18 Games that Define Their Genres

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Written by BuckGB on December 13th, 2007

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Most RPG titles have you duking it out as a knight or a mage in a fantasy setting rife with clichéd monsters like dragons and orcs and trolls, oh my! But not so Interplays Fallout, a breakthrough RPG title that was set in a memorable setting: post-nuclear holocaust Earth. The narrative drive of the story was nothing new--a 'chosen one' ventures forth to save the world--but the presentation was something else: dark, gritty and visceral, the stark landscape of the atomically cleansed landscape was as inhospitable as it was compelling. Add in the unique S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stat system, the interesting, varied mission types and compelling narrative plot and you've got one of the finest PC-RPG experiences ever created.

The game saw one sequel before parent company Interplay shut its doors but fear not: the franchise is currently in the capable hands of Oblivion creators Bethesda whose track record gives us all hope that Fallout 3 will continue on in the irradiated footsteps of its predecessors.

Yes, we know hardcore PC RPG nuts will no doubt lament the choice of Fallout over other notable titles like Oblivion and old school fare like Ultima and Wizardry but a great PC RPG title should provide a large and compelling world to explore, a cast of interesting and varied people to interact with, the chance to really step into the shoes of your character--you know, to "role-play"--and a varied and interesting set of tasks with an overarching narrative that propels you constantly towards a satisfying conclusion. These are things that the original Fallout accomplished in all ways and it still stands as a shining example of a PC RPG title done right.

Honorable Mention: Planescape: Torment; Oblivion
Worthy Heir: Fallout 3

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