User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2106 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Mar 6, 2017
    10
    This game seems like Oblivion with guns at the start, but you will soon realise that it is so much more. What an amazing game this is and if you pick up the GOTY edition then you will not be disappointed as it adds 5 full storyline DLC's to the already great game that is Fallout 3. A game that must be played.
  2. Jun 7, 2016
    10
    When this game came out, it was better than sex. Seriously, I played through this game literally 9 times and only cheated once so that I could get the Experimental MIRV early in the game for... an experiment. This game was like sex, except I had it.
  3. Sep 30, 2016
    8
    Shotguns. One of the types of guns there are, but there aren't much shotguns at all. In fact, including the other DLC's there are only three types of shotguns it seems. I'm just going to hope that there will be more shotguns, or at least more things to do to help modify it to my liking.
  4. Mar 23, 2017
    10
    Fallout 3 proves to be one of the best open world games of all time, and while it has many problems that can easily be argued that Fallout New Vegas does better, the world and content was just unmatched for me. After spending 300 hours doing all the main quests and side missions (base and all dlc included), I spent 300 more just going on my own and doing my make believe adventure andFallout 3 proves to be one of the best open world games of all time, and while it has many problems that can easily be argued that Fallout New Vegas does better, the world and content was just unmatched for me. After spending 300 hours doing all the main quests and side missions (base and all dlc included), I spent 300 more just going on my own and doing my make believe adventure and having such fun doing it. I truly felt that the game had the best way to bring out exploration and reward the player well. It holds a special place in my heart for just how fun a post-apocalyptic survival game could be even when the content would run dry. Expand
  5. Apr 6, 2017
    10
    Never doubt the addictiveness of Fallout 3.
    I did not play this game until last year (2016) for various reasons I won't put in this review. But suffice to say, from the moment I got out of vault 101 I was absolutely hooked, and for the next 129 hours I traversed, explored and experienced a world so bleak, with a story that's even bleaker, that it kept me thoroughly engaged in and effort
    Never doubt the addictiveness of Fallout 3.
    I did not play this game until last year (2016) for various reasons I won't put in this review. But suffice to say, from the moment I got out of vault 101 I was absolutely hooked, and for the next 129 hours I traversed, explored and experienced a world so bleak, with a story that's even bleaker, that it kept me thoroughly engaged in and effort to help anyone I could by any means necessary.

    If you pick this game up and get at least a couple hours into it, I doubt you will will put it down.
    This IS the greatest open world RPG ever made.
    Expand
  6. Mar 7, 2022
    10
    Amazing game growing up for me. It was the first time i could find guns enjoyable in a RPG. The shooting wasnt great but you worked with it.
  7. Jul 26, 2017
    8
    This is a great game but it does have its flaws. I love the Fallout series and as this being Bethesda's first attempt at the Fallout series they succeed with flying colors, even though the game is grey and green. Overall Fallout 3 gets an 8 out of 10 in my book and my Buy it Seal of Approval.
  8. Nov 20, 2018
    9
    controls are really the only problem with this game that is my only complaint
  9. Nov 16, 2017
    9
    "Fallout 3" is quite simply one of the best games that I have ever played. Exploring the Capital Wasteland and historic landmarks in Washington D.C. is an absolute joy, and the characters you will run across in your journey are memorable. The quests presented are also unique and differ from destroying a whole town to having to stop super-heros from fighting in the town square. If there is"Fallout 3" is quite simply one of the best games that I have ever played. Exploring the Capital Wasteland and historic landmarks in Washington D.C. is an absolute joy, and the characters you will run across in your journey are memorable. The quests presented are also unique and differ from destroying a whole town to having to stop super-heros from fighting in the town square. If there is any downside to this game, it is that the graphics aren't quite what they used to be, and the sewer system can become very confusing and frustrating at times. With all of that being said, Fallout 3 is a game that I have been playing since 2011, and I have had multiple playthroughs. With each play-through, I have found something I appreciate more about the game then dislike about it.

    DLC: Fallout 3 the main game is great, but with five DLC packs as well, there is plenty of content that will keep you occupied. Point Lookout is my personal favorite, as the gloomy atmosphere, open exploration, and great climax are among Fallout 3's best moments. Operation Anchorage is a decent expansion with fun stealth elements, but is over relatively quickly. The Pitt offers some great moments, with some real moral dilemmas, and also great gladiatorial fighting. Broken Steel is noteworthy thanks to its raising of the level cap, and completing the Fallout story-line.

    These fist four expansions range anywhere from great to just good, but then there is the final expansion Mothership Zeta. This expansion is horrible for a number of reasons. For one, ending the whole Fallout 3 game with a terrible DLC is really not the way to go out. While there is an interesting premise here, and some genuinely cool moments with being out in outer-space, the game-play for the most part is terrible. There is no exploration available as you are restricted to just a single ship, the weapons the aliens provide are not that imaginative, and the difficulty is much too extreme. The final "boss" battle is incredibly weak also.
    Expand
  10. May 21, 2019
    8
    The story was kind of meh, but there were plenty of outstanding side quests that made up for it.
  11. Mar 7, 2018
    10
    Fallout 3 is an absolutely amazing game, and I'm still playing it in 2018. It has a style of gameplay that will never grow old for me, the fact that you can make every character different. One time I could play as a scientist and then the next time I could play as a scavenger. This formula is what keeps the game relevant today, the utter replay value. I also really like the way there areFallout 3 is an absolutely amazing game, and I'm still playing it in 2018. It has a style of gameplay that will never grow old for me, the fact that you can make every character different. One time I could play as a scientist and then the next time I could play as a scavenger. This formula is what keeps the game relevant today, the utter replay value. I also really like the way there are so many quests and each one has it's own spin on Post-Apocalyptic life in the wasteland. I would recommend that you would buy the GOTY Edition so you can continue your adventure through The Capital Wasteland and enjoy all the amazing DLCs. Expand
  12. Feb 25, 2019
    10
    I spent near 200 hours of my life playing this. I started playing it after TES IV : Oblivion, and the similarity of controls made it easier to me just as the interactions with NPC's. It is a really good RPG: good quests and important decisions can affect in a severe way, good customization... I miss the old times in which bethesda made jewels like this... MUST-PLAY
  13. Aug 10, 2018
    8
    This was my first time entering the Fallout universe. I was not disappointed. I really had no idea what I was getting into, but once I left the vault and saw the Capitol Wasteland for the first time, I was blown away. This adventure took me on an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every second of it.
  14. Dec 28, 2022
    8
    In my opinion, this game is still superior to Skyrim. It's a fantastic post-apocalyptic RPG with that Bethesda-style freedom and storytelling that everybody loves. Go anywhere, build your character, loot and explore. Become a hero, a mercenary or a heartless murderer. Fallout 3 has its fair share of bugs, glitches and visual limitations, but it's still a must-play for fans of massive openIn my opinion, this game is still superior to Skyrim. It's a fantastic post-apocalyptic RPG with that Bethesda-style freedom and storytelling that everybody loves. Go anywhere, build your character, loot and explore. Become a hero, a mercenary or a heartless murderer. Fallout 3 has its fair share of bugs, glitches and visual limitations, but it's still a must-play for fans of massive open worlds that will take you hundreds of hours to fully experience. Expand
  15. Nov 17, 2018
    10
    Amazing. So immersive I lost approx 180hrs !! Nothing else needs to be said
  16. Jun 11, 2021
    9
    not the goat fallout game but its up there. revolutionized open world rpgs and still holds up to this day.
    the real great stories i think are in the side quest. the main quest isnt as good as nv. but still one of my all time fav games.
  17. Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Its like new vegas in the sense that it is in my top 5 Favorite Games of All Time but is not as great as fallout new vegas. Still a must play. Amazing game.
  18. Oct 20, 2019
    10
    Top 5 games of all time hands down. The characters, quests and enemies are absolutely endless. There’s so much content, but it never feels like filler, just hundred of hours exploring and discovering every inch of what this game has to offer. Best.Game.Ever
  19. Sep 19, 2019
    10
    This game is phenomenal. If you see it, pick it up immediately. No second thoughts, just do it. The VATS, to the attention of detail in the world, you could play for hours.
  20. Sep 22, 2020
    9
    Fallout 3 does an excellent job of telling it's story, add a good amount of content to keep the player going, and adds so much re playability. It's truly my favorite in the series.
  21. Sep 30, 2019
    10
    My favorite game of all time. Gameplay, characters, and the world is so interesting. I lose track of time playing any fallout game, but more so in this one
  22. Jul 19, 2020
    9
    Took me forever to play this back in the day on my Xbox 360 but damm. 264 hours i invested in this gem of a game.
  23. Nov 19, 2021
    10
    One of the best games to the series and an All-time Classic. Also, the last Decent Fallout Game!
  24. Jun 9, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is amazing! I absolutely loved the fact that it changed according to the choices you made. I also loved the fully-fleshed out characters even the crazy one! As a former disc jockey, I got a kick out of the multiple radio stations available too, I especially liked Three Dog! That actor was spot on as a disc jockey!!!! I'm aware this game is inspired by Harlan Ellison's "A boy and his dog", but wow, it also echoed "Book of Elijah" and "Mad Max" as well. Really well done !!! Expand
  25. Jun 22, 2020
    9
    Excellent open world, fun story and an overall great RPG. The music is also amazing and weirdly works perfectly for destroying mutants and raiders.
  26. Jun 27, 2020
    9
    This game is fabulous. If you haven't played it, you should. The gameplay is top notch. However there are some minor problems that keep it from being perfect. They are strictly related to the nature of a console based game. If you want the very best experience and mod options play it on PC.
  27. Sep 28, 2020
    10
    Fallout 3 is a masterpiece. Fallout 3 is a open world role playing game set in a post apocalyptic Washington DC with a retro futuristic style. The main quest is great and the side quests are also great.
  28. Nov 3, 2022
    8
    Casi una década después de probarlo en su infame versión de PS3 con su vergonzoso rendimiento, disfrutar de este Shooter RPG me ha traído la experiencia que estaba esperando: correr durante horas por el páramo y las ciudades destruidas a manos de mi fusil, sintiendo que estoy dentro casi de un survival horror por el cuidado que hay que tener de los recursos, ha sido mucho más divertido deCasi una década después de probarlo en su infame versión de PS3 con su vergonzoso rendimiento, disfrutar de este Shooter RPG me ha traído la experiencia que estaba esperando: correr durante horas por el páramo y las ciudades destruidas a manos de mi fusil, sintiendo que estoy dentro casi de un survival horror por el cuidado que hay que tener de los recursos, ha sido mucho más divertido de lo que creía. Aún así, está lejos de ser perfecto, sobre todo a nivel gráfico. Expand
  29. Nov 13, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I enjoyed it very much, it has a good gameplay and various side quest. There are some glitches like some characters will disappear for no reason and you will make a really long jump and take the fall damage. Expand
  30. Nov 20, 2020
    9
    OVERALL - 94%

    Gameplay - 8/10
    Graphics (for time) - 7/10
    Story - 9/10
    Game Length - 8/10
    Characters - 8/10
    Level/Area Design - 8/10
    Atmosphere - 9/10
    Sound Effects - 8/10
    Soundtrack - 8/10
    Replay Value - 8/10

    Probably the most realistic depiction of nuclear fallout of any game.
  31. Dec 16, 2021
    8
    Played on Series X with backwards compatibility.

    I finished this game way too quick. There is much more to do. I had fun playing this game :)
  32. Jun 1, 2023
    9
    Best part of the series and one of the best RPGs ever. Just satisfying to listen to the great songs in the in-game radio and enjoy the apocalypse. Overall rating: 9.3.
  33. Dec 28, 2021
    8
    Atmosphere: 9
    Enjoyment: 8
    Gameplay: 7
    Graphics: 7
    Music: 7
    Story: 7
    Total: 7.50
  34. Mar 13, 2022
    10
    The Best game of all time! Best narrative storytelling! Best Music and Sound! Phenomenon gameplay VATS System! Enormous game, incredible in every way!!!
  35. Jul 14, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Best game ever Expand
  36. Jul 27, 2022
    10
    RPG classic that is one of the greatest rpgs of all time. Wow what a classic.
  37. Jul 27, 2022
    10
    Great Fallout game, and definitely good for its time. Nothing else to really say.
  38. Sep 2, 2022
    10
    One of the top RPG's of all time highly recommend. My favorite game of all time.
  39. Jul 16, 2023
    9
    Es una obra maestra. Uno de los mejores RPG jamás creados. Los escenarios, los personajes, las oportunidades, las opciones, todo. Bethesda demostró con creces que son los maestros del RPG occidental.
  40. Jan 19, 2023
    10
    Fallout 3 wird selbst nach mehreren dutzenden Stunden nicht langweilig Die spielwelt ist offen und vollgepackt mit interessanten Sachen Die Dialoge mit den npc's sind angenehm und fesselnd. Für mich der beste Fallout teil .
  41. Jan 27, 2023
    9
    Fallout 3 Fallout 3 Fallout 3 Fallout 3 Fallout 3 Fallout 3 Fallout 3
  42. Jan 29, 2023
    8
    Bom jogo, recomendo... muitas horas de vicio.
    Jogado novamente recentemente.
  43. May 11, 2023
    9
    This game is easily one of the best fallout games, enjoyed it a lot and it honestly has the best map!
  44. Jun 6, 2023
    10
    Masterpiece. I play this game every two or three years; i envy those of you whom have never played it, since you can experience this atmosphere for the first time.
  45. Sep 8, 2023
    8
    It's an FPS game with an appealing atmosphere, but it feels somewhat lacking in certain aspects.
  46. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    An absolutely fantastic game, i loved it when it was released. It gave me so many hours of pure fun.
  47. Aug 22, 2023
    8
    Easily the best game Bethesda has ever made. This is a fantastic game with fun gameplay and an engaging world and interesting characters.
  48. Sep 3, 2023
    10
    Gaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!! fallout 3
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 84 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 84
  2. Negative: 0 out of 84
  1. Fallout 3 is an experience in itself, and while it may not offer as much replay value as Oblivion, it’s so much more then an “Oblivion with guns”.
  2. 90
    From the hollow wind blowing down through subway tunnels, to the radioactive dust clouds swirling throughout the wasteland, up to the buzzards circling the encampment where the bodies of 30 slave traders lie; Fallout 3 is as much a game as it is a training sim for the coming apocalypse.
  3. In fact, Fallout 3 is leaner and meaner than Bethesda's previous efforts, less expansive but more intense, while still offering immense replay value and quite a few thrills along the way.