The original two Fallouts, released in the 1990s, set the foundation for the franchise and boast rich dialogue and stories. Despite being old-school cRPGs, the leveling systems are not vastly different from Fallout 3 and New Vegas. Newcomers sometimes worry that the turn-based combat in the original Fallouts will feel clunky and outdated. But in reality, the turn-based gameplay is excellent for the genre it occupies, and the learning curve isn’t too steep.
The games retain much of their original gameplay elements, like the SPECIAL system, leveling up individual skills, and the addition of early game companions. Despite some critics noting that the older games are not fully voice-acted, the lack of voice acting allows for more dynamic and detailed dialogue, impacting the world in various ways. A unique aspect of Fallout 1 and 2 is that they provide a continuous story, leading into New Vegas. The series’ world constantly evolves, adding a unique sense of progression.
Fallout 2 even allows players to play as the descendant of their Fallout 1 character. Despite their age, the original Fallouts still hold up well and are worth revisiting. They offer a look into the history of the Fallout world and the events that led to the modern Fallout series. The newer titles draw inspiration from the classics and revisiting the original games feels nostalgic and comforting.
In addition to the main games, there are various spin-offs, tabletop games, and a TV series from Amazon Studios.
