Metascore
89 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. 100
    Perhaps the strongest aspect of Fallout is that it is ideal for RPG newbies yet at the same time provides a depth of role-playing that veterans can really get stuck into. It also has the best replay value of any game I've experienced to date.
  2. This is one of those rare games that oozes quality from every pore.
  3. The story is so well developed in this game you'll wonder why you've been playing mindless shooting games like "Quake." When you start the game you'll be treated to with one of the most chilling, well-written introductions a game has ever been blessed with.
  4. This top-down RPG is without a doubt the best PC RPG we have played in years. That's not an exaggeration. Years. I can't think of another game that comes even close to Fallout's excellent character generation and skill system, great story, and classy delivery.
  5. This sequel to an all-time classic is one of the standout RPGs for the 1990s. [Jan 1998, p.221]
  6. Above all, the NPC interaction and voice acting are the best in any game to date. This game is possibly the best investment an RPG fan can presently make, and will prove entertaining for countless gaming hours.
  7. The game play is smooth, using action points for movement and combat and the inventory system is easily managed. Fallout has one of the best character development systems of any computerized role-playing game and the graphics and story make for an excellent gaming experience.
  8. For anyone with an interest in complex, combat-heavy, lovingly produced RPGs, though, Fallout is a must buy. In an age where many are predicting the death of traditional RPGs at the hands of multiplayer extravaganzas, Fallout is a glowing example of the genre, one which positively radiates quality. Fallout – it's da bomb.
  9. Fallout's detailed graphics, compelling plot, and intuitive gameplay should deservedly broaden its appeal beyond the hard-core role-playing game audience. Put simply, Fallout may be the best role-playing game to be released in years.
  10. It is vastly enjoyable. It consistently seduces with its vitality, its muscular flex, its postapocalyptic élan, its vivid, hyperreal environment.
  11. The mood is right, the graphics good, and the plot compelling. I found the tactical combat system refreshingly intelligent, and the multitude of ways you can approach the game from a stats point of make a wide variety of styles possible in the game.
  12. A decent RPG where you can indeed actually advance your character and choose one of many paths through the story.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 206 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 43
  2. Negative: 3 out of 43
  1. 10
    The greatest Computer Role-Playing Game, in my opinion. It mixes a great atmosphere with awesome stat building, story, role-playing and character design. The creators of this went on to make Arcanum (Fallout 2 was by a different team) so if you liked Fallout (the first one) you will probably like Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura too. I highly recommend this game if you like Western RPGs. Full Review »
  2. JeremyH.
    8
    It's a pretty fun game but it's ruined by it's lack of replayability value. And not just after you beat it, if you die (which you will... a lot) and haven't saved in a bit (since there's no quicksave or autosave it's easy to forget) you just really, really don't want to do the crap you just did, especially if it involes fighting. I had more fun in this game just exploring instead of fighting, as it got long, tedious, and usually ended up with me dieing (maybe I just suck at this game). Either way, it's still a whole lot of fun and can really suck you in. 8/10 Also, Comp Nutjobm, this is Fallout 2, not Fallout 3. Full Review »
  3. User Score, Y U are so low? Fallout is greatest CRPG ever. You can play it for 500 hours and still discover new things (like i did). Amazing storyline, amazing characters, amazing gameplay! Full Review »