Fallout 3 changed my opinion about the games of today.
I don't own a 360, but I decided to give this game a shot on my little brother's console while visiting home for the holidays. Although I had never played a Fallout game before, the post-apocalyptic theme was appealing to me. Beyond that, I had little idea what the game would be like. I was in for a surprise that surpassed all expectations. I instantly fell in love with this game and played for about 15 hours straight during my first time playing.
At it's heart, Fallout 3 is a true RPG. By true RPG I'm not talking about the kind of RPGs I grew up playing on consoles, where you pick your attacks and mash the A button. No, Fallout 3 is more akin to the truest of all RPGs; the table top RPG like Dungeons & Dragons. Each interior area is like a dungeon, loaded with treasures, traps, and enemies. Only by exploring each room will you uncover its mysteries, and if you're lucky, you'll make it out alive.
Aside from having the core mechanics of an RPG, this is one of the first times I've seen a game of this genre seamlessly incorporate the interface of an FPS. But to take it one step further, Fallout 3 implements the VATS mechanic which allows you to target specific parts of enemies with a variable hit percentage. Aside from its practical applications, VATS creates an epic cinematic experience each time as the bullets fly in slow-motion.
I have nothing but praise for Fallout 3 and it is actually a major motivator in my decision to finally purchase an XBox 360. Overall, I got to play this game for about 40 hours and typically that would be enough time to beat most games, but in this vast and immersive world it was merely a small dent. I look forward to the day when I can once again sink myself into this incredible gameplay experience!