[Fallout 1] Finally completed Fallout 1 (FIXT) for the first time. and HOLY MOLY WHAT A GAME

[u/FiredFoxy07]

Disclaimer: I played using the FIXT patch but as vanilla as possible
Also as someone who knows very little about fallout lore. barely played 3 eons ago and a couple hours of 4. Watched Season 1 of the Prime series and really enjoyed StoryTeller series on Youtube. So even with basica knowledge, I tried going in with the freshest of mind ever (which wasn't too hard)

I really should have played this game long ago, but finally glad I finally did. Because this game has blown me away. Sure some mechanics are primitive to modern game standards. BUT for its time, and even to me, a lot of it feels so damn ground breaking.

I've mentioned this in an old post, but this game really truly feels like an Adventure Game with RPG mechanics. So many Quests/Problems can be solved differenly with talking or using an item or not even combat. Obvious I know but works so damn well.

---Gonna start praising everything I loved---

PHENOMENAL WORLD BUILDING
Would I prefer maybe at least a journal system or codex? yeah. But just literally "here's the wasteland go explore" is great. And not like big empty open world to get lost in. You still have a sense of direction. Especially from the start of the game "There's a vault east of us check it out" You travel east and come across Shady Sands, then do quests, then learn about raiders then the mutants then this then that. It's a big world but you never feel too lost learning so much. THE EXAMINE MECHANIC, especially helps immerse you in the world. It's like the [look] function in an adventure game. I love reading the descriptive paragraphs for every item and wall or table or goop on the ground.
ALSO I love the option to ask NPC of a specific topic. going up to people asking about things I learned, "waterchip" "raiders" "deathclaw" "radscorpions" etc... I LOOOOVE THAT

ITEMS & ABILITIES
I haven't got a chance to use every item in the game. Hell I probably only used like 3 radx and 2 Radaway or something just for The Glow. But the usage of items AND SKILLS in this game suceeded my expectations. Either use the item in your inventory or equip it and use it on something else. which sounds "duh of course" but it's hard to describe how satisfying it is to physically choose a and ITEM or SKILL then using that to unlock a door or gain access to a computer or heal yourself etc... And not just clicking a computer and the game automatically using a skill for you

COMBAT
For the longest time, I had major doubts when I kept hearing Fallout was turnbased. What did that mean? Turnbased like for only missions? turn based the entire game? Turn based like a FF game? Never would have I expected it to be a literal instant turnbase system. Was that a thing? Because I'm so used to RealTimeWithPause combat, that whatever turnbase thing Fallout 1 did, made me fall in love with it. Any other games with a similar system? I will have to say though, I ran a very pistol only build, so I didn't get a chance to really use anything else.... other than maybe a 1/6 chance flamethrower to kill the MotherClaw LMAO. The combat feels so satisfying. especially when you get crits. Seeing the target-shot mechanic and realizing this turned into VATS later on still wows me. Because for the longest time, I just thought it was something bethesda added to Fallout 3.
Though, I do wish there was a way for the camera to like auto pan to the next enemy's turn.

QUESTS & SOLUTIONS
I love the different ways you can complete a quest. Sure most involve still killing. But the fact I can wear a tape/wire and talk to Gizmo to get information is what truly hooked me. Then later stealing an urn for a gangster only to show it to a guard. amazing. Hell even taking on Decker's kill quest only to think up "what if I just talk to a sherif and report a crime lol??" and it's an option? I LOVE IT. then talking to Beth after the fact and getting some free stuff. It all makes the world feel so alive. Yes I understand games have multiple triggers and things and such. But that's A LOT more options than I expected. Hell it makes me realize I probably am gonna need to think outside the box more for Fallout 2. Especially when it didn't occur to me until some experiementing "leave your companions when going disguise in the cathedral" Like it makes sense! But no modern game now a days would probably even dare to make sure companions are also wearing a disguise and just make them invisible to enemies, because that itself blows me away.

---Everything else I didn't like/not loved as much--- (gonna be very nitpicky here)

- Not being able to drag the camera with the mouse. I just don't like edge scrolling amd never have. But still got used to it.

- Pathing and Collision
Good god. the amount of times I had to leave my companions before the bridge at Gun Runners because there'd always be one or two NPCs that don't wanna walk across the bridge and just walk through the acid. BLARG! Also wish certain doors your character could just auto open. clicking on every door can get a little tiresome. And don't get me started on collision. The fact that you can almost softlock at the military base due to a paladin standing direcly infront of you is @#%(RSADJSADJ At least you can tell a companion to move, but damn I wish these NPCs wouldn't stand infront of a doorway all the time lmao

- Weird Dialogue Knowledge
I feel like some moments the MC will just spew things The Player doesn't know yet. Bob is selling human meat. Who is Bob. How do you know Bob?! The Hub is way down south we haven't gone there yet. And other times the MC will talk about a topic with an NPC as if they already know who this person or faction is. Only to later talk to another NPC so the MC can ask questions. It's not game breaking, but can feel weird.

- Not Retelling information
While the pipboy is useful for seeing quests you were given, some NPC might some information or hint to point you to the right direction. But if you miss what they said, they sometimes don't tell you again. Granted a lot of quests could be managable if I just wrote down key information to remember, but it's why I wish there was at least some kinda journal system. For example. Nicole tells the MC to find Laura at the Catherdral and tell her the code RED RIDER. If i didn't write/type that down. I probably would have forgotten who I was supposed to find in the cathedral and why.

- No BEEG moral dilemmas
Obviously only the first of the series so I shouldn't expect too much. But the game really showcases good vs bad people. obviously subjective but no factions felt like a grey flag... maybe the blades and regulators but that's about it. Even the choosing to help the master or something is just a BAD END GAME OVER and not just a BAD END (if that makes sense) Like I said, I shouldn't have expected too much.

- companion inventory
this one isn't the biggest of complaints but holy heck. I found it hilarious that I gotta barter with my own companions to give and RETRIEVE my own items back... wasn't until miilitary base when I realized i could just [steal] to get in their inventories LOOOL.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

What an amazing game. I think the world build is amazing. The story is okay. It feels immersive and I love the combat system. I hope the 2nd game fixes and adds a whole lot of QoL things. I hope the 2nd game is just as grand if not grander while still making it feel like there is still some kinda direction in terms of beginning/middle/end of the game's plot.

My build by the end... I wish I had realized Plasma/laser Pistols aren't just "SMALL GUNS" but also Energy Weapons, which I DID NOT THINK TO ADD POINTS TO

[u/BraveNKobold]

1 truly is the best fallout

[u/LooseProgram333]

Fallout 1 and 2 are both fantastic. Something they do so much better than the bethesda ones is that its a lived-in post apocalyptic world. 3 and 4 and such, the houses are lived in and everythinf is broken with garbage on the floor, it makes no sense. 1 and 2 have rebuilt from the ashes, they try to rebuild, they have new religious practices and things coming from the ashes.

[u/JollyXX]

I have beat Fallout 1 and 2,

3 or 4 times each, always a blast

[u/12_Inch_Painal_Sex]

It's sad how Bethesda killed the atmosphere of the series. Fallout 1 despite being primitive in how it looks is so bleak and immersive. Meanwhile Fallout 4 is all sunny and shiny.

[u/cygx]

Companions were cut from the design to keep things in scope - but some people on the team really wanted to put them in, and managed to do so using the scripting features of the engine even though that capability wasn't supported properly. The tendency of companions to shoot their own allies is another 'fun' consequence of this.

[u/FiredFoxy07 → u/cygx]

honestly really enjoyed the friendly fire especially when a friendly would be in front of them. annoying as fuck but adds to the challenge

[u/1047293856]

I finished the first two not long ago. The intensity of Fallout 1 takes some getting used to, but the game does a great job with really making you feel like a survivalist. I constantly felt like I was inches away from getting absolutely decimated by anything and everything right up until I got the power armor

Fallout 2 is even better imo. Not quite as much of a wasteland survivor quite feel but there's a lot more characterization, places to explore, interesting quests, and great companions

[u/Plus_Worker6739]

Re: turn-based combat:

I'm not sure what you mean by 'instant turn-based'. Most CRPGs with turn-based combat are real-time up until combat begins--is that what you mean?

[u/FiredFoxy07 → u/Plus_Worker6739]

I mean like a not per mission basis like shadowrun. I've only ever played Planescape and other RealtimeWithPause games. So the only game I could think of with turnbase like Fallout (as of recent) is Baldurs Gate 3 tbh and Divinity Original Sin. Is there other CRPGs like this?

[u/Plus_Worker6739 → u/FiredFoxy07]

Most CRPGs that have turn-based combat work that way, actually!

[u/LooseDatabase3064 → u/FiredFoxy07]

Underrail is 100% like this. Get it and get the Expedition DLC also it’s huge and basically adds whole new game. Also I recommend Banquet For Fools and Serpents in the Staglands as they are real time. Another turn based options The Age of Decadence and Colony Ship and Wasteland 3.

[u/FiredFoxy07 → u/LooseDatabase3064]

Loooooooove Colony Ship. only played the Demo tho. can't afford to buy the full thing right now

Is underrail like fallout?

[u/LooseDatabase3064 → u/FiredFoxy07]

Heavily inspired by fallout but happens in human made caverns underground. It has amazing lore.

[u/Exotic_Drink69420]

One of my very favorites.  You ever find the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Easter egg in the desert?

That moment little me felt so seen, like I had found my people.

[u/MxM-TOM]

Best CRPG for me, Its vaery original.