✅ Recommendation:
Yes (with nostalgia glasses on, this is an absolute classic. But even without, it still has a lot to offer to RPG enthusiasts.)

Personal Playtime:
Uncountable – It's my go-to game from my youth. If I had to guess, I’ve probably played through it around 30 times or more.

TL;DR:
Fallout 2 is my all-time favorite game, and it’s a massive nostalgia trip for me. While the graphics and modern comforts are outdated, the sheer freedom, deep RPG mechanics, and world-building make it a must-play for any fan of the Fallout series or classic RPGs. If you're into open-world exploration and true role-playing, this game is a gem, but it’s definitely not for everyone.

🕵️ What You Actually Do in This Game:
Fallout 2 is an isometric RPG with turn-based combat. You play as a tribe member tasked with finding the mysterious Garden of Eden Creation Kit (G.E.C.K.) to save your people. Traversing the open world is done via a moving point that symbolizes your character on a static map—a remnant of a post-apocalyptic USA. The game is filled with random encounters, and you’ll interact with NPCs in various ways depending on your S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats (Strength, Perception, etc.). You’re given massive freedom in how to approach quests, solve problems, and progress in whatever way you choose—whether through combat, diplomacy, or sneaking. The true charm of the game lies in the freedom of choice and the ability to shape your experience.

🎮 What This Game Does Exceptionally Well:

Freedom: This is the game's strongest suit. You can approach every problem your way, whether through diplomacy, sneaking, or good ol' combat. Your character's special attributes (S.P.E.C.I.A.L.) impact how you interact with NPCs and influence the entire game. It’s role-playing at its finest.

World-building: The wasteland feels alive, despite its limitations. Random encounters spice up exploration, and the choices you make truly feel like they matter.

Turn-based combat: Strategic and rewarding—especially when you’ve spent time leveling up your character’s skills. Every move in combat feels meaningful. You can choose to go full burst mode, shoot from the hip for quicker, less accurate shots, or aim for specific body parts to cripple your enemies, reduce their mobility, or hinder their effectiveness in combat. It’s a tactical system that gives you plenty of control and encourages creative problem-solving.

The sheer amount of creativity: One of the game's secret stars is the sheer creativity in the random encounters and situations that pop up while you traverse the overmap. Whether it’s a unique NPC, a bizarre scenario, or a completely unexpected event, Fallout 2 fills the world with memorable, creative situations that can’t be found anywhere else. I can’t emphasize enough how cool this is. It keeps the game feeling fresh and alive every time you play, and makes each playthrough unique.

⚠️ Things to Be Aware Of:

Old-school graphics: If you're expecting modern visuals, this will disappoint. The pixelated graphics and dated animations may feel jarring for those used to current standards.

A lot of reading: This is a text-heavy game, so be prepared for a lot of reading if you want to engage with the story and NPCs. Sadly, only a few NPCs have animated heads or voice acting, which means a lot of conversations are in written form.

No modern conveniences: No auto-loot, auto-sort, or re-spec. It's hardcore, and if you're coming from more polished RPGs, the lack of these features might feel like a hassle.

The story takes a backseat: The main plot is secondary to exploration and character building. If you’re expecting a story-driven RPG, you might find it lacking in depth.

🧠 Who This Game Is For:

Fans of classic RPGs and anyone who enjoys deep role-playing mechanics and exploration.

People who appreciate the freedom of choice in how to approach quests and combat.

Fallout fans—particularly if you want to see the roots of the franchise.

Anyone who loves open-world games and doesn't mind a lack of modern quality-of-life features.

🚫 Who Should Skip This:

Players who are new to RPGs and don’t have a lot of patience for old-school mechanics.

Anyone who values modern graphics or can't handle the lack of quality-of-life features (like auto-loot or fast travel).

If you’re just looking for a story-driven experience with a linear narrative, you might find the gameplay too slow or unfocused.

🖥️ Technical Notes:

Performance is generally solid for an older game, but keep in mind it’s far from perfect. There are occasionally crashes, but nothing that ruins the overall experience.

🏁 Final Verdict:
Fallout 2 is a masterpiece in its own right, but its age can be hard to look past for modern players. If you love freedom in your RPGs and want to explore the roots of one of the most iconic franchises, this is a must-play. Just be aware that it’s a product of its time, and some modern conveniences are missing.

Modding:
There are a few major mods that can enhance the experience, from quality of life features to complete overhauls and restoring cut content. If you’re going to play, these mods are highly recommended for a smoother, more polished experience.

great RPG, both in size and content, large maps, a ton of quests, not at all built equally and very different when compared to 1.

Me when I fall out for the second time