Digital releases of this incredible game have always been based on the original European versions, with kids removed and tweaked drug dialogue. This is nothing new and not worth getting your underwear in a twist. "Destroys atmosphere"? A bit of a stretch—although it nixes one minor side quest. More importantly, the Euro releases lacked the 1.2 bugfix. So you do what we've always done and install the TeamX 1.2.1 patch (optionally followed by their 1.3.5 dialogue improvements), which restores kids, animations, crash fixes and drug references. There, sorted. As to the game, it's a must-play for any pc gaming superfan. Reports of impenetrability due to age are overblown. Sprites and animations are detailed and full of character. The over-world is intentionally bleak, until suddenly punctuated by fascinating locations and engrossing npcs. I'd only caution new and old gamers alike to at least skim the manual (a well-written and funny in-universe 'survival guide'), specifically the UI/HUD section. Although the first of the truly 'modern' CRPGs—standing proud next to og Baldur's Gate & Planescape—this is where old-skool design sensibility rears its head and can indeed be a source of frustration; how to get different cursors for different actions; where all the sometimes tiny hud elements are; how to reload weapons or access the location (body-part) aiming popup etc. There are no tutorials for these things and you'll save yourself a headache by at least knowing where this info can be found in the included pdf. Once au-fait with the hud you're set for a tight, absorbing introduction to the Fallout world, as an ignorant nobody on a vital mission to save their home. It's a relatively short adventure, easily completable in a week or so. It does have a timer but this is extendable through lore-friendly in-game means just by talking to people, allowing the freedom to wander off the beaten path. Vitally, it has the most replay value of any entry in the series bar New Vegas.
