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Introduction

Greetings, fellow gamers! It's your Alpha Ice Wolf, Kiba Snowpaw from the icy realm of HowlStrom, here to take you on a nostalgic journey through one of the greatest RPGs ever crafted: Fallout 2. This game, a jewel from the retro-future apocalyptic genre, has been a significant part of my life since its release. As a game nerd and FPS enthusiast, I've seen countless titles come and go, but Fallout 2 holds a special place in my heart. Let's dive into the wasteland and see what makes this game a timeless classic.

Basic Plot Summary

Fallout 2 picks up 80 years after the original Fallout. You play as The Chosen One, a descendant of the Vault Dweller, tasked with saving your village, Arroyo, from a crippling drought. Your mission is to find the Garden of Eden Creation Kit (GECK) to restore life to your dying home. Along the way, you'll face crippling radiation, megalomaniac mutants, and deceit at every corner. It's a journey filled with treachery, survival, and the quest for hope in a desolate world.

Originality

Fallout 2 took the RPG genre out of the dungeons and placed it in a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. The game's setting, a world recovering from nuclear devastation, was unique and captivating. It introduced players to a gritty, morally grey universe where choices mattered and consequences were real. The blend of 1950s aesthetics with futuristic technology created a distinctive atmosphere that set Fallout 2 apart from other RPGs of its time.

The Studio

Developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, Fallout 2 was the product of passionate developers who pushed the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay. Black Isle Studios, known for their work on Planescape: Torment and Baldur's Gate, brought their expertise in creating deep, engaging RPGs to the Fallout universe. Bethesda Softworks, now synonymous with the Fallout franchise, ensured the game's legacy would continue to grow.

Analysis/Evaluation

Fallout 2's gameplay is a masterclass in RPG mechanics. The S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility, and Luck) allows for a highly customizable character, influencing every aspect of gameplay. The isometric view, turn-based combat, and intricate questlines provide a rich and rewarding experience. However, the game is not without its flaws. Bugs and a lack of handholding can be frustrating for newcomers, but fan-made patches have addressed many issues, making the game more accessible.

Character Development

Main Characters

The Chosen One: As the protagonist, you evolve from a humble villager to a hero of the wasteland. Your journey is shaped by your choices, making each playthrough unique.

Supporting Characters

NPCs like Marcus, the super mutant sheriff, and Sulik, the tribal warrior, add depth to the story. Each character has their own backstory and motivations, enriching the narrative.

Character Arcs and Relatability

The characters in Fallout 2 are well-developed, with believable arcs that make you care about their fates. Whether it's the tragic tale of the Vault 13 dwellers or the personal growth of your companions, the game excels in storytelling.

Structure

Fallout 2's non-linear structure allows for exploration and discovery. The main quest is engaging, but side quests and random encounters add layers of depth to the world. The game encourages replayability, with different choices leading to varying outcomes.

Impact

Fallout 2 has left an indelible mark on the RPG genre. Its influence can be seen in modern games like The Outer Worlds and Wasteland 3. The game's mature themes, complex characters, and moral dilemmas have set a standard for storytelling in video games.

Hook and Thesis

The allure of Fallout 2 lies in its rich, immersive world and the freedom it offers players. The game's thesis is clear: in a world gone mad, survival and morality are intertwined, and your choices shape the future.

Praise and Critique

Fallout 2 deserves praise for its deep narrative, complex characters, and engaging gameplay. However, it also has its drawbacks. The initial difficulty curve can be steep, and the game's bugs can detract from the experience. Despite these issues, Fallout 2 remains a beloved classic.

Personal Opinion

Enjoyment

As an ice magic-wielding Alpha Wolf, I found immense enjoyment in Fallout 2. The game's depth, replayability, and dark humor kept me hooked for hours on end.

Highlights and Drawbacks

The game's highlights include its rich lore, memorable characters, and impactful choices. Drawbacks include the occasional frustrating bugs and the steep learning curve for new players.

Evaluation

Fallout 2 is a frustrating masterpiece. Its flaws are overshadowed by its achievements in storytelling and gameplay. The game's legacy endures, and it continues to be a benchmark for RPGs.

Comparison

Similar Games

Games like Wasteland 2 and The Outer Worlds draw inspiration from Fallout 2, offering similar post-apocalyptic settings and complex narratives.

Overall Conclusion

Fallout 2 is a game that every RPG fan should experience. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and its rich world and engaging gameplay make it a timeless classic. Whether you're a veteran of the wasteland or a newcomer, Fallout 2 offers an unforgettable journey through a post-nuclear world. So grab your Pip-Boy, load your favorite energy weapon, and dive into the wasteland. Kiba Snowpaw, your Alpha Ice Wolf, signing off. Game on, my friends!

Very good story. It's a time sink though - slow paced, strangely too difficult, you'll probably need to use the internet to figure out how to do half the quests unless you're very patient and have a lot of spare time to waste. Overall though, the story is oddly pressing and insightful. Very "Star Wars"y. Great art, Sound, and Game Design. Has major problems but are completely overcome by how sheerly interesting the game is.

Yes, why play anything elce when i can just die every 5 min. 10/10 would play again.

f this f'ing game

Best Fallout game in my opinion. It's not for eveyone tho

Play with low intelligence
Meet a friendly super mutant
Immediately blurt out "Uggie." and start a fight
Get gunned down instantly

Best game ever?????????????

it's good

Good game. Proves the NV fanboys wrong about a lot of things.

i would recommend that you grab the restoration project mod but other than that, i've barely started my journy and i already highly recommend it. it's a bit janky and old, so while it may be difficult to get used to it is certainly worth your time. (i also recommend fallout 1, that game was fantastic)