Way back in 1996 Bethesda Softworks released a MS-DOS role-playing game called Daggerfall.  Daggerfall revolutionized the CRPG genre,  introducing an unprecedented amount of flexibility and open-ended content into a space that was dominated at the time by a host of D&D clones – some terrific, most not.  Its sequels (Morrowind  and Oblivion) have continued to build on that legacy with ever-more-beautiful artwork and visuals, and both games have been instant favorites of mine.

So ever since I heard that Bethesda acquired the license for Fallout, I’ve been looking forward to playing Fallout 3.  Fallout has its own distinguished history, and infusing some fresh creative blood (as well as a lot of cash) into the franchise sounded like a great idea.  (Though certainly not one without its detractors; handing off the torch for a cult favorite is a tricky business.  For every Battlestar: Galactica success story there’s at least one clunker like The Wiz out there.)

I’ve been so psyched for this game that I even ponied up the extra $20 for the Collector’s Edition.  Those who know what a frugal shopper I am will now go back and re-read that sentence… yes, that’s $20 above than the regular $50 retail price, for a single video game.  Was it worth it?  Well since the game just arrived a couple of hours ago, I haven’t actually played it yet.  But here are some shots of the very cool packaging to look at while you breathlessly await my expert critique.  (I think the lunchbox is worth at least $15 on its own, don’t you?)

The Fallout 3 Lunchbox. I hope my Twinkies survived the war OK! 

My, Vault Boy, what a big head you have!

I wish I could draw. Or paint.