Opening

Developer: Micro Forte
Publisher: Interplay
Fallout Tactics official page: http://www.interplay.com/falloutbos/index.html

In 1997, Interplay and Black Isle Studios released a little game by the name of Fallout. No one knew how huge this game would be, not even the folks who developed it. After selling hundreds of thousands of copies around the world, and earning a plethora of awards, Fallout 2 fell into our laps. Giving gamers more of the post-apocalyptic adventure they craved, Fallout 2 helped establish the series as a powerful contender in the computer RPG market. However, when Fallout: Tactics was announced, many gamers feared that they would be getting a rushed game intended to capitalize on the brand name its predecessors created. After seeing the game for ourselves, we can say that this is not the case.

A nice campfire

4 on 2

Welcome to the 'Hood

Taking place after the first Fallout, the story follows the Brotherhood of Steel, a powerful clan of people trying to restore the world to its former glory through the use of advanced technology. The Brotherhood's mission is to eradicate what is left of the mutant army that fled east after the destruction of their main base. With this goal in mind, the Brotherhood will travel the lands between Denver and Chicago in search of their freakish adversaries.

Along the way, you'll have plenty of side missions to keep you busy. Operating on foreign grounds, word must be spread of the Brotherhood's good deeds to establish a presence in the region. Alliances must be made, and your strength will grow as locals are recruited into the ranks of the Brotherhood. Weapons and equipment have to be scavenged or bartered for to keep your soldiers well armed. All of this is accomplished by interacting with NPCs you'll find while playing missions.

Take cover!

Tagging ish bad mmmkay?

Is it an RPG?

Yes and no. The characters in your squad will gain experience and raise levels. Statistics are still raised by points earned from leveling up. You still acquire perks, which are special character attributes, such as the ability to see at night or learn faster. All these aspects make Fallout: Tactics rather RPGish.

But unlike Fallout or its sequel, gameplay in Tactics is mission-based. Players roam freely across the wastes as they did in the previous Fallout games. This is where Tactics takes on its own flavor and separates itself from the past titles. Simply put, Tactics strips away most of the adventure aspects of Fallout and focuses solely on battles.