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I've Played A Lot Worse, But...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 10 / 12
Date: February 25, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I played the first Fallout on the PC (there wasn't any other play to play it). It was a game with an alarming vision of the future and a dark sense of humor. Like other games built with that engine it played on an extended canvas with a complex plot that featured both linear and freeform components. It wasn't my favorite game at the time, but there was enough challenge and originality to it that one could thoroughly enjoy it.

This new version, while it takes place in the same universe as the original, is a different game - really tuned to a different purpose. The original was a classic action/adventure game, with considerable emphasis on the adventure. Brotherhood of Steel is also an action/adventure game, but with far more emphasis on action. The plot - what there is of it - is linear. You are one of the Brotherhood of Steel, trying to join your fellow defenders of the good. Somehow, this plot gets sidetracked, though, and you wind up in a classic dungeon drilldown to an ultimate boss.

The puzzles are a bit on the simple side, and few of the fights require exhorbitant amounts of thinking. Get strong enough, get armor and a weapon, then kill, kill, kill. Despite the game's rating of mature (mostly due to language) it is really less gruesome than many games rated lower.

Even so, the game is enjoyable. Brash characters with a lot of attitude make a difference from the standard fare, and the graphics and animation are good (if a bit repetitious). There is about 24 total hours of play time and three different characters to play. Since I've seen games lasting 6 hours that are less interesting and just as expensive I'm not sure I can even complain about the value.

So it's not quite like the old Fallout, a bit simpleminded, better than mediocre but not incredible. In this day of inflated release prices, I can't really say if it is overpriced or not. If you are not in a hurry then wait for the price to drop a bit. I had fun playing it and I'm sure most others will have the same experience.

50/50

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: January 18, 2004
Author: Amazon User

If you, like me, are a harcore Fallout fan, and especially if you're, not me, one of the hardcore flamers at Interplay boards and elsewhere, you've already an opinion about this game. Far be it for me to disagree with those of you who feel this way, but for others who want an arcade shoot-em'-up, this game might be something you'd be interested in.

Okay, so it's not the Fallout that most people wanted, and shame on the publisher for taking a franchise that has no business being put into this form, but that shouldn't automatically make it one of the worst games ever made, because it's not. There's a lot of hard feelings towards this game from a lot of people but that shouldn't push "newbies" to the series automatically away.

This game, as imperfect and unwanted by many as it is, is not the total wash that many expected it would be or the POS that most assumed it would be. It has great graphics, no doubt about it, it plays smoothly, and it's great for screwing around with a buddy on a night when there's nothing else to do. It even is...gasp...fun at times. Even for those who hate Interplay for what they've done need to get over it and at least try it out. Rent it or borrow it.

For those who are new to this whole thing, or who've played Dark Alliance and liked it, I'd say rent it first. Give it a chance. And if you do like it, then by all means, spend the ten dollars and get the Fallout/Fallout2 bundle. They are two of the greatest games every made, although dated now. You will see then why there are so many people in an uproar over this game.

Bottom line: There are many haters of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steele, and with good reason, but that shouldn't turn the interested or new away automatically. Give it a spin as a rental. And by all means, whether you like it or not, get the bundle of Fallout/Fallout2, and you'll see what all of the fuss is about.

Fallout Brotherhood of Steel - XBox

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: January 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I am a huge fan of the PC RPG series and the Fallout "Universe". With this being said, I also purchased this game without the expectation of it being Fallout 3. After reading the Web site on www.Interplay.com I was prepared for the fact that it was a 3rd person shooter with a few quests thrown in to a Fallout type story line.
If you enjoyed Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance you have already experienced the type of game this is. It is darker, and a bit grittier than BG: DA but nonetheless I have enjoyed trashing my way through each level.

Pros:
The graphics are smooth and even with lots of enemies on the screen the action doesn't seem to slow. Lighting and shadows are very well done. Characters are distinct and memorable in most cases.
The environments are varied enough that you don't feel like you are re-playing the same area over and over again and you can destroy a good amount of environmental object i.e. bookshelves crates, windows, tables.
The variety of weapons and skill ups is good. The armor changes the look and stats of you characters accordingly.
Controls are manageable, when jumping or maneuvering through environmental obstacles they respond well and don't leave you with that frustrated "Crap! I died again because I twitched when I should have shimmied."

Cons:
The pathing of your enemies is good until they try to run away and then they tend to walk into walls and objects.
Load times seem a bit long for what you would normally expect on the Xbox.

Targeting works on single monsters or "Boss" monsters very well but don't bother with it when you are surrounded just get in close and swing away with a good melee weapon to damage multiple enemies.

This is Rated M for a reason the language is harsh in some spots and there are adult themes such as prostitution and alcohol/drug usage mixed in throughout the game. It is not intended for younger players or viewers. People buying it should expect this and it is clearly stated in the warning on the case.

All in all I enjoyed the game and if you are a fan of the Fallout or Wasteland storylines or other 3rd Person shooter/hack and slashers. I believe you will enjoy it. And, as always with a co-op capable game, grab a friend, roll up your sleeves, and have even more fun kicking tail.

Not as good as the original, but still a great diversion.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: February 18, 2004
Author: Amazon User

As a loyal fan of the Fallout series I felt it necessary to pick this game up. Compared to them, however, it falls far short. The first games were completely open ended, and allowed the character to wander where they wished. This incarnation is extremely linear and forces the player to follow a preordained path.

I have heard this game compared to the Dark Alliance series, and that is a great comparison. Both series use very linear, dungeon crawl style gameplay to progress the story. However, where Dark Alliance gives a few choices for how to proceed, Fallout:BOS holds your hand every step of the way.

I know what your thinking. I can't enjoy a game where I'm just mashing buttons while the game tells me where to go and what to do. Believe me, I felt the same way. Fallout:BOS does get repetitive and monotonous, but still holds your attention through the end.

I have heard some negative comments about the graphics of Fallout:BOS, but I found these to be unrealistic. The graphics are great, if a little out of focus. My only sore point was the inability to move the camera to a lower angle. The camera can be rotated, but is stuck staring almost straight down at your character's head. In doing this, the game designers make it impossible to get a good view of all the cool armor and weapons you can carry.

Altogether Fallout:BOS is a wonderful distraction in the mode of the Dark Alliance series. While it offers some cool features not seen in those games, like target locking and dodge maneuvers, it lacks the polish and crispness Dark Alliance has in spades. I would highly suggest anyone who loves run and gun style gameplay reminscent of Gauntlet to give this one a try. If monotonous dungeon crawls aren't your thing, though, be very wary of Fallout:BOS.

Great, funny story, entertaining game

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: January 23, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game rocks! The people who say it isn't any good are just upset that it is not a true role playing game, like the earlier Fallout games. This game is a hack n slash game, but that is to its advantage. It has nonstop action, good graphics, and a really fun cooperative mode. My friend and I have been playing this game nonstop. We're going to tackle Baldur's Gate Dark Alliance II next.

Revised review: decent afterall.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 7 / 15
Date: January 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I'm revising my review here, as I recently bought an X-Box and picked this game up as well with it.

I'll admit, I joined the bandwagon of fellow fallout fans denouncing this game, and alot of reasons were still in the right.

The gripes I still have with this game are the camera angle view they use is horrible and the combat is a bit difficult.

But as for the look and feel of the Fallout world? They pinned it down faily nicely.

I'd edit the stars to maybe 3 instead of 1...

I went in with high hopes, but......

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: November 13, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Wow, I never walk out of a movie, and I hate to give up on a game half way thru, but I came very close here. The original Fallout was the first RPG I'd ever owned, and I still love it, its sequel, and tactics; I really wanted to like this one to, but I just couldn't wait for it to end. I almost bought it the day it came out for full price, thank goodness I held off and and just picked it up for under ten. As it is, rumor has it an open ended Morrowind style RPG is being worked for the next Gen consoles a couple years from now, which I am sure will be great.....but just incase, I'll be waiting before picking it up. Sorry Interplay, but this long time fan just doesn't trust you anymore (but wants to be won back)

Fallout

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 10
Date: January 20, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Although Brotherhood of Steel is not exactly like the PC versions of Fallout it is still a very entertaining game. I am about halfway through and have been very pleased.

Perfect...for Lab Rats

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 5 / 12
Date: January 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel is only a "perfect" game in the sense that it's perfect for lab rats that are accustomed to running through mazes. The game play is boring and repetitious with levels/maps set up like mazes for the player to run through in bland and uninteresting "Fed-Ex" quests.

The graphics are lack-luster; the profanity a seeming expression of juvenile, scatological glee; the setting nothing more than BG: DA recycled with some elements of the Fallout setting stirred in to cash in on name recognition.

If anyone is thinking of buying this title based on the strength of the "Fallout" franchise I would recommend first renting this game, or (better yet) giving it a pass completely. While perhaps one shouldn't expect too much from a console game in terms of role playing it must be said that this game bears no similarity other than superficially to its RPG forebears.

All-in-all a grave disappointment.

This is not Fallout.

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 4 / 9
Date: January 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

If you're looking for an experience similar to that of Fallout 1, Fallout 2, or even ::shudders:: Fallout: Tactics, then click the back button on your browser now. The only thing this game, FO:BOS, has in common with the previous titles is the name, and it puts the name to shame. (Yeah...It's rhyme time.)

Maybe if you want another BG:DA, you might get into this game. It's got almost the same start, the graphics are equally poor, and the RPG element is..well..not there. Tomb Raider for the N-Gage plays better than this.

Pass this game up, spend your money on something good: Star Wars: KOTOR; Voodoo Vince; Grand Theft Auto III.

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