I'm nowhere near the end of Fallout 3, given how little time I have to play it, but so far it's a huge surprise for me as well. Granted, I never played the first two games so I'm not comparing it with them (though it is nice to see a fan of the series who doesn't think it's a travesty - check out NMA for that). And I did like Oblivion.
However, I thought Oblivion was merely a good game, rather than the great one many espoused, and I missed the personal touches that most other RPGs I'd played seemed to have. Interestingly, Fallout 3 has that touch - as well as a much more interesting setting in my opinion (Tamriel never seemed... real, I suppose, to me). Not only that, but as you mention, the combat is awesome fun - better than both Oblivion and Mass Effect in that respect.
I agree that the towns could probably be larger, though Megaton is decently sized. Also, keep in mind that though the first two games had bigger cities (or at least so I've heard) they also took place over a much larger area of land. This game takes place only within the DC area - so the lack of major cities isn't entirely surprising from a lore perspective anyhow. Likely there would be just one city with a bunch of scattered settlements surrounding it.
Anyhow, when I get around to finishing the game's story (which probably won't be at least for another month at the rate I'm going), I'll post my review and see how it compares with yours.
Interesting review
However, I thought Oblivion was merely a good game, rather than the great one many espoused, and I missed the personal touches that most other RPGs I'd played seemed to have. Interestingly, Fallout 3 has that touch - as well as a much more interesting setting in my opinion (Tamriel never seemed... real, I suppose, to me). Not only that, but as you mention, the combat is awesome fun - better than both Oblivion and Mass Effect in that respect.
I agree that the towns could probably be larger, though Megaton is decently sized. Also, keep in mind that though the first two games had bigger cities (or at least so I've heard) they also took place over a much larger area of land. This game takes place only within the DC area - so the lack of major cities isn't entirely surprising from a lore perspective anyhow. Likely there would be just one city with a bunch of scattered settlements surrounding it.
Anyhow, when I get around to finishing the game's story (which probably won't be at least for another month at the rate I'm going), I'll post my review and see how it compares with yours.
Thanks for posting.