Remember Wasteland? That was my first introduction to this genre, and Fallout is the much loved 'spiritual sequel'. With some very good reasons. The setting, humour and pacing of this game makes it one that should be required of every RPG fan.
And now, being able to experience it for the first time, I have to agree with my own above comment.
It may not be the prettiest, and it does have a few quirks, but it is a very fun ride.