When the Ink Spots' "Maybe" was used as the opening theme to Fallout, players knew they in for something interesting (Pro Tip: They had originally wanted to use "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire", but couldn't due to copyright issues). There are lots of things to like about Fallout, but my personal go-to accolade is its sense of place. From the moment we load the game, Fallout's post-apocalyptic world greets us a totally unexpected soundtrack, insane characters, all leadened with a peculiar deadness. Sure, there were post-apocalypic touchstones before, but Fallout stood (and stands) above the rest due to its retro-futurist aesthetic and gallows humor. Those who think Bioshock did it first better recognize.
And that's why we're super excited about these three new screens from Bethesda. The trickle of Fallout news has turned into a steady stream, with a few previews in major game mags and an interview at the Guardian. A mixture of first and third person perspectives, the return of Dogmeat, the scope of Oblivion (minus the cliche sword and scorcery environs!), and 10,000 permutations of the closing cutscene, determined by player actions throughout the course of the game. I think I speak on behalf of all of us here at 61FPS when I say that I am totally jazzed. Check out Fallout's site for more.
