Fallout

"An incredibly fun futuristc RPG"

Fallout, from Interplay, is a post apocalyptic RPG. Your main character has been sent out from his or her "vault" in order to find a new water chip. Vaults are giant underground bomb shelters that house dozens of people for years at a time. Unfortunately, the water chip in the vault you were living in broke, and without a new one, everyone in your vault will die.

Fallout is unique and enjoyable for too many reasons to count. The game plays very open-ended, and you can often choose the path you want to take. All you have to do its search across southern California in attempt to locate a useable water chip. While traveling, you will encounter plenty of monsters, as well as humans who have a bone to pick with you.

One of the cooler aspects of Fallout is that you don't have to be the "knight in shining armor" that most RPG heroes are. You can be weird, rude, or downright evil. Some lowly peasants in a town bugging you? Take 'em out if you want, but better make sure the local law enforcement doesn't notice, or you may find yourself fighting more than you bargained for. The combat in Fallout is turn-based, and revolves around your Action Points. Action points represent a few seconds of real-time, they represent how quick your character is. The more you have, the faster you are. Use them up and your turn is over. The weapons in Fallout range from knives, to pistols, to laser-gatling guns.

There is lots to do in the Fallout world. If you so choose, you can go around completing various sub-quests on your way to finding the water chip. Take a job as a caravan guard, help a farmer rid his land of bandits, or get hired as an assasin for an underground crime boss. The choice is yours.

Gameplay: The gameplay in Fallout is some of the most fun (in my opinion) ever. You choose your identity, and can even make a character to suit your needs. You then truly 'roleplay' that character, be it a thief, a thug, or a diplomat. The combat is challenging, and makes you sit and think about your next move. Should you use all of your action points to run away, or take a shot and then run? You might get a hit if you shoot, but if it doesn't kill them, then you're open for a close-range retaliation. It's moments like this that make this game shine. 10/10

Graphics: The graphics in Fallout aren't anything fancy, just 2D sprites. However, this game looks GOOD in 2D sprites. The characters move realistically, and the death animations are spectacular, though gruesome. Hit someone with a pistol, and they fall over. Hit someone with a laser rifle, and watch them melt into a puddle. Also, when yuo encounter an important NPC, the dialogue screen will display their face, and their mouths actually move to what they are saying. Make them mad, and they will scowl. Make them happy, and they grin. Very nice. 10/10

Music/Sound: While the music in Fallout is nothing special, the sound is great. Weapons make sounds according to what they should, and the voice acting in the game is great. 9/10

Overall: If you enjoy playing video games, you will enjoy Fallout.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99