Few games are designed so well that it can matter as much as gameplay, but "Fallout," by its nature and by its unified 1950s themes (smart with a dose of humor) motivates a player to nose around its expansive reality for no other reason than to see what Bethesda has hidden in the corners.

As players live and explore, they can opt to follow the main quest or do dozens, perhaps hundreds, of smaller quests before returning to the main task or decide to play on the fringes for as long as they like. Of the games of 2008, it is the convincing game of the year.

Even taking a good deal of time before printing a review (as suggested by Bethesda) there are many interesting hours here. There are few games that allow so many types of play options that all reward the player. It is a technical marvel, extremely playable and features amazing design, all in one game.

Graphics: For a world of its size, there is a remarkable amount of detail, although things do get a little repetitive, but not to a degree that it ruins the play. Houses look the same, and some bad guys seem to have rolled off the assembly line, but the cityscapes and lovingly detailed destruction make it a visual bonanza. Faux products and advertising left over from the pre-war days are brilliant and funny. There is plenty to be horrified about and plenty to amuse as well.

Audio: The soundtrack of the game is fittingly 1950s themed, courtesy of the last remnant of the government broadcasting propaganda about how everything will be all right, and a resistance radio station and its spokesman, Three Dog. Ambient sound and character voices are convincing and fun.

THE WRAP-UP

Parent's take: This is easy: This is absolutely not a game for kids or anybody who can't easily separate fantasy violence from the real world. It is a game for mature players who want immersion in an electronic environment.

Final word: "Fallout 3" is a big, sprawling entertaining game that is wonderfully conceived and executed. It is the best game of the year for its entertainment value and its social commentary carefully sleeved inside the play. It is decidedly for adults.