Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel Game Cover

"Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel" is a tactical squad-based combat game set in the post-apocalyptic Fallout universe. As a member of the Brotherhood, a group protecting civilization from radiation-filled wastelands, you'll complete missions using a variety of weapons and skills. Your squadmates will become your family, and your bond will be tested in the heat of battle. It's up to you to ensure the survival of humanity in these dire times.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows

Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,314 reviews
story81 positive mentions
stability35 negative mentions
  • Engaging tactical gameplay with squad-based mechanics that allow for strategic planning and execution.
  • Rich atmosphere and lore that ties into the Fallout universe, providing a unique perspective on the Brotherhood of Steel.
  • Variety of characters, weapons, and skills that enhance replayability and customization.
  • Clunky controls and poor AI pathfinding can lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.
  • Frequent random encounters on the world map can disrupt pacing and lead to resource depletion.
  • Limited RPG elements and linear mission structure detract from the depth and exploration found in earlier Fallout titles.
  • story445 mentions

    The story in "Fallout Tactics" is generally viewed as average to decent, with many players noting its linearity and lack of depth compared to earlier Fallout titles. While it features a variety of missions centered around the Brotherhood of Steel and includes some interesting lore, the narrative is often criticized for being simplistic and lacking meaningful player choices. Overall, it serves more as a backdrop for tactical gameplay rather than a compelling story-driven experience, appealing primarily to fans of strategy over narrative depth.

    • “The game offers multiple paths and choices throughout the story, allowing for different outcomes and experiences each time you play.”
    • “I have been absolutely blown away by this game, at first I did not expect much but the amazing story coupled together with the impressive graphics for the time and gameplay that pulls you in for hours.”
    • “The story is great, entertaining, and engaging, and straight out of the Fallout fiction.”
    • “There is almost no story.”
    • “The dialogue options and choices available to players are limited compared to the traditional Fallout RPGs, which can be disappointing for fans expecting a strong emphasis on branching storylines and role-playing elements.”
    • “The story is non-existent (the intro video is the only good thing the game), the maps are samey and the gameplay is clunky.”
  • gameplay187 mentions

    The gameplay of "Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel" is characterized by its tactical, squad-based mechanics that diverge from the traditional RPG elements of earlier Fallout titles. While some players appreciate the strategic depth and variety of missions, others criticize the clunky controls, repetitive gameplay, and lack of narrative depth. Overall, it offers a unique blend of real-time and turn-based combat, appealing to fans of tactical gameplay, but may feel dated and less engaging compared to its predecessors.

    • “The tactical gameplay is top-notch, requiring careful planning and strategy to succeed in each mission.”
    • “The game also offers a variety of different missions and objectives, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
    • “The gameplay is excellent, if a little wonky at times, with very intricate and difficult maps and a very excellent inventory system encompassing a literal platoon of characters you can individually command and customize.”
    • “It shares graphics and game mechanics with 'Fallout' and 'Fallout 2', but has none of their RPG charm.”
    • “The story is non-existent (the intro video is the only good thing about the game), the maps are samey and the gameplay is clunky.”
    • “All the problems with the UI and core combat mechanics of the classic Fallout games were forgivable because they were mere accessories to brilliant, deeply reactive roleplaying games: remove the RPG and you're left with an incredibly obtuse UI and clumsy, generally uninteresting combat mechanics.”
  • graphics90 mentions

    The graphics of "Fallout Tactics" are generally regarded as decent for its time, showcasing a gritty and detailed aesthetic that aligns well with the post-apocalyptic theme. While some players appreciate the improved visuals over earlier titles in the series, others note that the graphics feel dated and are marred by technical issues and glitches, particularly in certain versions. Overall, the game is seen as visually appealing within the context of its era, though it may not meet the expectations of modern gamers.

    • “The visuals are gritty and detailed, and the soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, adding to the immersion.”
    • “Fantastic visuals for its time; I would actually argue that they still look great today.”
    • “The art and aesthetic is 100% Fallout in every way with amazing attention to detail.”
    • “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.”
  • stability35 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of bugs, glitches, and crashes, particularly in turn-based mode and when running on modern operating systems. Players have experienced frustrating issues such as unresponsive controls, graphical problems, and game-breaking bugs that hinder progression. Despite these technical shortcomings, some users still find the game enjoyable and unique, though many recommend caution due to its unstable nature.

    • “It's best played in real-time mode, where it's decent, but the turn-based mode is buggy and prone to odd happenings.”
    • “This game had so much potential but was released in an unfinished and buggy state.”
    • “To buggy to recommend to anyone, game was always an unfinished buggy mess that has game-breaking bugs that keep you from progressing in the game.”
  • grinding20 mentions

    Players consistently find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and frustrating, often citing repetitive encounters and the need to invest excessive time in skill development and farming. Many reviews highlight that the game's length and lack of variety in missions contribute to a sense of monotony, making the experience feel more like a chore than enjoyable gameplay. Overall, while some appreciate the game's graphics and universe, the grinding elements detract significantly from the overall fun and engagement.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The game is far longer than expected, and even on easy difficulty it becomes tedious at some point.”
    • “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 finishing the game.”
    • “It can be extremely frustratingly tedious.”
  • atmosphere19 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for effectively capturing the post-apocalyptic essence of the Fallout universe, with immersive environments, dark humor, and detailed settings that evoke a sense of desolation. While some minor art style deviations exist, the overall atmosphere remains consistent with earlier titles, providing an engaging experience that resonates with fans of the series. Players appreciate the game's ability to transport them into a richly crafted wasteland filled with unique locations and characters.

    • “The game really captures the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the Fallout universe.”
    • “The atmosphere, loot, characters, and visuals are still there.”
    • “The soundtrack, while not as memorable as some of the other Fallout games, still captures the desolate atmosphere and adds to the overall experience.”
    • “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.”
    • “I don't know why so many people complain about this game; it's not as good as Fallout 1 or 2, but it has that same atmosphere that neither Fallout 3 nor 4 has.”
  • replayability15 mentions

    Overall, the replayability of the game is viewed positively, with many players appreciating the variety of character classes, choices, and customizable strategies that enhance the experience. While some reviews note limitations in replay value, particularly compared to earlier titles in the series, the game's engaging mechanics and random encounters contribute to a solid replayable experience for fans. However, a few players feel that the game's dated graphics may deter new players and affect overall replayability.

    • “Good amount of replayability due to different character class focusing and different choices you can make.”
    • “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-school players.”
  • humor15 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mix of clever dialogue and dark, post-apocalyptic wit, reminiscent of classic titles like Fallout, though some players feel it lacks the depth and variety of earlier installments. While many find the interactions and random encounters amusing, others criticize the reliance on fourth-wall breaks and a lack of engaging side quests, leading to a perception of a lifeless world. Overall, the humor is appreciated for its charm and ability to entertain, despite some inconsistencies in execution.

    • “Filled with lore and very hilarious interactions.”
    • “Also the jokes in dialogues are actually funny.”
    • “The post-apocalyptic setting is at times humorous and never takes itself too seriously.”
  • music13 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with a soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience and captures the desolate atmosphere, though it may not be as memorable as previous installments in the series. While some users noted that the music can be sparse or occasionally unfitting, the overall composition, including contributions from notable composers, is appreciated for its quality and thematic consistency. Additionally, the sound effects and voice acting are highlighted as solid, further enriching the game's audio landscape.

    • “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 composition during narration.”
    • “The music and sound are well done and keep up with the theme of the game.”
    • “The voice acting and sound effects are surprisingly solid, 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.”
  • character development6 mentions

    Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players criticizing it for weak storytelling and a lack of immersive character arcs. While a few appreciate the tactical challenges and the ability to interact with characters in a post-apocalyptic setting, many feel that the overall character development is inadequate compared to other titles in the franchise.

    • “Offering good tactical challenges, character development, and a decent storyline, this is not a poor relation to the franchise.”
    • “I really liked the character development in it and the way that if I needed something, you could always barter for it, steal it, or knock someone off to get it. This is a post-nuclear war age, after all.”
    • “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.”
    • “I really wish they would reboot this concept of team-based tactical character development.”
  • optimization6 mentions

    The game's optimization is widely criticized, with users reporting frequent crashes, poor performance, and numerous interface bugs. While the tactical mechanics are appreciated, the game struggles with both real-time and turn-based combat modes, often requiring players to use windowed mode to achieve any semblance of stability, albeit with graphical glitches and stuttering. Overall, it appears that the game has not been sufficiently updated to function smoothly on modern systems.

    • “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.”
    • “Crashes, poor performance optimization, and interface bugs make it incredibly annoying.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • 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 temporary relief but also contributes to a lasting positive impact, as seen in the transition to playing more advanced titles like Fallout 4.

    • “It helped me out in a big way, made me feel good, gave me the drive to get up and go, and a year later I'm playing Fallout 4 on a 6700K with a 980Ti.”
    • “With no way of getting my hands on Fallout 4 any time soon, feeling sorry for myself, I tried Tactics and it made me feel as rich as a king.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    Users express frustration with Bethesda's monetization practices, particularly concerning the absence of microtransactions in future updates for the game.

    • “I appreciate that there are no microtransactions in this game, which makes the experience feel more genuine.”
    • “The monetization model is fair and doesn't pressure players to spend money to enjoy the game.”
    • “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 in-game purchases ruins the immersion. It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind a paywall.”
    • “I was really enjoying the game until I realized how much they want you to spend to access basic content. It's disappointing.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel

Play time

45hMedian play time
38hAverage play time
29hMain story
49hCompletionist
10-60hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 9 analyzed playthroughs

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