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. Tubie
    Oct 2, 2010
    9
    This game is decent, for an RPG lover it will be a fun experience from start to end. The atmosphere and is well crafted and you will immerse yourself in the setting. The main problem I had with this game was the combat, it's super simple and after a while it gets repetitive and boring. This game would have been a classic if it wasn't for the silly combat.
  2. slinky773
    Oct 2, 2010
    9
    Wow. Only 5,000 character reviews allowed? That's not nearly enough to describe the beauty of this game. But anyways, guess what? This game is one of the best games ever. Bioshock and Fallout 3 are the best FPS-RPG hybrids in the world. And guess what? They both came out for the PS3 at roughly the same date. Bioshock came a week earlier on the PS3, and I say the PS3 because Bioshock didn'tWow. Only 5,000 character reviews allowed? That's not nearly enough to describe the beauty of this game. But anyways, guess what? This game is one of the best games ever. Bioshock and Fallout 3 are the best FPS-RPG hybrids in the world. And guess what? They both came out for the PS3 at roughly the same date. Bioshock came a week earlier on the PS3, and I say the PS3 because Bioshock didn't come out on the PS3 until about a year after every other version. Anyways, what can I say? You're born, and you make your gender, name, looks, etc. Then you're suddenly 1 year old, and you're introduced to the actual mechanics. Then you're 10, and you're given your Pip-Boy, along with a BB-Gun for your birthday. Then you're 16, and you have to take a test to see where you fit into in the world. Then you're 19, and for some reason, your dad is gone. He disappeared and escaped from your home, vault 101. Vaults are underground shelters, and were created because of the ongoing Nuclear War. Everyone is looking for you since they apparently think you know where he is, which you really don't. After a few tasks, you get out into the real world. Now, this is all the reason why this game got a 9 instead of a 10. The intro, and that's really my only grudge, other then a few glitches. The real world is nothing like you're used to. It's a barren wasteland that you don't even recognize. You go to a nearby town to find more about your father and where the hell he went, and that's about the point that I got to. Now, the great thing about this game is the amount of options. You can choose to shoot the head, the torso, the right arm, the left arm, the weapon, the right leg, and the left leg in the brilliant system known as V.A.T.S. You can choose side quests. You can choose to save people. You can choose to kill people. Even the conversations have options. No matter what, you always have a say in what you do. The combat is the weakest part, though. Even though that's not saying much. That's like saying that 1 YouTube video is worse then the best YouTube video. The combat doesn't feel like how combat in a FPS should be. Bioshock did combat better. But other then that, this is one of the greatest games in existence. And this is where I draw the line.… Expand
  3. Milan
    Oct 12, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Often touted as "Oblivion with guns", Fallout 3 is certainly very similar to the fantasy-world RPG. It is just as immersive as TES IV, with a great soundtrack and world to explore. While many become bored with the dreary landscape and green-and-brown graphics, they don't realize that Fallout 3 takes place in a post-apocalyptic wasteland-not the colourful forests and piercing mountains of fantasy RPGs. Bethesda pulled off the post-apocalyptic theme perfectly, and one really feels as if they are fighting to survive in this devastated world. Fallout 3's gameplay is excellent. Certain skills like persuasion, thieving, sneaking, and ranged attacks (V.A.T.S in particular is excellent) have all been improved on, and the game is a blast to just explore through and interact with the world around you. Sadly, however, Bethesda has still made some of the mistakes that it has with other games in the past. The animations, albeit slightly better than in Oblivion, are still dreadful, and the game's also still full of glitches (sometimes the game becomes completely unplayable, whether it be because of lag or a an NPC randomly dying/glitching in behaviour). While Bethesda hired some top-notch voice actors for Fallout 3, they still didn't hire ENOUGH. Many of the sub-characters' voices are completely recycled. The story also follows the patterns of past games: great-but-not-excellent; and tremendously anti-climatic. However, just as these problems didn't (and shouldn't) stop people from playing Oblivion, the same applies here. Despite all these minor annoyances, Fallout 3 is still a must-buy, featuring a completely immersive, interesting world with excellent gameplay to boot. Delve into the wasteland and forge your own path, Lone Wanderer.… Expand
  4. ReReview
    Oct 27, 2010
    9
    Fallout 3 is an adventurous re-think of the classic RPG game Fallout, rendered in fully-fledged 3D glory and containing one of the most vast and unrestricted landscapes ever committed to pixellated form. Despite a few minor niggles and a wholly unfulfilling ending(/s), I found playing this game to be a real visceral treat. Moments of genuine terror and tension are aplenty, especially ifFallout 3 is an adventurous re-think of the classic RPG game Fallout, rendered in fully-fledged 3D glory and containing one of the most vast and unrestricted landscapes ever committed to pixellated form. Despite a few minor niggles and a wholly unfulfilling ending(/s), I found playing this game to be a real visceral treat. Moments of genuine terror and tension are aplenty, especially if trolling through abandoned subway stations while sitting in a darkened room, wondering where that scuttling sound is coming from and whether you have enough V.A.T.S points to stop it. One of the finest games of recent times.… Expand
  5. mixxalot
    Mar 26, 2016
    9
    Awesome RPG! I bought a used PS3 and this game for dirt cheap and it is so much addicting fun! Reminds me of the old Wasteland RPG but with better graphics and game play. Yes, the bugs suck and quests can be a bit tedious but overall a lot of options to explore and try new weapons, gear and so forth. I have heard that it is even better than the newer Fallout 4! I figure why spend $400 forAwesome RPG! I bought a used PS3 and this game for dirt cheap and it is so much addicting fun! Reminds me of the old Wasteland RPG but with better graphics and game play. Yes, the bugs suck and quests can be a bit tedious but overall a lot of options to explore and try new weapons, gear and so forth. I have heard that it is even better than the newer Fallout 4! I figure why spend $400 for a PS4 or Xbox One and $60 for the new Fallout game when you can buy a PS3 for under $100 and this game for $15?… Expand
  6. SnakeEyeRyan
    Jan 1, 2011
    9
    I say this game would be a ten but the problem is that it has too many bugs and freezing issues. Other than that this game is amazing. So amazing I beat it 4 times, and there are very few games I beat more than once
  7. Canamavrick
    Jan 10, 2011
    9
    Looking for a fun rpg with a huge open world? Fallout 3 is for you. It has some nice graphics with long quests. The only problem is that it crashes sometimes, but its rare that it will happen.
  8. TheCoz
    Apr 21, 2011
    9
    I wish there was a 9.9 button I could press. I do not give out 10's lightly and though Fallout 3 gets pretty damned close to earning one from me there are a few things that keep it from being a perfect experience.

    I had become pretty jaded with games this decade. The shooters were gettting bland, Square wasn't making anything fun, and most of the series I'd loved on the PS2 hadn't    I wish there was a 9.9 button I could press. I do not give out 10's lightly and though Fallout 3 gets pretty damned close to earning one from me there are a few things that keep it from being a perfect experience.

    I had become pretty jaded with games this decade. The shooters were gettting bland, Square wasn't making anything fun, and most of the series I'd loved on the PS2 hadn't followed me to my new system. A friend of mine told me about Fallout 3 and initially I was put off by the sheer size of the thing. I figured it'd get boring and frustrating very quickly. I was very wrong.

    The story may be a tad flimsy, but the setting is great. I remember starting the game and that same friend telling me "See all those buidlings out there?", as I glanced around the destroyed cityscape after emerging from the vault. "You can go into everyone of them. If you can see it, you can get to it". This idea of size enthralled me and I soon became obsessed with just the simple idea of surviving the in the waste. Going into caves, abandoned supermarkets, old schools (most of which had their own stories told through journals and atmospherics) and scavenging for priceless items, upgrading and maintaining my weapons and trading to get better equipment. It was all simple but it was so rewarding.

    The game features an amazing sense of freedom. If something lives, you can shoot it. Which means you can truly walk the line between good and evil in a world with real repercussions. You can either work, scavenge and save up for that certain item you've had your eye on, or wait until late at night, kill the shopkeep and rob his store to sell off somewhere else. But the people you kill stay dead. So everyone who plays has a bit of a different experience.

    The blend of first person action and RPG elements works great thanks to a great combat system and inventory screen. This includes the V.A.T.S. targeting system, which allows you to use your attributes and skills to target certain areas for precision kills. Very useful. Or you can just run and gun and shoot from the hip if you are so inclined.

    The game does, hoever suffer from some terrible glitches. Loading screen loops, key items disappearing, NPC characters seemingly forgetting their lines and cues. It's a big game, and there are a great many things going on at all times that you are always altering so I guess sometimes it gets sort of confused. All of that said; this game is not for everyone. There are long stretches of just wasteland wandering and the main story will be over before you know it, if you pursue the story missions. But this is a unique game in a unique environment. It gets as close as I've yet seen to that immersion factor people are always looking out for.    … Expand
  9. kitsoon
    Aug 25, 2011
    9
    Awesome RPG open world game. Great, moving, immersive story, or you could just wander the Capital Wasteland! Totally up to you. Very interesting characters and enemies scattered across the Wasteland.
  10. 35310c0
    Mar 13, 2012
    9
    Game is amazing but yes it has some bugs (did not bother me) and it crashes sometimes. I 've spent over 100 hours on it and I just love it. Crashes started after 70 hours of gameplay. I had one or two crashes every 5 hours... so not so bad...
  11. coldcalculated
    Dec 11, 2011
    9
    I was hesitant to pick up this game because I had not played the former fallout games. But when i finally took the plunge, I had no regrets. It obviously runs on the same engine as oblivion, but with major improvements. Loved this game, the moment i stepped out of the vault and into the capital wasteland. Kept me busy for around 100 plus hours. The only thing I wish it had was a buggy orI was hesitant to pick up this game because I had not played the former fallout games. But when i finally took the plunge, I had no regrets. It obviously runs on the same engine as oblivion, but with major improvements. Loved this game, the moment i stepped out of the vault and into the capital wasteland. Kept me busy for around 100 plus hours. The only thing I wish it had was a buggy or some kind of bike to get you around quicker. The usual glitches appear here, as they did in oblivion. Main storyline is ridiculously short, and lackluster, but the side quests are awesome and well thought up.… Expand
  12. Dezuuu
    Apr 10, 2012
    9
    Despite the technical issues, this is still my favorite game of this generation. An interesting story, an amazing atmosphere, great music, great characters, great quests. This post-apocalyptic world will keep you hooked for hours. It has quite a few bugs, even after the many updates, and the visuals aren't anything special. You can certainly feel in every way this was made for the PC, butDespite the technical issues, this is still my favorite game of this generation. An interesting story, an amazing atmosphere, great music, great characters, great quests. This post-apocalyptic world will keep you hooked for hours. It has quite a few bugs, even after the many updates, and the visuals aren't anything special. You can certainly feel in every way this was made for the PC, but that shouldn't keep you from playing this.… Expand
  13. Cmcolin
    Jun 10, 2012
    9
    This is a game that feels like a real step forward. An intense, fascinating, and fun game that takes you on a real journey. The main story quest is compelling, as is exploring the ruins of Washington D.C. And the surrounding towns. For all the well-documented glitches, Fallout 3 is as perfect a gaming experience as you will find.
  14. jomipira
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    Bethesda does it again. If you are a RPG fan you cannot go wrong. Great story, great humor, a must buy. Free open world games are Bethesda back yard, and they really know how to make a game world come alive.
  15. DARKHART
    Aug 18, 2012
    9
    Still one of the best games on PS3 if you liked Skyrim its the same makers open world RPG if you took Call of Duty and Skyrim put them in a pot throw in a nuke thats FALLOUT 3 you will love it or hate it there not much between tho it would have been a 10 if it all could have been online...offline only sux !
  16. ss4gaming
    Sep 7, 2012
    9
    This game is great the problem is though the ps3 version is the weakest version of this game so i would recommend getting the pc version because this version has a few technical problems but not game breaking.
  17. alexaxa
    Oct 30, 2012
    9
    This game deserve 9.5 but i can't give it more than 9 since it's plagued with game freeze, slowdown and other bugs. The game plays well for a while but if you're a completionist like me, you'll start having problem much later in the game. For me, the last of the 5 expansions (brotherhood of steel) was almost unplayable. Don't worry though, it will happen only if you try to discover everyThis game deserve 9.5 but i can't give it more than 9 since it's plagued with game freeze, slowdown and other bugs. The game plays well for a while but if you're a completionist like me, you'll start having problem much later in the game. For me, the last of the 5 expansions (brotherhood of steel) was almost unplayable. Don't worry though, it will happen only if you try to discover every location and do every quests in every expansions, things that most people won't do anyway. Still a great game !… Expand
  18. Vanpire73
    Aug 22, 2014
    9
    I f*cking loved this game when it came out. I enjoyed the VATS and the perks and what-not. Honestly, overall I enjoyed New Vegas a little more with the tweaks that were made, but this is the one that had the most initial impact on me. The subway tunnels get a little monotonous and confusing to traverse after a bit, but that is about the only legitimate gripe I have about Skyrim WithI f*cking loved this game when it came out. I enjoyed the VATS and the perks and what-not. Honestly, overall I enjoyed New Vegas a little more with the tweaks that were made, but this is the one that had the most initial impact on me. The subway tunnels get a little monotonous and confusing to traverse after a bit, but that is about the only legitimate gripe I have about Skyrim With Guns. Besthesda also knows the right way to do DLC, as they were pretty good and helped (along with Oblivion) to set a trend releasing beefy add-ons. Looking forward to 4.… Expand
  19. chrisjones914
    May 13, 2013
    9
    Great role playing game!! This game has an engaging story about post-apocolyptic survival, brutal/fun combat and stunning graphics!! Definitely worth your time if you're a fan of rpg's!!
  20. Nerusan
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    This is the Fallout 3 that I came to know and love but on PS3! The only downside is how it runs on PS3. If you can get past occasional lag, then this will be an unforgettable experience. Disregard the naysayers and pick this up!
  21. BonalsII
    Apr 8, 2013
    9
    This is a great game with plenty of things to keep you busy for hours. That being said it does have some serious drawbacks in the way of game breaking bugs, continuous freezing and mediocre gun mechanics. It also allows you to go into third person where the game does not shine. All that being said it does everything else to an exceptional degree, great story, interesting characters,This is a great game with plenty of things to keep you busy for hours. That being said it does have some serious drawbacks in the way of game breaking bugs, continuous freezing and mediocre gun mechanics. It also allows you to go into third person where the game does not shine. All that being said it does everything else to an exceptional degree, great story, interesting characters, exciting missions. Even though it has its negatives, its positives make you want to push through them and keep playing.… Expand
  22. Maniacaca
    Jun 16, 2013
    9
    Well, where to start. Fallout 3 is definitely preferable on the PC (At this time, I don't have a very good one) due to being able to Mod and perheps use console command to escape the occasional glitch. I originally got Fallout: New Vegas, and seen this for £5, so I bought. From the depressing atmosphere, to the funny and unique characters, this is truly a masterpiece. It had so much to do,Well, where to start. Fallout 3 is definitely preferable on the PC (At this time, I don't have a very good one) due to being able to Mod and perheps use console command to escape the occasional glitch. I originally got Fallout: New Vegas, and seen this for £5, so I bought. From the depressing atmosphere, to the funny and unique characters, this is truly a masterpiece. It had so much to do, lasted 100s of hours, abandoned buildings with still-functional computers, of which you could read logs and activate machines to open up new areas or to find out what happened here when the war took place.

    Sadly, this game isn't perfect. Lag, crashing, some bad AI and frame rate issues can really dampen the experience. More than a few times I have lost hours of exploring the Wasteland due to crashing, or even getting stuck in a rock. It is obvious in some places this game was meant for PC, and I would advise it for PC, but if you can't, it is still a brilliant console experience.    … Expand
  23. gavey02
    Aug 26, 2013
    9
    Fallout 3. Between this and just cause 2 i dont know what is the best open world game. Fallout 3 sets you in a desroyed Washington D.C and you are well whoever you want to be. you can be an evil marauder or a nice and kind gentelman, your call. I spent over 40 hours on this game but sadly there is a problem with the dlc content on ps3 so i didnt get to play any of them:(. This game hasFallout 3. Between this and just cause 2 i dont know what is the best open world game. Fallout 3 sets you in a desroyed Washington D.C and you are well whoever you want to be. you can be an evil marauder or a nice and kind gentelman, your call. I spent over 40 hours on this game but sadly there is a problem with the dlc content on ps3 so i didnt get to play any of them:(. This game has great characters good sense of humor loads of wepons(The terrible shotgun being the best) great gameplay good music and a amazing story. 2 problems, 1 you cant play anymore after your done the campain and 2, its full of bugs and glitches, like i got stuck in an area i could not get out of and i had every rare wepon in the game and i had to start over but other than that this game is nothing short of gaming gold. 9.4… Expand
  24. Rruui
    Nov 26, 2013
    9
    This game is awesome, no dout, but it could use a online multiplayer and 2 player setting and could use a clean of all of the bugs and glitches but otherwise it's awesome
  25. Darth24
    Oct 25, 2015
    9
    Great game with a huge open world to explore and playa round in. Game is a lot of fun with lots of crazy different types of weapons and equipment to try, thats in end a lot of fun to use. With countless missions to do and places to find and explore this game will keep you playing for hours on end and will always surprise you with something new and fresh every time you play it.
  26. gamifor
    Feb 8, 2014
    9
    The best RPG on the PS3. A bit too easy. The developer s have created a living post apocalyptic Washington DC. There are many ways to play this game. A true RPG.
  27. FullyAlive24
    Feb 24, 2015
    9
    One of the best games I've ever played, bar none, and up there with the likes of Bioshock Infinite. The questing and game play in this game is very top notch and fun to play over and over as you try out different types of characters.

    The story is okay, but stutters a little from the side effect of chasing a constantly moving character, and it starts to get irritating after a little.    One of the best games I've ever played, bar none, and up there with the likes of Bioshock Infinite. The questing and game play in this game is very top notch and fun to play over and over as you try out different types of characters.

    The story is okay, but stutters a little from the side effect of chasing a constantly moving character, and it starts to get irritating after a little. Lots of the side quests are fun to play and play again, with multiple quests having multiple ways to complete them and to get different loot and rewards.

    I love this game. I want Fallout 4, and I hope it's coming soon. Play this game. Just. Go do it.    … Expand
  28. Fataudama
    Oct 15, 2014
    9
    Good: amazing story based on a classic pc RPG series. This game defines what open world RPG games should be. Graphics are great, unlimited replay ability, fantastic story and universe. Hours and hours of gameplay.

    Bad: glitches and freezing at some points... Only reason this game isn't a 10

    OVERALL: must buy, hundreds of hours of gameplay. Cant wait for fallout 4
  29. AcePowney
    Nov 16, 2015
    9
    Loved it. Never played from release, 2 years after but the graphics held up at the time and I became immersed in the game very quickly. I learned what 'overenvumbered' means about 1 hour into the game and found everything about the game, it's graphics, it's story, it's perk system amazing. It lost a point for the bugs and glitches. Overall, after gaining Platinum Status and playing allLoved it. Never played from release, 2 years after but the graphics held up at the time and I became immersed in the game very quickly. I learned what 'overenvumbered' means about 1 hour into the game and found everything about the game, it's graphics, it's story, it's perk system amazing. It lost a point for the bugs and glitches. Overall, after gaining Platinum Status and playing all DLCs I am hooked to Fallout. Well Done developers you got yourself a lifelong fan!… Expand
  30. AntonioNeftaliJ
    Mar 5, 2016
    9
    Muy buen juego con una historia principal que queda por momento eclipsada por la cantidad de misiones secundarias a las que puedes acceder según avanzas la aventura. Quizás lo que más se hecha de menos es ver un poco más personajes a lo largo del extenso mapa (que posiblemente se deba al cáliz desolador que se le quiere dar).
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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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