Despite being released back in 2006, Oblivion is still one of the best role-playing titles ever to grace a videogame console. The vast, gigantic world mixed with an almost endless amount of quests offered gamers an environment that they could genuinely get lost in. Forget food, sleep or stepping outside into the real world – The Elder Scrolls IV had you covered. However, it would be unfair to ignore the few flaws which spoiled the experience for some.

The almost contradictory levelling-up system, the guards’ talents of spotting you even when you were well hidden and the choppy frame rate soured many opinions. In the grand scheme of things it certainly didn’t take away from Oblivion’s brilliance (this reviewer had no qualms whatsoever with any of the above) but it did act as a deterrent, forcing several people to stop playing far too early and missing out on so much. Thankfully, we now have Fallout.

The third in the cult franchise, Bethesda’s take on an apocalyptic Earth is engaging, terrifying, addictive and, to be blunt, an incredible achievement. From the moment you step out from Vault 101 on a quest to track down your father, the sheer range and scope is beyond intimidating. Much like The Elder Scrolls, that feeling of disbelief at the vast abyss waiting in front of you is crippling. Sure, you have a set objective but the ideas of invisible walls or linear corridors simply don’t exist where Fallout is involved. It sets you down and then the onus is on you to decide where you go, what you do and how you do it.

There is no right or wrong and it’s rare when having a discussion with a fellow player to discover you share the same story. Bethesda has mastered the art of allowing individuals that sit down with its game to carve their own narrative and interact with the surroundings and inhabitants how they see fit. Such a template will be far too daunting for some gamers, as it was before, but after ten hours or so it’s simply amazing how connected and integrated you are. Your real existence soon starts to play second fiddle.

Naturally, many staples from Oblivion make themselves known early on. Pushing back allows you to wait, whacking the left bumper switches the view into the third-person, chatting to another wastelander will force the camera to the zoom right up on their face – if you didn’t bond with that then you’ll find yourself at a loss here as well. Those that did though are in for the treat of their lives. Fallout 3’s greatest strength, and something that was missing from Bethesda’s last go around, is the idea of morality. Every action is greeted with a consequence and the path you choose has a huge impact on how your story plays out. The real genius, however, is the way in which it does this. In the past we’ve been treated to similar mechanics that are exceptionally black and white. Pick choice A to be good or choice B to be bad. The characters around you cheer or boo your selection and on you go.

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