Fallout: BOS uses the same game engine as Dark Alliance, so fans know they’re getting sharp graphics, an isometric action perspective, and an easy to use inventory. Instead of kobolds and giants, Fallout pits your characters against mutated ghouls, giant bugs, mice of extraordinary size, and much worse, all set against the backdrop of nuclear devastated cities and wastelands. The goal of the game is to find the Brotherhood of Steel, self appointed guardians of the wastes.

Prostitutes, two headed cattle, and regular folks dish out quests that have you killing monsters and finding lost items in no time, and the combat is as cool and responsive as the environments are weird and refreshing after all the fantasy themed D&D-like games in the genre. You can use guns, lasers, and nasty melee weapons and, as always, you must loot the bodies of your foes for better weapons, ammo, and the credits you need to buy more weapons. Characters level up and gain new skills and abilities, to better face the challenges to come.

Unlike most action RPGs of this type Fallout BOS features branching conversations that alter some of the quests ahead. This makes the replay value higher than normal and makes the game feel all the more refreshing. Parents should note that this Fallout is similar to the earlier games in that the subject matter tends to be more "adult" but Fallout fans should also be warned that this isn’t the Fallout III they’re pining for. It’s satisfying enough as an action RPG, but that’s all it is.--Andrew S. Bub

Pros:

• Gauntlet with guns
• Quests are affected by dialog choices

• Where is Fallout 3?