Black Isle Studios' 1998 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1998 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Black Isle Studios
- Publisher
- Interplay Entertainment Corp.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.4
- Players today
- Very Positive on Steam (94% of 11012)
The history
Developed by Black Isle Studios and published by Interplay Entertainment Corp., Fallout 2 arrived in 1998 as the sequel to the critically acclaimed original. It takes place 80 years after the first game's events, shifting the focus to a new protagonist known as the Chosen One.
The game mattered as it expanded the vision of a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future, moving RPG exploration out of traditional dungeons. It sought to build upon the foundation of its predecessor by introducing vaster environments and more complex social systems in a post-nuclear world.
How it plays
The core loop utilizes the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. attribute system and a skill-based approach to character growth, maintaining the turn-based combat and isometric perspective of the first game. Players navigate a vast wasteland to find a universal tool called the G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit) to save their dying tribe, relying on ancient disks left by the original Vault Dweller as their only clues.
The sequel introduces significant depth to party management, allowing companions to level up, equip armor, and follow specific strategies. It also implements a reputation system for local communities alongside the global Karma system. Players face a wider array of ethical choices and mature subtexts, with the ability to pursue diverse lifestyles such as joining the mafia, becoming a slave seller, or even a porn star.
How it was received
Fallout 2 was a critical success, earning a Metacritic score of 89/100. It received high marks from various outlets, including 4.5/5 from Allgame, CGM, and CGW, 8.7/10 from GameSpot, and 90% from PC Gamer US. Critics lauded the character generation and the refreshing post-apocalyptic setting, though Computer Gaming World noted that the dialogue occasionally struggled to keep up with player unpredictability.
While period critics praised the tactical nature of the combat, some found the companion AI frustrating. Then and now, the sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive; while 1998 critics hailed it as a genre-reviving masterpiece, modern Steam users maintain this view with a "Very Positive" rating from over 11,000 reviews.
In the magazines
The period press.
PC PowerPlay predicted the game would revive the genre, while Computer Gaming World gave it an 89% (PCPP) and noted the turn-based system would be welcome to "hard-core RPGers." Next Generation gave the title a 4/5, and PC Gamer US awarded it 90%.
What players say today
Modern players on Steam describe it as a "timeless RPG" and a "fun classic romp," with some calling it the best entry in the series. While some users mention it can be buggy and suggest using a guide, they praise the RPG elements as a standard for future games, though a few note that a graphics update would be beneficial.
“A fun classic romp through an isometric post apocalypse. Just like Fallout 1 (...and I guess every entry into the series) it's pretty buggy so no shame in following a guide,”
“A relatively timeless RPG with incredibly rich content that pulls you into a post-nuclear-war world. It may be 30 years old, but it’s still very playable today. A small graphics update wouldn’t hurt, …”
“The Enclave don't appeal to me as an antagonists, or otherwise, so I'll always prefer one, but this game is kind of better in every other regard. Just don't interact with super mutants.”
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Black Isle Studios continued to define the isometric RPG experience of the era. Fallout 2 remains worth seeking out today for its incredibly rich content and a level of character customization and moral agency that players still find influential.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
Despite being over 25 years old, the game's depth and world-building allow it to hold up remarkably well. The complexity of its quest design and the freedom to define the protagonist's morality provide an experience that feels more substantial than many modern offerings.
While the technical edges may be rough and the graphics dated, the core RPG loop—combining tactical combat with meaningful choice—remains a gold standard for the genre.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.