Background
The Fallout series spans multiple games across different generations, developers, and gameplay styles. The series began with isometric RPGs (Fallout 1 & 2), transitioned to 3D open-world games with Fallout 3, and most recently ventured into online multiplayer with Fallout 76. Each game offers distinct experiences:
Fallout 1 & 2 (1997, 1998) - Classic isometric RPGs with deep storytelling
Fallout 3 (2008) - First 3D entry, introduced VATS combat system
Fallout: New Vegas (2010) - Known for rich narrative and extensive player choice
Fallout 4 (2015) - Enhanced graphics and settlement building
Fallout 76 (2018) - Online multiplayer focus
Fallout Tactics (2001) - Combat-focused spin-off
Fallout Brotherhood of Steel (2004) - Action RPG spin-off
Resolution Criteria
The market will resolve to the Fallout game that has received the highest average rating across major gaming review aggregators (Metacritic, OpenCritic, and GameRankings where available). If multiple games are tied for the highest rating, the earlier released game will be considered the winner.
Considerations
Review scores may not perfectly reflect current opinions, as older games were reviewed in the context of their time
Some games (particularly Fallout 76) have undergone significant changes since release through patches and updates, but initial review scores will be used for resolution
The spin-off titles (Tactics and Brotherhood of Steel) are generally considered separate from the main series but are included for completeness
The market will resolve to the Fallout game that has received the highest average rating across major gaming review aggregators (Metacritic, OpenCritic, and GameRankings where available).
Both metacritic and opencritic have multiple different scores for each game (e.g. critic, audience), are we including both those scores in the average?
Also apparently gamerankings was dissolved several years ago and the staff merged into metacritic, so is it ok to ignore that aggregator or do we need to use the internet archive wayback machine to see what the scores were back before it shut down?