Fallout 3

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1332 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,068 out of 1332
  2. Mixed: 119 out of 1332
  3. Negative: 145 out of 1332
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  1. GaryK.
    Oct 14, 2008
    10
    This game reminds me of Bioshock, but most likely because Bioshock was inspired by fallout in many ways. I am not a fan of RPG games, but after getting my early copy of this game, I am truly hooked. This game is one of my favorite games of the year, it exceeded my expectations, though I fear some of the more enthusiastic fans may turn out dissatisfied.
  2. AlbertG.
    Oct 26, 2008
    10
    How can so many people have voted on this game if it hasn't been released yet? Votes before the release of the game should not be counted, as I highly doubt users will give this game an average of 6.7 out of 10.
  3. MatthewS.
    Oct 29, 2008
    10
    Whilst hardcore players of the previous Fallout titles will have you believe that Fallout 3 isn't much of a successor, Fallout 3 takes the best things from the first 2 Fallout games and adds them to the best things from Oblivion, delivering one of the best RPGs I've ever played. Fallout 3 is sure to go down in RPG history and will win a few Game of the Year awards.
  4. TD
    Oct 31, 2008
    10
    Imagine Oblivion - on Jet and Buffout. This game is insane. People just don't understand that Fallout is not a shooter. Just because it has guns, does not mean that shooting things is the sole purpose of the game. It is a RPG. An action-RPG but an RPG none-the-less. Kids these days don't understand the concept of the game because they never played the original games, so they are Imagine Oblivion - on Jet and Buffout. This game is insane. People just don't understand that Fallout is not a shooter. Just because it has guns, does not mean that shooting things is the sole purpose of the game. It is a RPG. An action-RPG but an RPG none-the-less. Kids these days don't understand the concept of the game because they never played the original games, so they are so quick to judge. My advice, play the first two before you play this and rate it. Then you'll be able to fully appreciate what it is. As a quickie: Best graphics if played on PC, but my PS3 looks WAY better than my roommates 360. Voice acting is top-notch, gameplay is solid (VATS system is a breath of fresh air), and nothing can beat a dark-humor and sadistic Fallout story. Two thumbs way up!… Expand
  5. ENOUGH!!
    Jan 10, 2009
    9
    CONGRATULATIONS. IF YOU HAVE BOUGHT THIS GAME, YOU HAVE JUST MADE THE BEST DEAL OF YOUR LIFE. Fallout 3 is packed with content to the brim. There's loads of guns to buy, and there are so many quests to partake in. The characters are beleivable, to a point, but the character models do look a bit wooden. However, this made up for by three other things. 1) V.A.T.S.-If you are obsessed CONGRATULATIONS. IF YOU HAVE BOUGHT THIS GAME, YOU HAVE JUST MADE THE BEST DEAL OF YOUR LIFE. Fallout 3 is packed with content to the brim. There's loads of guns to buy, and there are so many quests to partake in. The characters are beleivable, to a point, but the character models do look a bit wooden. However, this made up for by three other things. 1) V.A.T.S.-If you are obsessed with blowing things up in video games, this can become the sole reason for buying this game. Seeing your enemy get blown to shreds is almost too satisfying. 2) The Character Creation system. This is the first game that I have played where I had to desperately try not to kill every single person in the game. I would cause everyone else to become distateful of me due to low karma. Finally: 3) The skill set. I know that this has been implemented into a slew of games for the past year, but never have I seen it being implemented so well. If you can only buy one game this year, buy Either GTA 4 or Fallout 3. Just don't play to the ending; it'll leave a foul taste in your mouth.… Expand
  6. StephenC.
    Jan 15, 2009
    7
    Pros: Huge arena Great detailing - fantastic scenario design Does RPG v. well Great HUD / inventory design cons: Bugs !! Characters / enemies clunky - unengaging Some key commands could be better thought-out Character interactions get a bit tedious.
  7. MichaelT.
    Oct 21, 2009
    10
    This is the only game i have completed and then restarted straight away. I have completed it a few times and I loaded it up again as there are still bits I failed to do. You can be good or evil depending on your actions. The level of freedom and the scope of the game is immense. In my opinion this should be regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. If you don't own this for This is the only game i have completed and then restarted straight away. I have completed it a few times and I loaded it up again as there are still bits I failed to do. You can be good or evil depending on your actions. The level of freedom and the scope of the game is immense. In my opinion this should be regarded as one of the greatest games ever made. If you don't own this for the PS3, than you are missing out on an experience like no other. Words alone cannot describe how good this game is.… Expand
  8. RyanBrighton
    Jan 26, 2009
    10
    The best game i've played in years
  9. Nurak
    Jan 31, 2009
    5
    Generally, I did not see what the hype was about.
    I thought the game was annoying when you had to save it before doing anything that could get you killed.

    The third person view was terrible and out of sync with the ground in my views, and the only noteable thing I could say about the game is the VATS.
  10. EricP
    Jan 7, 2009
    8
    First off, my review comes from the standpoint of having never played Oblivion. I am however a diehard Fallout fan. The storyline is pretty standard for any other in the Fallout series. Nuclear war forces people into underground "vaults" for protection. When everyone emerges, violence in the D.C. Wasteland ensues. The graphics, while not being groundbreaking or revolutionary (hence the First off, my review comes from the standpoint of having never played Oblivion. I am however a diehard Fallout fan. The storyline is pretty standard for any other in the Fallout series. Nuclear war forces people into underground "vaults" for protection. When everyone emerges, violence in the D.C. Wasteland ensues. The graphics, while not being groundbreaking or revolutionary (hence the 720p and the Oblivion engine), are still fairly decent. Subdued colors add to the "postapocalyptic" vibe and the surroundings are pretty bleak in appreance to boot (albeit somewhat redundant at times). The gameplay and battle engine (coined V.A.T.S. for Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting) is really where the fun is at. When triggering V.A.T.S., the game stops and focuses on an enemy, highlighting a specific body part of your choosing. After selecting your body part, the game enters into a cinematic scene in which you shoot said enemy. While this game was supposedly made as a 3rd PS with FPS capabilites, the 3rd person vantage point is pointless and distant. I found that the FP felt the most "natural" and useful. I really felt that Bethesda could have done a better job with maybe focusing less on repairing and maintaining weapons and more on upgrading them. There also seemed to be a lack of armour choices. The sounds are exceptional and really add to the atmosphere. Everything from crickets chirps at nitght to explosions to body parts dismembering is always entertaining. You can also listen to a radio station called Galaxy News Radio which plays old 50's type music. It's not only nostalgic, but it fits the game like a glove for unknown reasons. It somehow makes killing giant mutated creatures more interesting... The Karma system was only good to a fault, it didn't actually affect the storyline at all. I didn't feel as though enough effort was placed into the results of the bad/good karma and the dialogue/actions leading up to them. Some say there are gliches that entirely ruin the game. I have noticed gliches at times, but nothing as serious as some have advertised on their reviews. Over the course of 43 hours of total gameplay, I have only experienced about 5 game crashing gliches. Take that with a grain of salt if you truly must. Overall a very convincing sequel to the Fallout series and very addictive gameplay, but with a couple downfalls that keep it from a 10/10 in my books.… Expand
  11. RobS
    Feb 24, 2009
    10
    I think this is an amazing title and has had me totally immersed for weeks. The opening stages are slow but stick with it and you will be reward exploring is a must to get the full experience of the game. The walking can be a little boring at times but as you open up more locations the jump to feature is well worth the inclusion and can save you hours of walking. All in all a must buy in I think this is an amazing title and has had me totally immersed for weeks. The opening stages are slow but stick with it and you will be reward exploring is a must to get the full experience of the game. The walking can be a little boring at times but as you open up more locations the jump to feature is well worth the inclusion and can save you hours of walking. All in all a must buy in my eye's stages above Bethesda other title Oblivian.… Expand
  12. VamsiV
    Mar 18, 2009
    9
    Truly superb. This game sacrifices little to nothing for its in depth story line, and intriguing side quests. The game offers more freedoms and action packed combat without crippling the game.
  13. RichieC.
    Nov 11, 2008
    9
    I have played the Fallout 1 & 2 to death, and although this Fallout 3 far surpasses them, even though Interplay (Black Isle, Wasteland) did what they could with them. I miss the random encounter "Easter Eggs" like the Tardis, or the Elvis velvet paintings, the remains of the Dead whale in the middle of nowhere, the Bridge of Death, Star Trek etc. At least there is a UFO reference and I have played the Fallout 1 & 2 to death, and although this Fallout 3 far surpasses them, even though Interplay (Black Isle, Wasteland) did what they could with them. I miss the random encounter "Easter Eggs" like the Tardis, or the Elvis velvet paintings, the remains of the Dead whale in the middle of nowhere, the Bridge of Death, Star Trek etc. At least there is a UFO reference and weapon. This game is only missing more pop-culture references like this. Otherwise another award winning Bethesda Studios game.… Expand
  14. LarryP
    Nov 10, 2008
    7
    While the game itself is great, and there's plenty to do, the fact that it ends after you complete the mainline is horrible for an enormous sandbox. It annoys me that I have to restore a game prior to the end to enjoy the rest of the content. And I also believe the mainline was way too short. Otherwise, fantastic game with great characters and memorable experiences.
  15. KevinC
    Nov 16, 2008
    9
    I got fed up with the game in the first day because of the (minor) glitches with dialog and character animations, and even wanted to trade it in. But then I played it a second time. The world feels small at first, until you realize that there are something like 117 locations to discover and tons of quests to complete. I believe that the Oblivion engine is, ironically, better suited to I got fed up with the game in the first day because of the (minor) glitches with dialog and character animations, and even wanted to trade it in. But then I played it a second time. The world feels small at first, until you realize that there are something like 117 locations to discover and tons of quests to complete. I believe that the Oblivion engine is, ironically, better suited to Fallout then it was to Oblivion. The gore is an awesome touch, and so are the radio stations - nothing beats completing a quest and then hearing the MC Three Dog talking about it an hour or two later. All in all, I haven't touched any other PS3 game since I picked this one up - VATS is awesome and doesn't get boring, the quests are fun and diverse with many different options, and the Karma system is pretty sweet. However, if you spend a long time customizing your character (and I did), bear in mind that you'll never see his or her face (except for brief moments in VATS).… Expand
  16. AbeL.
    Nov 2, 2008
    6
    The game is good, but it's full of bugs, many of them game breaking. For example, the GOAT froze on me the first 4 times I tried it (and it's happened to a lot of other people), which is absolutely inexcusable. In case you don't know, the GOAT is a test that determines your skills, and you need to pass it in the beginning to continue the game. It's disgusting that The game is good, but it's full of bugs, many of them game breaking. For example, the GOAT froze on me the first 4 times I tried it (and it's happened to a lot of other people), which is absolutely inexcusable. In case you don't know, the GOAT is a test that determines your skills, and you need to pass it in the beginning to continue the game. It's disgusting that Bethesda actually released the game with this bug (and others) in it. Do they even have bug testers?… Expand
  17. JosephC
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    A great game for gamers that enjoy all genres. I personally have never played Elder Scrolls or any of the older Fallout, I really don't play rpg's all that much, but I did find this game to be superb. I have yet to run into any "glitches", and the gameplay is refreshing and entertaining.
  18. MatthewW.
    Nov 5, 2008
    10
    Fallout 3 is a must-own, pure and simple. Any issues are negligible when put up against this game's atmosphere, scope, and detail. It is worth $60 easily, which is my very highest praise for any video game.
  19. blamojenkins
    Oct 21, 2008
    10
    just looking at the pictures and reading the reviews of this game makes me give it a ten b4 i even play it. the fact that this game is going to mix first person shooting, amazing graphics, and awsome gore with the pause combat system of kotor is driving me to the point of insanity. I can not wait this game!!!!
  20. ChristianBjørndalen
    Dec 23, 2008
    9
    A fantastic game! Bethesda has done some amazing work on the engine that gave us The Elder Scrolls, and the cool post nuclear mutant/hero atmosphere from the Fallout prequels oozes through this games' every pore. This will keep you occupied for ages if you play it like me - casually strolling 'round pickin' up side quests and enjoyin' the rippin' scenery :) Blast it!
  21. StevieP
    Dec 30, 2008
    9
    Apart from a few bugs (patch has fixed most of them anyway) this is the best game i have played all year. People say that its "just oblivion with guns" like that's a bad thing.
  22. AndrewG
    Jan 17, 2009
    7
    Fallout 3 has some awesome elements to it but is very overrated. The first 5-10 hours were really impressive and engrossing - the atmosphere, the side missions, the first skill advancements, etc. But, once you get to about the halfway point, the story really deteriorates and the level cap looms on the horizon. At the end of the game, your character will probably be ridiculously dominant - Fallout 3 has some awesome elements to it but is very overrated. The first 5-10 hours were really impressive and engrossing - the atmosphere, the side missions, the first skill advancements, etc. But, once you get to about the halfway point, the story really deteriorates and the level cap looms on the horizon. At the end of the game, your character will probably be ridiculously dominant - to the point where the ending seems like just a normal battle. There are also a number of bugs that I ran in to - game crashes, getting stuck in rocks, etc. Relatively minor, but it's especially annoying at the end when the game's a chore anyway.… Expand
  23. DannyH
    Jan 19, 2009
    8
    The game has a bad habit of crashing on a semi-regular basis (for me, about every three hours of game play), but checkpoints are so frequent that it will only account for 15 minutes of game play at the absolute worst. Minor glitches aside, the game is highly engrossing, with no shortage of exploration and side quests. My first playthough was around 80 hours, and I immediately restarted The game has a bad habit of crashing on a semi-regular basis (for me, about every three hours of game play), but checkpoints are so frequent that it will only account for 15 minutes of game play at the absolute worst. Minor glitches aside, the game is highly engrossing, with no shortage of exploration and side quests. My first playthough was around 80 hours, and I immediately restarted the game so I could play through again, this time being an "evil" character and making different choices in all the quests, resulting in an alternate storyline. If you're into the exploration, item collecting, and character upgrading aspect of games, you'll be completely sucked into this one.… Expand
  24. candidocabrera
    Jan 25, 2009
    10
    The Besto Rol in Ps3
  25. RyanV
    Feb 17, 2009
    10
    I love this game. I spent a lot of time thinking of something to put in this comments section, but I can't think of anything besides this: If you like shooters, Buy this game; If you like RPGs, buy this game; If you like open world environments, buy this game; if you love kicking mutant/ghoul/bad guy/good guy ass, buy this game. Buy this game for whatever system you have.
  26. JonS.
    Jul 13, 2009
    9
    Phenomenal game! Though a warning to RPG players who demand and endless game, and the reason it receives a 9 rather than a 10 from me: if you're good at this game you will max out your character in less than 60 hours of play. While it was a very satisfying play, hitting a character barrier at level 20 was very disappointing. I had to stop playing and am waiting for the fix to hit the Phenomenal game! Though a warning to RPG players who demand and endless game, and the reason it receives a 9 rather than a 10 from me: if you're good at this game you will max out your character in less than 60 hours of play. While it was a very satisfying play, hitting a character barrier at level 20 was very disappointing. I had to stop playing and am waiting for the fix to hit the PS3. I understand why there was a limit: at this level I was mowing through all in my path, though I'm quite familiar with previous Fallouts and had quite the powerful character. One can easily wind up at level 20 with a mediocre or weak character if you don't use your level progressions wisely. And there's plenty of adventure to be had. My second favorite aspect of this game is the turn-based gameplay incorporation into the game without slowing it down - in fact, it speeds up your combat as it's the optimal method of combat in this game. My absolute favorite thing about this game, though, is the theme. Post-nuclear apocalypse is by far my favorite setting, and the selling point that turned me onto this franchise to begin with. But it's the fantastic gameplay and adventure that keeps you hooked.… Expand
  27. LucasK.
    Jul 18, 2009
    10
    This game is astonishing with the amount of freedom it bestows upon you. Even if you beat the games main storyline, there is still hours and hours and hours of gameplay yet to experience.
  28. Nolan
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    I expected this to be good and I was wrong this is one of if not the best game i've played, i sort of liked oblivion on pc but this is just better in everyway, only reason this won't recieve a 10 from me is that its just not perfect (no game has yet not even MGS4) the graphics are good but weird aliasing problems around objects more so around objects with the sky behinde it, likeI expected this to be good and I was wrong this is one of if not the best game i've played, i sort of liked oblivion on pc but this is just better in everyway, only reason this won't recieve a 10 from me is that its just not perfect (no game has yet not even MGS4) the graphics are good but weird aliasing problems around objects more so around objects with the sky behinde it, like its being highlighted.… Expand
  29. BoeRye
    Nov 23, 2008
    9
    9.5 Actually. Excellent Game that continues in the Spirit of Fallout 1. Graphics are good, Not mind blowing and the visual glitches so talked about are not that bad. I have yet to have a total crash or reset and the worst bug ive seen is raiders flying about much more than they should. The world at first seems really small but the sheer amount of locations makes it much bigger. While some 9.5 Actually. Excellent Game that continues in the Spirit of Fallout 1. Graphics are good, Not mind blowing and the visual glitches so talked about are not that bad. I have yet to have a total crash or reset and the worst bug ive seen is raiders flying about much more than they should. The world at first seems really small but the sheer amount of locations makes it much bigger. While some of the NPC's come off a bit stiff, you get attached to the main characters, I had to stop playing when dogmeat got kill by a super mutie. The real star of the game is the wasteland itself. It is completely beautiful and there were many times it took my breath away. For fans of fallout if you don't have this game yet get up and go directly to the nearest store and get it immediately. For everyone else I would say if you are tired of the usual hack and slash or shooter then pick this up, it will suck you in.… Expand
  30. ReneM
    Dec 23, 2008
    9
    My favorite game of the year by far. The minor gilitcehs and bugs were the only thing that make this game lose a point, and these errors should be largely fixed as a patch will soon be available. The graphics leave something to be desired, but the interface options, the custom character options, the karma system, the side quests, make up for that. I have found myself having fun just My favorite game of the year by far. The minor gilitcehs and bugs were the only thing that make this game lose a point, and these errors should be largely fixed as a patch will soon be available. The graphics leave something to be desired, but the interface options, the custom character options, the karma system, the side quests, make up for that. I have found myself having fun just wandering around the wasteland. The VATS system is great, it makes this game better than your average, 3rd person/1st person shooter. The fact that you can kill anyone you want is great. If you get pissed off at a character, just blow him away with your combat shotgun, but make sure that you wont need the character later on to finish a quest. Although the game also lacks any multiplayer, its still one of the greatest game of the year, and will definatly will have as large of a following that the perivous installments had created. 9.2/10… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS3 Game of 2008
5
#5 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
4
#4 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 55 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Digital Chumps
    Oct 27, 2010
    76
    Until you can play the game without unpredictable crashing and quirky issues surprising you it's going to be tough to find the maximum amount of fun I know this title can offer.
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  2. 1UP
    100
    This is the kind of hugely ambitious game that doesn't come around very often, and when it does, you'd be a fool not to play it and enjoy the hell out of it and look forward to the day (next-next-gen?) when the fidelity of open-world RPGs takes another big step closer to the uncanny valley's far side.
    Read full review
  3. IGN
    94
    It's rare that a game can hit the mark in so many different and often conflicting areas. Fallout 3 offers freedom without sacrificing a focused story. It delivers fantastic combat without forgoing a deep role-playing system. The characters you meet are engaging and oftentimes hilarious without feeling out of place in this harsh world.
    Read full review
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