So...you've taken the nth run-through of Oblivion and are thinking how wonderful it is to play in a sandbox? Black Isle originally perfected this style of gaming many years ago in Fallout.

What made the Fallout games unique were not just its post-apocalyptic setting, but its character creation scheme - called S.P.E.C.I.A.L (Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Ability and Luck). You get some totally hilarious perks - my favourite is Bloody Mess. I have many fond memories of scoring a critical hit with my sniper rifle and watching my target's head disintegrate in a glorious explosion of blood and gore.

My favourite aspect of the game (IMHO) were the incredibly strong storylines. "War...war never changes...". It's a powerful and evocative opening line. Junktown and Necropolis in Fallout 1. San Franciso in Fallout 2. Each and every city in both games had unique identities, and the stories, quests and characters developed naturally from those environments.

So if you see these wonderful games on your local game store shelf - for goodness sake, do yourself a favour and buy it now. They really don't make 'em like this anymore, and you'll be rewarded with a great gaming experience for a great price. You won't regret it.

I ordered this after reading the rave reviews and the anticipation of Fallout 3 and I am somewhat disappointed. I can't load Fallout 2 using XP; it says the correct fonts are not present. As to Fallout 1, I haven't quite gotten how to do the time-based combat and the game seems slow, but I guess I should take the time to print out the 100+ page manual and learn. The screen sometimes goes blank which means I have to "paint" the screen again. The look of the game and the manual is nicely Cold War. I guess I was expecting a little faster pace, and not getting killed by Radscorpions, raiders, and rats quite as much. Maybe if I get weapon upgrades I'll do better.

Enough has already been said about the games themselves in the last review of this title. I suspect that it is no coincidence that interest is high in the original PC titles since Bethesda released the spectacular Fallout 3.

Be advised, these games are old and "old school" PC RPG's. They have the tried & true isometric view of their peers such as Diablo, Warcraft, Baldur's Gate and other titles of their ilk.

But one thing that reviews have failed to mention for the most part is the packaging which to me, does matter in the scheme of things as a collector AND fan of Fallout.

Frankly, the packaging sucks. What you see in the picture is what you get. The spectacular art of the three games is mostly obscured by a large white border and a giant red "W" for the White Label. No booklet is included and the DVD disc itself looks rather cheesy. Further disappointment stems from no game art on the inside of the package and rather adds for more gaudy-covered White Label releases.

If you want good packaging, search for the original "big box" releases or if that's too expensive for you (they are in high demand right now), check out the "Dual-Jewel" case version. It has both Fallout 1 and 2 in jewel cases with art inserts and both are in a cardboard box that flips open. The only downside is that Fallout Tactics is not included in this set.

But BEWARE! These versions listed on Amazon from independent sellers are usually the white label DVD edition. Be sure to read the fine print.

What a great collection and at a great price, too! I encountered only small technical issues while playing the game on Windows XP--like certain resolution problems and getting the games to run in windowed mode-- but they work great now. I also discovered some bonus material on the DVD like Fallout Tactics bonus CD material which you can find if you "Explore" the dvd. All-in-all, Great buy and great game series!

Tactics is still the best computer based video game out there. It's coming up on 10 years old, but still complely immerses the player in the post-nuclear world. The real time option is the way to go. Customize and control your squad in this immense game. I am not a fan of turn based games. I never saw the point of taking turns in a firefight. You wouldn't do that it real life would you? Keep your squad moving, finding cover, charging in with guns blazing, it's up to you. Tough guy mode rewards the lack of mid level saving ability with extra points to customize your character's abilities. I love the time in the bunkers almost as much as the missions. Steal everybody blind, go sell the stuff you steal, and buy more cool stuff for your squad. Excellent.
I highly recommend this game.