Fallout 3

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2106 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,747 out of 2106
  2. Mixed: 184 out of 2106
  3. Negative: 175 out of 2106
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  1. KevinJ
    Jun 25, 2009
    8
    This is one of the few game where you actually get your $60 worth. A huge map, great graphics and very interactive gameplay make it a great buy. While I can see how the many side quests and VATS combat system isn't everyone idea of fun, anyone who gives this game under a 4 is crazy.
  2. BrandonF
    Jun 23, 2009
    10
    I wish I could reply to comments given by people, reply to opinions offered after only a few hours of gameplay into a game which is at least 30-40 hours long without downloadable content if you soak in the ride. The graphics are stunning, like another said, the load times are so short for a game of this size. People, you can't be looking for smooth walking or physics abiding I wish I could reply to comments given by people, reply to opinions offered after only a few hours of gameplay into a game which is at least 30-40 hours long without downloadable content if you soak in the ride. The graphics are stunning, like another said, the load times are so short for a game of this size. People, you can't be looking for smooth walking or physics abiding crouching, that's not what this game is about, if you want a stunning visual FPS play Bioshock (highly recommended), but Fallout 3 is by no means a bad game, it is easily one of the best games on the Xbox 360 and wasn't ported so should be just as great on the PC. If you haven't played the game in its entirety you are doing yourself a disservice and if you haven't played it and score it low you are doing others a disservice by spooning them your ignorant opinions. If you have played it and scored it low that's your call. I however; love this game. It has its flaws and you really have to immerse yourself in the game to get everything out of it. The first time I played i HATED it, couldn't stand the story and the difficulty, but give it time and it'll court you like a 16th century prince.… Expand
  3. Jon
    Jun 9, 2009
    9
    Once you get past some of the more annoying glitches and game freezing, this is one of the best RPG's ever made. At first it can take a little bit to get used to the VATS system, but after an hour or so you'll be enjoying nearly every moment of the game.
  4. ShaneP
    Jun 3, 2009
    6
    Interesting environment and the game looks nice but the combat is rather dull. The VATs system turns it into more like a turn based RPG then an FPS/RPG combo since most of the time you can just tell your character to aim for the head and watch as he kills the enemy for you. Far too much of this game is made up of side quests and the main quest is extremely short. This wouldn't be so Interesting environment and the game looks nice but the combat is rather dull. The VATs system turns it into more like a turn based RPG then an FPS/RPG combo since most of the time you can just tell your character to aim for the head and watch as he kills the enemy for you. Far too much of this game is made up of side quests and the main quest is extremely short. This wouldn't be so much of a problem but you can't continue after you've finished the main quest. Most of the side quests are pointless and didn't even seem that fun. Any quest that rewards you with money is pretty much pointless since you don't need to buy anything. since you can loot all the weapons and ammo you need and the best armour is given during the main questline anyway. I actually ended up completing the game at level 13 (the manual has 20 levels in it) without having even seen half of the map. The evil / good levels didn't seem to actually do anything. Despite the fact i was extremely evil the good guys still welcomed me with open arms. Extremely disappointing.… Expand
  5. AnonYmous
    Jun 1, 2009
    1
    I REALLY wanted to like this game and had no idea I would end up despising it. I hate this game for a couple reasons. 1. After playing this game for a few hours, mostly unimpressed (except for the behemoth I fought, that was pretty bad ass, and I also liked the 50s music) I made my way to whatever that ghoul town in the museum was called; at this point I'm getting bored, but hell I I REALLY wanted to like this game and had no idea I would end up despising it. I hate this game for a couple reasons. 1. After playing this game for a few hours, mostly unimpressed (except for the behemoth I fought, that was pretty bad ass, and I also liked the 50s music) I made my way to whatever that ghoul town in the museum was called; at this point I'm getting bored, but hell I spent $60 so maybe it will get better. Anyway, I get the contract for the slave, go talk to him, he says he has to take care of something (I'm pretty sure what it is), he walks over to his previous owner's bed as he (the bartender) is getting up to go to work...... and the former just continues standing at the bed. I go to melee (forget which character) and all hell breaks loose so I run away and autosave decides it's important to remember that. So at this point I can't go back to the ghoul town for provisions I require for the mission as they all want me dead... super. 2. There are sever other game ending glitches in this game which is damn inexcusable. I don't understand how this Bethesda can stand behind this product and furthermore, can't understand how it gets such great reviews. 3. Boring landscape, inappropriate invisible boundries 4. Villian graphics were cool, everything else was ugly and bland. If you can overlook all of these superficial flaws, there's also the crappy dialogue and drab storyline to contend with... but if you can overlook all of THAT, this is clearly the best game ever. 4.… Expand
  6. PhilM.
    May 11, 2009
    3
    9/10? You honestly believe this game is 10% away from being PERFECT? This game had all of Oblivion's horrible animations. It was just a reskin. The whole sliding walk cycles, defying gravity crouch walking, and the stupid AI and extraodinarily deep combat "swing repeatedly to kill". How epic, you fight giant cockroaches, and the "advanced" facial animation, what with auto-lip sync? 9/10? You honestly believe this game is 10% away from being PERFECT? This game had all of Oblivion's horrible animations. It was just a reskin. The whole sliding walk cycles, defying gravity crouch walking, and the stupid AI and extraodinarily deep combat "swing repeatedly to kill". How epic, you fight giant cockroaches, and the "advanced" facial animation, what with auto-lip sync? So unpolished. Looks like it was made by QANTM students. I hate the whole, pick up every item you see. How many police uniforms do you need? Oh but that's "interactivity" isn't it.… Expand
  7. JamesW.
    Apr 11, 2009
    9
    This is a enormous game that will you wanting more. A lot more. The main quests are short but overall satisfying. The side quests are fun,too but makes the game feel like it's labored for some quests, ex. the wasteland survival guide. The story is a lot better than most people is this site say. The NPCs have personality and you feel a connection with some of the them. Most of the bad This is a enormous game that will you wanting more. A lot more. The main quests are short but overall satisfying. The side quests are fun,too but makes the game feel like it's labored for some quests, ex. the wasteland survival guide. The story is a lot better than most people is this site say. The NPCs have personality and you feel a connection with some of the them. Most of the bad reviews, I think, are fps fans who didn't know what they were getting into and Fallout 1 and 2 fans, I'm one myself, who can't except change and Bethesda style of games.… Expand
  8. RowanF
    Apr 9, 2009
    10
    I've never really been much of a fan of the RPG genre. However, when I played Fallout 3... It... To use a quote from the add that i'm occasionally glancing at whilst writing this: It put a smile on my face. In fact I would go so far to say that if... Yes, I'm going to say it: If you don't like Fallout 3 then you should be thrown into the bottomless pit of hellfire. The I've never really been much of a fan of the RPG genre. However, when I played Fallout 3... It... To use a quote from the add that i'm occasionally glancing at whilst writing this: It put a smile on my face. In fact I would go so far to say that if... Yes, I'm going to say it: If you don't like Fallout 3 then you should be thrown into the bottomless pit of hellfire. The graphics are stunning, the locations the biggest I've seen amongst games and the load times the shortest. The sheer ingenuity and imagination that has been put into the game is astounding. As opposed to games like far cry 2 where the mission variety ranged from 'go here and destroy this' to... well... 'go here and destroy this', fallout 3 has you recovering the declaration of independence from an android who thinks he's a president in between helping a village based on a half-collapsed freeway rid themselves of the local vampire cult. And, while you might think that in a game where everything is so incredibly imaginative and well thought out there might be many flaws and a very short playtime, the entire game feels solid and problem free, with the exception of a few harmless, and often hilarious, glitches. And in fact, I've colcked up ver 60 hours of gameplay so far and there's stil tonnes i ahvent done. In short, almost every single part of this game is perfect. It is, if you like, an ingenious angel sent from heaven in a time of four-hours-long dull monotonous games.… Expand
  9. Gary
    Mar 26, 2009
    10
    Probably one of the best games I have ever played, overall. There are a few little bugs but they are so slight compared to all the great things about this game. I think the best part about this game is the rich atmosphere, environment, and aesthetic. The gameplay and combat are good and the quests are fun and varied. The actual story part of the game probably only makes up 20% of all that Probably one of the best games I have ever played, overall. There are a few little bugs but they are so slight compared to all the great things about this game. I think the best part about this game is the rich atmosphere, environment, and aesthetic. The gameplay and combat are good and the quests are fun and varied. The actual story part of the game probably only makes up 20% of all that this game has to offer so you get your money's worth. I think everyone needs to at least try this game.… Expand
  10. CassK
    Mar 26, 2009
    10
    I personally loved the game. I read some other reviews from other people and I agree with most, but yet the ones who rate 0 and such and complain about traveling, well don't you think it would get rather boring just being able to go every where right away? Ever hear about a challenge? Or how the scenery was 'boring' well um its an apocalyptic WASTELAND after being fucking I personally loved the game. I read some other reviews from other people and I agree with most, but yet the ones who rate 0 and such and complain about traveling, well don't you think it would get rather boring just being able to go every where right away? Ever hear about a challenge? Or how the scenery was 'boring' well um its an apocalyptic WASTELAND after being fucking nuked. I'm sure the world would look similar to that so I applaud the scenery because its how it would really look. So but all in all, I enjoyed the graphics actually some glitches yes, not everything is perfect. I like VATS because I'm not much into shooters myself since I have slow reaction time so it helps me. and I love RPGs and this is one of the best I've ever played. Oh and I love the dog you find at the scrapyard dog meat.… Expand
  11. AlexH
    Mar 25, 2009
    0
    Fallout 3 is probably one of the worst (hyped up about) games you could waste your money on. 3 contains many of flaws that shouldn't be in a action-role playing game. First, in the first 3 hours of playing the game, you don't shoot anything. Mainly, Fallout 3 provides us with a huge free roam availability (in other words, the free roam is to big that you easily get overwhelmed Fallout 3 is probably one of the worst (hyped up about) games you could waste your money on. 3 contains many of flaws that shouldn't be in a action-role playing game. First, in the first 3 hours of playing the game, you don't shoot anything. Mainly, Fallout 3 provides us with a huge free roam availability (in other words, the free roam is to big that you easily get overwhelmed and search the wrong places in a "mission"). Lastly, Fallout 3 is not very much of a role-playing game its a strategy game, the first 2 hours of playing is doing the GOAT test and talking to people in your vault. Overall Fallout 3 is a waste of money and time.… Expand
  12. Mike
    Mar 21, 2009
    1
    I like some aspects of this game and didn't like others, I am an original Fallout fan but I judged this game on it's own merits as if it wasn't a Fallout game at all. The reason for my score is simple, the game was bugged into unplayability. After about 20+ hours of roaming the wasteland, having fun but being disappointed in the dialogue and story, I was unable to progress. I like some aspects of this game and didn't like others, I am an original Fallout fan but I judged this game on it's own merits as if it wasn't a Fallout game at all. The reason for my score is simple, the game was bugged into unplayability. After about 20+ hours of roaming the wasteland, having fun but being disappointed in the dialogue and story, I was unable to progress. Upon trying to enter the vicinity of Jefferson Memorial (which is required to beat the game) my game crashed, I reloaded and tried again... crash. I then shrugged and went to a backup save (I always keep several) made my way back and got the same result. I tried every save I had, even going back several hours, and I still could not escape the bug. It's clear that something is seriously wrong with this game, Bethesda had no excuse for releasing this in it's present state and I doubt they will patch it beyond what is necessary to sell more DLC. Oh and I also found other people online who had the same problem so I know it isn't a 1 in a 1000000 bug. I would advise anyone who really wants to play this to get the PC version as I'm sure fans will patch it into playability, as Bethesda relies on. Don't buy console versions from a company known for making buggy games and not fixing them, it seems they still haven't learned their lesson.… Expand
  13. AlexC.
    Mar 15, 2009
    5
    Very average game. The world is big, yes, but that's about the only good thing about this RPG. The main problems are: low res textures and jagged surfaces everywhere; bland looking faces and horrible animations; horribly bland and repetitive environments; equally repetitive quests; completely forgettable characters; below average voice acting of most of the in-game characters; the Very average game. The world is big, yes, but that's about the only good thing about this RPG. The main problems are: low res textures and jagged surfaces everywhere; bland looking faces and horrible animations; horribly bland and repetitive environments; equally repetitive quests; completely forgettable characters; below average voice acting of most of the in-game characters; the game has countless bugs such as pop-in and game freezing and things that disappear in front of you; the third person view (optional) is the most horrible 3rd person view I've ever seen (even most homebrew games do this better) you will get bored having to open thousands of random containers in the game just to discover they are empty or contain something useless; the enemy AI is horrible, they just run at you and shoot; the weapons are for the most part very boring and contain no upgrade system aside from how your own stats affect them and the fact that they (very annoyingly) degrade; you are forced to use a roll-the-dice type system to shoot something as shooting from FPS view just doesn't work; most characters in the game all look and behave the same... I could go on and on. Mass Effect was an incredible game -- huge, with a great storyline and great action and characters you got to care about. Fallout 3 is nothing of the sort. Bethesda should have given the money they spent on making this game to another developer... almost any other developer could have done a better job than this with the amount of money and time that was spent on it. I do not understand why the gaming press decided this was such a good game. Believe me, it is not, unless your idea of fun is wandering around a huge world opening things to see if they have things of interest when 99% of the time they do not, and doing pointless quests following forgettable prompts by cardboard characters. I did play this game all the way through, and it did have a few enjoyable moments like but it was mediocre fun at best. The ending was just as anticlimactic as the game itself. Strongly recommend a rental if you are still seriously considering this. If you haven't already and like action RPGs, buy Mass Effect, the most underrated game on the 360, instead.… Expand
  14. RobertL
    Feb 9, 2009
    6
    Hugely ambitious game? Yes! Full of annoying issues? You bet! I really wanted to like this game, but it just has too many tedious and annoying flaws. For example, if you want to be true to a FPS style and forego the V.A.T.S. system... GOOD LUCK. You'll waste all your ammo and be very frustrated at how slowly things die. Secondly... why does ammo no have any weight, but everything Hugely ambitious game? Yes! Full of annoying issues? You bet! I really wanted to like this game, but it just has too many tedious and annoying flaws. For example, if you want to be true to a FPS style and forego the V.A.T.S. system... GOOD LUCK. You'll waste all your ammo and be very frustrated at how slowly things die. Secondly... why does ammo no have any weight, but everything else does? At one point I was overburdened and couldn't run anymore... so what did I do? I dropped a single PAPER CUP from my inventory and viola... I'm running again. I was like WTF? you can't be serious!!! Also, I couldn't stand the fact that it autosaves in the worst possible spots, forcing you to restart the game if you forget to manually save every few minutes. I kept getting stuck in the middle of a fire-fight where I would die and then re-spawn in the the middle of batter, unable to run away or survive more than a few seconds. It was ridiculous and I had to restart the game just to recover from it. Very annoying. After a while, all these little issues started adding up to the point where playing was even fun anymore... it was just tedious and annoying.… Expand
  15. NamelessUser
    Feb 5, 2009
    9
    What I like about Fallout 3, is the crude beauty of the wasteland. Everything looks so good, that it's hard to believe that it's made with the same engine as Oblivion. (Expect when using melee.) But nothing stays fresh forever, especially not games. So after the first time I completed the game, the only thing that forced me to continue, was Achievements.
  16. NicholasBlatsos
    Feb 4, 2009
    10
    One of the best games i have ever played. It is mostly true to the old games, sharing the same feel of the wasteland. It has trimmed some of the old features, and invented new ones. The V.A.T.S. aiming system is as entertaining to use the millionth time as the first. The variety, size and replayability of Fallout 3 will ensure entertainment for possibly hundreds of hours.

    -Nick B.
  17. JeffD
    Feb 3, 2009
    7
    I played the original Fallouts. Heck, I played the CGA game Fallout was based on back in the 80s. They were all classics: well-written, atmospheric, and they just gelled well. Unlike most diehard Fallout fans though, I also thought Oblivion was a masterpiece, albeit for different reasons: huge and beautiful gameworld, lots of options, lots of fun stuff to do just tinkering around in the I played the original Fallouts. Heck, I played the CGA game Fallout was based on back in the 80s. They were all classics: well-written, atmospheric, and they just gelled well. Unlike most diehard Fallout fans though, I also thought Oblivion was a masterpiece, albeit for different reasons: huge and beautiful gameworld, lots of options, lots of fun stuff to do just tinkering around in the sandbox. For my money, Fallout 3 is weaker than either the original two Fallout games or Oblivion. It really is pretty much "Oblivion with guns", which I would have been fine with, except a lot of what made Oblivion so enjoyable is missing here. You can explore all you want, but real, meaningful choice is very nearly as absent in this game as it was in Bioshock. There is only one way for the main story to proceed -- there are console-style artificial barriers placed at key moments in the story to prevent you from disrupting the narrative. Furthermore, in the original Fallouts, you could play as a diplomat OR a hacker OR a gambler or whatnot -- there were almost always meaningful *alternatives* to shooting. In this Fallout, you have to have Small Guns AND Repair AND Science AND Lockpicking to get anywhere -- they aren't alternatives, they're all mandatory -- and usually there is only one way to handle a problem. The primary radio station just sounds like a broken record. VATS isn't a turn-based alternative to real-time combat, it's just like a "special attack" system to add targeted shots onto FPS combat (if you use only VATs, you'll only get to shoot about half as frequently as if you alternate between FPS (while your APs charge) & VATS. Etc. In summary, lots of problems here. Be that as it may, expectations were pretty insane for most people, and resurrecting a classic franchise is dangerous business, and for a first effort at a Fallout game, I think Bethesda did OK. Not great, not awful. The game does have its moments, no question, and I'm optimistic that with another iteration, Bethesda's Fallout will become more polished and (importantly) differentiated from Oblivion and take on character of its own. Worth playing, but don't get your hopes up too high.… Expand
  18. ColinMosher
    Feb 3, 2009
    10
    I played this game for a good five day rental and I got through quite a bit. I have to say, it is all I wanted in a version of Oblivion with guns. Of course, instead of just making a game from the past such as Oblivion with guns, they adjusted the setting to fit the Fallout series perfectly and executed the Oblivion engine accurately. I found the beginning to be very imaginative, more soI played this game for a good five day rental and I got through quite a bit. I have to say, it is all I wanted in a version of Oblivion with guns. Of course, instead of just making a game from the past such as Oblivion with guns, they adjusted the setting to fit the Fallout series perfectly and executed the Oblivion engine accurately. I found the beginning to be very imaginative, more so than what was done with Oblivion; however, it was very lengthy and seemed to block me from getting much action. Overall, I say 9.5/10 for excellent game despite glitches and somewhat lengthy beginning.… Expand
  19. BenD.
    Feb 2, 2009
    6
    This game is a poor mix of both rpg and fps. Im a huge fan of oblivion and halo3 and the call of duty series, however the blend of mixing the two concepts is tiring and annoying. The first thing i want to do is shoot a straight bullet and not depend on stats that a chose early in the game. The missions are basically the same as all oblivion ones, e.g. talk to someone, find something and This game is a poor mix of both rpg and fps. Im a huge fan of oblivion and halo3 and the call of duty series, however the blend of mixing the two concepts is tiring and annoying. The first thing i want to do is shoot a straight bullet and not depend on stats that a chose early in the game. The missions are basically the same as all oblivion ones, e.g. talk to someone, find something and give it to them, or try snd persuade them. How SHIT!! The random bad guys are so lame, reminds of the bandits or whatever they're called, more like ass bandits. And the supermutants all look identical, thats ridiculous. However good concept a decent story. They should have removed most of the stats involved in shooting, nothing is more frustarting that seeing a bullet miss even though your pointing straight at it. I sent mine back, rip off for something i was expecting to be as good as oblivion or other great fps's.… Expand
  20. richardl
    Jan 30, 2009
    8
    I personally love this game. The story line is great and the gun are fun to use, but my biggest problem is how unlike oblivion you are not able to continue the game after you beat the last mission. other then that the game is good, just don't skip through the story line like i did the first time or the game will get boring because of how fast you beat it.
  21. ColinM
    Jan 30, 2009
    7
    I was really looking forward to buying this game since of all the good reception its been receiving. I got a few days ago, and frankly I'm disappointed. The graphics are pretty good, but not mind-blowing. The HUD sucks though and is pretty unimaginative. The quests are okay but can get sometimes get linear. And don't even get me started on the charatcer animation and physics. I was really looking forward to buying this game since of all the good reception its been receiving. I got a few days ago, and frankly I'm disappointed. The graphics are pretty good, but not mind-blowing. The HUD sucks though and is pretty unimaginative. The quests are okay but can get sometimes get linear. And don't even get me started on the charatcer animation and physics. Absolute garbage. The character looks like he is "skating over the terrain" in third person view. The background story is pretty nice. And the enemy variety is okay. I hate the Super Mutants however, those guys have serious issues. Oh. and the glitches. LOTS AND LOTS of glitches. Would I recommend this game to someone. Hmmmm.... I would actually have to say yes. But you need a lot of patience. A LOT OF PATIENCE to get past the annoying glitches and the boring beginning. Overall, 7.7/10… Expand
  22. noahanderson
    Jan 27, 2009
    10
    this is my favorite game for any platform i have put in over 100 hours and if you buy the guide it helps you through thick and thin while you shoot your way to where you need to go and the thing that throws it past a 10 is VATS it will blow your mind this is a must get game no matter who you are you will continuosly play it until you beat it
  23. AnonymousMC
    Jan 25, 2009
    9
    You don't need me to tell you this game is good. Just listen to the critics. They know what they are saying. Every aspect of this game is stunning. Its a visceral experience in which you can actually feel as if you are apart of the world you see around you. Buy this game. It is worth your money.
  24. StevenD
    Jan 23, 2009
    10
    Awesome game. I've put in around 30 hours so far, and haven't even really done that many quests. I've just enjoyed traveling the wasteland, building up my character, and exploring for new towns/cities. If you enjoyed Oblivion or Mass Effect, this is equally great!
  25. StevenP
    Jan 21, 2009
    10
    Brilliant. Enjoyed every last bit of it. Best game in my opnion on the 360. Not terrific graphics but good and it captures the feeling of post nuclear war and isolation very well. Although I finally have the 1000 gamerpoints there remains much to see and do - the replay value is high. It is quite rough around the edges with respect to NPC's, scenery and storyline glitches but Brilliant. Enjoyed every last bit of it. Best game in my opnion on the 360. Not terrific graphics but good and it captures the feeling of post nuclear war and isolation very well. Although I finally have the 1000 gamerpoints there remains much to see and do - the replay value is high. It is quite rough around the edges with respect to NPC's, scenery and storyline glitches but considering its such an epic and ambitious game it isnt so bad. It is a game best played slowly - if you rush through to the finish much of the game will be lost. Its not a Halo type boom-fest so some will lose patience after the slow start.… Expand
  26. JimP
    Jan 16, 2009
    9
    Fallout 3 was certainly a new twist on the classic series. Gone is the turn-based combat system and in comes the real-time, V.A.T.S. combat. It does a good job incorporating little things from previous titles that players of the originals would recognize. The wasteland atmosphere is done very well, but the black, brown, and gray atmosphere gets really repetitive after a while and you wish Fallout 3 was certainly a new twist on the classic series. Gone is the turn-based combat system and in comes the real-time, V.A.T.S. combat. It does a good job incorporating little things from previous titles that players of the originals would recognize. The wasteland atmosphere is done very well, but the black, brown, and gray atmosphere gets really repetitive after a while and you wish you were looking at the lush, green forests of Oblivion. But Bethesda did a great job in creating a "post-Apocalyptia" atmosphere. Overall, the game is a joy to play. It gives you plenty of options to try and there are tons of sidequests to tackle. If you don't believe me, go pick up the strategy guide, it's over an inch thick and the map included has dots all over the place which mark places to go and explore. While the old Fallout games ended after the story was completed, I was kind of hoping that Bethesda would drop that and allow for a more Oblivion-esque feel and allow you to play the sidequests you didn't complete and explore the Wasteland some more, but unfortunately, it didn't. That was my sole complaint with the game. Had there been a post-main storyline ability to play, I would have given the game a 10.… Expand
  27. SteveK
    Jan 15, 2009
    8
    Don't get me wrong, this is a very good game. But it is a little short of greatness in my mind. Well first of all, it will not be everyone's cup of tea. People who are looking for a shooter and are used to that fast pacedness of FPS's, but not fond of the repetition of RPGs, then stay far far away. For the detail oriented, it is hell, because you will feel like you have to Don't get me wrong, this is a very good game. But it is a little short of greatness in my mind. Well first of all, it will not be everyone's cup of tea. People who are looking for a shooter and are used to that fast pacedness of FPS's, but not fond of the repetition of RPGs, then stay far far away. For the detail oriented, it is hell, because you will feel like you have to check every damn storage box and look at every item, even though 90% of the items in the world are worthless. Is it realistic? Yes? But it is mind-numbing after a while to explore every locale and rummage through storage closet after storage closet. And even though it borrows heavily from Oblivion and the graphics are amazing, they are also wretchedly putrid and beak.... because that is the world that Fallout inhabits. Which is fine, but it is crazy just how good the graphics are to make something look so ugly. And personally I don't like the bleak wasteland of Fallout. It's depressing and drab. Not really a pick-me-up kind of game, but that's just personal taste. That being said, the detail in this game is amazing. There is a LOT to like. But in the end, the abrupt ending and just the whole feel of the game left me feeling unsatisfied. It was still well worth my $60 and the kind of game I'm very glad I played, but not quite the classic that Oblivion was.… Expand
  28. FrankP
    Jan 6, 2009
    10
    This is one of the best or THE best game I have ever played. To any critics who gave this less than 100 or users who gave it a 0 or someother BS low score..."You must be INSANE". I guess it could just not be your cup of tea...but come on...this game has everything! And it's the most bang for your buck by a long shot...much more than Orange Box...and that game was a masterpiece as This is one of the best or THE best game I have ever played. To any critics who gave this less than 100 or users who gave it a 0 or someother BS low score..."You must be INSANE". I guess it could just not be your cup of tea...but come on...this game has everything! And it's the most bang for your buck by a long shot...much more than Orange Box...and that game was a masterpiece as well. I have become addicted to this game, it is that good. I have easily played over a 100 hours on it and still am not even halfway done. It has action, great environments and level design, tons of interesting characters to interact with, multiple outcomes and rewards to each situation, the RPG leveling up dynamic, its simply brilliant.… Expand
  29. DominicL
    Jan 6, 2009
    10
    Best game ever. I haven't played any other previous Fallout games. But i have to say this is 1 of the best games I have ever played. Perfect 10 i'd say. It's realistic, the graphics are great, different variety of weapons and the list goes on. This game was worth every single cent of my money and i wouldn't have it any other way. A true masterpiece.
  30. MATTL
    Jan 3, 2009
    5
    Whilst reasonably good for the first half dozen hours, this game, simply put, is boring thereafter. Rank story, truly atrocious. A 5 year old would have a better imagination. If you have played Oblivion, the same putrid glitches in that game plague Fallout 3. In fact, i think the stuttering framerate is even worse in fallout 3. To me this is unforgivable, and why this game is showered Whilst reasonably good for the first half dozen hours, this game, simply put, is boring thereafter. Rank story, truly atrocious. A 5 year old would have a better imagination. If you have played Oblivion, the same putrid glitches in that game plague Fallout 3. In fact, i think the stuttering framerate is even worse in fallout 3. To me this is unforgivable, and why this game is showered with such high praise is completely beyond belief. Even the graphics are just plain dull. Weapons look so crappy that i failed to find ONE which was fun to use. VATS is ok but just an addition that by no means saves this game from being mediocre at best. What the hell happened to games? I thought they were supposed to be fun. BORING!!… Expand
  31. JamesR
    Dec 29, 2008
    4
    As per the recommendation of one of my friends to buy this game as it was descibed as "Oblivion with guns", I was expecting a game to be of similar caliber as Oblivion. Boy, was I wrong. I haven't played the first two Fallout game so I can't compare it to them, but from a standpoint of someone who is completely new to the series, I can say that this game was mildly enjoyable at As per the recommendation of one of my friends to buy this game as it was descibed as "Oblivion with guns", I was expecting a game to be of similar caliber as Oblivion. Boy, was I wrong. I haven't played the first two Fallout game so I can't compare it to them, but from a standpoint of someone who is completely new to the series, I can say that this game was mildly enjoyable at best. The first gripe that I have about this game is the short and anticlimactic plotline. In fact, the entire game seemed like it was rushed out for the holiday season. The landscape is completely devoid of any interesting features and the graphics, a slight improvement over Oblivion's, did not help that problem at all. I often found myself traveling the entire landscape just to find enough money to keep my weapons loaded for 2 opponents. Moreover, the lack of viable transportation other than walking and fast travel turned out to be a pain in the long run and was probably on purpose to extend the poor excuse of a mail plotline.… Expand
  32. choddo
    Dec 29, 2008
    9
    Outstanding, atmospheric. You have to buy in to the story (which I did and then some) in order to make the scavenging feel worthwhile and the morose scenery really resonates if you're prepared to suspend disbelief that you're wandering around a post-nuclear wasteland. I tired of Oblivion after an hour but this has me hooked.
  33. AlbertW.
    Dec 28, 2008
    10
    This game is the bigger i've ever played, i didn't try the first 2 games, but come on!! bethesda is a master on this area in videogames, yes you spend a lot of hours and may can be quite TEDIOUS, but BORING?? you can go and play something like viva pinata or lips, etc... this is a game for real gamers, is satisfying to finish the game and all the quests i can recommend this This game is the bigger i've ever played, i didn't try the first 2 games, but come on!! bethesda is a master on this area in videogames, yes you spend a lot of hours and may can be quite TEDIOUS, but BORING?? you can go and play something like viva pinata or lips, etc... this is a game for real gamers, is satisfying to finish the game and all the quests i can recommend this masterpiece to all the people who like action, adventures, blood... i say the same as Gary IS AN AMAZING GAME!! (also said by all the critics who gave it universal acclaim) YOU MUST HAVE IT!… Expand
  34. AlexHagani
    Dec 27, 2008
    0
    INSANELY BOING!!!!! Thank you Richard S. for agreeing, this game is horrendous, the game auto-saves every two seconds and the beginning of the game is a waste of time! I was insanely disappointed when I bought this game. Instead of wasting your money on this piece of electronic crap go out and get "Gears of War 2" (which is a great game), or "Left 4 Dead" which is supposed to be alsoINSANELY BOING!!!!! Thank you Richard S. for agreeing, this game is horrendous, the game auto-saves every two seconds and the beginning of the game is a waste of time! I was insanely disappointed when I bought this game. Instead of wasting your money on this piece of electronic crap go out and get "Gears of War 2" (which is a great game), or "Left 4 Dead" which is supposed to be also great. This game is a waste of money, and time!… Expand
  35. ClaudeBaldwin
    Dec 23, 2008
    9
    This game is by far the greatest, single-most, awesomeness game to grace the genre of RPG in a LONG time. It is by far surpassing of Fable 2 or any other game that you think could live up to Fallout 3. Bethesda went ALL out on this game. 60+ hours of gameplay for 60 dollars. Definite buy for any RPG fan.
  36. NeilK.
    Dec 23, 2008
    10
    This game is so engaging for such a long period of time. The vast wasteland gives the player an endless array of enemies and new terrains to discover. With one of the most in depth stories since Bethesda's last offer, Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion, Fallout 3 brings you all the fun of Oblivion with guns. The game clearly will be lacking the magical element of Oblivion but the freedom This game is so engaging for such a long period of time. The vast wasteland gives the player an endless array of enemies and new terrains to discover. With one of the most in depth stories since Bethesda's last offer, Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion, Fallout 3 brings you all the fun of Oblivion with guns. The game clearly will be lacking the magical element of Oblivion but the freedom given to the creators in building creatures is endless. With mutants and wild animals alike strolling around this 13 square mile wasteland is dangerous. With some of the highlights being, running through the deadly Deathclaw Sanctuary and making my way through the super mutant infested capitol, and of course who could forget the communist hating robot Liberty Prime. With brilliant voice acting from Liam Neeson and Malcolm McDowell and brilliant weapons like the Fat Man, Fallout 3's creative futuristic post-apocalyptic wasteland is vastly in depth with things to do and people to meet.… Expand
  37. GaryR.
    Dec 14, 2008
    10
    A true masterpiece. I've never played the previous Fallout games, so I can't say whether this game has stayed true to the series. For me, this game is rock solid. I have put in over 50 hours and continue to be amazed at the level of detail this game has. Anyone that gives it a low score probably just doesn't like games like this....or is an idiot. This is an amazing game!
  38. RichardS.
    Dec 14, 2008
    0
    MIND BOGGLINGLY BORING! If you want to spend hours and hours searching boxes in order to pick up the same old things (scrap metal, hose nozzle, fission battery, abraxo cleaner etc) which you then have to dump because you are overloaded, before travelling to sell them, in order to buy more useless ammo and items, before going searching for more useless items and selling them all over MIND BOGGLINGLY BORING! If you want to spend hours and hours searching boxes in order to pick up the same old things (scrap metal, hose nozzle, fission battery, abraxo cleaner etc) which you then have to dump because you are overloaded, before travelling to sell them, in order to buy more useless ammo and items, before going searching for more useless items and selling them all over again. Utterly pointless and unbelieveably repetitive are the names of the game here. You wander around, shot people in an unsatisfying and unskillful way, collect more junk, sell more junk and then try and get improved junk before repeating it all over again. And again. The 40s music is novel, but the rest of the music and effects is woefully poor. Graphically this game is a disaster. Repetitive, dull and lacking in inspiration. The post-apocalyptic imagery is so boring and uninspired, I wonder if any of them had watched Mad Max, Cherry 2000, A Boy and His Dog etc. The verbal interactions would disgrace a 5 year old's story book. The story is boring and fails to stir. I really wanted to enjoy this, but it is like Oblivion which is just as dull and boring. An awful, overhyped load of garbage.… Expand
  39. JakeL.
    Dec 13, 2008
    8
    It's fun, but I'm disappointed because Oblivion was so much better.Fallout3's story was much to short.Oblivion had loads of side quests,while F3 barely had enough to satisfy me. Bethesda focused to much on graphics than playability.
  40. AlexQ
    Dec 12, 2008
    9
    Ryencoke , spare us your vitriol. If you didn't like Oblivion or Morrowind, maybe you should have the good judgement to realise that you just dont like the RPG genre, at all. and you should stick playing games more in your league. It goes without saying that this is one of the greatest and most absorbing RPGs ever. It's setting is unique, and affecting, its quests are deep and Ryencoke , spare us your vitriol. If you didn't like Oblivion or Morrowind, maybe you should have the good judgement to realise that you just dont like the RPG genre, at all. and you should stick playing games more in your league. It goes without saying that this is one of the greatest and most absorbing RPGs ever. It's setting is unique, and affecting, its quests are deep and entertaining , and the wealth of CHOICE available is completely mind boggling. On the minus - poor ending - Forgiving difficulty curve ( even on very difficult the game feels overly easy ) - Ocassional crashes , glitches, and i experienced a save game corruption though it may have been due to usermods.… Expand
  41. CalebH.
    Dec 5, 2008
    10
    The very first step you take out of Vault 101 is one of the greatest moments in video gmae history. As your eyes adjust to the sunlight which you've never seen before, you begin to realize that what's around you is nothing you've ever seen before...nothing. Fallout 3 is an absolutely stellar achievement to open-world gaming, and to video games in general. No game before it The very first step you take out of Vault 101 is one of the greatest moments in video gmae history. As your eyes adjust to the sunlight which you've never seen before, you begin to realize that what's around you is nothing you've ever seen before...nothing. Fallout 3 is an absolutely stellar achievement to open-world gaming, and to video games in general. No game before it has created such a strong sense of survival like Fallout 3 does; Every bullet shot, every stimpak injected, every beer drank has weight to it and you can feel it. From the clothing you wear, to the people you meet, to the raiders who try to kill you, every little bit is well-thought out and works like a charm. Voice acting is top-notch and every single city in the Capital Wasteland is unique. That isn't to say that this game is "flawless". The little flaws that are their do not detract from the game in any way, but they are still there and still a problem. The maps you use are pretty much a waste of time. They are hard to read and give you no clear destination. The compass on your HUD is basically all you need. Character models are a bit too similar and their movements are strangely robotic, and this is due to preset animations. The characters do act on their own and are always doing something different, but not without looking like a programmer told them to do it. This is made up for by the increidible voice-acting, but on that note, their are not enough of them! Multiple characters have the same voice as another character. This problem was also present in the latest Oblivion and it doesn't seem like Bethsada cares to fix it. It also would be really cool if we could make a motorcycle and drive it, considering that you can actually pick up all the poarts to a motorcycle. That's all I have to say about its problems. With several hundred missions and over 50+ hours of gameplay, Fallout 3 almost pays for itself. It draws a fine line between action gameplay and RPG elements. It makes for the perfect game. If you even remotely like action or role-playing, give Fallout 3 a try. You shouldn't regret it.… Expand
  42. Hraesvelgr
    Dec 2, 2008
    6
    An enjoyable game marred by some of this gen's worst technical flaws so far, as well as generally bad voice acting, some laughable animations and writing that makes even some of the most poorly written JRPGs look brilliant. A step up from Bethesda's previous game, Oblivion, but still lacking compared to Morrowind as well as Fallout and Fallout 2.
  43. AnonymousMC
    Dec 2, 2008
    8
    Overall, a great game. With that being said, I have not played Fable 2 of any of the other Fallout games so I can only compare it to what I consider the best role playing game in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Basically, Fallout 3 is a better version of Morrowind. Everything has been streamlined and slightly improved upon. If you liked Morrowind the I recommend buying Fallout 3. IfOverall, a great game. With that being said, I have not played Fable 2 of any of the other Fallout games so I can only compare it to what I consider the best role playing game in Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. Basically, Fallout 3 is a better version of Morrowind. Everything has been streamlined and slightly improved upon. If you liked Morrowind the I recommend buying Fallout 3. If not, you may want to rent it first.… Expand
  44. CharlesW.
    Dec 2, 2008
    5
    I really wanted to like this game, I did. However, This has turned out to be such a disappointment. I found the game to be very boring, from the story to the game play. I would suggest renting before you buy. It feels like oblivion all over again, and that's not a good thing. It wasn't terrible, but don't fall for the hype.
  45. ElizabethR
    Dec 1, 2008
    6
    I was extremely excited to play this game, but after the first four or so hours of walking around, I became quite bored. I started out doing side quests so that I would be able to handle the main quests better, and they really didn't capture my interest. I decided to start playing the main quests and was instantly pulled in. I especially loved how the father's mannerisms were I was extremely excited to play this game, but after the first four or so hours of walking around, I became quite bored. I started out doing side quests so that I would be able to handle the main quests better, and they really didn't capture my interest. I decided to start playing the main quests and was instantly pulled in. I especially loved how the father's mannerisms were modelled after Liam Neeson. The main story itself is also pretty dynamic. However, the end completely killed it for me. I am beyond upset at how anti-climactic it was. I had prepared myself to fight an army, and only got to battle a dozen or so enclave soldiers. The final quest literally took me no more than ten minutes to complete. If you like Oblivion, as I do, you will probably find this game enjoyable. Just don't expect a satisfying or rewarding ending.… Expand
  46. Ryencoke
    Nov 30, 2008
    0
    What an absolute piece of crap. I don't really care what the rest of you think. If you played the first Fallout & the 2nd one, you would understand what I mean. Bethseda I hate you guys. Every game that you have ever made I have disliked heavily. Oblivion, garbage. Morrowind, garbage. And yet we get this game 'Oblivion with guns'. Could you not have fixed the engine? And What an absolute piece of crap. I don't really care what the rest of you think. If you played the first Fallout & the 2nd one, you would understand what I mean. Bethseda I hate you guys. Every game that you have ever made I have disliked heavily. Oblivion, garbage. Morrowind, garbage. And yet we get this game 'Oblivion with guns'. Could you not have fixed the engine? And made it so it wasn't so much like Oblivion? NO you can't. I can't express how mad I am at this game. I got 10 hours in, and it is the very first game that I have ever taken back and sold. I hated it. Graphics were okay, nothing special. Gameplay was Oblivion with guns. And traveling was stupid. Overall I still stand with my disgust to you Bathseda, I hope someone burns your companys building down so we don't have to see your wreck another game franchise. You're the "Uwe Boll" of video games.… Expand
  47. SeanAndersen
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    Nothing short of amazing, the world is so vast and so elaborate with minute details. This game is a must buy for so many different video game players. Will easily hold your interest for 100+ hours. Their does seem to be a few glitches here and there, but nothing game breaking that could hurt the score. The biggest downfall of this game is likely that it is so good it might make youNothing short of amazing, the world is so vast and so elaborate with minute details. This game is a must buy for so many different video game players. Will easily hold your interest for 100+ hours. Their does seem to be a few glitches here and there, but nothing game breaking that could hurt the score. The biggest downfall of this game is likely that it is so good it might make you late to work.… Expand
  48. KylerN
    Nov 26, 2008
    8
    There were lots of small glitches, but in the museums there was a huge glitch where the models would blind your screen which was an issue with the 360 cache, other than that it has solid gameplay and a little more enticing the the elder scroll series but i feel ripped off by how close it plays like them
  49. ReeceS.
    Nov 24, 2008
    9
    Fallout 3 is close to being perfect, but I did find some elements of the game to be disappointing. The leveling up of the character is great, but ends far to quickly with a level 20 cap, and the environment is fairly bland, but there is not much of an alternative considering a nuclear war. Other than those two points the game is excellent. Dialogue options are plentiful, as well asFallout 3 is close to being perfect, but I did find some elements of the game to be disappointing. The leveling up of the character is great, but ends far to quickly with a level 20 cap, and the environment is fairly bland, but there is not much of an alternative considering a nuclear war. Other than those two points the game is excellent. Dialogue options are plentiful, as well as quests, and the combat system is easy to get into and enjoyable. Overall a great game.… Expand
  50. Barry
    Nov 24, 2008
    2
    Eric, the main quest is linear. You've obviously never played Fallout or Fallout 2. *compared to Fallout 1/2* the combat IS less tactical. You really _cannot_ reasonably rationalize the nuclear cars, eithe. First of all, putting a bullet in a reactor wouldn't initiate a fission chain reaction. It doesn't make sense. If it did then a simple car accident would causeEric, the main quest is linear. You've obviously never played Fallout or Fallout 2. *compared to Fallout 1/2* the combat IS less tactical. You really _cannot_ reasonably rationalize the nuclear cars, eithe. First of all, putting a bullet in a reactor wouldn't initiate a fission chain reaction. It doesn't make sense. If it did then a simple car accident would cause large-scale nuclear devastation. To say this makes sense indicates that you really are a blind fanboy. Furthermore people would not *choose* to build a town around a live nuke. Nuclear winter has worn off after 200 years? Why are there still wooden houses standing after all this time. Hell, they weren't even in Fallout 1/2. Your point about World of Warcraft would make a little sense if World of Warcraft had been marketed as "Warcraft 4".… Expand
  51. EricT
    Nov 20, 2008
    10
    Corrected comments For anyone still looking to buy the game, here are a few Clarifications on the few low scores. "An incredibly dull game filled with bugs. I'm surprised that they've released it in the stage that it's in. It's poor animation, terrible models poor conversation/storyline and extremely bad lighting are just a few things that make this game painful to Corrected comments For anyone still looking to buy the game, here are a few Clarifications on the few low scores. "An incredibly dull game filled with bugs. I'm surprised that they've released it in the stage that it's in. It's poor animation, terrible models poor conversation/storyline and extremely bad lighting are just a few things that make this game painful to play." There are as many bugs in this game as in any other top notch game, few and far between. The animation is better than any other sandbox game, and the dialogue is much better than almost any other game that I have played "Simple, linear, unoriginal narrative." There are 25+ quests plus many side "requests" that can be done in the game, and only 3 of the quests are required, not linear at all. "Tactical combat has been removed." Just because the game isn't turn based doesn't mean it isn't tatical. Sure, you could stand in the open on easy difficulty and mow down enemies, or you could turn up the difficulty and use cover, stealth, and your allies. "In Fallout 3, you can shoot nuclear-powered cars with your nuclear catapult (early in the game...), in a town built around an unexploded nuclear bomb." Yes this is true, you can shoot a mini-nuke launcher. Before the war, cars had been powered by nuclear reactors, so for some strange reason, someone hadn't gone through the entire world and removed the engine from every car. There is a town around a dud nuclear bomb because it was dropped out of a plane from low orbit and still didn't detonate. It made an ideal crater for a town. "Much of the crowded (who would have thought nuclear winter would be so claustrophobic?) "wasteland" is sloppily and lazily copy-pasted from place to place." Nuclear winter has worn off during the 200+ years after the Great War. Just because there was a nuclear war doesn't mean that people will never be able to live on the surface. If the wasteland is really just copy-pasted from place to place, how come every building is different and the view from each hill is different. Also, look around you home, do any things look the same. I know that I see houses that look almost identical and cars which are identical every day. "Play first Fallout and Fallout2 ignoring the graphics and then play Fallout3.Only then you will realise how bad this game is.Most gaming sites have either no idea what they are talking about or have been paid well to write these ridiculous reviews." First of all, the game is almost completly different from Fallout and Fallout 2, so there is no way to compare them. Look at Warcraft and World of Warcraft. They are completly different games and there is no way to say which is better. The same is true for Fallout 3. "V.A.T.S. is an interesting concept but it should not take two point blank headshots to kill someone. Free aim is sloppy. The graphics look washed out even in high def and the skin tones are off. " First of all, in many games a headshot isn't a one hit kill. all Halo games, all COD games, all GTA games, Gears 1&2, all Perfect Dark games, all Bond games, Counter Strike, and many, many more. Free aim is only sloppy if you don't know how to use the two little stick things on your controller. The graphics are far better than any other sandbox games, and better than most scripted games. There is no way that skin tones can be off given the fact that every person's skin is a different color. Also, it is a radiation soaked world, and there is a very good chance that skin color could be affected, concidering the insane mutations occuring to other creatures.… Expand
  52. JohnF.
    Nov 19, 2008
    7
    Disappointing. Not a terrible game, but disappointing. Bugs, annoying enemies, too many off-screen cheap shots and booby traps, and worst of all, the game isn't fun to explore. Oblivion, which is Fallout 3's most recent ancestor, had a pretty world that was easy and fun to explore. In Fallout 3, you walk around an ugly, unpleasant, dreary world filled with barriers blocking your Disappointing. Not a terrible game, but disappointing. Bugs, annoying enemies, too many off-screen cheap shots and booby traps, and worst of all, the game isn't fun to explore. Oblivion, which is Fallout 3's most recent ancestor, had a pretty world that was easy and fun to explore. In Fallout 3, you walk around an ugly, unpleasant, dreary world filled with barriers blocking your path to the spot on your map you're trying to reach. It's common once you get into the city to be close to a spot on your map only to be blocked by piles of rubble, forcing you to turn around and navigate maze-like tunnels and streets to find your location. The interface is ugly too, and the violence is so over the top that it actually detracts from the game. There's just unfortunately not a whole lot that is very enjoyable about this game. There have been countless times while playing it that I thought to myself, "This could have been so much better than it is." It's a dirty, unpleasant game that leaves me with a sour aftertaste.… Expand
  53. SeanM
    Nov 17, 2008
    7
    A 10 rating is pure hyperbole...A perfect 10. No flaws, the best ever. No way! Honestly, I just found the game to be rather short, depressing and un-inspired. Not a terrible game but I received more pleasure out of PONG (yes I'm old) asteroids, defender, dig-dug, pac-man the list goes on and on. In there time these were FUN games. Fallout 3 is not a bad game, it's just not fun.
  54. WilliamM.
    Nov 17, 2008
    8
    Fallout 3 is without a doubt one of the most impressive games out period. It features good plot lines, weaponry, rpg elements, great graphics etc etc. If you want to read more positive comments see the metascore and all of the professional reviews. This game is not without its downsides, which are significantly played down by the professional reviewers. The creators of the game did not Fallout 3 is without a doubt one of the most impressive games out period. It features good plot lines, weaponry, rpg elements, great graphics etc etc. If you want to read more positive comments see the metascore and all of the professional reviews. This game is not without its downsides, which are significantly played down by the professional reviewers. The creators of the game did not use the scope of the game to their advantage; by that I mean there are only 31 achievement quests(including quests as part as the main story) while there is easily over 150 locations to explore. During the beginning hours, this may not become obvious; in the last hours, however, a player can see that this game seems almost half finished. It just seems that while DC is huge, the amount of things to do in it are limited. Another problem is the gunplay. Often, a player will find themselves wasting tons of ammo trying to kill a simple enemy because their guns are not particularly effective nor accurate outside of VATS. This leads to the player entering combat with VATS, only to hide until VATS fills back up so they can use it again. Fallout 3 has an utter lack of bosses. Bosses are arguably the heart of RPGs aside from the basics; the fact that this game ignored them makes it kind of awkward (especially no final boss). New game plus? Forget about it; once the game is over, it is over. Leveling up past 20? Forget about it; you max out at level 20. Any reason to put the game on very hard? No(no achievement; while you do get more experience points, you will max out before you finish the quests making the quests pointless). Any items that are just "cool" enough to go after a long quest for? No. You can make some and their are some special ones, but they aren't that great. On the plus side, this game will engross you for hours(it would take about 40 of them to complete the story and all the side quests).… Expand
  55. HagenM.
    Nov 17, 2008
    10
    I went into Fallout 3 expecting the perfect game. I did not find a perfect game but I found the closest thing to a perfect game since The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This game has so much depth and gameplay that if anyone was talking about depth and gameplay, Fallout 3 could be used as a reference. From the amazing plot line to the creative and addictive ecstasy that is VATS, and I went into Fallout 3 expecting the perfect game. I did not find a perfect game but I found the closest thing to a perfect game since The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This game has so much depth and gameplay that if anyone was talking about depth and gameplay, Fallout 3 could be used as a reference. From the amazing plot line to the creative and addictive ecstasy that is VATS, and from the dialogue to the leveling system, this game has perfected nearly every aspect of an action RPG. The world may not be as massive as Oblivion, but it has so less wasted space. Nearly every inch of The Capitol Wasteland has some location, some vault, metrostation, or point of interst to explore. I beat the game 2 days after buying it, but spent the next 3 weeks playing the side quests., and I'm still exploring locations. The only flaws I found was that the game can be a little unimmerisve when the loading screens come up, and that the walking wasn't fixed from Oblivion. you still seem to slide around when in third-person. Fallout 3 is an experience in itself and if you consider yourself a fan of video-games, then you owe it to yourself to at least try this game.… Expand
  56. DenizY
    Nov 16, 2008
    10
    Probably the best game I've played so far, definitely the best game of the year. The graphics are superb, the world is expansive and incredibly detailed (you can literally see for miles...), story is so immersible, the gameplay is actually enjoyable, very enjoyable in fact (unlike Oblivion), the style and dialogue is very good, and the theme is so friggin awesome (yes it's Probably the best game I've played so far, definitely the best game of the year. The graphics are superb, the world is expansive and incredibly detailed (you can literally see for miles...), story is so immersible, the gameplay is actually enjoyable, very enjoyable in fact (unlike Oblivion), the style and dialogue is very good, and the theme is so friggin awesome (yes it's supposed to be dark, gloomy, and various shades of gray and brown, it's a post-apocalyptic world you idiots!) There's so much to do and not enough time to do it. I've been playing it for close to 30 hours, not close to finishing the game, and I'm still hungry for more.… Expand
  57. TheStodd
    Nov 16, 2008
    10
    Fantastic - Game of the Year. I haven't been so imeresed since Mass Effect. A few bugs, but overall less hassle than the PC version. Get it NOW!
  58. DouglasM.
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    Although a little disappointed in the ending this game is amazing, immersable, and and absolute joy to play and even an somewhat disappointing ending wont keep me from playing this game for a long time.
  59. FredF.
    Nov 12, 2008
    0
    This is a crap game on the XBOX as I have had nothing but problems with it either hanging or rebooting the console. Tried it back at the store and it works fine so they will not refund. It may be my XBOX playing up again. My mate has it on his PS3 and he loves it. My warranty has run out on my XBOX so I will not be able to get it fixed again. Might be time to bin it and get a PS3 or a Wii.
  60. Tjthegamer
    Nov 11, 2008
    10
    A great game. Although not perfect (I don't consider any game "perfect") Fallout 3 offers an experiance unlike any other game in it's genre. The perk system is genius, The story is great, and the V.A.T.S. system comes together perfectly. It's near endless exploration and hours of side missions will have you playing it for weeks on end. Fallout 3 feels and plays like only A great game. Although not perfect (I don't consider any game "perfect") Fallout 3 offers an experiance unlike any other game in it's genre. The perk system is genius, The story is great, and the V.A.T.S. system comes together perfectly. It's near endless exploration and hours of side missions will have you playing it for weeks on end. Fallout 3 feels and plays like only one other game: The Legend of Zelda.… Expand
  61. GregM
    Nov 11, 2008
    10
    I have a feeling a lot of the idiots on this board scoring this game low were against it from the very beginning, and it might've been hand-delivered from God (or whomever you want) and they still would treat it like used toilet paper. I've been playing Fallout since it came out in 1998. I've been playing games since Zork. This game is incredibly immersive. It is not I have a feeling a lot of the idiots on this board scoring this game low were against it from the very beginning, and it might've been hand-delivered from God (or whomever you want) and they still would treat it like used toilet paper. I've been playing Fallout since it came out in 1998. I've been playing games since Zork. This game is incredibly immersive. It is not without fault. But it exceeded my expectations, and it is the most fun I've had on the Xbox.… Expand
  62. PeterL.
    Nov 11, 2008
    10
    This Game doesent only live up to the hype it build up since Bethesda previously created Oblivion it Blows up the hype it is just an incredible experience. So many choices every little thing you do will come back to help or haunt you. Either finding a dog to assist you in the wasteland or finding secret weapons that will own the bigger guys... If you have a choice between fable 2 and this This Game doesent only live up to the hype it build up since Bethesda previously created Oblivion it Blows up the hype it is just an incredible experience. So many choices every little thing you do will come back to help or haunt you. Either finding a dog to assist you in the wasteland or finding secret weapons that will own the bigger guys... If you have a choice between fable 2 and this masterpiece. it is Fallout 3. Now before you go praising gears of war 2 like it is a epic masterpiece just put it next to fallout 3 and it is an absolute Failure. Go get this game right now.. - The Broken Gamer… Expand
  63. BradBegey
    Nov 10, 2008
    9
    This game is a one in a million, the game offers many choices in karma (KOTOR?) the game has a different feel than oblivion but has many of the same querks that I love. Sadly the storyline does end and you can't keep playing? If they can patch this my score would be a 10 for sure.
  64. DavidM.
    Nov 9, 2008
    9
    Besides some annoying glitches (stopped F3 from getting a 10) this is the most fun I've had with a game in recent memory. For those attempting to make the choice between Fable 2 and Fallout 3 I would certainly suggest both, but F3 is far better in my opinion. PROS: Deep role playing elements, serviceable shooter controls, interesting story, theme and atmosphere, excellent graphics Besides some annoying glitches (stopped F3 from getting a 10) this is the most fun I've had with a game in recent memory. For those attempting to make the choice between Fable 2 and Fallout 3 I would certainly suggest both, but F3 is far better in my opinion. PROS: Deep role playing elements, serviceable shooter controls, interesting story, theme and atmosphere, excellent graphics (It ISN'T supposed to be bright and sunny like Oblivion folks, stop saying it looks dreary like it's a bad thing, it's fracking supposed to.) CONS: Glitches, fighting without V.A.T.S. is like pulling teeth sometimes, dialogue is a little sketchy occasionally, combat A.I. is better (than Oblivion) but overall NPC A.I. seems janky.… Expand
  65. RickA.
    Nov 9, 2008
    10
    The reviewer from GamePro got it right, quite easily the best RPG on the console to date. Ive been gaming for 27years, so ive pretty much played them all - the greats that is, and this massive gem from Bethesda easily falls into my all time fave games list. Fallout3 is so impressive, immersive, atmospheric and downright massive that its up there with the likes of Resident Evil, Tomb The reviewer from GamePro got it right, quite easily the best RPG on the console to date. Ive been gaming for 27years, so ive pretty much played them all - the greats that is, and this massive gem from Bethesda easily falls into my all time fave games list. Fallout3 is so impressive, immersive, atmospheric and downright massive that its up there with the likes of Resident Evil, Tomb Raider, Half-Life, Final Fantaty or Halo as a single player gaming experience you dont want to miss. You can burn through the main story in 20hrs, however thats not the real experience. Ive just clocked 100hrs exploring the 150+ locations around the map, each one with its own different theme, history, monsters, hidden goodies & feel - that you never know what to expect, the variety being the rewards for your efforts. Ive played many RPG games where the off story locations feel just that. Not so with this beautiful game - and there in lies Fallout3's irresistable charm. Easily the front-runner for the 2008 G.O.T.Y -… Expand
  66. HarryG.
    Nov 8, 2008
    4
    An incredibly dull game filled with bugs. I'm surprised that they've released it in the stage that it's in. It's poor animation, terrible models poor conversation/storyline and extremely bad lighting are just a few things that make this game painful to play.
  67. JorgeM.
    Nov 8, 2008
    10
    Awesome game. The story is great and there's lots of side quests and other things to do. Yes, it feels a lot like Oblivion, but the first time you decapitate a mutant with your rifle you will realize you are not in Cyrodil anymore. Your choices have real consequences and the world is huge. I highly recommend it.
  68. matthurd
    Nov 8, 2008
    10
    how does gears 2 have a 93 just like this? this is a much better game and it has way more 100 ratings then gears i think they need to fix the rating system here

    either way this game was fantastic and you would be flat out unacceptable to he gaming community to pass up on this master piece
  69. KevinS.
    Nov 7, 2008
    7
    Not a bad game, just not great. Definitely not a real fallout game. Combat is pretty fun, but this game fails at everything else. The story is terrible. The atmosphere is good, until you actually talk to an npc. The wasteland areas are good, if a little repetitive, but everything else is bad. The NPCs seem horribly out place, their dialogue does not really match the grim surroundings Not a bad game, just not great. Definitely not a real fallout game. Combat is pretty fun, but this game fails at everything else. The story is terrible. The atmosphere is good, until you actually talk to an npc. The wasteland areas are good, if a little repetitive, but everything else is bad. The NPCs seem horribly out place, their dialogue does not really match the grim surroundings outside. All references to old fallout games feel forced and really miss what made the old games so awesome. All of the RPG elements are extremely shallow. Many of the skills are just down right useless, and it often feels like there is no real character growth. Sure you gain perks every level, but none of them really change the way your character will play out. (a good portion of them are just bonuses to skills) I've heard that increasing your skill in a weapon type increases the damage it does, but I can't really tell. As far as I know it only increases your accuracy in VATS. Also there really are very little consequences to any of your actions. There are a few points scattered throughout the game but they are fairly obvious. Your dialogue options end up being either, "I'm a good guy, I'm the guardian of the wastes!" or "I'm an evil dude, I'm going to kick some puppies!" I guess this game tried to be more sand box like, but all of the things you are supposed to do instead of the main quest are just irritating. In return the main quest is incredibly short. According to steam I beat it in 4.2 hours on my first time through.… Expand
  70. AnonymousMC
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    Such a fine game deserves all the praise and attention it's getting. I've never played a game more realistic, more immersive, more epic. The story is engaging and clever, the AI is so real you feel like you actually are transported into this wasteland.

    The fantastic story unfolds all around you, as the brilliant world is brought to life with beautiful graphics and a well    Such a fine game deserves all the praise and attention it's getting. I've never played a game more realistic, more immersive, more epic. The story is engaging and clever, the AI is so real you feel like you actually are transported into this wasteland.

    The fantastic story unfolds all around you, as the brilliant world is brought to life with beautiful graphics and a well thought out and detailed combat system.
    One thing's for sure, there has never been an RPG quite like this.    … Expand
  71. AndrewD.
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    This game was something I had been waiting for a long time. I had loved Oblivion to death, and once i played this, I saw a striking similarity in a different setting. VATS is an awesome addition to combat and the part of conserving ammo and food puts you on the edge all the time. If you enjoyed Oblivion, I would highly recommend you give this game a try.
  72. GD
    Nov 6, 2008
    9
    I've been playing RPGs since Ultima 1, and this is certainly on par with the quality of Oblivion, with all the humor, storyline, combat, development, and history of a Fallout game. Don't let anyone tell you this is "oblivion with new graphics," because they're not right. So much stuff to do and see, and it's completely wide open. Anecdotally, each of my 4 friends I've been playing RPGs since Ultima 1, and this is certainly on par with the quality of Oblivion, with all the humor, storyline, combat, development, and history of a Fallout game. Don't let anyone tell you this is "oblivion with new graphics," because they're not right. So much stuff to do and see, and it's completely wide open. Anecdotally, each of my 4 friends playing exited the first Vault in different ways than I did... there's no 'correct' way to do things. Apart from some minor glitches, this game is a must have for any Fallout or RPG fan. You won't be disappointed.… Expand
  73. NatH.
    Nov 6, 2008
    7
    While technically a great game overall in spite of its many small bugs and glitches, Fallout 3 does nothing to offer the intelligence and complexity of its predecessors. Fans of the original two games may remember them as thoughtful and thought inspiring, with good writing and quests that often forced the player to make tough ethical decisions with true consequences and no right or wrong While technically a great game overall in spite of its many small bugs and glitches, Fallout 3 does nothing to offer the intelligence and complexity of its predecessors. Fans of the original two games may remember them as thoughtful and thought inspiring, with good writing and quests that often forced the player to make tough ethical decisions with true consequences and no right or wrong answer. Fallout 3 has practically none of the things that made the other games so great. In pure looks and aesthetics it does wonderfully as an heir to the Fallout title, but it is up to you to decide what you expect from games and wether or not this one can live up to those expectations. If you want an expansive, open sandbox world full of dolls to play dress up with, you will love this game. If you were looking for a game that will make you think, look elsewhere.… Expand
  74. JasonF
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    This game has a ton to offer you. A cool story and an immense world to delve into and a character that can be whatever you want. You can lug around giant guns and sport badass armor, or play as a sneaky thief who likes setting land mines. There is so much to do and see in this game. Just when you think you have seen it all you stumble on another hidden gem. If you own a 360 then you have This game has a ton to offer you. A cool story and an immense world to delve into and a character that can be whatever you want. You can lug around giant guns and sport badass armor, or play as a sneaky thief who likes setting land mines. There is so much to do and see in this game. Just when you think you have seen it all you stumble on another hidden gem. If you own a 360 then you have to own this game.… Expand
  75. SteveK.
    Nov 6, 2008
    7
    I've been a gamer for nearly 20 years and would say that video games are my favorite pastime. So i was really excited when my copy finally arrived. But the introductory sequence was a first disappointment and a good primer of what to expect from the rest of the game. The graphics, especially inanimate objects, are really good and this and the excellent art direction are the main I've been a gamer for nearly 20 years and would say that video games are my favorite pastime. So i was really excited when my copy finally arrived. But the introductory sequence was a first disappointment and a good primer of what to expect from the rest of the game. The graphics, especially inanimate objects, are really good and this and the excellent art direction are the main sources of atmosphere in the game. Rivet City, the barren wastelands, Megaton...awesome. But in regard to animation the game is mediocre at best. The 3rd person view looks downright ridiculous. The facial expressions of NPCs are a joke. They look like puppets. Even such oldies like No One Lives Forever with like 10 polygons per face had better animation and more charisma to their characters. Another flaw is imho the writing (both dialog and characterization) which fluctuates greatly in terms of quality over the course of the game and is seldom great, often barely okay and sometimes just bad. Often one is under the impression that Bethesda tried too hard sometimes. Most characters remain one-dimensional and only a few examples of the humour are good examples. Same goes for the quest design. Some are really good, but especially the main quest and the god-awful ending are real bummers. Not only that, but the tradition of the fallout series to show the consequences of the choices that you made in the past is reduced almost beyond recognition. The VATS combat system mostly works but you can not turn off the slow motion death cam (gets really annoying) and the real-time combat between the VATS phases is lackluster at best and totally inferior to 'real' shooter games. The classical soundtrack is, aside from the brooding main theme, utterly forgettable but you can turn on the radio and listen to pre-50s pop songs while travelling the wastes. Great, but needs more songs imho (i believe there is a music folder to put your own tracks in). So writing, story, animation, characters and combat are less than stellar but in terms of postapocalyptic atmosphere this game is up there in atmosphere heaven together with (also flawed) gems like the two STALKERs. It's good fun but not the exceptional achievement most 'professional' reviews make it out to be. Surely, it has exceptional ambition, but the execution is somewhat lacking. A classic case of an hyped up gaming press imho… Expand
  76. JasonS
    Nov 6, 2008
    10
    This game is sheer amazing. I recommend it to anyone with a console who can play it. It offers a variety of different ways in which to play it, whether it be real time shooting for fps fans, or Vats for more role play fans, and a mass map for the adventerous type (which I would hope is all of us). The ONLY ways in which it is like Oblivion is its sheer map scale, immersive gameplay and This game is sheer amazing. I recommend it to anyone with a console who can play it. It offers a variety of different ways in which to play it, whether it be real time shooting for fps fans, or Vats for more role play fans, and a mass map for the adventerous type (which I would hope is all of us). The ONLY ways in which it is like Oblivion is its sheer map scale, immersive gameplay and plot. And the physics engines are some what similar. The gameplay and fighting systems are NOT at all alike, and the role play elements of Fallout are far greater than that of Oblivions... and more importantly level scaling is not so imposing in fallout (which somewhat ruined Oblivion (only a ltitle) for me). It's also somewhat more fast paced, so you won't feel the burden of fighting like you did in Oblivion (constant hack), it's more explosive and exciting. Buy buy buy!!!… Expand
  77. NickS.
    Nov 6, 2008
    5
    Play first Fallout and Fallout2 ignoring the graphics and then play Fallout3.Only then you will realise how bad this game is.Most gaming sites have either no idea what they are talking about or have been paid well to write these ridiculous reviews.
  78. SHODAN
    Nov 5, 2008
    0
    In comparison to the earlier Black Isle Studios Fallouts, Bethesda's Fallout has: One-dimensional, illogical and forgettable characters with little to no personality. Simple, linear, unoriginal narrative. Poorly-written narrative. Poorly-written dialogue. Poorly-voiced dialogue. None of the series' trademark moral ambiguity. No real freedom (there are unkillable NPCs, In comparison to the earlier Black Isle Studios Fallouts, Bethesda's Fallout has: One-dimensional, illogical and forgettable characters with little to no personality. Simple, linear, unoriginal narrative. Poorly-written narrative. Poorly-written dialogue. Poorly-voiced dialogue. None of the series' trademark moral ambiguity. No real freedom (there are unkillable NPCs, unavoidable combat etc.). No real choices or consequences. Tactical combat has been removed. Importance of skills/perks/traits removed. Traits removed. Psychologically and emotionally complex quests no longer present. Nuclear power was a feared thing in post-apocalyptic Fallout, and the issue was dealt with intelligently with much subtle social commentary. In Fallout 3, you can shoot nuclear-powered cars with your nuclear catapult (early in the game...), in a town built around an unexploded nuclear bomb. Fallout 3 fails to deal with any of the interesting human issues that Fallout did. The game lacks any semblance of thoughtfulness. It's also shorter. And easier. The game abuses and contradicts established lore. Fallout 3 fails to even pathetically imitate it's decade-old predecessors' design, originality or meaningfullness. Let alone exceed it. Even when considered, unfairly, outside the context of being a sequel, it is an exceptionally arrogant, incompetent and poorly designed game all on its own. The animations are clunky and awkward. AI is atrocious. Combat is awkward. World textures and character models are ugly and lacking. Art direction is poor. Much of the crowded (who would have thought nuclear winter would be so claustrophobic?) "wasteland" is sloppily and lazily copy-pasted from place to place. The musical score is uninspired and in the style of LOTR-esque epic-fantasy (in fact it sounds very similar to Oblvion...) - which is completely inappropriate in this game's setting. To top it off, the whole thing is buggy and poorly optimized. And Bethesda's attitude towards the original games' fans has been utterly pathetic.… Expand
  79. ZacS.
    Nov 5, 2008
    10
    Simply the most immersing and compelling game in history, that is, if you have half a brain. I found Mass Effect's dialog trees tedious and mind-numbing... Fallout 3 introduces a quest system that makes Fable II look like the smallest sandbox on the playground. Bottom line: games like this are triumphs of balance between such a multitude of advanced gaming concepts that a few hiccups Simply the most immersing and compelling game in history, that is, if you have half a brain. I found Mass Effect's dialog trees tedious and mind-numbing... Fallout 3 introduces a quest system that makes Fable II look like the smallest sandbox on the playground. Bottom line: games like this are triumphs of balance between such a multitude of advanced gaming concepts that a few hiccups must be expected. Fallout 3 is nearly flawless in its hybridization of sandbox, RPG, dialog-based games , first person shooter, strategic targeting, etc. etc.... even the minigames are amazing. This is a new day in gaming and this is the maverick title to raise the bar beyond a level I think will be reached until we enter the 'next generation' of gaming... or Fallout 4.… Expand
  80. MarkK
    Nov 4, 2008
    10
    While this is a game definately NOT for the casual gamer, or even your average FPS fan, for those who seek a little more substance in their gaming diet, this is simply phenomenal. I was a big fan of the original games back in the day, and I'm glad to say this is a very worthy (and quite probably better) successor. The level of immersion is second to none as you really have a feeling While this is a game definately NOT for the casual gamer, or even your average FPS fan, for those who seek a little more substance in their gaming diet, this is simply phenomenal. I was a big fan of the original games back in the day, and I'm glad to say this is a very worthy (and quite probably better) successor. The level of immersion is second to none as you really have a feeling that absolutely everything you do has an effect of some kind on the excellently-designed post-apocalyptic wasteland that your dude/dudette calls home. Genuinely, my only wish is that there was more of it. The interface does exactly what I presume Bethesda intended it to, keep the feel of the originals while adding the functionality of a next-gen game. The VATS system is solid, and a brilliantly-implemented compromise between the older-games fight mechanics and Oblivion's FPS-like combat. Essentially, what Bethesda have done is achieve the impossible; keep the fans of the original Fallout happy, while once again revolutionising the genre in a similar way to Mass Effect this time last year. Purely awesome.… Expand
  81. qoobah
    Nov 4, 2008
    7
    While the atmosphere and artistic direction of the game is exceptional, it seems that Bethesda refused to acknowledge what developments have been made in cRPG genre in recent years. The dialogue is plain abysmal when compared to a gem like Mass Effect, they are often too long or too short, depending on situation, and the fact that the main character never utters a word doesn't help. While the atmosphere and artistic direction of the game is exceptional, it seems that Bethesda refused to acknowledge what developments have been made in cRPG genre in recent years. The dialogue is plain abysmal when compared to a gem like Mass Effect, they are often too long or too short, depending on situation, and the fact that the main character never utters a word doesn't help. Facial expressions are virtually nonexistant, and the fact that the world "freezes" when you talk to someone is a giant dent in immersion. Also, one on one dialoges often feel stiff. Oblivion with guns? Very much so, for better or worse. Personally I favour tightly knit and involving story to sandbox game experience, and that might be part of the reason why Fallout 3 didn't quite suit me, but that aside, there are some issues that I have with the game regardless. The above mentioned dialogue system is one thing, but there is quite a lot of bugs and glitches around the world that make exploring it even more painfull. In general, if the dialogue and character intaraction have been given the same amout of care as the world creation and artistic direction, this could have been a real gem. But with Bethesda staying fixed on their game design idea refusing to adapt acknowledged improvements made by other games, this is "only" an enjoyable title.… Expand
  82. BrendanK
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Amazing, absolutely amazing. A lot of reviews say it isn't just Oblivion-with-guns but really, that is all it is... and that is excellent! Bethesda have done an excellent job recreating the Fallout world with a consistent aesthetic and style and tone and you wll lose hours just exploring the Wasteland before you remember you haven't even entered DC yet. The floaty animations are Amazing, absolutely amazing. A lot of reviews say it isn't just Oblivion-with-guns but really, that is all it is... and that is excellent! Bethesda have done an excellent job recreating the Fallout world with a consistent aesthetic and style and tone and you wll lose hours just exploring the Wasteland before you remember you haven't even entered DC yet. The floaty animations are dissapointing but tolerable, in my opinion.… Expand
  83. JamesD.
    Nov 3, 2008
    10
    Fallout 3 is Exactly what I, a long time Fallout veteran, have been hoping for and more! In order to explain just how amazing this game is, I will tell you this. My girlfriend, who normally just plays casual games on the Wii, played this game just to see how it was and was amazed by it. She has been stuck on the game for three days now, I kid you not. I think that the game is downright Fallout 3 is Exactly what I, a long time Fallout veteran, have been hoping for and more! In order to explain just how amazing this game is, I will tell you this. My girlfriend, who normally just plays casual games on the Wii, played this game just to see how it was and was amazed by it. She has been stuck on the game for three days now, I kid you not. I think that the game is downright the most sprawling, addictive video game of the year, bar none. Others might not dig the VATS targeting system, the slow-mo kill cams, the graphics, or the trekking across the D.C. wasteland, but I believe that these features make the game so unique and refreshing that I couldn't imagine the game without thinking about them. If you thought Oblivion was addictive or you are remotely interested in an adventurous apocalyptic action extravaganza, you will absolutely love this game. The game is chock full of hilarious dialogue and great little comic touches to the an otherwise shockingly ravaged nuclear land. There are many minor flaws and issues with this sprawling open-world action-shooter-RPG, but come on, what game is perfect? If you came to negatively critique the game, then chances are that you never gave it a chance in the first place. Give the game your full attention, open up your imagination, turn up the Ink Spots on Galaxy News Radio, and try not to be sucked into an awe-inspiring atmospheric adventure into a the Washington D.C. that you thought you knew so well! I am simply blown away by the sheer scope of the game and the teeny tiniest little details in the game that make it so memorable. Whether it be the G.O.A.T. test or a rag-tag ramshackle city's "colorful" citizens, Fallout 3 is sure to surprise you with its amazing presentation, realism, its thought-provokingly insightful situations, and immersion factor. If you own a game console or PC that will play this game, then you have no excuse to not buy this amazing game.… Expand
  84. KristianR.
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Sure, it has a few bugs. Sure, it's like Oblivion (Why is that bad exactly?). I suppose it is possible to not like this game. But if you don't like it, you probably don't like video games much at all. Either that or you're lying to yourself and you secretly crave all that the Wasteland (TM) has to offer. And it offers a great deal.
  85. JohnC
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    Fallout 3 is fantastic, if you like RPG's add this to your wish list. Its story structure and side plots are like Mass Effect but you can roam wider like in Oblivion. Combat is engaging and fun The graphics are good but a few of the motion animations are off center. Good plot line, plenty of sub quests, solid and enjoyable combat system, only a couple of very minor animation Fallout 3 is fantastic, if you like RPG's add this to your wish list. Its story structure and side plots are like Mass Effect but you can roam wider like in Oblivion. Combat is engaging and fun The graphics are good but a few of the motion animations are off center. Good plot line, plenty of sub quests, solid and enjoyable combat system, only a couple of very minor animation glitches, a great game, I am a big Fallout fan and I knew Bethesda would not drop the ball. Great stuff.… Expand
  86. KyleG.
    Nov 3, 2008
    10
    I am about 40 hours in and at this point I can safely say that in my book, this is definitely game of the year. While it does share some of Oblivion's style and perspective, Fallout 3 is unquestionably it's own game. The combat is great fun with it's mix of V.A.T.S. and real time first person shooting making dealing with groups of enemies feel fresh and unpredictable. The I am about 40 hours in and at this point I can safely say that in my book, this is definitely game of the year. While it does share some of Oblivion's style and perspective, Fallout 3 is unquestionably it's own game. The combat is great fun with it's mix of V.A.T.S. and real time first person shooting making dealing with groups of enemies feel fresh and unpredictable. The perk system really adds a new and exciting twist to the RPG side of things. The main story really starts to blossom around the 20-25 hour mark to create a fantastic sense of purpose for your character. Graphically, the game excels in creating an atmosphere that is at once technically beautiful, completely absorbing and borderline depressing. After playing for extended amounts of time, I suggest treating yourself to an ice cream cone to help alleviate the feeling of bleakness this environment can bestow upon you. My only gripe with the game is that money (bottle caps) seems to be rather difficult to come by. Perhaps I'll play as a bad guy on my second play through to see if things are easier in that department. Absolutely brilliant game though. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as i have.… Expand
  87. AndyS.
    Nov 3, 2008
    10
    Take the best Deus Ex and mix in a good serving of S.T.A.L.K.E.R and you have Fallout 3. This is without a doubt the PC game of the year, if not for 360 and PS3 as well. I'm only L8 and i already want to play it again, and again, and some more after that.
  88. TomP.
    Nov 3, 2008
    9
    A very solid representation of the fallout universe, as a big fallout fan I've been cautious as to how the game would turn out, but bethesda have done a great job. My only problem is with the lack of some of the series previous humour and with hardly any reference to fallout 2 let alone fallout 1. That said it's a solid 9/10 for me.
  89. NathanE
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    This game is amazing. I don't know what Mike R's problem with it is, but the targeting system is actually useful as well as flexible and satisfying. You have a huge, realized open world to explore, tons of interesting characters to talk to and a plethora of ways to upgrade your character, all while trying to survive through the run down wastelands of a radiation stricken This game is amazing. I don't know what Mike R's problem with it is, but the targeting system is actually useful as well as flexible and satisfying. You have a huge, realized open world to explore, tons of interesting characters to talk to and a plethora of ways to upgrade your character, all while trying to survive through the run down wastelands of a radiation stricken Washington DC. If you like any of Bethesda's previous games like Oblivion, or even if you like the old Fallout games, don't hesitate to pick this one up. If you have the brain to actually manage your character within the game's nearly limitless rules, you will undoubtedly have a blast with Fallout 3. My only problem is that the main quest can be finished in around 10 hours without doing any side missions, but thank god the side missions are there. There's plenty of them to do and they tend to be more interesting than the main quest. Also, when going into this game don't expect it to be a shooter. This is a Western RPG through and through, and what a wonderful RPG it is.… Expand
  90. JackJ.
    Nov 2, 2008
    9
    This is a great game. The visuals are good, and there is a huge environment to enjoy. Aside from the story, there are many other enemies and battles to engage in, and the missions are extensive. Definitely lives up to my expectations
  91. stevem
    Nov 2, 2008
    4
    i dont understand all the great reviews for this game. sure it may have a great story in thier somewhere and gives you huge amounts of freedom but the A.I. is terrible and the actual gameplay in the fighting is poor in comparision to straight out fps games like cod4. and as for the graphics. they are good in places but in 3rd person mose it looks like your character is not really in thei dont understand all the great reviews for this game. sure it may have a great story in thier somewhere and gives you huge amounts of freedom but the A.I. is terrible and the actual gameplay in the fighting is poor in comparision to straight out fps games like cod4. and as for the graphics. they are good in places but in 3rd person mose it looks like your character is not really in the world. in the 1st person view the guns look terrible and the monsters you fight just look like old.old gen characters and their A.I. is on par with games such as Deus Ex which was a great game in its day but doesnt match up to, say gears of war or call of duty. very dissapointing… Expand
  92. MatthewC.
    Nov 2, 2008
    10
    Fantastic game, sure, it's got faults. So does everything. What I
  93. JeffA.
    Nov 1, 2008
    3
    Bethesda is misleading gamers into thinking this is a shooter. It is not. It is a RPG with a sloppy shooter element added on. V.A.T.S. is an interesting concept but it should not take two point blank headshots to kill someone. Free aim is sloppy. The graphics look washed out even in high def and the skin tones are off. Animations are stiff and when speaking to one character, none of the Bethesda is misleading gamers into thinking this is a shooter. It is not. It is a RPG with a sloppy shooter element added on. V.A.T.S. is an interesting concept but it should not take two point blank headshots to kill someone. Free aim is sloppy. The graphics look washed out even in high def and the skin tones are off. Animations are stiff and when speaking to one character, none of the other characters move and thusly look like a painting. If you like RPG's you will like Fallout 3. If you are expecting even a half decent shooter, look elsewhere.… Expand
  94. AnonymousMC
    Nov 1, 2008
    6
    Once again a game is hyped up so much that reviewers have no choice but to give this a great review. Ill be honest though, i haven't even played this, at least i admit it. My point is though i read about this and ign pretty much said it was the second coming of crist. So i watched videos of it hoping to be blown away and what i saw was an rpg that made shooting an afterthought. IOnce again a game is hyped up so much that reviewers have no choice but to give this a great review. Ill be honest though, i haven't even played this, at least i admit it. My point is though i read about this and ign pretty much said it was the second coming of crist. So i watched videos of it hoping to be blown away and what i saw was an rpg that made shooting an afterthought. I guess we cant expect every shooter to be as smooth as CoD 4. The world looked all the same color to me too and as cool as the time place sounds, walking on rubble in a massive world doesn't look like a blast to me. So i am not really hating on the game despite what you may believe, it just makes me mad with all the hype around games. Gears 2 looks like Gears one but it will get great reviews when any other game is considered unoriginal. I am most disappointed in ign though. Lately their reviews seem so biased its laughable. Consider their scale for this game 90 = 0 100 = 10. They gave it a 9.6 so i consider it a 6 because there was no way they were going into it with an open mind. Who knows maybe this game will grow on me in time but i have learned my lesson with hype. Knights of the Old Republic taught me that lesson, what a joke. my prediction= Amazing story, great graphics, average AI, terrible target system that pauses gameplay, below average shooter. Hm.. has a lot of qualities like Mass Effect and Bioshock.… Expand
  95. MikeP
    Nov 1, 2008
    9
    Everything in the game was as good as promised, the environments are very detailed and awesome to look at, the V.A.T.S system is very well done, and gives the player an edge over their enemies, like a better form of bullet time. Characters in this game are at least twice as well developed as they were in Oblivion, I felt attached and involved with the storyline and the characters. As far Everything in the game was as good as promised, the environments are very detailed and awesome to look at, the V.A.T.S system is very well done, and gives the player an edge over their enemies, like a better form of bullet time. Characters in this game are at least twice as well developed as they were in Oblivion, I felt attached and involved with the storyline and the characters. As far as following the overall feel of a fallout game, I feel it does pretty well, it stumbles in some places that really point out the difference between Black Isle/Interplay and Bethesda. Bethesda's fallout world is less free, less funny and less nuanced than Black Isle' fallout world. There were less dialogue options in F3 as opposed to F1&2 but I suppose that when you record voices for every NPC sentence it makes it more difficult to have 7 options when 3 would get the point across. Along those lines though sometimes I felt like what I wanted to say didn't have a parallel with the options I was given. It was also like I said not quite as funny as the first two games in the tragic-comedy type of way. Also Bethesda does not give you the ABSOLUTE freedom that you would get from the first two games, if you have 99 skill in lockpick and the door requires 100 your not getting in, in Fallout 1&2 you'd just chuckle as you set a five pound brick of plastic-explosives for 20 seconds and dive behind cover as the door flies off it's hinges. You require training to use certain armor, and the person that trains you isn't available to you until you complete an objective well within the middle of the game; F1&2 you'd just put it on. It's details like those that I'm missing from this fallout and have made it slightly frustrating to play as a fallout game. That and my biggest annoyance is that if I turn every enemy in the room into steaming goo before my allies fire a shot, they still talk to me like I needed their help and I can't handle myself.… Expand
  96. JCar
    Nov 1, 2008
    4
    In defense of Bethesda, many people have said that Fallout 3 manages to capture the spirit of the first two games. To this, I completely agree. That is, until you get to the ending. Once you do, you'll see what I mean. It is in no way even close to the quality of the endings from FO 1, 2 and especially Tactics. Tactics had by far the best ending because it was heavily nuanced and had In defense of Bethesda, many people have said that Fallout 3 manages to capture the spirit of the first two games. To this, I completely agree. That is, until you get to the ending. Once you do, you'll see what I mean. It is in no way even close to the quality of the endings from FO 1, 2 and especially Tactics. Tactics had by far the best ending because it was heavily nuanced and had very many shades of grey. You decided the outcome for several different groups of "people", the direction the Brotherhood would take AND how those ends would be achieved. There were many different images that varied greatly depending on your choices. If you haven't played the game and would like to see what I mean, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4ewKOcVW2E Now compare that to the ending of FO 3 if you've finished the game. Not even close is it? Lets look at the numbers shall we? The ending for Tactics is 3:24 long. The similiar "this is what happened" slide show ending for FO 3 is only 2:26 long, ignoring the cutscene. To sum it up, FO 3's ending lacks both the depth and substance of Tactic's or FO 1 and 2's endings as well as the length. In this respect, Bethesda DID NOT capture the "true spirit" of Fallout. Fallout is about a story. A deep, interwoven, complex story with many shades of grey. It engages the player and forces them to consider their actions. Thats part of the games' charm and mass appeal. Fallout 3 did a very poor job of emulating this kind of ending not to mention a shallow story line. I mean really, the "big choices" only really look at one event in the game. "Did s/he do this or not?" On only one event! There is no complex discussion of the consequences of all the other places and people the character interacts with. To try and say otherwise just makes you look like a sad devoted fan/fangirl. Because of this, it is no wonder FO 3 is quickly becomming known as "Oblivion with guns". Not just as a Fallout fan, but also as a critical thinker evaluating the breadth and depth of the story, I can unequivically say that FO 3 does not live up to its predecessors. Yes, it looks amazing, but I value actual quality over a cheap shallow "pretty looking" game. This is why FO 3 is only a "good" game and not a truly "great" game. Its just sad because it wouldn't take that much more effort to do the ending right. I don't know why Bethesda played a great ball game only to drop the ball and lose in the last two minutes of the game.… Expand
  97. JohnHartman
    Nov 1, 2008
    10
    First of all, can anyone else see that Mike R is taking the piss? He's made 2 comments already, and both of them are completely (And deliberately) inane.

    As for fallout 3, it ranks in the best 3 games I've ever played. 1. Half life 2 (Including episodes) 2. Bioshock 3. Fallout 3. The graphics weren't fantastic, but the environmental design was. This is everything    First of all, can anyone else see that Mike R is taking the piss? He's made 2 comments already, and both of them are completely (And deliberately) inane.

    As for fallout 3, it ranks in the best 3 games I've ever played.

    1. Half life 2 (Including episodes)
    2. Bioshock
    3. Fallout 3.

    The graphics weren't fantastic, but the environmental design was. This is everything that oblivion has but more, such as VATS, Guns, and the fallout setting.    … Expand
  98. MarcB.
    Oct 31, 2008
    9
    Exactly what I've been waiting for. If you enjoy western RPG's, you won't want to miss it. Very reminiscent of Oblivion, of course, but F3's VATS system is much more engaging than Oblivion's combat or casting. Interesting theme, amazing locations, addictive questing. I only deduct a point because (despite what others are writing) I find myself a little Exactly what I've been waiting for. If you enjoy western RPG's, you won't want to miss it. Very reminiscent of Oblivion, of course, but F3's VATS system is much more engaging than Oblivion's combat or casting. Interesting theme, amazing locations, addictive questing. I only deduct a point because (despite what others are writing) I find myself a little disappointed with the graphics. They are breathtaking... occasionally... but at other times downright retro (and not in the intentional sense.) Either way - fun!… Expand
  99. Jakkers
    Oct 31, 2008
    9
    After a half dozen hours in this game, I can safely say it's straight up more fun than Oblivion or Mass Effect. So far the only thing bothering me is the touchy walking animations - just not as crisp as in a standard fps, and it works to somewhat take you out of the experience. Besides that, fantastic game so far. 9.5/10.
  100. EricW
    Oct 31, 2008
    9
    Bethesda did a great job making the word feel like Fallout. It doesn't have the "magic" that the Black Isle games did, but they've paid tribute to the first two games and brought the series into the new generation. I'll be looking forward to more Fallout games from Bethesda.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
2
#2 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 84 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 84
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 84
  3. Negative: 0 out of 84
  1. GamingExcellence
    95
    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”.
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  2. Kikizo
    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.
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  3. GameSpot
    90
    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.
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