Fallout 2 (1998)

Author: Black Isle Studios

On the surface, Fallout isn't a hard sci-fi series. The post-apocalyptic wasteland holds mostly traditional weapons, from pump-action shotguns to baseball bats. It's quickly apparent, however, that the inhabitants of this society have advanced far beyond us. Though Fallout: New Vegas is a close second, it's in Fallout 2 that this really shows. In the year 2241, you inherit an advanced electronic PipBoy from your ancestor and must travel across the wasteland to find the GECK, an all-powerful piece of technology that will cure your town's water shortage. Along the way, you'll accumulate laser weapons and alien blasters, hear of advanced medical procedures and meet sentient robots. In this game, it's up to you how far you want to go down that route, using the SPECIAL stat system to become deadly with a plasma pistol or just smash enemies with a sledgehammer. With a more strategic combat system and a nuanced and original story, this title still manages to compete with the newest in the series.