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. chaos_1984
    Nov 4, 2012
    10
    PLAY THIS GAME. Its is simply amazing, playing the first 2 and tactics, I can tell you this lives up to and surpasses the originals. New Vegas was acceptable, but for 2008 this game is mind blowing.
  2. EvilTerrorizer
    Mar 10, 2015
    10
    First Fallout game I ever played. Loved it to death. Explored everything, went everywhere. Characters varied in depth, but overall I really got into the story. Vault dweller aspect was really cool.

    The graphics were also really good for the time. Variability of skins, armor and weapons was also pretty good, so I didn't really get bored with them. Having a companion with you was a    First Fallout game I ever played. Loved it to death. Explored everything, went everywhere. Characters varied in depth, but overall I really got into the story. Vault dweller aspect was really cool.

    The graphics were also really good for the time. Variability of skins, armor and weapons was also pretty good, so I didn't really get bored with them. Having a companion with you was a nice touch, but the AI pathing for them was a bit glitchy at times.    … Expand
  3. Odogreviews
    Dec 3, 2014
    7
    Fallout 3 is a great game overall but it has a few flaws. The game is extremely "glitchy" and has crashed on me a few times. The graphics are dated. This game has the best video game intro ever. I also loved the storytelling in the game. I would buy this game with caution though because of its glitches.
  4. Enlade
    Oct 2, 2018
    0
    The moment when Todd Howard got access to Fallout universe was the moment of this universe death. RIP Fallout.
  5. MadnessisRising
    May 17, 2019
    6
    Great game, but for me it got very boring after a few hours ingame. .
  6. SolidSovereign
    Nov 24, 2019
    10
    Fallout 3 is hands down the greatest fallout game in the series and one of the greatest RPG's of all time. Such an amazing experience to dive right into. I thoroughly enjoyed playing hundreds of hours of this game from start to finish from October 28th 2008 through November 24th of 2019.

    Story 10/10 Setting 10/10 Game-play 9.8/10 Graphics 8/10 (with mods 10/10) Music/sounds 10/10    Fallout 3 is hands down the greatest fallout game in the series and one of the greatest RPG's of all time. Such an amazing experience to dive right into. I thoroughly enjoyed playing hundreds of hours of this game from start to finish from October 28th 2008 through November 24th of 2019.

    Story 10/10
    Setting 10/10
    Game-play 9.8/10
    Graphics 8/10 (with mods 10/10)
    Music/sounds 10/10
    Replay-ability 10/10    … Expand
  7. yaRiKKKKKK
    Jul 20, 2020
    0
    I respect the Fallout series, but this is the worst part. From the very beginning of the game, after leaving the shelter, boredom begins. Especially the mission "Survival instructions". Why this flawed mission was added to the game is still not clear. The engine is simply disgusting, although for 2008 maybe norms.
    This game never went to the end, very boring.
  8. ccrogers15
    Nov 17, 2011
    1
    for what was a very creative and fun game series, fallout NV and 3 set an all time low. Sure, fallout 3 and NV pulled the series to 3d and open, and i admit it was kind of fun, but that fun was ruined by the major bugs, freezes, glitches and crashes i experienced on my copy. it happened on my PC,ps3 and 360 copies so its not my system. This is a very crap game that does not deserve afor what was a very creative and fun game series, fallout NV and 3 set an all time low. Sure, fallout 3 and NV pulled the series to 3d and open, and i admit it was kind of fun, but that fun was ruined by the major bugs, freezes, glitches and crashes i experienced on my copy. it happened on my PC,ps3 and 360 copies so its not my system. This is a very crap game that does not deserve a sequel. If 4 gets made, it must not be developed by obsidian and not use that crap gamebryo engine. I cant even tell you how bad the DLC makes it. Its unplayable after 3 hours gameplay. its like it purposly freezes to tick you off!… Expand
  9. horatius83
    Sep 23, 2010
    0
    A great game attempted to get through, but was crushed under the heaping pile of excrement that is the Gamebryo engine. It adds an element of suspense though, should I save now or walk a few minutes more and risk it crashing to desktop for no reason at all? The same problems that plagued Elder Scrolls Oblivion came back in spades, to the point where attempting some of the expansion packsA great game attempted to get through, but was crushed under the heaping pile of excrement that is the Gamebryo engine. It adds an element of suspense though, should I save now or walk a few minutes more and risk it crashing to desktop for no reason at all? The same problems that plagued Elder Scrolls Oblivion came back in spades, to the point where attempting some of the expansion packs makes the game completely unplayable. I love the Fallout series and have played them all, but I really wish they'd hand the series over to someone more capable.… Expand
  10. Tomisbad
    Jul 18, 2013
    0
    If you like to consume fresh feces then you will like to play this game, however if you don't like eating fresh feces then don't play this game. Daniel Nem Singh does not approve of this game.
  11. metacrtcreview
    Mar 28, 2012
    0
    One of the worst games I've ever played. This game is terrible. There are much better games than this. The critics provided good reviews for this game and I don't know why. The game is terrible.â
  12. ChuckL.
    Dec 26, 2008
    0
    Wow! This game is totally awesome! Selecting your sex, your Look, and first missions when you are a baby. Fixing guns, armor accessories and other stuff. And details of world and effects are amazing! THANK YOU FALLOUT3 team! :3
  13. gamng
    Aug 14, 2010
    10
    Game have too many slave-quests, like make this, and for this u must run 100 miles and shoot to all generated monsters and crime-men.

    Fallout 1 and 2 was made for more freedom of players. And if u clear some place this place still clean.

    For playing with enjoy player must fully understand textual and audio information in game. But Fallout 3 on Steam-system was without Russian language.
  14. Shefath
    Sep 7, 2010
    10
    This game is good..very good.The rpg elements are good.the gameplay is awesome,and the story is also very interesting.I was very amazed of the work done by bethesda softworks.It was very good.
  15. sherbz
    Oct 29, 2015
    4
    Personally for me this game is a bit of a flop and i cant really fathom why it has such great scores. It isnt bad, but it certainly isnt great. It is horrendously buggy as well, even for a bethesda game. There is little in the way of narrative which means there is a lack of story to it. Its basically a big sandbox, but there are better sand boxes out there if you ask me. It is also aPersonally for me this game is a bit of a flop and i cant really fathom why it has such great scores. It isnt bad, but it certainly isnt great. It is horrendously buggy as well, even for a bethesda game. There is little in the way of narrative which means there is a lack of story to it. Its basically a big sandbox, but there are better sand boxes out there if you ask me. It is also a big problem in not being able to drive around the wasteland. A bike would have gone a long way to making this game better. It really is a bit like GTA without cars. The UI is pretty horrible and the dialogue screen is also pretty ugly. And I dont think the character models are particularly good either. The combat is ok, but again, could be better. All in all i actually enjoyed playing RAGE more than this, becaus ethe combat was better and there was a better storyline running through it. I think this is an average game. Get it on a big sale, but otherwise dont bother. There are better games out there if you ask me.… Expand
  16. Orctownorc
    Oct 5, 2012
    10
    I know this game fails to capture the spirit of Fallouts 1 & 2, but its still a whole lot of fun. I know that the main quest is pretty bad, but its still a whole lot of fun. I hate the vaults in this game. I don't enjoy picking around through the same dumb-assed assets everywhere you go. Despite all that this game is a MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT. No game is perfect, and this game has plentyI know this game fails to capture the spirit of Fallouts 1 & 2, but its still a whole lot of fun. I know that the main quest is pretty bad, but its still a whole lot of fun. I hate the vaults in this game. I don't enjoy picking around through the same dumb-assed assets everywhere you go. Despite all that this game is a MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT. No game is perfect, and this game has plenty of little details about it that irritate, more than a few. Still you can't deny the amazing feeling you get in Fallout 3, that you really are walking around in a desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland. I can't undersatand the level of love for Skyrim, in which your character's progression has been violated by horrible design changes and you have to endure a horrible UI. Nor can I understand the 'purist objections to this game, where the UI and character progression are so WELL done. Buggy Shmuggy! Fallout 3 is FANTASTIC!… Expand
  17. cheRRymonk
    Oct 30, 2013
    0
    The worst first-person Fallout game you could imagine! Small game map, oblivion-like instances, bad skill balance, horrible graphics (even old Fallout isometric graphics looks better), combats are extremely boring, VATS is nothing here while you have a high skilled character after 13 of game and a 99% headshot chance...
  18. carlosgtardon
    Jun 10, 2014
    9
    Otro de los juegos que más pavor me producía que hicieran mal pero cuyo resultado fue mejor del esperado. Uno de los grandes mundos abiertos en los que vagabundear por DC destruido por bombas nucleares ya vale el precio. Sin duda una compra óptima.
  19. Fuzi0n
    Apr 11, 2013
    0
    The worst Fallout game and one of the worst games I have ever played.

    If you want a Fallout game with a first person view that actually feels like a Fallout game, then get Fallout: New Vegas, it is a great game!

    Avoid this huge pile of crap at all costs. You have been warned.
  20. SilentDogwood
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    Fallout 3 is asking a lot. It asks to be forgiven for mediocre graphics, for a forgettable storyline, for poor AI, for poor animation and for linear directed characters. The funny thing is, this game is one of the greatest I have ever played. I can't really describe why, you just need to play the game for yourself. It manages to immerse you fully as you explore the Capital Wasteland. ItFallout 3 is asking a lot. It asks to be forgiven for mediocre graphics, for a forgettable storyline, for poor AI, for poor animation and for linear directed characters. The funny thing is, this game is one of the greatest I have ever played. I can't really describe why, you just need to play the game for yourself. It manages to immerse you fully as you explore the Capital Wasteland. It manages to convey a feeling of pure epicness and you take out a super mutant with a sniper rifle from miles away while listening to the tunes of GNR. Fallout 3 expects us to play the game with a degree of leniency, and funnily enough, after playing for an hour or two most people forget the bugs and glitches that plague this game.… Expand
  21. whatever523
    Oct 25, 2015
    0
    Low violence version = low score review

    The game wasn't even in danger of being censored or anything, it was just pure laziness on Bethesda's part to avoid the German violence rating process.
  22. Jacer200
    May 10, 2014
    7
    I played a fully modded version from Nexus mods. This is a good RPG to play if you are itching for a classic western game to play. Fully modded the game looked really good for being so old. The story did not grip me that much but it was still fun to play. I found playing with a 360 controller to be far superior than keyboard and mouse. I am playing this right after Dark Souls. And the 29I played a fully modded version from Nexus mods. This is a good RPG to play if you are itching for a classic western game to play. Fully modded the game looked really good for being so old. The story did not grip me that much but it was still fun to play. I found playing with a 360 controller to be far superior than keyboard and mouse. I am playing this right after Dark Souls. And the 29 hours it took me to play this game took me by surprise after playing a 65 hour game. But overall a good game on sale. This is a must play because Fallout 4 is in the chamber.… Expand
  23. Goodbad
    Jun 11, 2021
    0
    This game is copycat of fallout 1,2 in many ways. Very few new stories are added. Not even a proper RPG
  24. [ANONYMOUS]
    Nov 4, 2009
    5
    As someone who loves the main quest more than any side quest, this game was a huge disappointment. I had the game (not counting downloadable content) done in 13 hours; I never felt compelled to explore the world outside the main quest. Maybe I'm the only one who feels this way, but I really, really wish I'd saved my money for Dragon Age.
  25. FrankF
    Feb 7, 2009
    6
    Very very over rated. It's Oblivion with a coat of paint and a few allusions to a classic series of games. I regret buying the lunchbox edition. When I first started the game it was very promising, the first town is great and the missions in it fairly original. As the game progressed, however, the missions became drab, the towns too. Rivet City is utterly insipid - I never made it Very very over rated. It's Oblivion with a coat of paint and a few allusions to a classic series of games. I regret buying the lunchbox edition. When I first started the game it was very promising, the first town is great and the missions in it fairly original. As the game progressed, however, the missions became drab, the towns too. Rivet City is utterly insipid - I never made it past that. Could have been great, a promising start, but ultimately drab.… Expand
  26. 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
  27. BillM.
    Nov 8, 2008
    10
    So atmospheric, and so much to explore. Easily one of the best games this year. People who give this a 0 have a bad case of sour grapes. When you look at most user scores they're between 8-10. Do metacritic use standard mean for the user rating average? Even median would be more useful because it would lessen the effect of a few crazies who give out 0s.
  28. PeterBaltzerH.
    Feb 22, 2009
    5
    Poor RPG poor FPS pretty damm horrible story and writing fun for 5 secs super overexagerated gore and violence which is gratified in the extreme thoughout this game horrible pc conversion, huge fonts makes reading text pretty damm annoying and generally the game suffers from the conversion is so many ways to frustate the player with the UI being my biggest annoyance. a game aimed at the Poor RPG poor FPS pretty damm horrible story and writing fun for 5 secs super overexagerated gore and violence which is gratified in the extreme thoughout this game horrible pc conversion, huge fonts makes reading text pretty damm annoying and generally the game suffers from the conversion is so many ways to frustate the player with the UI being my biggest annoyance. a game aimed at the teen market with a mature rating.… Expand
  29. SiegfriedT
    Mar 30, 2009
    6
    Fallout 3 is essentially an action-RPG that draws much of its attraction from the immersive qualities of the first person perspective. The player is surrounded by a bleak post-apocalyptic world that is often beautiful and impressive. The engine shows its age, the animations often look bad and many sound effects are mediocre, but all these flaws can be forgiven. What truly drags this game Fallout 3 is essentially an action-RPG that draws much of its attraction from the immersive qualities of the first person perspective. The player is surrounded by a bleak post-apocalyptic world that is often beautiful and impressive. The engine shows its age, the animations often look bad and many sound effects are mediocre, but all these flaws can be forgiven. What truly drags this game down are the nonsensical plot, shallow NPCs and terrible dialogues aggravated by uneven voice acting that ultimately is worse than mediocre. Players who just want to run around a post-apocalyptic world killing mutants while collecting "phat loot" and increasing their stats may easily overlook such flaws and enjoy this game.… Expand
  30. LukaM.
    Nov 27, 2008
    6
    A decent game, but unfortunately nothing revolutionary, unlike the original Fallout games which are in many aspects more advanced than their successor. I would classify it as an average FPS with minor elements of RPG. This game simply tries to impress an audience which is too wide and diverse, which makes it an average product at best.
  31. alex
    Nov 3, 2008
    5
    I don't really understand , why people rate it 10 , but i guess they just didnt play fallout 1 & 2 , tactics. Didn't understand world and team play. For me Fallout 3 is just some game with this name that was made for only one reason - money , due that players will see Fallout 3 on xbox and ps3. But still only world looks abit same as real Fallout , but engine and all models look I don't really understand , why people rate it 10 , but i guess they just didnt play fallout 1 & 2 , tactics. Didn't understand world and team play. For me Fallout 3 is just some game with this name that was made for only one reason - money , due that players will see Fallout 3 on xbox and ps3. But still only world looks abit same as real Fallout , but engine and all models look just same as oblivion's , they even hold weapons same.They should name it Elder scroll 5 : Lazers PEW PEW or something like that. So question is why Bethesda made game , where got no real experience and failed by copy paste of oblivion ? Game not so bad , you can choose who to kill or not , help someone or ignore his problem, but definitely it should have other name, my opinion Bethesda realy failed on this project, and stoped future of great classic fallout story.… Expand
  32. JasonJ.
    Nov 3, 2008
    8
    I guess I've been at it for a day's worth of playing. I loved Oblivion; it was a great action RPG, probably the best ever. And I don't know what it is, but Fallout 3 just seems boring to me. People argue that the story and writing are better than Oblivion, but I disagree. Better is in the eye of the beholder; but If dumbed-down Biowarish placekeeper boilerplate with I guess I've been at it for a day's worth of playing. I loved Oblivion; it was a great action RPG, probably the best ever. And I don't know what it is, but Fallout 3 just seems boring to me. People argue that the story and writing are better than Oblivion, but I disagree. Better is in the eye of the beholder; but If dumbed-down Biowarish placekeeper boilerplate with profanity is 'better' to you, then I suppose we have different eyes. Perhaps the game's biggest issue: the dialogue and narrative structure seem to be sorely lacking (with the single exception of the introductory chapter). In Oblivion I never found myself stumbling into NPCs I shouldn't meet yet or into places I shouldn't be in or picking up pieces of quests and encounters that I had no clue about what was going on in them; this keeps happening in FO3, and it is a sure sign of sloppy design. Combat: the trumpeted innovation, VATS, is slick visually, but that's about it. Even the mouse one swordplay in Oblivion felt better. And, yes, the game is Oblivion With Guns, deeply so, beyond the obvious cosmetic similarities. For instance, I just encountered a secret faction of vampires! They were hiding in a cave-- I mean, subway station. FO3 even has its corollaries for Dark Brotherhood and Akaviri guards, but this time wearing power suits and wielding laser rifles. (What's missing, however, is the compelling interactive story attached to these factions. I don't think I've met a character outside of the vault that I have any connection to whatsoever or care about.) The single thing Fallout 3 does better is a technical one: it runs much more cleanly and the world geometry is much tighter and more refined (although the quality of the player, armor and weapon models are vastly inferior to those in the 2006 GOTY). Mass Effect is another inevitable comparison; and ME, with its huge flaws, is superior to FO3 in many ways. Even with the incredible repetitiveness and horrible map design of ME, the game still had drive-- it pushed you to keep going; FO3 really doesn't have that. For example: instead of playing it, here I am, typing this. My guess is that many if not most gamers are are going to love FO3 and say it is superior to Oblivion,which they hated. Let me tell you what I think of their opinion. They are wrong. FO3 is inferior in every register that matters. (And this is unfortunate, since Bethesda will take these players' acclaim and change TESV accordingly; it will suffer for it.) Don't get me wrong: Fallout 3 is a AAA title; but it deserves no more than a high 8 for what it is, in itself; and it deserves less when you take Oblivion and the Fallout franchises into account.… Expand
  33. J.W.
    Nov 8, 2008
    10
    If all you're concerned about is how close this game sticks to everything you hold dear concerning the old games, then don't buy this game because you'll never be pleased as you're an obsessive who needs to grow up and realise that trying to cling to the past and refusing to accept a game is honestly good because of the developer is incredibly pathetic, immature If all you're concerned about is how close this game sticks to everything you hold dear concerning the old games, then don't buy this game because you'll never be pleased as you're an obsessive who needs to grow up and realise that trying to cling to the past and refusing to accept a game is honestly good because of the developer is incredibly pathetic, immature behaviour. the game is fun. It carries the spirit of Fallout if only you'll let it show you. The combat is rich and varied, and frantic and fun enough to keep you constantly entertained. Character customisation is also fantastic, and the sheer amount of polish and content in the game is truly breath-taking. There are a few niggling little bugs, like the fact that some keys cannot be unbound on the keyboard and the occasional glitch but they're little things which should easily be solved with a small patch and don't tend to come up often. If you've never played Fallout before, buy this. If you have played Fallout before, buy this and don't be stupid, because it really and truly is a fantastic Fallout game.… Expand
  34. DrWatson
    Dec 12, 2008
    5
    what this game did right: exploring the downtown DC area is great, and the overall atmosphere is fantastic. (especially if you've been there) what this game did poorly: the main plot is terrible and short the RPG elements of the game are numb at best - character stats are largely meaningless - character specialization is discouraged to the point of being almost not possible bottom what this game did right: exploring the downtown DC area is great, and the overall atmosphere is fantastic. (especially if you've been there) what this game did poorly: the main plot is terrible and short the RPG elements of the game are numb at best - character stats are largely meaningless - character specialization is discouraged to the point of being almost not possible bottom line: while this game is not bad, it's not good either. therefore it gets an average score of 5.… Expand
  35. NateMo
    Dec 22, 2008
    6
    It had its moments, but overall, it simply doesn't live up to the first 2 Fallout games. There are too many bugs, too many plot holes, and too many places where the changes to the wasteland, simply make no sense. The complete lack of sex, the inability to kill children, turns up the lack of realism, while the inability to turn off, or turn down the gore as you could in the original It had its moments, but overall, it simply doesn't live up to the first 2 Fallout games. There are too many bugs, too many plot holes, and too many places where the changes to the wasteland, simply make no sense. The complete lack of sex, the inability to kill children, turns up the lack of realism, while the inability to turn off, or turn down the gore as you could in the original games, makes it a bit of a chore to sit through this one. 6 out or 10 overall.… Expand
  36. DarrenM.
    Dec 5, 2008
    6
    This game doesn't do it for me like Half Life 2 or even Oblivion. It's really boring. Love the 50s music though. Half Life was an extension of my being . I was inside the monitor literally. This game makes me detached because it's so dam hard. trying to find someone in one of the quests was a chore. went to the places they told me too. killed everything talked to people but This game doesn't do it for me like Half Life 2 or even Oblivion. It's really boring. Love the 50s music though. Half Life was an extension of my being . I was inside the monitor literally. This game makes me detached because it's so dam hard. trying to find someone in one of the quests was a chore. went to the places they told me too. killed everything talked to people but couldn't find the person. Got very frustrated ,wandered around the wasteland only to be killed by monsters with a 10 mm gun which quickly run out of ammo(no key for the armoury-couldn't find it). What do I do after that? Just wander around with no ammo waiting to be killed rinse repeat. Don't like this game at all sorry. Overhyped. VATS system bores me too.… Expand
  37. KobyM
    Oct 30, 2008
    6
    The short version: Not Fallout! Definitely Oblivion 2: Guns & mini-nukes! The long version: Fallout3 is first and foremost not Fallout. If you want, think of a scale of 1 to 10, put fallout1 on 1 and put oblivion on 10. Fallout3 is 8, maybe even 8.5. At least 80% oblivion, the rest is fallout stuff. So I'm not even point to try to compare it to Fallout but to Oblivion instead. I The short version: Not Fallout! Definitely Oblivion 2: Guns & mini-nukes! The long version: Fallout3 is first and foremost not Fallout. If you want, think of a scale of 1 to 10, put fallout1 on 1 and put oblivion on 10. Fallout3 is 8, maybe even 8.5. At least 80% oblivion, the rest is fallout stuff. So I'm not even point to try to compare it to Fallout but to Oblivion instead. I actually enjoyed oblivion, but only _after_ a ton of modds and flat out ignoring any and all RPG elements, and just play it as a whack-a-lot action game. Oblivion is not Diablo/Diablo2 but it's a nice 3D diablo want to be with very little re-playability value. The reason why oblivion it very low in re-playability, al least for me, is that in oblivion you character is, _eventually_, capable of welding any and all weapon AND magic AND utilizing all thief abilities very efficiently. Different builds matter only on the early levels. Once you played it all the way through, there is nothing more. Fallout3 has that too, sadly. Not only that, but I think its even _worse_. At level 3 I basically have all the powerful weapons, and I can use it in run-and-gun mode without too much difficulty. In Fallout 1 you had a world of possibilities, every ability point mattered, skill point mattered, but in fallout 3, just like oblivion, it doesn… Expand
  38. LysanderS
    Dec 20, 2009
    7
    An incredibly dumbed down RPG (INCREDIBLY!), with a terrible physics engine, more bugs tha Oblivion, and a broken shooting system. Besides that, there's still a nice amount of fun to be had, if you can excuse the bugs.
  39. JulienC.
    Jan 5, 2009
    6
    Another overrated game, terrible user interface, a bugfest like i've never seen before (PC) - this game offers an illusion of sandbox, but if you do your homework and try all different behaviours and attitudes you'll see that it's in fact an illusion of freedom, the story is quite ridgid in fact. The lockpicking mechanism is impossible to understand etc... but what happened Another overrated game, terrible user interface, a bugfest like i've never seen before (PC) - this game offers an illusion of sandbox, but if you do your homework and try all different behaviours and attitudes you'll see that it's in fact an illusion of freedom, the story is quite ridgid in fact. The lockpicking mechanism is impossible to understand etc... but what happened is that the first 10mn are awesome and give the impression of a nicely polished game and has a half life taste and is done by the guys from oblivion and this apparently deserved a 93. this game is not at a half life standard and yet falls only 2 points short of it, it's a shame. the game sure has depth and variety when you explore but to me this only matters AFTER the main game is polished, not instead. sorry.… Expand
  40. JimH
    May 25, 2009
    6
    First walking out of the vault was an awesome experience, no doubt. The problem is the experiences from that point on. I couldn't stand how you asked every npc in sections the exact same questions and they all gave almost the exact same answers. The combat was fun at first but got repetitive towards the end. It was too easy to make a jack of all trades character. Exploring the First walking out of the vault was an awesome experience, no doubt. The problem is the experiences from that point on. I couldn't stand how you asked every npc in sections the exact same questions and they all gave almost the exact same answers. The combat was fun at first but got repetitive towards the end. It was too easy to make a jack of all trades character. Exploring the wasteland was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed some of the encounters, like a building guarded by a single sniper in the window. These moments were far and few between unfortunately. The ending was rushed and bad. For all the minuses I've noted the game was still fun in places and that is why it gets a 6. I was expecting much better.… Expand
  41. Max
    Nov 11, 2008
    10
    I really don't understand why some reviewers give this game 5/10, 2/10 or even 1/10. The most common argument is that this game is a mod to Oblivion. This is total nonsence, you can say it on almost all of the games coming out today. For example, around 60% of the new games use the Unreal Engine. Does it make them Unreal mods? My guess is that the low scores are coming from I really don't understand why some reviewers give this game 5/10, 2/10 or even 1/10. The most common argument is that this game is a mod to Oblivion. This is total nonsence, you can say it on almost all of the games coming out today. For example, around 60% of the new games use the Unreal Engine. Does it make them Unreal mods? My guess is that the low scores are coming from Fallout1&2 hardcore fans and from people who thought they were bying a FPS. So, if you're hardcore fan of Fallout1&2 and you don't mind that it's gone 3D and realtime, then Fallout3 delievers. However, if you want an overhead view and turn based combat then Fallout3 isn't for you. Just don't bash it, say it like it really is: "This game isn't for me". Also, if you're looking for FPS you really shouldn't buy this game, because it's not (although it resembles one). Sure there are technincal issues, misplaced dialogs and incorrect AI on some occasions (mostly concerns NPCs), however they're all neglegible when you look at the whole picture. Interesting and very long side quests, immersive and vast world (I think the underground part is almost as large as the one on the surface), and easily 100+ hours of gameplay, that is of course if you don't just play for the main story line, which can be sprinted very fast (should I remind you that, Fallout1&2 and Oblivion had very short main story, and most of the game was about exploring and side quests). One thing to note is that PC versions surpasses the 360 and PS3, and I'm not talking about graphics here. It's all about the modding community, which makes this game even better with every comming day. And almost forgot, kudos to Bethsoft for the soundtrack. IMHO it's easily one of the best soundtracks for games. Normally I'd give this game 9/10 but because of all those 1/10 I'm going to rebalance the score. Solid 9/10.… Expand
  42. MarcoS
    Nov 13, 2008
    5
    I give the 5 for effort and because it's a game that appeals to some people. But it is NOT a RPG in the sense of Fallout 1 and 2; it is more like that shallow fantasy theme park that was Oblivion.
  43. WinstonC.
    Nov 15, 2008
    5
    Fallout 3 seems to be a very solid, old-school PC RPG tailored for the X-Box, then ported 1:1 over to PC without any attempts to make it an actual PC game. 1) Installation and Setup: The game doesn't even create shortcuts, instead expects the player to insert the DVD to auto-play the launcher program. Graphic settings can only be changed before starting the game using that launcher Fallout 3 seems to be a very solid, old-school PC RPG tailored for the X-Box, then ported 1:1 over to PC without any attempts to make it an actual PC game. 1) Installation and Setup: The game doesn't even create shortcuts, instead expects the player to insert the DVD to auto-play the launcher program. Graphic settings can only be changed before starting the game using that launcher on the DVD in a windows-98-style box. The options also wouldn't recognize the native 1920x1200 resolution of a 24" monitor until installing the first patch. 2) Everything concerning the graphics and interface in-game is a 100% console port. The mouse has some kind of brake before it starts moving at proper speed, which makes the mousepointer feel like using a clumsy joypad - this makes aiming and navigating through menus an annoying experience. All fonts and most items in-game are vastly oversized (dialogue texts probably 120 pixels high, models for small objects like cigarette boxes as large as DVD boxes, etc). Simple actions like opening the map, browsing the inventory, or even switching weapons require endless clickfests through the only in-game interface tool (pipboy) that has EVERYTHING clumped into it and requires you to click through the categories over and over again. Basically the interface lacks any kind of ergonomical features to make a PC gamer feel comfortable during play. An example is the need to pause every single fight several times to open the "pipboy" menu, select "items", select "weapons", scroll up and down to find grenades / sidearm / rifle, equip it, leave the menu, fire it, then repeat the whole procedure to switch back to the previous weapon. I just can't believe that the game doesn't even have basic weapon slots like STALKER has them, not even to speak of essential shortcuts to the various elements of the pipboy screen. 3) AI doesn't seem to exist on 3/4 difficuilty level. Once enemies spot the player, they just keep running towards him in a straight line most of the time. Sometimes they just disappear to show up again later in a random place. Also NPCs always seem to blow themselves up with grenades, example they throw grenades while charging at you. Fighting in a group with a friendly NPC is a horrible experience from the beginning to the end. Generally the fighting feels the same or even worse than Morrowind back in the days. 4) Dialoges and resulting story are often a mess. Example you kill the evil barkeeper, then his hooker takes over the bar and also recognizes his death in dialogue with you, but in the next sentence she is still afraid to help you because the (dead) barkeeper might not like that. Noone else in town recognizes his death anyway, not even after killing everyone else in there. 5) Karma system: Basically a copy of D&D alignment, but doesn't seem to work for me. I'm killing a camp of bloodthirsty vampires and murderes, and my Karma goes down? WTF? 6) Skill system / character creation: Seems really outdated in 2008. Players can only guess what might be useful and will often end up with a crappy skilled character after some time. Unless they read through guides which tell them where to put their points into etc. 7) Realism vs. Gameplay - I think from a 2008 point of view, the developers have tried to put realism into things where it's not necessary or even hinders gameplay, but didn't put any realism where it would have been essential. Example gunfights in this game are even worse than 1992's Wolfenstein 3D. You're always short on ammo (which feels realistic and makes the game interesting), but all weapons have a huge, random spray radius which make carefully aimed shots useless. Self-healing in-combat seems to be very limited and there's even a complex damage system with crippling etc. in place , but out of combat you just need to take a few sips from a nearby toilet or sleep for 1 hour which will magically heal any kind of damage. 8) Sound and Graphic Art: First of all, the graphics in general are average at best and probably wouldn't have been anything special about 4-5 years ago. All animations and models are very poorly done, things look exactly like in Morrowind too many times. Sounds vary from realistic sounds while pushing around garbage, to explosions that sound like a bag of flour dropped from a skyscraper. Weapon sounds are horrible and make the stiff gunfights even worse. Voice acting in the german version is below-average amateur level - All characters have been dubbed by probably 4 different people and none of them has an interesting voice. Generally i think they should have used one of those cartoon filters on the graphics to make it at least somehow special to look at, but right now it's just cheap mass ware without any kind of style or soul about it. 9) Sprinting - Why the hell can't you sprint in this game? No matter wether you carry 200 kilos of equipment or walk around naked, you can never sprint under any circumstances. Tactics are pretty much useless, all you can do is either frontal assault or place some landmines before doing that frontal assault. 10) Censorship in the german version: I don't know if there is any blood & violence in the original version, but in german, despite an 18+ rating, there's no blood of any kind which makes the game feel even more sterile. 11) I could go on but let's sum it up. I gave this game a 5 because there still seems to be a solid, old-school, Elder Scrolls RPG behind it where you'll spend endless hours with exploring, searching for items, doing quests - but art, interface, storytelling are so bad that you can't even call it outdated, it's just low quality. How this game can get scores of over 90 is a mystery to me. Actually i might have given this a 7 or 8 if it was some kind of isometric top-down view RPG like Fallout / Jagged Alliance, but trying to crossbreed Morrowind with hardcore shooter elements on an X-Box platform has totally failed. My advice is to wait until this game becomes low-budget in the stores, because right now the game is not worth the full price under any circumstances.… Expand
  44. 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
  45. LouS.
    Nov 24, 2008
    8
    WOW.... it's sounds like everyone who has said this game is Bad had a Cock in their mouth at the time of play. Just saying. Anyways, Onward! Ya!... OK, so the game has some glitches, sure happens to the best of em'. Look past some minor graphical errors and maybe some AI stupidity and you have a game that's A) fun to play [especially if you screw around with cheats]. B) WOW.... it's sounds like everyone who has said this game is Bad had a Cock in their mouth at the time of play. Just saying. Anyways, Onward! Ya!... OK, so the game has some glitches, sure happens to the best of em'. Look past some minor graphical errors and maybe some AI stupidity and you have a game that's A) fun to play [especially if you screw around with cheats]. B) immerseve enough that I was excited to play it again after I had spent a day or two doing other things. And C) a vast improvement on the current "The Elder Scrolls" philosophy, which is very exciting considering their vision. But since I'm a Cynic as well as a Critic I'll tell you about the bad shit. YES the AI is still in the uncanny valley but is on the far side of the valley and starting to crawl up the wall. VATS is fun but feels somehow jaded, like it's thinks it's the only way to properly play the game, but since you can still shoot outside of VATS, it's not.The weapons do still feel like gun equivalents of RPG swords, this is to be expected though, but the weapons are varied enough to still be interesting. When I started playing it on the normal difficulty, I found myself standing on top of a mountain of stimpaks, ammo, and vagina fairly easily which was sorta a bummer since I like the scavenger ideal of the game world. Perhaps my biggest beef with the game is a matter of tactics. While in combat it's hard to be able to do much of anything but shoot at the enemy. To me this brings up images of old tunnel runner RPG gameplay. Which is fine, I guess, but besides laying down mines and luring enemies into them you can sneak around and try to be be unnoticed and gain a single sneak attack against A enemy on the first shot. Once this happens all enemies within line of sight of you instantly notice you and charge at you. Fun!!!.......NOT. It's fairly annoying because there is no good stealth to this game. Once noticed all bad guys will attack you if there in the vicinity. And, the ones in the room next to you will hear the cries of their friends heads exploding and do nothing about it. It just seems like the game could use more of a sense of "gamest realism". The idea of if I can think of it I should be able to do it in the game within the confines of the game world. On a better note, one of the better things about sneaking though, as an improvement, is putting live Grenades in someones pocket. That never get's old. On to the Good stuff! The story, well........Ya It's pretty good...... OK the voice actors are nice as long as there important characters, Like your father or Three-Dog. Not having to feed that damn Conversation Pie to everyone was by far the best improvement in the game. Yes I do acknowledge that is a Oblivion reference but it's undeniable not realize that this is what every one else has said. Anyways, main quest seems short but takes you all across the map and lets you go explore on your way there. Side quest are varied enough to not seem like repeats of other quest Ex. fetch this, kill that. That general World of WarCarafe bull shit they give you. The game world is nicely detailed with some interesting back story to places you visit given to you via what looks to be the video games tourist terminals. Overall it's a fun game with some minor flaws in design, but it's one step closer to what a sandbox styled games should be. It should be interesting to see what Bethesda comes out with next.… Expand
  46. JeffC
    Nov 26, 2008
    6
    Pros: Looks good, minor bugs, interesting storyline, interesting, immersive start. Cons: IMO it was just incredibly boring after the first hour or so. There is plenty to do but nothing I actually wanted to do. I felt like I was playing Myst / Uru but instead of solving interesting puzzles I would have an incredibly boring conversation with someone and then kill something with a water Pros: Looks good, minor bugs, interesting storyline, interesting, immersive start. Cons: IMO it was just incredibly boring after the first hour or so. There is plenty to do but nothing I actually wanted to do. I felt like I was playing Myst / Uru but instead of solving interesting puzzles I would have an incredibly boring conversation with someone and then kill something with a water pistol. If this game is rated this high then URU - POTS also deserves game of the year. Note: Multiplayer might be ok but I was too bored with the singleplayer to want to find out. Not my shot of gin, perhaps yours.… Expand
  47. JohnD.
    Nov 3, 2008
    8
    A very enjoyable game so far. Have only found a few graphics errors so far. Frames become a bit choppy at times.
  48. NickA.
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Fallout 3 is a First Person Shooter with strong RPG elements. Apart from a cone of fire, you shoot where you aim, but the attributes, skills, and perks you invest in determine the amount of damage you cause. True to Fallout 2, attribute, skill, and perk choices are plentiful and allow for an enormous variety of roles to play. The 'Oblivion with Guns' criticism is true only to a Fallout 3 is a First Person Shooter with strong RPG elements. Apart from a cone of fire, you shoot where you aim, but the attributes, skills, and perks you invest in determine the amount of damage you cause. True to Fallout 2, attribute, skill, and perk choices are plentiful and allow for an enormous variety of roles to play. The 'Oblivion with Guns' criticism is true only to a point. Same engine, so you might recognize the *.ini file. Same story driven dialogue. You'll even hear some of the same phrases, such as "another satisfied customer" after a merchant transaction. With a few exceptions, there is not much 'vertical' in Fallout 3. As in Oblivion, you're playing mostly in a 2 story world. You can tell Bethesda made both games. But Fallout 3 is more FPS than RPG - and it's a surprisingly excellent shooter coming from a developer known for its signature Elder Scrolls series and bad Star Trek titles. Because of it's strong FPS characteristics and wide open game world, Fallout 3 bears a greater resemblance to STALKER than to Oblivion. Moreover, to the extent that Fallout 3 can be compared to Oblivion, it is a much more polished game: Simple, effective UI, simple controls, stunning graphics, stimulating level design, fun, addictive gameplay, and haunting atmosphere come together in Fallout 3 with great chemistry. It's not perfect though. F3 sports an enormous game world, although it suffers from underpopulation. Its environments are more varied than Oblivion's, although it could use a greater variety of enemies. Thematically it nails the Fallout Universe, and is graphically engaging, engrossing, and appealing, but if you do not know how to keep yourself busy in such an open world, you might find it boring. One of my favorite aspects of the game is that it's clearly Rated R. I'm sure it comes with parental controls, but all else equal, this title is dark and for adults. After all, the game takes place in the US capitol, after it has been devastated by atomic war. I've given this game a 9 because I don't give 10s. Bethesda has a GOTY candidate for certain in Fallout 3.… Expand
  49. Goobah
    Nov 4, 2008
    7
    Oblivion with guns? Very much so, for better or worse. Oblivion wasn't my type of game, and I'm afraid that F3, despite having brilliant atmosphere, is't cutting it as well. My main gripe with this game is that Bethesda willingly chose to discard a lot of acknowledged achievements in cRPG design that have happened lately. Dialogue system is quite simply abysmal, in a Oblivion with guns? Very much so, for better or worse. Oblivion wasn't my type of game, and I'm afraid that F3, despite having brilliant atmosphere, is't cutting it as well. My main gripe with this game is that Bethesda willingly chose to discard a lot of acknowledged achievements in cRPG design that have happened lately. Dialogue system is quite simply abysmal, in a post-Mass Effect world. A lot of lines are too long, or too short, depending on situation. Voice acting is acceptable, but the moral system is severely lacking, and the fact that time "freezes" when you talk to someone doesn't help immersion at all. Now I don't really like sandbox games as in my opinion -too much- of free roaming puts you off the main quest, and story is what I value the most in cRPG's. Thats exactly the case with F3, as with Oblivion - in the midst of exploration I tend to loose track of why am I doing all this in the first place. It doesn't matter that the main quest is intriguing, if it gets lost in the midst of countless hours spent on exploring a beautiful and atmospheric but ultimately boring world. And having a completionist soul, focusing on just the main quest, which is maybe 10% of what the game has to offer, doesn't satisfy me. All in all it's not a game for people who don't have too much free time on their hands. Last but not least, I find it has actually very little in common with original Fallouts. Sure, times have changed, but it seems that apart from artistic direction, there is no feel, humor and atmosphere of the original games here. And I do believe that's another consequence of Bethesda not being able to get over their own game design method. I respect their choice, and obviously they are happy (too happy imo) with the results they are getting - but I'm not. All in all, Fallout 3 isn't the game I was waiting for, and instead is "only" an enjoyable experience.… Expand
  50. AndyE.
    Dec 2, 2008
    6
    A huge disappointment. Fallout made for console players. Everything which used to be great in the previous games is spoiled now. Just run next to the enemy, press v, aim for the head and bingo. After repeating 200 times I forgot the game and I highly doubt returning to it.
  51. MikeD.
    Dec 3, 2008
    6
    Could have turned out a lot worse, but it is ok for a single play-through. We pretty much got what we expected - Oblivion with guns. The game has too many flaws in design, implementation, scenario, feel, voices to even mention. Nowhere near Fallout and especially Fallout 2, but comes close to Fallout Tactics.
  52. AndrewC
    Apr 14, 2009
    7
    I give it 7 as Oblivion with guns. If I were to score this as a game as a Fallout game the score would be 4. This game sufferes from all the problems of Oblivion.These being 1) A really stupid plot, with too short and linear a main quest. 2) Incredibly annoying unskippable mini-games. 3) Weak NPC scripting and poor voice acting. 4) An interface designed for consoles that doesn't take I give it 7 as Oblivion with guns. If I were to score this as a game as a Fallout game the score would be 4. This game sufferes from all the problems of Oblivion.These being 1) A really stupid plot, with too short and linear a main quest. 2) Incredibly annoying unskippable mini-games. 3) Weak NPC scripting and poor voice acting. 4) An interface designed for consoles that doesn't take advantage of the PC's strengths. All that said, It also has Oblivions strengths, which are a beautifullly designed world to explore to your hearts content, as long as you ignore the main quest, and an eminently moddable game engine.… Expand
  53. RobS
    Nov 28, 2008
    5
    I think most of the positive reviews here have been written after one or two plays of the game. I too was at first blown away by the seemingly endless, and incredibly beautiful landscapes, and the freedom of choice. There is also some great exploring moments and some incredible voice acting on offer. Also mention must be made of the lightning fast load times. On those impressions alone I think most of the positive reviews here have been written after one or two plays of the game. I too was at first blown away by the seemingly endless, and incredibly beautiful landscapes, and the freedom of choice. There is also some great exploring moments and some incredible voice acting on offer. Also mention must be made of the lightning fast load times. On those impressions alone this game is a 9star without doubt, however it is with continued play that the many frustrations in this game begin to show. First combat - even with my gun skills ramped up, and many perks to aid it, I find myself completely reliant on the v.a.t.s getting some lucky heashot kills, as the enemy scale up faster and have better weapons. Plus there guns are far more accurate than yours, they can shotgun you halfway across the map, you will have difficulty hitting them right in front of you. You will need every health boost and also use quick load. Combat usually ends up with you trying to lure 1 enemy at a time, into a prepared minefield, and then jumping in and out of cover using vats/powerfists, then repeating the process with enemy number 2. Then comes the complete repetitiveness of both the missions, and the dialog options. You never have more than about 3 talk options, two of which usually get the same response. As to the missions? Go to building A, kill everything that moves, then either talk/kill the object character. Rinse repeat ad infinitum. And reviewer Lou S? Take the cock out of your own mouth m8, and reread your review - you slate it worse than I do. Idiot.… Expand
  54. Malithion
    Nov 29, 2008
    5
    Oh man. Talk about overrated. Reviewers see amazing graphics and suddenly its the "game of the year." There's a huge number of problems with this game, and that's not because of bugs. First of all, the main quest is horribly written, and, unlike Oblivion, you can't continue playing after it (although PC Gamer's editor still seems to think you can). The main quest is Oh man. Talk about overrated. Reviewers see amazing graphics and suddenly its the "game of the year." There's a huge number of problems with this game, and that's not because of bugs. First of all, the main quest is horribly written, and, unlike Oblivion, you can't continue playing after it (although PC Gamer's editor still seems to think you can). The main quest is essentially a drawn-out version of a "fix this thing by getting this item" quest. You're not saving your people, you're not fighting bad guys, but rather repairing a water pump. Some favorite bits: 1) when one major character dies from being in a room filled with huge amounts of radiation, while characters in the same room live without any further explanation. 2) PC Gamer review: "But most egregious is the late-game introduction of a character that refuses to use the special abilities that are his raiso d'etre, injecting a farcical interlude into an otherwise poignant moment." This "poignant moment" is nothing short of one of the most ridiculous endings I've seen in a video game, period. I won't spoil it for you, but I definitely won't say its worth the trouble. Most of the story is a re-tread of old ideas from the previous games. Yes, it is supposed to be in the same vein as the previous Fallout games, but FO3 does not achieve that. Whereas decisions in previous games would affect the entire world, blowing up a whole town will only make a couple of main-quest NPC's take real notice. The dialogue sticks out as the some of the most horrible I've seen in a long time. Having a high intelligence will allow you to state things that are obvious, rather than insightful. Such as when speaking to Three Dog during the GNR quest, the player can say: "[Intelligence] So you fight the Good Fight with you voice on Galaxy News Radio." Another good example is during the first part of the Wasteland Survival Guide quest given by Moira (Bethesda's poor attempt at 'dark humor'): "[Intelligence] The Raiders were using the pharmacy as a place to store their best gear." As Bethesda's Pete Hines said: "Dialogue wasn't a battle we wanted to pick ... we just don't have unlimited monkeys and typewriters." The gameplay itself does not make up for FO3's other flaws. Combat is ridiculous: you can take a direct hit from a missile launcher and keep going (while wearing leather armor, no less), Raiders and other enemies can take 20 rounds of 10mm hollow-points to the face without dying, and a number of the "long-range" weapons (such as the Sniper Rifle) are useless due to the fact they have poor accuracy even if you have mastered the small arms skill. Even at maximum difficulty, the game doesn't provide much of a challenge to either RPG or FPS fans, and a number of the Oblivion's flaws are in Fallout 3. Most notably, just as in Bethesda's previous endeavor, the game quickly devolves into an endless cycle of dungeon-crawl, fetch an object, trade loot, complete quest, and repeat. Very quickly into the game, playing becomes dull and monotonous. Especially when you reach the level cap of 20. At this point, only the promise of interesting quests will keep you playing, and as I have stated, well-developed ones are few and far between. Amazingly, the side quests aren't even as good as Oblivion's. Fallout 3 fails in that it accomplishes neither the goal of an RPG, namely, a deep, believable world with interesting characters and a good story, nor does it accomplish the goal of an FPS; to provide an exciting combat experience and intense gameplay while you pursued an objective. It is at no point immersive, as you feel detached from the world of the game. Few of the characters have any depth or logic behind their actions. It fails to be a sandbox-type game, as you are limited to doing the same things Oblivion allows you to do. In the original Fallout series, you could play most of the game in a way that focused on dialogue, or focus on stealth rather than confrontation. Perhaps Bethesda dumbed down the combat so that characters with weak fighting skills could more easily survive the battles they are constantly forced into. Additionally, the game world is tiny, even smaller than Oblivion. While this does mean that there is less walking distance, it also served as a convenient excuse to put less into the game. There are few unique areas, and even they follow the tired dungeon formula of Oblivion (in fact, the majority of 'dungeons' in the game actually are underground). All in all, Oblivion has some strengths: graphics, a solid engine, and good performance. However, it lacks either a solid RPG or FPS element. Characters aren't interesting, and combat is almost as dull and repetitive. It may have nice looks, but there's not a lot of meat on the bones here. There's just no challenge to this game.… Expand
  55. gas
    Dec 1, 2011
    9
    Im writing this a bit late tbh, as ive played this game more or less 1 year ago, but now i decided im going to have a second playthrough heavily modded so im going to add a little review here too.
    This game is not perfect, the engine is a bit disappointing compared to most of the "real" fps around, at least if not modded, as many objects have transparent parts only "painted" with alpha    Im writing this a bit late tbh, as ive played this game more or less 1 year ago, but now i decided im going to have a second playthrough heavily modded so im going to add a little review here too.
    This game is not perfect, the engine is a bit disappointing compared to most of the "real" fps around, at least if not modded, as many objects have transparent parts only "painted" with alpha channels, this means if you try to shoot behind a fence you will discover the object is full solid and a bullet will never pass it, same can happen when hiding behind a rock, you fire aiming a mob and you will end hitting the rock instead... also without a mod the sniper rifle is useless for some reason it has less range then a normal rifle.
    Anyway, beside those 2 aspects and not many more the game is really really good.
    I liked a lot fallout 1 and 2 and i was a bit scared to find a title completely different going from isometric turn based strategy to a 3d fps game, anyway luckily the choices made by devs are quite good, basically there is a lot to explore, a very appealing (but short) main quest, a large number of more or less appealing side quests, some moments of fallout style humor, and a game that overall is really well made.
    What i like more is the fact this game reach to preserve the original fallout concept and feels really a step forward.
    The full DLCS are usually included in the package nowadays, all of them are quite crap compared to the game itself, anyway actually they can be considered something non mandatory you got with the game, so im not going to rate them here.
    At the end i finished the first play after around 180 hours, and i didn't even explore all the map nor i fully played the dlcs except anchorage, so it can be a huge experience, and a good one.    … Expand
  56. nikkoleth
    Aug 25, 2011
    9
    This game is a buggy mess, with code that resembles a bowl of spaghetti, and a poor engine. Yet I still give it a 9/10. Everything else about this game is great.
  57. jonnyohio
    Jul 11, 2011
    9
    I'm behind the times I guess, because I just bought this game only a week ago. Well, I have already spent plenty of hours playing this game. The game world is awesome, the detail is stunning, and there are tons of things to do and explore besides the main storyline. The main storyline is not all that interesting, but it's enough to want to continue on with it once you get side trackedI'm behind the times I guess, because I just bought this game only a week ago. Well, I have already spent plenty of hours playing this game. The game world is awesome, the detail is stunning, and there are tons of things to do and explore besides the main storyline. The main storyline is not all that interesting, but it's enough to want to continue on with it once you get side tracked by a number of quests (which there are plenty of, even unmarked ones!). The only things I didn't like about the game are some of the bugs (occasional crashes and shoddy quad core support), and the fact that running feels like walking and the game doesn't come native with iron sites aiming. Thankfully the game can be modded, and a number of console commands can be used to tweak the game to your liking. Getting the iron sites mod with a few other complimentary mods to remove the auto-aiming and bumping up my run speed made this game almost perfect. As for the dialog and the NPCs they are quite cheesy in appearance and sometimes sound just down right annoying. The graphics are great for it's time, but the characters look unrealistic. But given the age of this game and the enormous amount of effort that went into making it engaging and entertaining, it's to be expected. You might get bored with it after awhile, but not before you get your money's worth...and if you do, it might be high time you go on over to Nexus and see what mods you can load up to add to the fun. One more thing: this is a single player adventure type game that can be ran in First-person or third-person (nice touch), so if you are aren't someone who enjoys SP adventure games this is not for you.… Expand
  58. Atech66
    Aug 9, 2011
    10
    This game kicks ass on every level. Core i7 920,GTX275,6 gigs Mushkin DDR3, Win 7 64, and runs beautifully so the people saying quad cores have an issue.. nah.. you may have an issue. Depth of story has been built upon for years and years from FO to NV it has been great to watch it evolve. this still remains my favorite of the series.. the graphics, environment, NPC's all grab you and pullThis game kicks ass on every level. Core i7 920,GTX275,6 gigs Mushkin DDR3, Win 7 64, and runs beautifully so the people saying quad cores have an issue.. nah.. you may have an issue. Depth of story has been built upon for years and years from FO to NV it has been great to watch it evolve. this still remains my favorite of the series.. the graphics, environment, NPC's all grab you and pull you in to where you forget yourself and take another role... this game is 10/10, 100%, KA award and a legend that stands along with others on " the best ever made". list.â… Expand
  59. NukaColaCaps
    Feb 23, 2011
    10
    Whenever i think of this game i think of what a good time i had (and still do) scavenging and roaming the wasteland. I just love this game and i love Bethesda for making it.
  60. Andrew_Paterson
    Jan 31, 2014
    10
    Fallout 3 is - 6 years down the line - probably my favourite game. It's also one of the only two games |I've given a 10 to here on Metacrtic.

    It's not perfect (crashing is a way of life) but the open world game-play gives the option for creating your own story or just mucking about that no other sandbox game I've played has yet managed to capture.
  61. phdr_vrba
    May 16, 2013
    6
    I was never quite fond of Bethesda-made RPGs: Morrowind felt like an utter chore and despite several attempts I could never force myslef to whitstand the tedium of slo-mo hiking for more than few hours. Oblivion was kinda fun, but only stealthing through dungeons, really. rest of the game felt sterile, copy-pasted and NPC were (and still are in all their RPG games) a joke. So obviously II was never quite fond of Bethesda-made RPGs: Morrowind felt like an utter chore and despite several attempts I could never force myslef to whitstand the tedium of slo-mo hiking for more than few hours. Oblivion was kinda fun, but only stealthing through dungeons, really. rest of the game felt sterile, copy-pasted and NPC were (and still are in all their RPG games) a joke. So obviously I wasn't sure what to think, when I found out that Bethesda got their hand on Fallout series, which I loved and Fallout 2 is imo still one of the best RPGs of all time, second only to Planescape: Torment. Then the teaser trailer came out and I was thrilled, for the mood was just right.

    Then all the gameplay interviews with that Todd Howard came out and watching him launching teddy bears and mini nukes on orc-like supermutants, while stating how he and the team love original Fallout series sew the seeds of doubt.

    In the end, things ended up better than expected, as Fallout 3 got many things right and it was no doubt the best Bethesda RPG released at the time. On the other hand, it was also still the worst Fallout game, should I ommit the Brotherhood of Steel piece of crap that came out on PS2.

    Point is, that even with VATS, randomized loot, and new pipboy aside (which are both crippled alternatives to what FO1/2 had to offer), the core stuff was just..wel... not really there. NPC had little to no character (although at least one could have an actual dialog with them), quests were mostly flashy stuff with zero substance and had zero influence on wasteland beyond their respective locations. And the main story was just pathetic, as water shortage was never a thing outside the Vault 13 of FO1 and Modoc village of FO2. Wasteland has never seemed to care about how clean is their water supply and so I could never take the main quest too seriusly. Then Enclave came into picture with their own plans and I was like 'why did we even bother.'

    It sorta had the right atmosphere, but it just was meh, wrong in its design. And yet kiddos and critics love it, happily ignoring the existence and greatness of the first two games. I can understand the kids who were simply too young to play or appreciate the qualities of first two Fallout games, but from proffesional critics who often played games for longer time than I am even alive, I would expect their experience to reflect on FO3 and comparison to FO2 should have been made where possible. Hell or even with other, newer, great RPG games, because FO3 simply is not one of those. And instead they were drooling all over it like a bunch or retarded kids. And mind you it is not like the greatness of the old Fallout games wasn't relevant anymore, New Vegas has proven that much.

    So here we are, drolling over this cripple of a Fallout game, ignoring great FO1/2 games for being too old and whining over bugs in New Vegas the one which brought much of that greatness back to present day. How can I take the co called proffesionals seriously, if they act like the '3' at the end got there by some silly accident?    … Expand
  62. Ggdograa
    Dec 6, 2011
    8
    I find it quite perplexing that people think that describing Fallout 3 as "Oblivion with guns" is something of an insult. If anything, it's quite an endearing term and a perfect way to describe what is one of the most enjoyable RPG's I've played in a long time. Fallout 3 gives the same sort of moral and personal freedom that the Elder Scrolls games are known for, whilst also taking quiteI find it quite perplexing that people think that describing Fallout 3 as "Oblivion with guns" is something of an insult. If anything, it's quite an endearing term and a perfect way to describe what is one of the most enjoyable RPG's I've played in a long time. Fallout 3 gives the same sort of moral and personal freedom that the Elder Scrolls games are known for, whilst also taking quite an interesting look at what the world might have been like, had the Cold War come to fruition. It's hard to dislike a game that gives you such creative ways to make ends meet. You can roam the wastelands as something of a divine protector, a saint to all you come across. Or you can be a total jerk, pick pocketing people, lying your way to success and selling others out for your own devious goals. There's really very little NOT to like about Fallout 3, unless you're not a fan of RPG's in general, anyone with a remote interest in open world exploring and question should definitely experience this.… Expand
  63. dule711
    Aug 31, 2011
    10
    Fallout 3 is one deep, dark, sad and one of the best RPGs ever. Set in post-apocalyptic world player assumes role of Lone Wanderer on his mission to find and save his father who left safety of the Vault 101. Epic story, combat, V.A.T.S., enemies and atmosphere coupled with awesome gameplay make this game worthwhile investition.
  64. TTT
    Aug 19, 2011
    10
    I can't descrive this game . It's so beutiful .
  65. XxDdgaMerxX
    Jul 30, 2011
    10
    Honestly a breath taking game!, I still play it and the mods are great. It has a wonderful environment, the vast open wasteland lots of quests to do areas to explore and the best DLC's in a game. Honestly theres no better game I have ever played in my life and must get for anyone I definitely recommend it alot :) 10/10 by a mile for me!
  66. Diraffe
    Nov 8, 2011
    10
    The very best out of all of the Fallout games. I would not recommend any expansion packs though - once you have completed a large amount of the content in this game, I'd recommend going to New Vegas.
  67. chicagopiano
    Sep 4, 2011
    9
    While the main story is average, but there is just so much to do that you'll forgive it. Graphics are alright I guess for 2008 they would've been above average. Shooting without V.A.T.S is awkward but bearable. Being a Post-apocalyptic world you will have to do a lot of scrounging and it isn't tiresome, it actually feels proper to kill someone and take their clothes to sell. RepairingWhile the main story is average, but there is just so much to do that you'll forgive it. Graphics are alright I guess for 2008 they would've been above average. Shooting without V.A.T.S is awkward but bearable. Being a Post-apocalyptic world you will have to do a lot of scrounging and it isn't tiresome, it actually feels proper to kill someone and take their clothes to sell. Repairing items does get boring after awhile. 3rd person is weird but it's good to have to option to use it. Overall if you like action RPG games you'll love Fallout 3… Expand
  68. Panzerfour
    Aug 7, 2011
    10
    The best game I've ever played in my opinion. Awesome storyline a boat load of side quests, guns, and characters make this a one of a kind game. Add the five awesome dlc's on top of that and you have a true gaming masterpiece. The only problem that i can find is that it can freeze ever so often but isn't a problem if you have patience.
  69. Sealreth
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    One of the best RPG games ever.
    Great story, Great game play, paradise for Mods
    you can play this game for over the 300 hour if not more
    you can customize your own character, and you level by an XP system
    that has bin put in very nice

    Sealreth,
  70. Elc1247
    Aug 24, 2011
    9
    a great game, given that its a Fallout game, and its made by Bethesda, who is responsible for the Elder Scrolls, you would expect a winning combination, and they delivered with this one. there are a couple gripes about this game i have, 1 is the somewhat clunky menu system, 2 is the somewhat dodgy physics at times and awkward gameplay mechanics, and 3 is the sheer number of bugs anda great game, given that its a Fallout game, and its made by Bethesda, who is responsible for the Elder Scrolls, you would expect a winning combination, and they delivered with this one. there are a couple gripes about this game i have, 1 is the somewhat clunky menu system, 2 is the somewhat dodgy physics at times and awkward gameplay mechanics, and 3 is the sheer number of bugs and glitches in the game. I can kind of understand the bugs and glitches since the game is just so freaking massive, but they really should have tried to fix those kinds of things in the Oblivion engine. Ive noticed people complain about the story and some complain about how pointless the game is... apparently they dont understand what this game is and cant get a clue as to what the heck is going on. the entire premise is that you, who has never been outside of a nuclear shelter in their life, all of a sudden is forced outside into the wastelands. at that point, you are free to do what you want, whether its going for the main story, which is the pursuit of your missing father, or exploring the wastes for useful stuff. the last thing i want to complain about is the GfWL, M$ needs to stop trying to get into PC gaming again, their days of glory are over, its not the days of "Rise of Nations" anymore. M$ needs to stop getting into things if they are going to half-ass their work. however, with all those things aside, Fallout 3 really is a great game that has a pretty good story to back it up too, if only the mechanics were more like New Vegas, where they threw out any semblance of a good story...… Expand
  71. Mire7734
    Sep 29, 2011
    10
    Now this game is worthy of the title "epic". Same scenario as the wonderful 1st and 2nd Fallouts, with a new engine and perspective on the game. Everything you could want in a Fallout game, and more.
  72. Nexusepona
    Dec 9, 2013
    9
    A fun game to play, especially if you played Fallout 1 or 2 before. They managed to mix the old turn-based combat and skill very well with modern fps, I was suprised how good it works! The post apocalyptic feeling shines. You get a big sandbox gameplay with a not too interesting main plot, but with many creative and fun side quest, tons of items and characters to meet. I played it overA fun game to play, especially if you played Fallout 1 or 2 before. They managed to mix the old turn-based combat and skill very well with modern fps, I was suprised how good it works! The post apocalyptic feeling shines. You get a big sandbox gameplay with a not too interesting main plot, but with many creative and fun side quest, tons of items and characters to meet. I played it over twice, and also played all of the expansions as well. (Those were below the level of the main game, sadly, but still all right if you manage to buy them cheap.)… Expand
  73. Mutini
    Jun 15, 2013
    10
    Considering its release date, I think FO3 should rate about an 8. Despite a few issues, its a great game that is very huge and offers so much to do(especially with all the player created mods and so forth). So why did I rate it a 10? I see some other reviewers in here literally admitted to rating the game at "0" for the sole reason to influence its overall score down to something "they"Considering its release date, I think FO3 should rate about an 8. Despite a few issues, its a great game that is very huge and offers so much to do(especially with all the player created mods and so forth). So why did I rate it a 10? I see some other reviewers in here literally admitted to rating the game at "0" for the sole reason to influence its overall score down to something "they" believe it should be. Its like they are spoiled little brats who spit on a cake cause they don't want anyone else to like it if they don't. Anyway, their tactic works both ways. I gave the game a 10 to counter some of their false scores. That means their score and my score cancel each other out but I can live with that … Expand
  74. Tib3rian
    Nov 12, 2013
    9
    Bethesda really knew that their style could be good for return of this legend. They`re got open world exploration, they`re got humor. Together with authentic visuals style and postnuclear atmosphere, they`re did something unbelievable.
    Right now, I`m slowely starting play Fallout 2. I remember this game from late 90`, because my Cousin played it. What I want to say is, that F3 has not    Bethesda really knew that their style could be good for return of this legend. They`re got open world exploration, they`re got humor. Together with authentic visuals style and postnuclear atmosphere, they`re did something unbelievable.
    Right now, I`m slowely starting play Fallout 2. I remember this game from late 90`, because my Cousin played it. What I want to say is, that F3 has not that aspects of free world as his predecessor. Aspects what made him a legend. But has a great atmosphere, visual style, charakter creation, weapons, Story. Everything of this is make completely in original Fallout style. I`ve never played a game like this. Is not a legend, but one of the most incredible game of it`s generation.    … Expand
  75. Zudeare
    Dec 6, 2012
    10
    Legendary! One of my favourite RPG's of all time, it's easy to forgive it's big amount of flaws but it's rather easy to forgive those when you have an fantastic open world, decent modding community and top notch DLC, A must have!
  76. Banhammer0
    Oct 20, 2013
    8
    The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

    ++ A huge open-world that rewards exploration ++ Ton of mods to choose from, expanding the game tremendously + Total freedom, kill anyone you like, help anyone you like, game is not forcing a path on you + A fair amount of quests, enemies, places to go, items to obtain + More than one way to solve problems and overcome obstacles (eg. combat or sneaking    The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

    ++ A huge open-world that rewards exploration
    ++ Ton of mods to choose from, expanding the game tremendously
    + Total freedom, kill anyone you like, help anyone you like, game is not forcing a path on you
    + A fair amount of quests, enemies, places to go, items to obtain
    + More than one way to solve problems and overcome obstacles (eg. combat or sneaking or using skills like science etc)
    + Probably the most immersive character introduction I've seen in an RPG game (game starts when you're born and continues through your childhood)

    . The game approach to post-apocalyptic theme is a bit light-hearted and not everyone might like it, but less than in Fallout New Vegas where it was to a point I considered it a major flaw. It's hard to explain, but to put a long story short the game technologically feels like the future but culturally like 1950s making a bizarre setting

    - Despite a huge world there are only 2 true towns in the world, and the rest of the world is either empty or outright hostile (eg. raider camps) making it feel boring after long exploration
    - Main quest is only fit for a good character or a neutral one, but not really for evil characters (however there is an evil ending option to it)
    - Braindead enemies offering little challenge to the player

    Overall: Recommended for RPG fans and post-apo theme fans but not the most hardcore ones    … Expand
  77. Egexe9
    Mar 23, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. An excellent game where your choices actually alternate the ending. The leveling system is good with all needed skills and the perk system is out of this world. I can understand why someone wouldn't like this game that much but seriously someone gave a FREAKING 0 TO THIS GAME! It's understandable to give it a 7 but not 0… Expand
  78. vence
    Jul 22, 2013
    8
    Fantastic game about a post nuclear holocaust world, really not many games explore such theme, and Fallout 3 did it with brio, basically if you like RPGs and exploring this is a game for you.
  79. gartenzwerg
    Jan 29, 2013
    10
    The depressing atmosphere, the gunplay, the graphics (although a bit dated, Fallout 3 still looks good), the sounds, the quests, the huge map ... Call me a fanboy, but since it came out, Fallout 3 is my #1 PC game, I literally spent hundreds of hours with it and can't wait for Fallout 4. Your turn, Bethesda.
  80. Vigar
    Mar 3, 2013
    9
    Fallout all Parts are a all time favourite of mire. This is also perfect Gameplay with perfect atmossphere. -1 Point because of DLCs needed to get the whole experience for the game. But Fallout is moddable like oblivion and skyrim. You could, after gametime of over 200 Hours, easily add more features from downloads that a free of charge. Fallout show all other gamedevelopers how toFallout all Parts are a all time favourite of mire. This is also perfect Gameplay with perfect atmossphere. -1 Point because of DLCs needed to get the whole experience for the game. But Fallout is moddable like oblivion and skyrim. You could, after gametime of over 200 Hours, easily add more features from downloads that a free of charge. Fallout show all other gamedevelopers how to build a good world, with good balance and intresting skilltress.

    Have fun build YOUR way and Play you'r way.    … Expand
  81. frankbilders
    Jan 21, 2013
    8
    Fallout 3 is a great game especially for fans of this genre. The story is pretty good, not superb but not bad. The combat is fun but a little dull, because it lacks a cover system or iron sights. The Voice acting is well done but the characters faces look stiff when they talk. The game world is awesome and i genuinely enjoy exploring. The game does crash often and it becomes veryFallout 3 is a great game especially for fans of this genre. The story is pretty good, not superb but not bad. The combat is fun but a little dull, because it lacks a cover system or iron sights. The Voice acting is well done but the characters faces look stiff when they talk. The game world is awesome and i genuinely enjoy exploring. The game does crash often and it becomes very frustrating. Overall i think it's a good purchase.… Expand
  82. onefatcow1
    Nov 16, 2012
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played, I got it quite recently, and have already 'wasted' 40 hours on it. For people who look here to buy this game, I decided to refute some of the negative reviewers arguments.

    It's world doesn't have enough stuff!: I don't know where you've been, but if you have a brain, you should be able to find ridiculous amounts of content, I recall there's 161    One of the best games I have ever played, I got it quite recently, and have already 'wasted' 40 hours on it. For people who look here to buy this game, I decided to refute some of the negative reviewers arguments.

    It's world doesn't have enough stuff!: I don't know where you've been, but if you have a brain, you should be able to find ridiculous amounts of content, I recall there's 161 marked locations on the map, and that's not including the numerous unmarked locations and Downloadable Content areas.

    But it's not the fallout game I'm used to!: Sorry, but it's now produced by Bethesda, and it was bound to change, personally I prefer it's FPS and faux turn system, but I can understand why others would prefer the old system. It's really a matter of preferance, just don't expect it to be the same as 1 and 2

    It's lackluster and shouldn't be more than $10!: Think of it this way, most high quality games are $50-60, and while this is no longer the highest quality you can buy, it's worth the price you pay. Besides, if you buy it on steam, it's only 9.99 :P

    It doesn't work for my system D:!: Well, not really anything to deny here, it does have alot of these problems. It mainly has trouble with windows 7, so if you don't have that you *should* be good. Sometimes it will freeze up on start, I advise restarting the game, it seems to work for me

    The V.A.T.S. system is too overpowered!: Then don't use it, yep, it's really that simple. It's completely unnecessary and if you don't use it, you'll progress in the storyline just fine.

    Storyline is too short!: It depends on what you consider storyline, if you just want to complete the necessary quests, then yes, but if you want to complete all the content in the game, it'll probably take a few days    … Expand
  83. popfg
    Jan 20, 2013
    10
    One of the best RPG experiences you could ask for. A truly open world, tons to do, a great V.A.T.S. system, You would do yourself a deservice if you didn't pick this up
  84. Specskankular
    Oct 12, 2012
    5
    I had high hopes for this game as I played on, but the further I got into the game as my XP, Perks earned and more weapons became available the easier it got until the competition seemed like child's play. Storyline was fair I suppose, but if you accept a certain quest too soon the game is over way before it's time. I even added 'Point Lookout' and killed the game so soon b my choice ofI had high hopes for this game as I played on, but the further I got into the game as my XP, Perks earned and more weapons became available the easier it got until the competition seemed like child's play. Storyline was fair I suppose, but if you accept a certain quest too soon the game is over way before it's time. I even added 'Point Lookout' and killed the game so soon b my choice of Quests I never experienced the Add On. No point In going on at this point as I know how the game ends no matter what choices or changes I make. The end sucks me very much.… Expand
  85. Klewer
    May 13, 2013
    9
    A very good story driven in a great and challenging atmosphere, with interesting gameplay and mechanics.

    A must for any FPS and RPG fan rolled in to one.
  86. TheGamer31
    Oct 11, 2013
    7
    As much as I love this game, it just turned in the wrong direction. It doesn't really feel like a Fallout game, but more like a completely new game. This game is the Fallout game of Empire: Total War basically.
  87. PooperMan
    Nov 25, 2012
    10
    I bought this game for christmas with my xbox. I still have great memories about fallout. I rreally didnt know about it, never even knew what fallout was. This was my first fallout game to play. Yes it has plenty of bugs everywhere but its a bethesda game, nothing of that size can be fully patched to not have glitches. The story was wonderful and well written. I got myself to glitch theI bought this game for christmas with my xbox. I still have great memories about fallout. I rreally didnt know about it, never even knew what fallout was. This was my first fallout game to play. Yes it has plenty of bugs everywhere but its a bethesda game, nothing of that size can be fully patched to not have glitches. The story was wonderful and well written. I got myself to glitch the game ending and It was a bummer to start it all over, since I didnt save it alot and the lastest save was on the beggining of the mission, but it was my fault anyway (1st time) I later burned the disk after accidentally pushing my xbox so I bought the GOTY, since it was released then. I did the story line and fortunately I didnt break it horribly. Then I got to the DLCs which were great in theory but not so well realised ( im talking to you Operation Anchorage ) and the worst one was Operation anchorage, God, as a idiot that I am, I still didnt learn the lesson to SAVE THE DAMN GAME. I started it all over ( 2nd time ) again since I couldnt complete the damn DLC. So after some damn butthurt of completing the story I got myself to rank up and begun with Mothership zeta to get some guns and money. Mothership zeta was repetitive. Very Very Very repetitive but I still managed to suck the fun out of it and GOT LOTS OF MONEH! Then I got with the pitt, the pitt was bad, seriously bad, but since Im such a bastard I still sucked all the fun of cheating and killing people.. Then.. Then.. Then.. THE HORROR COMETH! I had to do Operation Anchorage. Goddamit I hate that DLC. I took me a week of pain in the anus to get over it, and the best thing I got off of it was that stealth suit, which didnt even suit me. Now back to the wasteland I got back to side stuff, and believe me, I hated every single side mission in every game ever, but fallout, fallout used envy to make you do the side missions, and it did a good job at making me do them, giving me my own taste of medicine. The most horrible one, which I felt guilty to do was to destroy megaton, I loved megaton I used to trade all the alien guns I got and to save them there. But I destroyed the **** out of it because of Moira Brown, Oh god I hated her, She felt very compelled to drag me into her dirty buisness, And if you were asking I didnt have enough skill to dissarm the bomb. So I left it for later, then I met that other guy and for the sake of my sanity I destroyed it. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT MOIRA IS STILL ALIVE......... Moving on, there were not many good side quest but the open world, the mods, oh the mods, I may need some years to talk about the mods. but the frosting in the cheesecake in fallout are random events, dogmeat, and some random things that may make you go wtf.. To blend it all in one piece, Fallout is one of the games of the century. PERIOD… Expand
  88. lyaa888999
    Dec 4, 2012
    10
    Fallout 3 is one of the greatest of the games since ever,no one could doubt its value.As the time i goes out of the vault 101,a story begins and a legendary is beginning to write.I can spend hours and hours and i can breakd it out once again and again,much more, the mods,everyone knows that.
  89. No1livesforever
    Nov 30, 2012
    10
    I bought Fallout 3 and all DLCs at full price when they were released on DVDs. Being a fan of Fallout apocalyptic universe, I remembered I almost cried with excitement when I survived the initial wasteland trip and reached the very first city (Megaton). I loved the open-ended gameplay and rich storyline and side mission. This is one out of two games that I re-purchased on Steam forI bought Fallout 3 and all DLCs at full price when they were released on DVDs. Being a fan of Fallout apocalyptic universe, I remembered I almost cried with excitement when I survived the initial wasteland trip and reached the very first city (Megaton). I loved the open-ended gameplay and rich storyline and side mission. This is one out of two games that I re-purchased on Steam for collection purpose.… Expand
  90. Zohda
    Dec 5, 2012
    9
    In a post-apocalyptic Earth, Fallout 3 shows us how the world has gone bad. Incredible game play is the shine of this game. Even though the story is not entirely great or the graphics are not as good as other games that came out that year, its game play won't bore you.
  91. Toffenuff
    Jun 19, 2013
    10
    Post-apocalyptic open world FPS-RPG with an epic storyline where your actions actually influence and impact what happens in the world and how you advance the story (first town of Atom, anyone?) while also providing great and memorable characters and decent action? Sign me up!

    Buggy, but beautiful. Gameplay and combat could be better, but definitely still enjoyable. NOTICE: Would've    Post-apocalyptic open world FPS-RPG with an epic storyline where your actions actually influence and impact what happens in the world and how you advance the story (first town of Atom, anyone?) while also providing great and memorable characters and decent action? Sign me up!

    Buggy, but beautiful. Gameplay and combat could be better, but definitely still enjoyable. NOTICE: Would've rated this a 9 were it not for the fact that this really got me hooked into playing open world RPG games, and RPG games in general actually, so this game does have added special value to me and in my eyes deserves a bump because of that.    … Expand
  92. Bongo_clive
    Mar 15, 2013
    8
    Great game, full of memorable characters, and still looks good after all this time, but nearly ruined by Games For Windows Live. Hope Bethesda see the light and keep well away in future.
  93. ChromifyHD
    Dec 20, 2012
    10
    This game was one of the best games i have ever played. It's not just the game play but the idea itself.
    The storyline and the game play made me feel i was in the fallout-world myself. I do not have much enthusiasm with games but this game changed my idea about it. The graphics were not bad and the game play was pretty difficult sometimes, the DLC 's were fantastic too, although the    This game was one of the best games i have ever played. It's not just the game play but the idea itself.
    The storyline and the game play made me feel i was in the fallout-world myself. I do not have much enthusiasm with games but this game changed my idea about it. The graphics were not bad and the game play was pretty difficult sometimes, the DLC 's were fantastic too, although the storyline was way too short. This was an amazing RPG. Here and there there were bugs but they were no problem. Every time i play Fallout: New Vegas i think to myself why they haven't made it like Fallout 3 , because this game rocks !    … Expand
  94. mastergene
    May 9, 2013
    10
    as one of my favorite games iam shocked how poor it run's on newer systems for a game in 2008 you suspect it wil handle pc's for quie a while wel it dons't every 30mins or so it crashes this is unplayable as for bethesda doenst give a to fix this and yea i searcht for the fix and tryet to fix it)
    as a jewel its becoming a piece of as the years pas only by technical issues
  95. spid0101
    Jan 2, 2013
    10
    best game ever!!!!!!!!!!! i love to see America total destroyed of soviet union!!!! hahahaha. the best game series ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  96. FB242
    Feb 24, 2013
    10
    Absolute best game by far that I have EVER played. It's buggy, but there's a few homebrew fixes to them, and with a few mods it's an HD trip of classic awesomeness...
  97. BBSalad
    Feb 1, 2013
    9
    This game is amazing!! Brilliant atmosphere, brilliant weapons and armour, and brilliant DLC! The only thing that lacks is how short the main quest is. But one of the DLC's does alternate the ending (For the better). Also, the radio is well thought out and amazing!
  98. Metasavior
    Feb 9, 2013
    9
    Fallout 3 throws you in a land of waste, you have nothing at first, but freedom to do anything. Hunting some mutants to eat, surviving in a bandit territory, stealing some chem to live, blown by some mines, amazing and memorable quest, amazing and memorable memory. Fallout 3 is those and much more. And there are mods in pc, things that make Fallout 3 even worth 9.5 for a score. 7.5 is wayFallout 3 throws you in a land of waste, you have nothing at first, but freedom to do anything. Hunting some mutants to eat, surviving in a bandit territory, stealing some chem to live, blown by some mines, amazing and memorable quest, amazing and memorable memory. Fallout 3 is those and much more. And there are mods in pc, things that make Fallout 3 even worth 9.5 for a score. 7.5 is way too low for a score of a game like this. If god was a game, he would be Fallout 3.… Expand
  99. hornet425
    Feb 21, 2013
    9
    this game is an amazing way for bethesda to start there turn with the fallout franchise if you have not bought this yet then buy it and also some duct tape and a bed pan because you will not want to move
  100. Y4nk33
    Mar 28, 2013
    10
    This game gives you a feeling, you will never forget.It would be scary if there would not be Galaxy News Radio or the little boy from your Pip-Boy.Lots of weapon, cool story, big map, lots of side quests, lots of options of how to resolve quests. Karma points were also very fun. If you did a quest in the right way ex: you dezactivated an atomic bomb, you get positive karma points, ThreeThis game gives you a feeling, you will never forget.It would be scary if there would not be Galaxy News Radio or the little boy from your Pip-Boy.Lots of weapon, cool story, big map, lots of side quests, lots of options of how to resolve quests. Karma points were also very fun. If you did a quest in the right way ex: you dezactivated an atomic bomb, you get positive karma points, Three Dog (the guy talking on the radio) will say good things about you, but if you do it in the bad way ex: you blow up the atomic bomb and kill lots of people for some money, you get negative karma and Three Dog will say bad things about you.… 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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