I just picked it up on the steam store and i was wondering what i should expect in terms of, combat, story, writing, and characters.

It's combat system is turn-base and action points is a big deal. Also, what you put in your SPECIAL also plays a huge role as well as perks. I had to restart once because I couldn't compliment my gaming style along with my SPECIAL and the Perks I chose were "wrong". I learned my lesson the hard way.

Fallout 1's writing and story is great in my opinion. You are chosen to find a Water Chip to save your people from Vault 13 but it branches off from there. There is something a lot more troubling than a broken Water Chip as the story progresses.

The people you encounter are memorable and well-fleshed out. I remember my first meeting with Gizmo from Junktown. Good times, good times.

It's definitely an amazing game that started the Fallout series so any Fallout fan should at least play the original game. Here is my advice:

1. Have patience. You can't just attack a Deathclaw or even Guards at low-level, especially when you don't have a powerful weapon or armor. Also, be mindful of your action points during combat.
2. Explore towns and talk to everyone. A lot of cool conversations pop up as well as quests.
3. Your actions have consequences so expect some if you did something questionable...
4. Think how you want to play the game. A sniper that likes to shoot from the distance aiming at the eyes but is also a smooth talker? Then you need you to focus on perception, luck and charisma with the gifted trait and perks that balances out your weakness. Know what you want to be and play around with your SPECIAL, skills, trait and perks accordingly. Remember, they matter.
5. Have fun!

thanks for the help!

A true Fallout experience.

No prob.

well i started it up, but due to graphical errors the game is un-playable on my computer

There should be a patch you can download somewhere.

unfortunately the patch just made it so the game wouldn't run.

Expect problems with the Steam version.


One tip to know is that there is an issue (now) with Fallout's screen going black. The work-around is to simply press the F1 key twice.
(This overwrites the game-screen with the help screen, then the game screen again ~clearing the black tiles).

Another tip is to ~seriously... read the manual and don't just guess your way through combat.

I don't have problems with my Steam version :/ or well, I've only installed Fallout 2 of the triology pack and installed Killap's restoration mod right after that so...

there's no manual to a virtual game but thanks for the f1 trick i will try that.

http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/dload.php?action=file&file_id=33

I'm sure Steam offers it, but I don't have FO1 on Steam to check.

*But SavageBeatings does.

I've managed to solve that by just pressing 'P' and going onto the pipboy menu. That might just be my copy though.

Same side-effect. All that is needed is a full screen change of content.

After its patched be sure your using the falloutw.exe to run the game.

I have Fallout 1, 2 and Tactics for Steam. Gizmo helped me a lot with the patches and on what to expect, but the Steam versions need a bit of finagling. I eventually found http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1591477 on the Steam forums, the top comment will be your guide to playing this game without any issues.

Indeed you can also get rid of it by doing lots of scrolling.

Anyway remember to SAVE A LOT and in different slots.

A ghoul with an awesome story and a talking head
A good story
Good side quests(the one at the boneyard is pretty well written in my opinion)
Turn Based Combat
[censored] awesome and very powerfull energy weapons
Memorable characters
A very good S.P.E.C.I.A.L character creation sistem
A lot of difrence betwen men and women characters
Etc

Death

Everyone mentioned the majority but I feel death is the most common thing you will find.
Then after death? Acceptance and enjoyment.

One of the greatest games of all time... and goddamned floaters

If you are a fan of FO3 or NV then expect to be disappointed to begin with. The exploration and combat system are completely different to the later games. However, if you stick with it you can also expect two of the finest games you will ever play.

Also find out how to run, it'll save you so much time!

The sudden realization that modern gaming has gone down the crapper.


Ah, good old "Sphincter Monsters".

[censored] controls... fo2 is slightly better

I might mention something, Gizmo here saved me hours of time getting Fallout 1, Fallout 2 and Tactics to work by posting stuff about GOG. Thank you.