Fallout

There are some elements of Fallout that are frustrating from a modern perspective, mostly relating to combat, and there are features missing that effectively force you into certain endings. The design takes some getting used to as well. Nevertheless, this is, on balance, probably one of the most entertaining games I have played in years. The depth of customization, and viable playstyles is almost unmatched, and there are few things more enjoyable than exploring a large, new area for the first time.

Fallout 1 is understandably simple in scope when compared to the rest of the series. Still, the isometric combat may leave some confused and frustrated; that said, it's an experience comparable to Mass Effect 1, and traversing post-apocalyptic Southern California is not a voyage to be missed.

This game has earned a reputation as being a classic CRPG, and I'm impressed by the vastness of the world and its settlements (e.g., The Hub). One flaw, though, is the game's inadequate proofreading: many a time I came across misspellings, missing/extra punctuation, and other typos in the game's text. Of course these errors do not hinder gameplay in any direct way, but they nevertheless make the game not as perfect or polished as it could be.

Great game, great fallout. It oozes atmosphere, the writing is excellent and the gameplay is your typical isometric tactical that is making a comeback nowadays.

After playing Fallout NV, 3, and 2, this was a trip back to simplicity. You have a goal, and you are given a considerable amount of ways to accomplish this goal (or fail it). It straddles the deep and shallow end of complexity when it comes lore, factions, characters, and alignments, and after you rush through to avoid both timers (there are two time limits) you realize your actions and inactions and play again fixing your mistakes or exacerbating them. It just needed to prove what Fallout could be and threw in some solid characters and quests to boot.