Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game

Developer: Black Isle Studios
Release: Aug 19th 2009
Platforms:
RPG
Addictive
Classic
Deep
Buggy
Outdated
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game Poster

" Deep RPG with expansive world and rich storytelling but frequent bugs and clunky interface "

Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game Review

Fallout 2 is widely regarded as a definitive classic RPG that significantly improved upon its predecessor with expanded quests, factions, and gameplay mechanics. Players praise its rich story, immersive world, and intricate RPG elements, which have helped define the Fallout franchise. The game’s turn-based combat and character-building depth provide a rewarding experience, especially for fans of old-school RPGs.

However, the game shows its age with bugs, crashes, and a sometimes clunky interface that can frustrate players. The tonal shifts and pacing may feel uneven or slow to modern audiences, and some find the story less engaging compared to newer Fallout titles. Despite these issues, extensive mods and patches help alleviate technical problems, making it a must-play for enthusiasts of classic RPGs and post-apocalyptic settings.

Highlights

Players highly praise Fallout 2’s deep RPG mechanics, including diverse character builds and meaningful choices.

The expansive world with numerous settlements, factions, and quests offers excellent replayability.

The storytelling, dark humor, and atmospheric setting are considered standout features that enrich the experience.

Improvements over the original Fallout in gameplay and content are frequently noted.

The game’s music and art direction receive positive mentions for enhancing immersion.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include frequent bugs and crashes that disrupt gameplay.

The interface and inventory system can feel outdated and cumbersome.

Some players find the story pacing slow and the tone inconsistent.

Steep difficulty and unintuitive mechanics may frustrate newcomers.

Technical issues like map freezing and lack of modern conveniences (e.g., storage) reduce accessibility.

The tutorial and early game sections are often described as tedious or punishing.

Pros

  • Deep and rewarding RPG mechanics with diverse character builds and meaningful choices.
  • Expansive world filled with numerous settlements, factions, and quests to explore.
  • Rich storytelling combined with dark humor and immersive post-apocalyptic atmosphere.
  • Significant improvements over the original Fallout in scope and gameplay depth.
  • Excellent replayability through different playstyles and mod support.
  • Challenging and engaging turn-based combat system.
  • Strong art direction and memorable music enhance the game’s ambiance.

Cons

  • Frequent bugs and crashes that can interrupt gameplay and frustrate players.
  • Outdated interface and inventory management feel clunky and unintuitive.
  • Slow story pacing and tonal inconsistencies reduce narrative engagement.
  • Steep difficulty curve and punishing early sections may deter newcomers.
  • Technical issues like map freezing remain unresolved on some platforms.
  • Lack of modern quality-of-life features such as player storage options.
  • Tutorial and initial quests can feel tedious and overly challenging.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.

Release Date Aug 19th 2009
Publisher Bethesda Softworks
Developer Black Isle Studios
Required Age 16+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (8,259)
95% Positive 5% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
86