Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

79%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,644 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel Game Cover
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Fallout Tacts: Brotherhood Of Steel is a Science Fiction Open World game that offers both single-player and multi-player modes. Players join the Brotherhood of Steel, a group protecting civilization from the dangers of the post-apocalyptic wasteland. The game emphasizes tactical squad-based combat, where weapons are crucial and squadmates become like family, offering honor, respect, and the spoils of war for those who survive.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

79%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,644 reviews
story102 positive mentions
stability42 negative mentions
  • Engaging tactical gameplay with squad-based mechanics that allow for strategic planning and execution.
  • Rich character customization options, including the ability to recruit various races like Ghouls, Super Mutants, and Deathclaws.
  • Strong atmosphere and visuals that capture the essence of the Fallout universe, enhanced by good voice acting.
  • Frequent technical issues and bugs, especially on modern systems, leading to crashes and frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • Linear mission structure with limited exploration and role-playing elements, making it feel less like a traditional Fallout game.
  • High random encounter rate on the world map can be tedious and disrupt the flow of gameplay.
  • story581 mentions

    The story in "Fallout Tactics" is generally considered weaker than in previous Fallout titles, focusing more on mission-based gameplay rather than deep narrative or character development. Players engage in a series of tactical missions for the Brotherhood of Steel, with a linear plot that lacks the rich storytelling and moral choices characteristic of earlier games in the series. While some players appreciate the tactical gameplay and the unique setting, many feel the narrative is simplistic and often forgettable, making it less compelling for those seeking a traditional RPG experience.

    • “The storyline, while not as central as in other Fallout titles, offers a compelling narrative set in the Brotherhood of Steel's quest for dominance in the wasteland.”
    • “The game's storyline keeps you invested as you lead your squad through a variety of missions, uncovering the mysteries of the wasteland along the way.”
    • “The story revolves around the Brotherhood of Steel, a well-known faction in the Fallout series, and their mission to save humanity from various threats.”
    • “The game lacks the rich narrative choices, moral dilemmas, and deep storytelling that define traditional Fallout games.”
    • “This shift in focus may disappoint players who were hoping for a more story-driven experience.”
    • “The story is non-existent (the intro video is the only good thing the game), the maps are samey and the gameplay is clunky.”
  • gameplay237 mentions

    The gameplay of *Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel* is a mixed bag, featuring a shift to squad-based tactical combat that diverges from the traditional RPG elements of earlier Fallout titles. While some players appreciate the engaging and strategic nature of the combat, others criticize the clunky mechanics, repetitive mission structure, and lack of depth in storytelling. Overall, the game offers a unique experience within the Fallout universe, appealing primarily to fans of tactical gameplay despite its dated interface and occasional bugs.

    • “One of the standout features of Fallout Tactics is its engaging gameplay.”
    • “The tactical gameplay is top-notch, requiring careful planning and strategy to succeed in each mission.”
    • “The gameplay is great as there is an option for real-time combat or the classic Fallout style combat.”
    • “The gameplay is random when you play the game since anything can happen in combat when you think you're prepared.”
    • “Repetitive gameplay: while the tactical combat is engaging, the mission-based structure can become repetitive over time.”
    • “The game’s linear progression and focus on combat may feel monotonous for some players, especially those used to the varied gameplay and exploration of the main Fallout titles.”
  • graphics102 mentions

    The graphics of "Fallout Tactics" show notable improvements over its predecessors, offering a more polished visual experience with detailed sprite graphics that still hold up well today, despite being dated by modern standards. While some players appreciate the aesthetic and art style that captures the Fallout atmosphere, others note issues such as graphical glitches and low resolution. Overall, the visuals are considered decent for a game released in 2001, contributing positively to the immersive post-apocalyptic setting.

    • “Considering 'Fallout Tactics' was released back in 2001, its graphics hold up surprisingly well.”
    • “Fantastic visuals for its time; I would actually argue that they still look great today.”
    • “The graphics are impressive for a 2001 game; the art style is beautiful.”
    • “The steam version was only windowed mode (in Win10 and 11); a very small window, and there are various graphical glitches; in fact, running in fullscreen mode caused it to crash during start.”
    • “Within 5 minutes the game already gave me a headache due to the clunky controls, pixelated graphics, tiny texts, and the lack of proper fullscreen.”
    • “You will most likely have to play in windowed mode, which is a half-hearted compromise so that the game can at least run; however, it's filled with graphical glitches and unexplainable stuttering.”
  • stability42 mentions

    The game is widely criticized for its instability, with numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes, particularly on modern systems like Windows 10 and 11. Players report frustrating gameplay experiences due to these technical issues, including unresponsive controls and frequent crashes that hinder progress. Despite its potential and unique gameplay elements, the overall consensus is that the game is plagued by significant stability problems, making it difficult to recommend.

    • “Players may encounter bugs, glitches, and occasional crashes, particularly on modern systems.”
    • “This game had so much potential but was released in an unfinished and buggy state.”
    • “To buggy to recommend to anyone, the game was always an unfinished buggy mess that has game-breaking bugs that keep you from progressing in the game.”
  • atmosphere26 mentions

    The atmosphere of Fallout Tactics is described as gritty and immersive, effectively capturing the post-apocalyptic essence of the Fallout universe, though it adopts a more militaristic tone that may not resonate with all fans. While some reviewers note a lack of the quirky charm and dark humor found in earlier titles, the game's ambient music and detailed environments contribute positively to the overall experience, making it a unique entry within the series. Despite some deviations in art style, the game maintains a strong sense of atmosphere that appeals to fans of tactical RPGs.

    • “Visually, Fallout Tactics captures the gritty atmosphere of the Fallout universe.”
    • “The game's ambient music and sound effects effectively contribute to the atmosphere of the wasteland.”
    • “The atmosphere, loot, characters, and visuals are still there.”
    • “Divisive tone and atmosphere: the tone of Fallout Tactics is more militaristic and less focused on the dark humor and quirky charm of the main series.”
    • “This shift in atmosphere might not appeal to all fans, as it lacks some of the unique personality that made the original Fallout games memorable.”
    • “Although some minor details in the general art style slightly deviate from the usual tone of the Fallout series, the visual appearance of the game carries the typical Fallout atmosphere across very well.”
  • grinding23 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious, frustrating, and repetitive, with many players expressing that it detracts significantly from the overall enjoyment. Users report that the need to grind for skills and resources, coupled with poor pathfinding and frequent random encounters, leads to a monotonous experience that can feel like a chore rather than fun gameplay. While some find it addictive, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding mechanics are poorly balanced and contribute to a sense of frustration and boredom.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “I wanna like this game so bad...but it's just so tedious, frustrating, and miserable.”
    • “There's severe frame rate issues, including one that makes you get constant random encounters, which makes the time between missions tedious.”
    • “All I had to do was tediously kill the same robots I had already killed for another 3 hours before I could end my misery by ending the game.”
  • humor20 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the clever dialogue and amusing interactions that reflect the quirky charm of the Fallout universe, while others criticize the shift towards a more militaristic tone that lacks the dark humor of earlier titles. While there are moments of genuine hilarity and entertaining scenarios, many feel that the humor is inconsistent and sometimes overshadowed by tedious mechanics and a lack of engaging side quests. Overall, the game retains some of the franchise's signature humor, but it may not resonate with all fans.

    • “The dialogue and voice acting is hilarious yet motivating.”
    • “Filled with lore and very hilarious interactions.”
    • “The post-apocalyptic setting is at times humorous and never takes itself too seriously.”
    • “In 2001, they seriously just took the worst parts of Fallout 2 (unfunny dialogue, obtuse combat, Byzantine mechanics), dialed the terribleness up to 11, and sold it right back to Fallout fans at full price.”
  • replayability16 mentions

    Overall, the game offers a mixed level of replayability, with many players appreciating the variety in character classes, strategies, and random encounters that encourage multiple playthroughs. However, some reviewers note limitations in replay value, suggesting that while the experience is engaging, it may not sustain long-term interest for all players. Customization options and competitive modes enhance replayability for those seeking new challenges.

    • “This mode adds additional replayability and provides an opportunity for competitive play, challenging players to develop new strategies and adapt to different opponents.”
    • “The game starts in media res, but eventually adds more and more depth, becoming a challenging and replayable squad-based tactical RPG with its many varied weapons, vehicles, enemies, and levels.”
    • “As you travel the wastes, you can pick up additional team members and types, making the customizability of this game and replayability immense.”
    • “I would definitely change it a bit and improve the replay value - like rotating recruits instead of playing with the same ones over and over.”
    • “Some replayability, but not really much.”
    • “Unfortunately, low resolution makes the game undesirable for new players and wards off replay value for old-schoolers.”
  • music16 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with a soundtrack that enhances the immersive atmosphere and complements the gritty visuals. While some players find it less memorable compared to previous titles in the series, the ambient music and sound effects effectively contribute to the overall experience, capturing the desolate feel of the wasteland. The quality of the voice acting and sound design is also praised, with a mix of nostalgic elements from earlier games.

    • “The visuals are gritty and detailed, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, adding to the immersion.”
    • “The OST is beautiful with music by Inon Zur as well as hints of Mark Morgan's Fallout 1 & 2 compositions during narration.”
    • “The game's ambient music and sound effects effectively contribute to the atmosphere of the wasteland.”
    • “The voice acting and sound effects are surprisingly solid as well, and the music, while being a little sparse and slightly unfitting at times, is decent, too.”
    • “The soundtrack still contains some gems, and the game does succeed in places at recreating that Fallout feel.”
  • optimization10 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing issues such as mouse stuttering, crashes, and poor performance, particularly in turn-based combat modes. While some users note that the game can run smoothly with adjustments, it still suffers from graphical glitches and is not fully optimized for modern systems. Overall, despite its tactical gameplay appeal, the optimization shortcomings detract from the experience.

    • “The game runs smoothly (just remember to change the default resolution).”
    • “Great game, the mechanics themselves haven't aged out, but it hasn't been adequately updated to run smoothly on modern computer architecture and operating systems.”
    • “Each of them turns in a performance that is exactly as good as you would expect.”
    • “Crashes, poor performance optimization, and interface bugs make it effin' annoying.”
    • “You will most likely have to play in windowed mode, which is a half-hearted compromise so that the game can at least run; however, it's filled with graphical glitches and unexplainable stuttering.”
    • “Further to actually play the game tactically, you have to enable turn-based or squad-based combat, and this game is poorly optimized for playing outside of real-time combat; even then, it still suffers from the limitations of an isometric set camera angle.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the depth and tactical elements it offers, while others criticize it for weak storytelling and a lack of immersive character arcs. Overall, the game seems to struggle with balancing character development alongside its RPG elements, leaving some players wanting more.

    • “Offering good tactical challenges, character development, and a decent storyline, this is not a poor relation to the franchise.”
    • “I really wish they would reboot this concept of team-based tactical character development.”
    • “Really liked the character development in it and the way that if I needed something... well, you could always barter for it / steal it / knock someone off to get it... this is post-nuclear war age, after all...”
    • “Apart from character development, there aren't many RPG elements.”
    • “However, one of the criticisms aimed at Fallout Tactics is its weak storytelling and character development.”
    • “This game is mildly adequate in my opinion with decent gameplay and controls; however, it lacks character development and immersive storytelling.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    Players express that engaging with games like Fallout Tactics can evoke strong emotional responses, providing a sense of fulfillment and motivation during challenging times. The experience not only offers a temporary escape but also contributes positively to their overall well-being, ultimately leading to a rewarding gaming journey.

    • “It helped me out in a big way, made me feel good, gave me the drive to get up and go.”
    • “Playing this game made me feel as rich as a king.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    Users express frustration with Bethesda's monetization practices, particularly concerning the potential for microtransactions in future updates, indicating a desire for a more consumer-friendly approach.

    • “I appreciate that there are no microtransactions in this game for future updates.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't disrupt the gameplay experience.”
    • “It's refreshing to see a game that prioritizes player experience over aggressive monetization strategies.”
    • “I can't believe how aggressive the monetization is in this game. It feels like they care more about profits than player experience.”
    • “The constant push for microtransactions ruins the immersion. It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind a paywall.”
    • “It's disappointing to see a game I love being turned into a cash grab. The monetization strategy is just too much.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

Play time

38hMedian play time
36hAverage play time
29hMain story
49hCompletionist
13-55hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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