I was watching the trailer for Honest hearts the other day, when my girlfriend walked by and saw it to and asked, is that what fallout is?
and then asked what you actually do in fallout? I found it really hard to answer that question somehow.
So my question to you people on the forum is what do you tell people if they ask you what fallout is?

I normally start explaining the Fallout universe first. "The 1950s mindset timeline split, what people thought the future would look like in the 1950s nuked to hell. Then I start with Fallout and work my way up through the games.

I post-apocalyptic RPG set after an Oil induced nuclear war based upon 1950's Americana.

That's my ultra stream-lined version.

And what is your non ultra stream-lined version?

I say something epic with a side of awesome fries.

It's an RPG where you explore what new cultures, morals, justice system, religions, ethics and discrimination was born out of the atomic ashes of World War 3.
- Fishy

I'd say : It's americas fifties if you let the xenophobic mindset and technology advance for 122 years, add 2 hours of nuclear bombing and sprinkle it with dark humor =P
Then I explain the storys and how f'ed Fo3 is in some cases.

I must admit I generally oversimpify it "Its like Disney's tomorrowland after the bomb".

It depends on who is asking.

Someone I know will like it- I just tell them its the greastest game ever invented by human beings. They usually get it, and none have complianed.

If it is someone not into video game- I tell them about the pre war time line first. All the stuff that happening today wity China about to be a big giant tech powerhouse. I tell them about the UN breaking up, resources drying up, you know the whole 9.

Thing is those people that dont play video games at least appreciate all the thought that went into the pre war time line.

If there is ever any doubt I fast travel to the mall in fo3 just for them.

Then they understand the epicness of it all.

I ve also showed them what hightech weapons look like in a 50s time split. I ll turn something into goo or ashes for them, or spin the camera and spin off some spools of mini gun, or gattling laser.

Gamers or no......... They understand.

I tell them it's the best game ever.

The best RPG ever

If someone asks me what Fallout is, I tell them that... Fallout is a role-playing game which takes place in post-nuclear America. When they ask me what one does in Fallout, I tell them that... they can do whatever they want, because the games are open-ended, and allow you to pursue whatever it is you feel like, be it playing a scavenger, or a homocidal maniac, or even a drug addict or gambler.

If they wanted to know more, I'd tell 'em. If not, that's a sufficient enough summary to give them an idea.

I tell them its a post-apocalyptic RPG because thats basically what it is.

I tell them that it is basically Oblivion with guns.

god, that is getting old. true though.

Fallout is kind of a hard thing to explain. Something I usually say its a post-apocalyptic RPG, but with an interesting alternate timeline setting.

Wait isn t TES your cookie cutter rpg with a mid evilish time setting, some magical powers, and let me guess their is a theif too.

I ve never played TES, because if you played one cookie cutter rpg you have played them all.

Now fo went outside mid evil times. No magical powers, and no one called a theif in sight. Fo broke the f ing mold.

TES wishes if was fo without guns.

I say it's a Post Nuclear Role Playing Game for obvious reasons.

Well the gameworld and lore isn't Oblivion, it's the gameplay that's Oblivion With Guns. (Controls, map and markers, compass.)

I say :slap: then walk away shaking my head.

If a person asked me I would say that it is simply one of the longest and greatest games that has made it to Xbox, PC, and Playstation. It rivals the Halo and the MGS series, though in my opinion, it beats all of those.

I'd tell them its like book of eli or road warrior and thunderdome without cars.

"I ve never played TES,"

This is why you criticize it.

I tell them, it is the most glitchiest and crashy experience, but one that will always have a place in your heart(until your heart freezes or crashes)