How much dialog does one need to comprehend how it works? The story sequence wanted to create a bond between you and your father and the people you needed to abandon when escaping. It failed miserably. The few lines you had with the "important" characters wasn't nearly enough to do what it wanted to do. It managed to give an idea of what was going on, but it was like an incomplete scrapbook trying to create a perspective and an affection. Nothing to tell you about your father whom you supposedly got to know for 19 years, and the same with all the other character at the vault. They were still complete strangers when you left. And once out of the vault, there was little more incentive to follow the story than knowing that it won't get completed unless you do complete it. And having said that, I did like concept behind the opening (being born and raised in the vault, and suddenly needing to leave); but the execution of it was horrid.

See, I much prefer the concept of New Vegas, whereby the Courier is an experienced traveller of the wasteland. It made more sense, from a story standpoint in my opinion, as to why he'd then be so comfortable walking around the wasteland and also trained in using guns, etc.

Yes, and it isn't longwinded nor trying to bite too much with no teeth. There is something to be said about the incentive of going after Benny and how it is projected to the player, but overall the opening does what it is supposed to for a good effect.

My only critique of New Vegas, in terms of storyline at least, is that it doesn't - in hindsight- feel complete without Lonesome Road.

I wouldn't know. I haven't played it (Lonesome Road). The lack of Legion content was, in my eyes, a much more glaring flaw.

Well, let's just say that Lonesome Road gives a bunch of backstory on the Courier and also offers perspective on the whole game.

I'm actually so disappointed with Fallout 1. I really wanted to, hope to, like it. How else can I now get my fix of Fallout? Is hardcoe mode of New Vegas any fun?

Oh, I know the general idea of it, I've read enough about it; but I never really cared about the couriers backstory. There were hints towards it during the game (without the DLC's) and I considered that fine enough. I wil play LR at some point when I find the gameplay to interest me enough.

I had that attitude, but I feel now after playing it that it finishes the game off really nicely and ties things up. It's a part of the game...

Sure. I can understand that; and you are not the only one that has said so.

Some day...

Lonesome Road is a must, but then many people here would say playing through Fallout 1 and 2 is a must. Hm...

And yet it was possible to compliment her and complete the quests such to become the official 'Captain of the Guard' at Vault City.

If nothing else, playing the first two games, and even if not liking the gameplay very much, giving it some thorough thought as to what it does and how it does it, would give you some insight on why it is a cult classic and why there is so much arguing over why the abandoning of their concept of gameplay and storytelling was a bad idea.

I want to play it, because I really want to experience the storyline, but I cannot. I just can't play it. I die all the time...

Create a character that is good at fighting; try to avoid fights; and when in a fight, try to figure out what moves could be the most beneficial and be ready to run for the exit grid if things start looking desperate. If you are not holding up, chances are your character isn't at an appropriate level and/skilled enough. Remeber that stats and skills in these games are everything; unlike how they are with the new titles (mere buffs).

I tried a melee character, but he got surrounded by mole rats in Vault 15 and I used all my stimpaks. Without supplies, I raged quit.

Maybe try a bit more careful approach - lure out one or two. Sounds like you just ran in amidst them.

I can't follow that sentiment with a straight face. That's like saying Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones should be respected because it gave us Revenge of the Sith.

Fallout 1 was good for it's time(depending on who you ask), in my opinion the gameplay mechanics were horrible even for it's time something I'm sure is due to their fervent

work on the story. Regardless of how good the story is if the gameplay isn't somewhat relatively on par with the plot and writing it doesn't make a good game. Just think,

how much would you have liked KOTOR if the gameplay had been [censored]e?

Well, perhaps I just need to learn how to play, as I'm not used to it. I mean, everyone else I ask says it's a pretty easy game, so maybe I just need to adjust and stop playing it like Fallout 3 or New Vegas? Do you have any tips?

That was one of the most fun parts that I recall from my first run (back in '98). Learning to play. I had no idea of how anything worked and I didn't even have a manual (or internet to obtain one). Once you get the hang of it, it should reward you.

I guess I could try once again, but be patient. I think it's cause I run into situations, trying to tackle them like I would in Fallout 3, so do you have any tips instead?

Do not play like you would Fallout 3, save often and in multiple slots (says so in the manual too), take your time building a character (knowing what stats and skills do what, and that they are crucial to the gameplay unlike now), be cautious and be sharp, and take notes - the obvious is not always the best solution. You are not going to get your hand held in these games.

If there are dangerous enemies around and you can't escape or really want to get past it try to position yourself so that there are as few hexes around your character as possible for the enemies to stand on, that way fewer enemies (melee enemies) can attack you each turn.

Well, since it's turn-based, how does combat work exactly? Does range help with guns? Like, if you're really close or really far, is there a penalty to guns? Should I use some AP each turn to move back to try and avoid hits, or should I simply take one hit in order to fire off shots? What's the better options?

I'm sorry, I had to respond to this. Fallout 1 has the best voice acting in the series, some of the biggest veteran voice actors in the business did voice work for Fallout 1.

So stand behind boxes or rocks or the environment to block the enemy, in other words?