zdog042: In my opinion:
F1 is the better "game" as the structure is more there, and there is more sense of a cohesive story and path for you to follow.
F2 is the better "RPG" as it allows you to make your own story. You can play without visiting many towns, seeing people, missing out on huge sections of the plot if you choose.
That said, Fallout 2 has the "Take All" button, ftw.
Remember, if you know what you are doing you can skip through 90% of Fallout 1, and I am not sure about 2 since it is a little bit more... restrictive.
How is it restrictive you ask? Well, for one in 1 you started in a small cave and could go out anytime, in 2 you start off in a Temple you HAVE to complete and are armed with just a spear, meaning that melee weapons or unarmed are your best tag skills in the beginning.
2. WAY TOO OPEN and less structure, plus you do not have the countdown timer like in 1 that can help motivate you.
3. They both cost $12, and you can get Tactics for an extra $18. MOST NORMAL GAMES AND COLLECTORS PACKS COST AT LEAST $20-$30 AND HAVE THE MOXY TO SAY THAT THEY ARE RECESSION FRIENDLY. Cmon, kill two (or three) birds with one stone.