Rediscovering the Roots of the Fallout Series
In a delightful turn of events for gaming enthusiasts, the iconic Fallout series is inviting players to explore its roots with the release of the Fallout Classic Collection. This bundle, which includes the original 1997 Fallout, its 1998 sequel Fallout 2, and the tactical spinoff Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel, is currently available for free on the Epic Games Store. This offer is valid until September 5, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m. ET, allowing gamers to add these classics to their libraries permanently.
What You Need to Know
The Fallout series began with the 1997 release of Fallout, followed by Fallout 2 in 1998 and Fallout Tactics in 2001. Despite their historical significance, many contemporary PC gamers may not have experienced these titles.
- The Fallout Classic Collection bundle, typically priced at , is currently free to download and keep forever on the Epic Games Store.
- Fallout and Fallout 2 are renowned for their turn-based isometric gameplay, establishing the groundwork for future titles and the recent Amazon TV adaptation.
- Fallout Tactics, on the other hand, shifts focus to squad-based tactical combat.
This resurgence of interest in the Fallout franchise can be attributed to the success of Amazon’s recent TV series, which has reignited enthusiasm for the post-apocalyptic narrative. While newer entries like Fallout 4 and Fallout 76 have seen significant player engagement, the classic titles remain gems that deserve attention. Their vintage graphics and control schemes may pose a challenge for modern gamers, yet those who persevere will uncover a rich tapestry of storytelling and gameplay that laid the foundation for the series’ evolution.
The original Fallout, developed by Interplay Entertainment, transports players to a post-nuclear Southern California in 2161. As a vault dweller from Vault 13, your mission is to locate a replacement water purification chip to save your fellow residents from dehydration. This journey introduces players to pivotal characters, factions, and locations that would later become integral to the Fallout universe.
Fallout 2 expands upon this world, placing players in the role of the Chosen One, a descendant of the first game’s protagonist. Tasked with finding a Garden of Eden Creation Kit (G.E.C.K.) to rejuvenate the soil of their village, players traverse familiar and new territories, witnessing the rise of influential factions such as the New California Republic and the Enclave.
Meanwhile, Fallout Tactics offers a different flavor of gameplay, emphasizing tactical combat over traditional RPG elements. While it diverges from the core Fallout experience, its strategic approach provides a refreshing perspective for players familiar with the series.
For those hesitant to embrace the Epic Games Store, the Fallout Classic Collection is also accessible on Steam, where individual titles can be purchased. Additionally, subscribers to PC Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can enjoy all three games as part of their membership.
With the opportunity to explore these foundational titles at no cost, there has never been a better time for both seasoned fans and newcomers to delve into the origins of the Fallout series. Whether you are drawn to the humor of Fallout 2 or the tactical challenges of Fallout Tactics, these games promise a nostalgic journey through a beloved franchise.
Update: 29 Aug 2024
