Hey,

I'm wondering why I can't seem to get into Fallout, as I like apocalyptic setting above all and I'm really fond of turn-based 4X strategy games, such as Master of Orion and Civilization, or chess, if board games count. I also like isometric view lots. But I'm not the biggest fan of roleplaying games, or my standards are just very high, and when you combine that with turn-baseness, I get quickly bored. My problem with a lot of turn-based games is that there just isn't enough to do, so I find myself spamming 'next turn' or doing same action constantly, this same problem exists with a lot of strategy games, even though the genre is dear to me. I feel that with turn-based games, the brain should be making critical decisions every turn, rather than focus on thinking about something between nothing, boobs and spamming turn-button.

So, I don't know, should I try to get bit further in the game, will the tactical combat get more interesting then? Some puzzles to solve at least? I just really like at least bit of challenge, that's also one reason why I have hard time starting out games, as they beginning are always made too easy, especially in RPG's, of which attraction is more the story rather than interesting mechanics, and I only like well-thought-out, really twisted stories. I so, so rarely run into games or books of which story would catch my attention. Don't know why, perhaps I just am too realistic person to want to dwell in fantasy for a moment. That's bit contradictory though, as for long time I thought I'm absent-minded, bit escapist type of person sometimes. People change, I guess... but war never changes, right?!

Try it a bit longer. It took me a while to get into it. But might just not be your type of game.

Fallout's combat is very much about pumping the right stats, using the right weapons in a given situation and positioning your character at choke points to minimise damage. Spamming "next turn" is not really an option in Fallout later on once you're done fighting rats and scorpions, as even one or two wasted turns can mean death. Combat does get more challenging and interesting later in the game as more weapon options open up, and Fallout 2 is more combat-oriented than the first (there's more of it, and you can't get through the game without a good deal of it), so it might be more up your alley.

Still, Fallout's strengths are really in its world exploration, story and characters; they do become more interesting as the game goes on, but if you're not a fan of walking around, talking to people and so on then... well yeah, it just may not quite be what you're interested in, genre-wise. It's also worth pointing out that Fallout 2 has more variety in setting, characters and tone, plus it's much larger than the first game (probably 2-3x bigger) so that might tickle your interest and imagination a bit more, but if you're fan of serious stuff then it also might annoy you with one-too-many pop culture references.

Psychedelicious, what are some games that do live up to your high expectations? I'm looking for suggestions.

Neither of the 2 Fallouts here is much fun right off the bat. The beginning is more a "getting used to the game mechanics" session. It definitely gets more interesting once you make it to your first couple of towns.

If you want a tactical combat - Fallout 1/2 is not a good place to look for it. The combat system is not generally complicated, it's based on stats of your character, distance to your target and any objects in you line of sight. If you want something more tactical, with similar post-apocalyptic atmosphere - try out Fallout Tactics. It's definitely not even close to the great story of Fallout 1/2, but it has more tactical oriented combat.

You mentioned that you like a well-thought, twisted story - that's exactly what you'll find in Fallout 1/2. The story is complex (if you manage to uncover everything and like to put the pieces together to get the bigger picture), the characters (especially the talking heads) are great. I still consider Fallout 1/2 story to be one of the best, but in order to get to know it you have to cope with the game mechanics. These are good - not to simple, not to complicated. This game is all about story, story which you help to create through your decisions.

It's up to you to decide. Fallout, just like any other game, is not suitable for everyone, so you just have to give it a try.