What Was the First Fallout Game?
The first Fallout game, released in 1997, was Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role-Playing Game. Developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment, this isometric RPG set the stage for the iconic post-apocalyptic franchise we know and love today. It wasn't just the first in the series; it also helped define the isometric RPG genre itself, influencing numerous games that followed.
Before we delve deeper into the game's specifics, let's address some common questions people have about the Fallout series' origins.
What platforms was the original Fallout game released on?
The original Fallout was initially released for Microsoft Windows. Later, it received a port to macOS. While there wasn't a console release at the time, the game's influence is clearly visible in many subsequent console RPGs.
What is the setting and story of the first Fallout game?
Fallout is set in a retro-futuristic post-apocalyptic wasteland in the year 2161, a world ravaged by a nuclear war that occurred in 2077. You play as a Vault Dweller, emerging from an underground Vault to search for a replacement water chip for your dying home. Your journey across the treacherous wasteland unfolds as a compelling narrative filled with morally gray choices and unforgettable characters. The overarching story involves navigating political intrigue, uncovering conspiracies, and battling various factions for survival. The game’s story stands apart by giving players choices that have a noticeable impact on the overall game experience and ending.
How does the original Fallout compare to later games in the series?
While later Fallout games (Fallout 2, 3, 4, and 76) shifted to a first or third-person perspective and refined gameplay mechanics, the original still holds a special place in many players' hearts. Its isometric perspective, turn-based combat, and deep RPG elements provide a unique and captivating experience. The writing, particularly the dialogues and character interactions, is considered by many to be superior to the games released afterward. The original Fallout offered a more complex and morally ambiguous narrative that felt more mature in its approach than many later titles. While gameplay mechanics are vastly different, the common thread throughout all of the Fallout titles is exploration and moral choices.
Was there a Fallout 0?
No, there was no game officially titled Fallout 0. While the franchise's lore certainly hints at events preceding the first game, no official game exists to represent that time period. Many fan-made projects attempt to fill that gap, but they aren't officially produced or connected to Bethesda or Interplay.
What made the original Fallout so influential?
The original Fallout stood out for its combination of deep RPG mechanics, a compelling narrative, and a darkly humorous atmosphere that successfully blended a retro-futuristic style with a brutal depiction of a post-apocalyptic world. Its influence can be seen in countless other RPGs, both in terms of its gameplay and its setting. It was one of the very first isometric RPGs to really focus on a deeply complex story and player choice, paving the way for many other titles.
In conclusion, Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role-Playing Game launched an iconic franchise and made a significant contribution to the RPG genre, leaving a lasting impact on gaming to this day. Its legacy continues through its many sequels and the continued interest in post-apocalyptic settings, especially in modern games.
