Fallout
- June 13, 2021
- Interplay Inc.
- 18h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games StoreFallout is a classic post-apocalyptic RPG that lets you explore a devastated world with ruins of a bygone era. Create your unique character with the SPECIAL system and make meaningful decisions that impact your journey. Fight, sneak, or talk your way through encounters with mutants, gangsters, and robots in this immersive wasteland.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Cloud
Linux
Ms Dos
Xbox
Xbox Game Pass
Reviews
- Engaging storyline with memorable characters and moral dilemmas.
- Tremendous player agency and freedom of choice in gameplay.
- Unique atmosphere and aesthetic that captures the bleakness of a post-apocalyptic world.
- Clunky controls and outdated mechanics can be frustrating for new players.
- Graphics are rudimentary and may not appeal to modern gamers.
- Companion AI is unreliable and can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
- story2,033 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story of Fallout 1 is widely praised for its depth, engaging characters, and intricate world-building, setting a high standard for narrative in RPGs. Players appreciate the non-linear storytelling and the significant impact of their choices on the game's outcome, with many quests offering multiple solutions. Despite its dated mechanics and lack of modern conveniences like quest markers, the compelling plot and immersive atmosphere continue to resonate with both new and returning players, making it a classic in the genre.
“Incredible story and worldbuilding, combat is tolerable if you're like me and crank the difficulty all the way down.”
“The story is engaging and interesting, the characters are memorable, the atmosphere is 10/10.”
“The story, writing, and atmosphere really hold up well!”
“Despite what some diehard fans might say, it's such an unpleasant experience that even the charming dialogue and stuff can't save it; you're better off just watching someone play through it to get the story.”
“The game starts off by letting you loose into an open world with a broad quest with no direction given to you at the start of the game, and this sounds painful in text.”
“The quests are deep and the combat is oddly satisfying.”
- gameplay985 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 63 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Fallout 1 is characterized by its turn-based mechanics and isometric perspective, which can feel clunky and outdated compared to modern standards. Many players note a steep learning curve due to the lack of tutorials and the complexity of its systems, but once familiarized, the gameplay can be rewarding and engaging, offering a rich narrative experience. While some mechanics may frustrate newcomers, the game's depth and strategic elements, combined with its immersive world, make it a classic worth exploring for fans of the RPG genre.
“The gameplay is fun and the world and characters were interesting.”
“The open-ended gameplay allows for multiple playthroughs with different outcomes based on your choices, making it highly replayable.”
“The gameplay is great; every little decision you make in tense fights can majorly affect you, a companion of yours, or an enemy.”
“In reality, it’s an empty, awkward, and boring game with no standout mechanics or noticeable variety.”
“The gameplay leaves something to be desired for multiple reasons ranging from how much your skills actually impact combat to how stiff the turn-taking feels especially when you have a low-action-point character.”
“The gameplay is especially a major gripe of mine, never enjoyed it that much and only eventually came to tolerate it.”
- graphics597 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of Fallout 1, released in 1997, are widely regarded as dated and rudimentary by modern standards, often described as simplistic and lacking detail. However, many players appreciate the unique retro aesthetic and atmospheric design, which effectively conveys the game's post-apocalyptic setting. While some find the visuals charming and nostalgic, others note that they can obscure gameplay elements, making navigation challenging. Overall, the graphics are seen as a minor drawback compared to the game's rich storytelling and immersive world.
“The setting and art style is unlike anything else, blending retro vibes with bleak cynicism.”
“The visuals, while dated, have a charm to them which makes them look impressive.”
“The graphics may seem a bit dated, but the core game is a fantastic experience, and should never be overlooked.”
“Even for a 20+ year old game, the graphics are very rudimentary.”
“The graphics are a horrible ugly brown.”
“The graphics, soundtrack, and the dialogue make you feel like you are in a post-apocalyptic society.”
- atmosphere355 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of Fallout 1 is widely praised for its unique blend of dark humor and bleakness, creating an immersive experience that captures the essence of a post-apocalyptic world. Reviewers highlight the game's exceptional world-building, haunting soundtrack, and detailed isometric visuals, which together evoke a sense of desolation and survival. Many consider it to have the best atmosphere in the Fallout series, often contrasting it favorably against later entries for its depth and emotional impact.
“The atmosphere of this game is unmatched and will never be replicated like it should be in current times.”
“The atmosphere is immersive, with a captivating narrative that explores themes of survival, morality, and humanity.”
“From the moment you step out of Vault 13, Fallout hooks you with its atmospheric world and compelling narrative.”
“The game world feels incomplete and doesn’t immerse you in its atmosphere.”
“The atmosphere is depressing, the implications horrifying, and the story-building phenomenal.”
“The atmosphere in this game is thick.”
- music296 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The music in Fallout 1, composed by Mark Morgan, is widely praised for its atmospheric and haunting qualities, effectively enhancing the game's bleak and immersive post-apocalyptic setting. Players appreciate the use of ambient tracks that evoke feelings of dread and nostalgia, particularly the iconic song "Maybe" by The Ink Spots, which bookends the game. While some critiques mention a limited variety in the in-game music, the overall consensus is that the soundtrack significantly contributes to the game's emotional depth and world-building.
“Mark Morgan made a soundtrack that brings a sense of constant dread and curiosity that makes you wonder what the world beyond your play area is like and makes you really wonder what your player is seeing down there while you're stuck in that overhead view that you're limited to.”
“The music is amazing, the locations in the map are interesting, the story is pretty cool as well, I really enjoyed the side quests and how much more bleak this game is in comparison to modern Fallout titles.”
“The atmosphere, soundtrack, choices, and consequences... almost everything is perfect.”
“A bit disappointed in the music, however, as there is only 1 licensed track that appears in the opening and closing cutscenes, and the in-game music has a very limited tracklist that loops over and over again.”
“The music is mostly atmospheric with little-to-no combat music and it all gets a bit samey.”
“The haunting music never lets you feel safe in the wasteland.”
- humor188 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- -1 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in Fallout is characterized by a blend of dark, whimsical, and often absurd elements, providing a unique contrast to its grim post-apocalyptic setting. While it may not be as overtly comedic as later entries in the series, the game features clever dialogue, dark humor, and memorable interactions that enhance the storytelling experience. Players appreciate the subtlety of its humor, which often reflects on societal themes and personal choices, making it a standout aspect of the game.
“All in all, a funny little journey through the end of the world.”
“The dialogue, enriched by a dark sense of humor, keeps players engaged and often provides a chuckle amidst the chaos.”
“The game has a compelling story, amazing humor that can be easy to miss, lovable characters, and some surprisingly good voice actors for '97.”
“The humor in this game falls flat and feels forced, lacking the cleverness that makes comedy enjoyable.”
“I expected a lot more laughs, but the jokes are stale and often miss the mark entirely.”
“The attempts at humor are cringeworthy and detract from the overall experience rather than enhance it.”
- replayability107 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its open-ended gameplay, diverse character builds, and multiple endings, allowing players to experience unique outcomes with each playthrough. While some players feel that the story may lead to a singular "best" ending, the variety of quests and character choices still provide ample opportunities for exploration and experimentation. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable titles in the Fallout series, with many players returning for multiple runs.
“The open-ended gameplay allows for multiple playthroughs with different outcomes based on your choices, making it highly replayable.”
“The variety of quests and the ability to complete them in different ways add replayability to the game and make each playthrough unique.”
“With a variety of choices affecting outcomes, the game offers solid replay value.”
“The game has very little replay value, but when you go into the game for the first time knowing very little about it, it's a very engaging game.”
“I'm not sure if the game has much replayability due to how the story leads you to one better ending than the others, unlike the newer games.”
“It's a great game to play the first time, but after you play it a second time, you find that there's no replay value.”
- stability91 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 1 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly impact gameplay. While some players have found workarounds or community patches to alleviate issues, the overall consensus is that the game is a "buggy mess," particularly when played on modern systems. Despite these flaws, many still appreciate the game's story and classic RPG elements, suggesting that it may be worth playing for dedicated fans, albeit with caution.
“Had no issues except companions standing in doorways, no bugs, no glitches.”
“Absolute banger and probably my favorite Fallout, I usually play it through Fallout 1 and 2 but the Steam version runs great too.”
“☑ Bug free”
“Clunky, buggy, even buggier than Bethesda's Fallout titles, and that says a lot.”
“This release is really buggy, hardly works, and the patches that are baked into it to make it work on newer operating systems are installed incorrectly so they don't properly work either.”
“A buggy mess on modern computers without emulation, that constantly crashes your entire setup.”
- grinding69 mentions
- 1 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 83 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players noting the slow combat, clunky controls, and cumbersome inventory management as significant drawbacks. While some appreciate the depth and atmosphere of the game, the overall consensus is that the grinding can feel excessive and frustrating, often requiring a considerable investment of time to progress. Despite these challenges, players acknowledge that mastering the mechanics can lead to a rewarding experience, particularly in terms of the story and world-building.
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“This game is not good in that doing anything is incredibly tedious and making progress is mind-numbingly boring.”
“Fallout 1 has the joy of being one of the most unpleasant, tedious games that I have ever had the misfortune of playing.”
- emotional29 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a profound emotional connection to the game, often citing moments of deep sadness and nostalgia, particularly during pivotal story events and character interactions. The writing and atmosphere evoke feelings of wonder and heartbreak, with many reviewers highlighting the emotional weight of their choices and the authenticity of character reactions. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to create memorable, emotionally charged experiences that resonate long after playing.
“The writing is perfect and the ending is so perfect that I cried.”
“It's dark and gritty and often hopeless feeling, which makes the tale of the vault dweller even more grandiose, dramatic, and heartbreaking.”
“The story was beautiful, well-paced, emotional, and just really satisfying.”
- character development23 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised for its depth and complexity, featuring memorable NPCs and factions with nuanced motivations. Players appreciate the emphasis on choice and consequence, which enhances storytelling and allows for diverse character builds. The combination of engaging dialogue, rich lore, and a well-crafted post-apocalyptic world contributes to a standout experience that resonates with fans of RPGs.
“Set in a richly crafted post-apocalyptic world, it offers a unique blend of storytelling, character development, and strategic turn-based combat.”
“Its emphasis on player choice and consequence paved the way for future RPGs, setting a benchmark for storytelling and character development.”
“Character development is robust, with memorable NPCs and factions that have nuanced motivations and ideologies.”
“Also, the enemy AI is a bit primitive (not that newer games are any better, actually...) and you'll also find that some character development options are obvious 'traps' that may make you restart the game.”
“Even though there may be less character development in Fallout than in later installments, it's worth exploring the humble beginnings of the factions and storylines that have been developed throughout the series.”
“However, returning to this game years later and leaving my nostalgia glasses on my bedside stand, I found this game to still be enjoyable, funny dialogue, rewarding gameplay, dynamic-ish character development (even if it is just gun hoping until you eventually find a laser weapon and start maxing energy weapons).”
- optimization15 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has received largely negative feedback, with players reporting issues such as poor graphics, stuttering gameplay, and frequent crashes, particularly during critical moments. While some users noted the availability of patches and fan-made fixes, many expressed frustration over the lack of proper optimization, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite its strong worldbuilding and voice acting, the technical performance remains a significant drawback.
“There are of course things that could have been a little more optimized (but hey, Fallout Fixit or Fallout 1 et tu are there to get those fixes!), but all in all, masterfully well done worldbuilding, incredible music, out of this world immersion in certain occasions and superb writing.”
“Very fun if you like a challenge; fairly well optimized though I wish there was more proper icon scaling for 2560x1440p, but hey I don't think there were monitors with that many pixels in the 90s.”
“It includes patches and fan-made fixes, optimization, official soundtrack, manual, encyclopedia and many other free stuff such as wallpapers, concept arts and more.”
“There's a slight problem with its optimization; the game often crashes mid-battle or mid-dialogue, and it can be annoying at times.”
“Yet so poorly optimized... I would not recommend it, since because of crashing in critical moments right after saves, it can corrupt 10+ hours of gameplay.”
“This game was great years ago, and the gameplay still holds up, but there is zero optimization, and even worse, there are bugs that never existed before.”
- monetization3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game features no microtransactions, which has been positively received by users who appreciate the absence of additional costs for future updates. This decision contributes to a more immersive experience, allowing players to engage with the game without the distraction of in-game purchases.
“I appreciate that there are no microtransactions in this game for future updates.”
“No microtransactions.”
“Fuck the sellout Bethesda, no microtransactions in this game for future updates, right?”
