Fallout

The gamne refuses to start, coming up with "Can't initialise input devices". A shame, I have fond memories, but beware even at this bargain price you may not get a working game.

It seems to me that if you disregard all context, especially Fallout 1’s release date and the fact that it was the first Fallout, and just treat it as „a game” playing it in 2021 it really isn’t that mindblowing or memorable. It’s not bad by any stretch. It’s still pretty good and perfectly playable. But it does not stand out to me as a masterpiece of any kind to last through the ages. Because here’s the thing – from my perspective, unironically, Fallout New Vegas seems to be a better Fallout than Fallout 1. It does more interesting things with it’s base concepts. I would say Fallout 1’s story is competent enough, but really, nothing breathtaking. In fact, I found the resolution of the antagonist’s story to be… a little bit silly? The flaw in his „master plan” was just so glaringly obvious that it stretches my suspension if disbelief that HE himself never considered it. I think Fallout 1 is not particularly breathtaking even compared to other 90s isometric cRPGs. Planescape Torment is what, 2 years younger? And I think it’s not even a contest when comparing the storytelling of the two games. There are many moments I still remember, years later. And Planescape just offers so much food for thought, whereas Fallout 1 does not really seem to do that. It was fun, sure. But it didn’t feel like a „masterpiece”. Overall – I did enjoy Fallout 1 well enough, I guess. But I can’t say I’ve fallen in love with it. Which I guess opens up a big question – should Fallout 1 get retroactive kudos for being the first one, even if I think New Vegas is ultimately kinda better? I think it should. So – thank you, Fallout. I didn’t love you, but I do respect you a lot. If you wish to see how a newcomer handles Fallout 1, I made a blind playthrough on my channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQPGOC9Pm9I&list=PLp4TpsJ7HUWUADgQpn_ejXFaM3PMHqKX_&ab_channel=LittleDwarf

I like this game because of the classicness of this game. I like old games.

The story is pretty much as good as Planescape Torment or other good narratives in video games. Fallout 1 is liniar but very straightforward with the possibility of a peaceful, non-combat ending as a bonus that is impossible not to appreciate. Fallout 2 on the other hand set the stage for non-linear play with a lackluster main story and never really catched up with the culmination that the original game reached. Play Fallout 1 even if you are not very much into RPG's. The plot is just that good.

Five stars, no two ways about it. One of the most important games ever, if you've not played it yet there is something severely wrong.