Fallout 2

An iterative upgrade on the original that refines the few issues that game had making for a much bigger, if goofier, RPG. The time limit is gone and the map is much larger with almost no restrictions keeping you from exploring in any way you want. Some locations can feel more disjointed but every town is filled with great sub plots and side quests that can be done numerous ways. This game is such a joy to replay and try out new character builds, they really do reward all play styles.

I highly recommend downloading the offline version for 2 reasons. 1. The one I played with GOG Galaxy was very laggy for some reason and I have an Intel Core i5 with a GTX 1650, more than enough to play a game from 1998. 2. The GOG Galaxy version isn't compatible with the Fallout 2 Restoration Project, a must have mod even for a first time playthrough. Other than that I had an amazing experience with this game.

For me the best sci-fi rpg ever made. Have modded it a lot over the years, but came into a hard-coded wall when encountered the damage/armor penetration formula (which was broken). Anyways, no amount of flaws can dissuade me from ingesting the flavor this game radiates (pun intended). This was all way before bethesda influence (and before the bioware/black isle moral disintegration).

The short answer...probably not. Just finished it again (8th time in my life i guess...?) and all the clunky aspects would probably be too much for most. If you're clever and do your research (plus download the resoration patch and a walkthrough) you'll find it far more enjoyable and less frustrating. However, most will not be willing to put such effort into such an antiquated game. It needs a remake imho. It does have wonderful worldbuilding and story (especially with vault city, New Reno, and NCR politics being intertwined in very interesting ways. I'm not sure it's enough for new people sadly. Just patient and willing to learn if you buy it for the first time. It's around 40-60 hours long. Oh, and get a walkthrough.

This one is a nostalgic journey of mine but it does survive a trial of time. Great story, flexible character development system and multiple ways to handle nearly every quest makes this game stand out the most. On top of that great soundtrack and still satysfying combat will make wandering through wasteland both enjoyable and channelnging. If you haven't played classic RPGs - this one is for you.