Keepers is a weekly segment in which I discuss games I’ve played that I’ve seen fit to keep after playing. I generally sell a game that I’ve finished, so the only reason I keep one is because I plan to replay the game some day. Classifying a game as a “keeper” is generally a badge of merit.

With all the hype the past year or so surrounding Fallout 3 and its successive add-on content, it seems like people have forgotten the original Fallout games, which in my opinion were superior. Sure, they didn’t have 3D graphics, and of course they look terrible by today’s standards. But the humor was far better and the difficulty of gameplay seemed less random to me.

While many people disliked Fallout: Tactics, since there was less story, the added strategic elements really appealed to me. Being able to control an entire squad allowed for some really cool strategic combat, and the added stand/kneel/crawl mechanic allowed you to take cover against gunfire. Also, stealth became a very valuable option. Sneaking up to a foe and unleashing a point blank automatic shotgun burst was nearly always an instant kill.

I love the Fallout games. I won’t be letting mine go any time soon.