Leo Recommends Top 5 Fallout Games
I don't think there's ever been a better time for fans of the Fallout series, or even for those who are new to the gameplay and want to experience the post-apocalyptic universe created by Interplay and then continued by Bethesda.
This is largely due to the Amazon Prime series, which you absolutely must watch! I devoured all 8 episodes in just two days, after which I reinstalled the games and continued my adventure through the Wastelands. Hmm… a “radiant” Nuka Cola would go down nicely. Don't worry, any trace of radiation can be sorted with a Stimpack and a Rad-X.
Now, let's get to the point. If you've seen the series and it's made you want to play a Fallout title, or maybe you've only just discovered this series and don't know where to start, then I can help you with 5 personal recommendations.
05. FALLOUT SHELTER
I'm not the biggest fan of mobile games, but Fallout Shelter is one of the exceptions. I first played it in 2015 and have returned to it almost every year since. What makes it interesting is the gameplay recipe – you're an Overseer responsible for the happiness of the “bunker dwellers” in your Vault and also for managing resources. It's enough to log in two or three times a day to collect available resources, send Vault Dwellers on missions, build a new room or maybe an upgrade, and you're sorted. Even after 9 years, the game remains just as fresh, and it recently received an update allowing you to recruit characters from the series, including the lovable companion Dogmeat. The game is free, but it also has some absolutely useless microtransactions, so I recommend you hold onto your wallet and don't invest money in loot boxes and other silly things from the store.
04. FALLOUT 76
A game that had a launch perhaps as controversial as Cyberpunk 2077. Fortunately, both titles have been “fixed”, and now we can enjoy them as they should have been delivered from day one. Fallout 76 is the perfect example of a studio's stubbornness, coming with a vision totally opposite to what the paying public wants. Today, the game is in its best form, has NPCs, rich content, interesting missions, and the possibility of being played with up to three friends. Despite all this, I couldn't compare Fallout 76 with the single-player titles from the same series. The magic and mystery specific to classic Fallout games are simply missing, but that doesn't mean it's not worth trying, especially for the multiplayer component.
03. FALLOUT NEW VEGAS
I know I'll be criticised for not putting New Vegas lower on the list, but we're talking about a personal top, and it's normal to have different tastes and experiences. One thing is clear: we're talking about one of the best RPGs in gaming history. Obsidian did an excellent job with Fallout New Vegas, leaving behind a title that will still be played in 20 years. Unfortunately, being a game released 14 years ago, it doesn't get along very well with Windows 10/11, so I recommend using Nexus Mods for the best possible playing experience. I first played it in 2010, when it was released, but thanks to the series, I've returned for a new playthrough and decided to finish it this time. From my point of view, it's a “must-play” game.
02. FALLOUT 4
A game released 9 years ago, but which still looks and plays very well today. If you want to get stuck into a more recent title from the series, and 76 didn't convince you, then you definitely need to try Fallout 4 in its Game of the Year edition. At least, that's what I'm playing now. In combination with the series, it makes for a perfect mix to transport you into the post-apocalyptic universe of the Commonwealth in 2287. The game is set to receive a free next-gen update on 25 April, which will bring several performance and graphics improvements, as well as new content.
01. FALLOUT 3
All Fallout games are good and have their specific charm. It's very hard to choose the best one. But because I promised a top 5, we have to have a candidate for first place. Without a doubt, Fallout 3 holds a special place in my gamer heart. I can't forget the evening I installed the game and managed to escape from Vault 101. I think Fallout 3 boasts one of the best-written introductions in a video game. It has many memorable moments, especially thanks to the characters and well-written dialogue. Like Fallout New Vegas, you'll need to intervene with some mods to get rid of bugs and crashes on a new operating system, but it's worth the effort and it's not even that complicated. I can't wait for the moment I have time to replay Fallout 3 and relive those nostalgic moments from 16 years ago.
What would be your Top 5?
