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  • $59.99
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Fallout 3 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows)

common sense media says

An outstanding role-playing game -- for adults.


parents & educators say
  • 45% say violence is an issue
  • 38% say language is an issue

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game is extremely graphic in nature, particularly when it comes to violence, blood, and gore -- and there are ample examples of each. Players can decapitate or dismember enemies with precision, resulting in a gruesome blood spray and chunks -- even witnessed in slow motion. Language might also offend with many instances of cussing. Less controversial but still in the game is the ability to take drugs called Chems (though you don't see the act) and some sexual scenes including some risqué dialogue and mannequins in a sexual position.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Players will meet men and women in the game, but there is no sexism or ageism. While you institute a lot of violence, the game is full of decision points where you must choose to be good or evil.
Violence: Extremely graphic in nature. Players can shoot radioactive creatures and target body parts; blood sprays in various directions and bloody chunks can be seen. A slow-motion effect during killings makes them more dramatic and disconcerting. There is a wide range of weaponry offered from guns to rocket launchers to things like sledgehammers.
Sex: While there's no nudity, some half-dressed female characters in the game might drop sexual innuendoes and you see mannequins in a sexual pose. Prostitutes are a part of this game.
Language: The game has many swear words, including "s--t" and "f--k," as well as "damn," "ass," and "bitch."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not excessive, but players can use a variety of fictional items in the game, called Chems. You don't see them being used, though. But you do experience the ups and downs of the drug and if abused, you can get addicted.

More on Fallout 3

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about whether this level of violence and gore is necessary to deliver the same dreary post-apocalyptic experience. If it were less graphic and had cleaner language, would the game be as appealing among players and would it sell as well? Is there a difference between fighting against radioactive enemies as in this game, and shooting at police officers in a game like Grand Theft Auto IV?

What's the story?

What's the story?

A word of warning for parents concerned about what video games their kids are playing: while FALLOUT 3 is one of the finest role-playing games (RPGs) in recent memory, take heed to the "Mature" warning in the corner of the box (and be sure to read all the sections on this page for specific details). In case you haven't played any of the original games, Fallout 3 is a post-apocalyptic adventure, where the player emerges from Vault 101 after a devastating nuclear war only to find a dangerous wasteland populated with radioactive mutants to fight, memorable survivors to interact with, and plenty of challenging missions to tackle.

But how this single-player RPG plays out is entirely up to you, with a huge, open-ended world to explore (based on an irradiated Washington, D.C.), customizable skills, abilities and "perks" to enhance your character, and even options on how to engage in combat. With the latter, when approaching a threatening enemy, players can choose between a tactical, turn-based combat scheme by pausing time and pinpointing areas of the body to hit (and seeing the likelihood of a successful shot measured in percentages) or a more straight-forward real-time mechanic, if the player prefers to use weapons against baddies without a break in the action (note: the former combat style results in blood-soaked, slow-motion limb and head explosions). Befriend some non-player characters (NPCs) and they might help fight alongside you. Speaking of choices, players can also toggle between a first- or third-person view with the push of a button.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Not only is this game an immersive, futuristic Wild Wild West thriller that offers many dozens of hours of play, but it's also quite the looker with its high-definition characters, environments, and special effects (the game looks and plays the same between the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions). Animation isn't always smooth, though, and there are occasional camera issues that obscure your view instead of aiding it. Another minor shortcoming: it would have been great if a second player -- online or in front of the same TV -- could join in and play with you at any time (as you can in the Fable II RPG) but at least the artificial intelligence is smart and will keep you on your toes. Whether or not you played the original Fallout games, this sequel is one of the finest -- yet quite mature -- video games of 2008.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows
Not available online
Genre: Role Playing
Developer: Bethesda Softworks
Released on: October 28, 2008
Price: 59.99
ESRB Rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs

This review was written by Marc Saltzman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

14
Based on 58 parent & educator reviews:
  • 45% say violence is an issue
  • 38% say language is an issue
  • 29% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

 
A real ESRB worker's opinion
I am A ESRB worker. Off the job i think this game is go for 13+ as long as the teen knows it is just a game and is mature enough to handle the violence. This game actually teaches teens what not to do with the KARMA system. This game has gotten a lot of smack for being a really bad game but it really isnt unless the conditions are right. Over all this game isnt that violent on average. As ESRB workers it is our job to honestly review games and this is my honest review. A lot of us post our true feelings about games outside of work.

RANDOMDUDE22
teen, 13 years old
 
FALLOUT 3
Fallout 3 is epic and hours of game play but is full of gore and guns and even drugs also none as chems.

 
Positive themes presented in a graphic first-person manner
Fallout 3 has a few over arching themes that, hopefully, people over the age of thirteen can pick out by themselves. Themes that are presented by the game are the role of governments, how governments should be run, transparency within governments, the dangers of fascism/nationalism, the dangers of MAD ideology as well as the idea of cold warfare, the dangers of propaganda and manipulating the masses, the moral issues of slavery, and the dangers of witch-hunts/McCarthyism(although this isn't quite as prominent as the others). The other games of the series presented at least some of these themes, but new players can figure out each one pretty easily while playing. The direct message/theme that is presented to the audience is the choice between good and evil, both of which have their draw backs. The player is constantly given moral decisions which can affect the future storyline. While all of these themes/messages poise good ideas that can be developed into family-friendly discussions (the idea of what a "normal" nuclear family should look like, if there should be a "normal" nuclear family with a distinct set of values, is even a discussion point of the game), the game presents these ideas in a violent and questionable way. There is a lot of gore, as well as vice that it present with relative lawlessness. For an example of the violence in the game, YouTube is a good source, or just reading the back of the box. Examples of vice would be prostitutes, extortion, and drug abuse (although to keep it relatively realistic, the developers put in strong negative effects of drugs). Another concern would be the language use of the characters (including the player), from words normally perceived as "bad" to lying and manipulating others to get what you want through rather dishonest methods. TL;DR, the game has great themes and discussion topics, but check out YouTube to figure out whether or not you want your kids playing a game where they can get high and then decapitate someone with a lead pipe.

 
The Pinnacle of Joy
I remember seeing the trailers for this game. As a fan of the previous two Fallout games, I could only hope for the best. And I hoped correctly. Fallout 3 is hands down one of the best games of all time for the Xbox 360. The game follows the story of a world thrown into disarray some centuries after a nuclear holocaust that threatens humanity. The player starts out as a member of Vault 101 (just one of hundreds of vaults spread across the wastelands). The vaults are a ironic sanctuary for the people of the time: they offer the only protection and boast freedom of self, only to be a prison of the mind, soul, and body, and completely unsafe (gangs, bribery, violence, etc.). However, certain events take place, and the player is set off onto an adventure across the lands, the entire world open to their imaginations. Basically, this is how the game works: If you can see it, you can go to it. The entire game is one open world environment (only incremental load times between inside and outside places). You can literally walk all the way across the Wasteland, North to South, East to West, without hitting any loading screens. You will not be unopposed on your adventure, however. There are uncountable enemies prowling every inch of the wastes, from annoying RadRoaches, to Super Mutant Behemoths and Death Claws (with a name like that, just run). The player will also encounter various communities across the world, which is where the basis of the gameplay is. Sure, this may look like a FPS/RPG, and you're D#@! right it is. But it goes so much deeper than that. The core of the game is interacting with this new world, getting the feel of the people, becoming a human fit for this new earth; everything you do affects you, everything you live for is at stake. Nothing in this game goes without consequence, as the honor system is ranked by your "Karma" (the better it is, the more good characters will interact with you on a deeper level, and vice versa). The graphics are unbelievably realistic, with the entire landscape looking as though the artists carved each rock, pixel by pixel. Skin textures could use a little tweaking for those with lower resolution televisions, but seriously, if you don't have an HDTV by now, get with the times. The voice acting is phenomenal!...well except for maybe one character you'll meet in Girdershade (trust me, you'll know when you find her). The combat is pretty decent in real-time (the physics are a bit odd, as you can shoot someone point blank with virtually no response from the occasional "AH!"); but VATS is where it's at. VATS is a Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System, where the player can focus in on any individual area of an enemy, queue up multiple attacks, and let loose a maelstrom of violence. When coupled with the Bloody Mess perk, where attacks become increasingly violent (and therefore increasingly AWESOME), there are just those moments where your jaw drops from pure, maniacal, delight. But overall the violence is only moderate compared to other games (i.e. F.E.A.R., SMOD, UT3, etc.). Parents, if you love a good adventure (over 100 hours of game-play if you're into it), and you want your child to be delighted, then delve into Fallout 3 from Bethesda Studios.

toysoldiers4112
kid, 10 years old
 
It gives you an idea if we keep on abusing the world, that will happen. I may get it soon.

The Enclave
parent of 17 year old
 
Best. Game. Ever.
When my fourteen year old son asked me if he could by Fallout 3, I was skepticle. So, I decided to buy it, try it, and hopefully not have to return it. First, Fallout 3 is amazing. But, to concerned parents: know your kid. This game can be quite graphic, but only if you use VATS(Vault-tech assisted targeting system). VATS allows you to stratigicly place your shots to eliminate your foes. What results is heavy bloodshed in slow motion. On a lighter note, if VATS is not used, the game is no worse than the Halo franchice. As far as language, I didn't really notice it. I think that a mature fourteen year old should be allowed to play this stunning RPG. Happy Gaming!

sari12
teen, 16 years old
 
bloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooody
this game is so gory and so much language and its so hard to figure out

supermonkeyrobot
parent of 15 year old
 
Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
the game is the best but violence isn't intense but you can blow things arms off there is not much language but it is bad the game is based of choices and you can choose to take drugs or kill something its extremely fun but sexual behavior isn't bad there is only 1 prostitute and you go by a room she walks you to the room and then you can climb into bed and the room goes dark you then wake up in the morning

fallout3master
kid, 13 years old
 
A great game for a kid/adult who understands it isn't real.
I love this game! I go to my friends house and he showed it to me and it's fantastic. I don't have an xbox, I have a Wi, but this game is worth playing for hours and hours. There is a lot of violence, so I would understand why my parents might not get it for me. I love it.

tommy18
teen, 15 years old
 
Eh its violent. Pretty much like every game on ps3.
Yeahhh. Sure its violent. BUT. Its designed to be violent. So if it doesn't exactly look appropiate. YOU don't buy it. Headshots in slo mo are wicked and gore galore. Don't like violence. again DO NOT BUY IT. Simple as.

IronZombie75
teen, 16 years old
 
Amazing RPG/Shooter for 14 and up!
This is my favorite video game, period. It's simply amazing in every way. Warning: parents, this game is Extremely Gorey. You can blow anybodies head off with a shotgun in slow motion and it shows chunks of the head, or the head exploding (even though you don't want to do that with ANYBODY, as killing just anybody unprovoked will lower your karma and others will attack you), as well as other limbs as well. There's also some language, sexual references, and you can use drugs. Oh, and one more thing. You can either be an angel in this game, or absolutely downright EVIL! The game sometimes gives you outrageous text options. The only people you can't kill, are children, but that's it.

 
Just a heads-up
If you're a particularly computer savvy parent and wouldn't mind your child enjoying this along with you but have an issue with the ULTRA violence, there is an active modding community out there that make mods to tone down the brutal dismemberments, head explosions and blood sprays.

KiPunk11
teen, 15 years old
 
Get this game, if not for your kid, then for you.
This game is possibly the most intelligent game to be released within the last decade. It's about an alternate, relatively near future fallout that occurred in 2077 and the aftermath, where the real storyline lies, 200 years later. The game is very open and you can do practically anything. Drugs, murder, all that stuff. However, there are limits due to the fact that sex and disturbing criminal content are no-nos in console games. So, you can't have sex, nor can you murder children. The sad thing is, the second one (I know, you're probably mad at me by now) was a huge part of the KARMA system of the first two games. If you killed children, people would hate you and you'll be attacked by people. And, don't think this is GTA where the only consequence is being chased by some cops with a deathwish; every decision in Fallout has it's subsequent consequence. For example, pickpocketing and being caught occasionally will make people distrust you, being rude in dialogue will make people dislike you, sometimes the entire course of the game can be changed through a decision. (you have the opportunity to nuke an entire town) The gore level is indeed high. If it weren't for the VATS slow-motion pin-point targeting, this thing wouldn't be horribly gory, but you can shoot somebody point-blank with a shotgun in slow-motion, complete with blood splatter and head explosion. Good news is, if you have a PC, you can easily cure this with various mods (recommended: Gore Tweak) and a settings fix. In fact, you PC gamers out there struck it pretty lucky. If you want nudity, (or sexier underwear, or just a more well-detailed character model in general) get mods. You want more gore, mods. You want LESS gore, mods. You want a hideout under the gas station in Springvale, mod that stuff. But, that should go out as a warning to stricter parents: YOUR KIDS (with the proper mods) CAN KILL CHILDREN AND BE A PROSTITUTE. So, beware of that. But don't keep your kids from experiencing this game, it's not nearly as bad as the world outside your door. There's plenty of room for discussion about things like drug use, cause-and-effect, and moral predicaments. Also, there's swearing. But I think compared to the gory murder and drunkenness that seems a bit petty.

Huhthing
teen, 13 years old
 
Great game, but may be a bit violent for younger players.
While this game is quite graphic (you can target where you want to hit a person, where blood and gore always follow), it utalizes the KARMA system, where you are able to choose good or bad decisions, so it gives players a chance to either indulge a little on their dark side or play the hero. Prostitues play a role in this game, and profanity, while normally mild, does have some strong uasge at points. As long as the player realizes this is a game, not reality, I think it's an iffy choice for kids 13 and 14, and great for 15 and up.

fajniun
parent of 18 year old
 
iffy for 11-12
great game! messages are not always great you can harm civilians and gain "bad karma". while bloody it is not disturbing to children unless the "bloody mess" perk is enabled. you can be evil or good. meaning that you can save people and make right decisions or take the evil path and use death and destruction as your motivators.drugs and alcohol are involved it is not a huge issue. drugs are called med-x, psycho, jet, and ultra jet. you can become addicted in which if you stop taking the drug and dont get a doctor to help you get withdrawal that makes your vision blurry. but in the end it is your decision and i respect that.

XstarkadX
kid, 12 years old
 
Awesome! But gory.
This game is amazing and it is definitely an essential for any true gamer. It is very gory and you can blow heads off and limbs while blood is sputing everywhere. There is not any drugs, but there is beer and whiskey. The gore is very gross sometimes. It is a great game.

John 117
parent of 12 and 17 year old
 
Simply Amazing!
Violence: A regular shooter, until you use VATS. Then it gets bloody. Language: If you make someone mad while talking to them, they curse. If you blow someones arm off, they curse. Wouldn't you? But apart from that, there is little swearing. Sex: If you look hard enough... Drugs: CommonSense sums it up. If you can, buy this game!

spiceman117
teen, 14 years old
 
AWSOME
I GOT THE GAME ITS EPIC IF U TRUST UR KIDS U SHOULD ALLOW THEM TO PLAY

 
Fine for 13+.
This game is one of the best in this generation of games. This game will easily, easily last you more than 60 hours long. Me and my child switched off nonstop, eager to see what would await each of our characters next. Whether we were exploring a dead military base full of robotic enemies and super mutants, or while we were exploring the broken down White House to find the president's office, we had fun 100% of the way. Fallout 3 is not for children. I'll give you that. But Fallout 3 is a very, very fun game, and you shouldn't be sheltering your child from this experience. The game is bloody, but you can turn off the blood and gore on specific systems. (PC, and 360, I believe) The game also has quite a bit of language, but if your child is above 13, they've heard all of it. I'm pretty tired of hearing people scream and yell that their child's mind will be poisoned from M rated video games. While I do agree this game is not suitable for ages 10 or under, easily a 13 or 14 year old could play it with no problems. There's no sexual content from what I could find, (and I explored everywhere) and there are some virtual drugs in the game you can take to enhance your abilities, but you risk getting addicted. The messages can either be positive or negative, because the game works with a morality system. If you're nice to people all around, they'll be nice to you. But being bad has many perks, as does being nice. Overall, this game is perfect, and one of the finest games this generation. It feels totally worth the 60 dollars I paid, (as you can play it for an upwards of 60 hours, and not get bored) and parents, you shouldn't let your child miss out on this title.

TCC14
teen, 16 years old
 
the true review of fallout 3
I've played Fallout 3 and I'm fourteen. Yes, fallout 3 is violent and the story is dark,Yes, there is language but is used very rarely. Now the story, Our ol' nation turned into a nuclear wasteland, the player lives inside a peaceful vault with his father and the other residents. But your father escapes from the vault and goes out in the "wastes" as the player escapes from the vault to look for his father and explore this world. To tell you this game is violent and by violent I mean EXTREME violence but if you know your child can handle it then there is no problem. My dad and me both played the game with our accounts on the 360. My dad knew that I can handle this and trust me I've seen a lot worse then this.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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