved over Oblivion, with surprisingly few characters sounding alike. Unfortnately, this comes at the cost of every "town" having roughly in between 3-10 citizens. These towns feel sparse compared to the towns of Fallout 1 or 2. The traditional Fallout atmosphere is there, but it feels watered down. I can't really blame Bethesda for this, because they obviously tried very hard to get the atmosphere spot on. I think it may be due to the fact that everything is rendered in 3d this time around, and every character has a voice. It leaves less to the imagination. Is it better than an unmodded Oblivion? Yes! Is it better than Fallout 1 and/or 2? Unfortunately, no.… Expand
  29. Trineon
    Nov 1, 2008
    8
    As a fan of the previous Fallout games, I was naturally disheartened by the demise of Black Isle Studios and the apparent death of the series. Feelings for seeing Bethesda pick up the license later on were mixed. Joyed to see that a long awaited third sequel was on the way, worried that it's artistic and mechanical direction would stray too far from the style and feel that made the As a fan of the previous Fallout games, I was naturally disheartened by the demise of Black Isle Studios and the apparent death of the series. Feelings for seeing Bethesda pick up the license later on were mixed. Joyed to see that a long awaited third sequel was on the way, worried that it's artistic and mechanical direction would stray too far from the style and feel that made the first two games so gorgeous and in my opinion, the best Western CRPG's I've had the pleasure to experience. The teaser trailer released a year ago was a good indicator of the new developers grasp of the atmosphere (in addition, the fact that they chose the original Inkspots piece intended for FO1 was a welcome tip-of-the-hat to the fans). But the indication that the same engine used for Oblivion was planned for this game resurfaced early fears. I have very much enjoyed Morrowind from Bethesda, despite a general dislike of the arche-typical fantasy-sword-and-sorcery genre of RPG's. Oblivion on the other hand, while possessing an engine that provided a vast, rich and colorful world setting and a character creation system that allowed intensely detailed tweaking when it came to physical looks, still overall disappointed me with a combat system that felt too clunky, voice acting that lacked enthusiasm, level-scaled enemies, and an NPC AI that acted far too awkwardly for me to suspend disbelief. Overall it only felt like a step-up from Morrowind and graphics and physics, with most other aspects feeling like a downgrade. Having played Fallout 3 for several days now, I would posit that the early fears were not entirely misplaced, but thankfully a little bit exaggerated as one would expect from an oversensitive fan base that was hyped up and let down one too many times over the past few years ;) The landscape, colors and settings definetely reflect the feel of the previous games; Desolate, hopeless with death and decay everywhere, no signs of life or motion other than the occasional dust winds. The soundtrack is very fitting to this atmosphere, with pieces that are either soft and slow that induce a sense of solitude, or louder scores that emphasize the vastness of the wasteland, and thus just how hopeless the prognosis of this new world is. As it was with Oblivion, detail is not spared from observation. Whether the player is traversing the wasteland or walking about in the few makeshift towns of surviving communities, they will notice the gritty look of decaying or rotting structures, the various amount of junk material sprawled around and about, perforated or covered with dirt and rust where applicable. The visual and aural setting, certainly does not disappoint. The behaviour of the NPC AI however, is still on the awkward side as it was in Oblivion, though perhaps not as painful to watch. For example, NPC's converse with each other as it was in Oblivion. And while it still looks stiff and artificial, their conversations seem to be more coherent, much unlike the almost completely random lines spouted by their Oblivion counterparts. The voice acting, while not convincing enough to be heralded as an industry example, has definetely improved enough to be considered satisfactory. Different characters sound more apart, and emotion in their tones is easier to pick up. Some textures and models in the game feel a little dated, possibly implying that the game engine has not improved since Oblivion. The first gun you procure in the game (the classic 10mm) looked and felt disturbingly clunky in my hands, although this is partly due to the fact that the pre-rendered drawings and illustrations on the previous games had given the same gun a nicer, smoother look. Fortunately such issues are not numerous, and can be ignored in time, for the most part. Combat has left me with mixed impressions. The game certainly does not play like a typical shooter for obvious reasons; The condition of the weapon as well as your skill in utilizing it directly affects your performance. Still, after previous FPS-RPG's such as System Shock 2 or Deus Ex, the glaring hopelessness of trying to shoot or snipe an enemy from afar, or even middle-range is slightly irritating, more so when said enemy doesn't seem to be having much trouble perforating you with burst fire from the same distance. Still, this is somewhat an early observation. I'm currently Level 5 with a Small Weapons skill of 55 to 60, and all my weapons are at about 55% condition at best. So the challenge, while irritating, is perhaps understandable. The transition from turn-based combat to real-time is disorienting for Fallout veterans like I, who are used to taking their time to plan their moves and spend AP's as efficiently as possible. The paused combat option of VATS compensates for this, but only up to a point. It allows time to think about your next series of moves, and of course, allows for called shots directly influenced by the usual RPG mechanics of the game. The slow-motion cinematic play out of your commands is definetely satisfying to watch, more so when you score a critical hit. However, perhaps due to the shifting camera angles during this cinematic phase, the player is disoriented for a split-second when it ends and combat continues onward. Even if only for a split second, its still typically enough for a speedy AI enemy to fire off a few more shots at you as you regain your senses and move on. For the most part, my combat style has consisted of taking some calculated shots with VATS, then taking cover while my AP's regenerate for the next attempt. The pace feels too slow for an FPS, and perhaps a bit fast for an RPG. Nevertheless, the cinematic phase entertains me enough to overall enjoy combat. Plot wise, I have not made much progress with the main quest, seeking out side quests where I can to extend gameplay. However it looks interesting so far, and I will eventually move onwards. The missions offered from various NPC's so far have not felt boring or tedious. Some are tied to the main quest, others are enjoyable distractions. The amount of solution choices and the feel of the quests are in line with the Fallout spirit. I am once again the diplomat I used to be in the West Coast of post-apocalypse USA, looking for peaceful solutions, but sometimes just going with the flow of my rifle barrel :p Overall, I am enjoying Fallout 3 with great gusto. Yes, I would have very much loved to see the Van Buren project of Black Isle succeed. Having tried out its released alpha form a year or so ago, I have little doubt that the original Fallout 3 that was supposed to happen several years earlier would have been fantastic, probably much better than what we have in our hands today. But sadly that project is buried in history now. I don't subscribe to the belief that "Any X is better than no X." In my opinion, the Fallout 3 delivered by Bethesda is not a cheapened form of Fallout, nor a fundamentally different form of Fallout. It is a Fallout that fully delivers the retro-futuristic, dark-humored setting its fans have come adore. The changes in gameplay, while understandably troubling for some veterans, are not major enough to dismiss this game as a failed Fallout by any means. Still, I would urge Bethesda to either drop this Oblivion engine, or fix those stiff movements for the next installment ;) .....there will be a fourth installment, right?… Expand
  30. OmerE
    Oct 31, 2008
    10
    I see where some people are coming from, when comparing the original installments in the franchise with this newest one. It is indeed quite a bit different. But different isn't bad. I'm really thoroughly enjoying this gaming experience. It is predominantly a first-person/third person shooter with a stronger (but not pure) RPG element. Despite all that, it's really just well I see where some people are coming from, when comparing the original installments in the franchise with this newest one. It is indeed quite a bit different. But different isn't bad. I'm really thoroughly enjoying this gaming experience. It is predominantly a first-person/third person shooter with a stronger (but not pure) RPG element. Despite all that, it's really just well put together. Most people downvoting Fallout 3 are basically cult-loyal to the original 2 games. I don't really think anything could have been done to appease these people. I really enjoyed 1 & 2, and 3 does feel incredibly different, and at times, it's hard to take it seriously as a 'true' addition to the series.. but it's definitely addictive, immersive, vast, detailed, beautiful and enjoyable. I think that deserves a 10 in itself. There's really nothing that I don't like about this game. As far as action-RPGs are concerned, this totally blows Far Cry 2 and Clear Sky out of the water. Get it. The people complaining are really being way too anal for their own good. They're just upset that this game isn't Fallout 1 or 2.… 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.
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