Quite simply, one of the best games of this generation.
Graphics: This is one of the best aspects of the game. The wastelands of D.C. are beautiful in their own dreary, post apocalyptic way. But even using the a limited, dingy color pallet, this game manages to be beautiful. The rolling hill are varied, and keep you guessing what's over the next ridge. The ruins of towns and downtown D.C. itself have the perfect feel. There is just enough rubble to exemplify the devastation, yet enough is left intact to explore, and give you the sense that there are secrets still hidden behind those walls. Mutants, Radioactive Bugs, Raiders, everything looks great. All of the NPC's you run into and deal with seem a little stiff and move awkwardly, but in the grand graphical scheme of things its easily overlooked. On my own little scale of 1-10, I give graphics a 9.
Controls: The controls are a little more of a mixed bag. For your running around and exploring purposes, it handles just fine. But when you get into a fire fight without VATS, the clunky nature of the controls shows through a little bit. They just aren't responsive enough for FPS action. Luckily since this isn't game isn't a straight up shooter, it doesn't get bogged down. I would give the controls a 7. Although its not essential to gameplay, manually moving objects in game is clumsy and lacks precision. This is only relevant if you love decorating your house or room with all of the sweet loot you have found. Navigating bottles of Nuka Cola Quantum to line them up on my table is difficult, and stocking shelves with Sugar Bombs and Cram can be a hassle. But I love to have a sweet pad to rest in, so I endure. But again, this isn't an essential gameplay element.
Gameplay: This is again another shining moment for Fallout 3. Combat is hot and heavy, and the use of VATS makes combat much more cinematic, in your face, and purely awesome. Slow motion shots of your player blasting a Super Mutant with a gatling gun are awesome. The camera angle gets low and looks up at the player while slowly rotating around the front, casings are flying out of the side of the gun and the muzzle flash illuminates your face. Then you see the Mutant on the receiving end of this devastation, taking bullets until his cranium explodes under the impressive barrage in a suitably gory fashion. VATS is what keeps the gameplay from being a clumsy, second rate shooter. In addition to the great VATS combat, the exploration portion makes this title stand out even further. It was my favorite part to be honest. Scavenging the wasteland for any useful items is almost too much fun. There are so many hidden areas, secret ammo stashes, burned out homes, grocery stores, and cargo containers to discover and loot, you will be busy for hours! Gameplay gets a 10.
Story: The story missions in this game are decent, but they aren't earth shattering. Where this game shines are the countless optional missions you come across all across the wasteland. From helping Riley's Rangers clear out Mutants in DC, to solving the problems facing Bob in Oasis, these are the missions that will keep you occupied. Another great facet of the story is the Fallout lore behind it, and learning more about what happened before you left the Vault helps drive the story and add a sense of desperation to it all. Story gets a 9.
If you haven't played Fallout 3, then stop reading this and go get a copy. Its been out for a while, so I assume that anyone who wants to play it already has. At any rate, this is a must have for anyone who loves shooters, rpg's, both, or just great games in general.