Fallout

Fallout is one of the best RPGs out on the market today. It's very different compared to other ones. There are many ways to solve a problem instead of one on many RPGs. You can create your own character to use in the game (unlike many others) and its non-linear architecture allows for a good deal of replay action. There are multitudes of solutions to a specific problem. Plus, it is hard for any character to complete every single sidequest in the game, which further adds to its replay value.

You have a plethora of freedom in this game. You can choose your own dialogue and make your own decisions, choosing when and where to get involved (and when not to). Unfortunately, the core plot of the game (spoiler: this isn't finding the water chip) is linear and must be completed in order to finish the game.

(In technical terms, Fallout is considered as a non-linear character role-playing game.)

Fallout is a very violent game. It deals with mature themes, including violence, drugs, adult language, and sex. That means the walkthrough will be dealing with them also. If you find this too much to bear, quit this game and play something else.

Fallout takes place after World War III, which destroys much of the planet. Nations are in deep conflict after waging nuclear war for the control of more territory and the need of more resources. China invades Alaska. The United States conquers Canada. And the European Commonwealth becomes a lawless community with bickering nations attempting to take control of the western area. To protect its citizens, the United States started to build vaults, which essentially were large, underground dwellings which protected its people from radiation, chemical, and biological weapons.

Vaults can occupy several hundred people. You were a citizen of the Vault known as Vault-13.

Your vault has a water purification controller, which purifies all the water it receives to be ready for human consumption. Unfortunately, the controller chip in the vault has malfunctioned. Without it functioning, the people cannot have drinking water available. You are chosen to venture out to the outside world to find a replacement chip before your vault's supply is depleted.

After this, there is nothing but cheap stuff. Read if you are only stuck, caught in a trap, or are surround by some putrid green people wielding chainguns and plasma rifles.