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Wasteland 1 - The Original Classic

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2013

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Quick resume

For the first time in over 20 years, we are heralding the return of a much loved piece of gaming history with the classic RPG, Wasteland! Mutants. Again. Even more than there were last time: they seem to materialize out of the very grains of the radioactive desert sand. Venomous yellow eyes.

Global score

79/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy

Pros

  • Deep and immersive post-apocalyptic world
  • High player freedom and multiple quest solutions
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
  • Strong narrative and atmosphere
  • Nostalgic value and historical importance

Cons

  • Dated graphics and interface
  • Steep learning curve and difficulty
  • Frequent random encounters can be frustrating
  • Some bugs and clunky controls
  • Lack of modern quality-of-life features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have significant freedom to choose character skills, solve quests in multiple ways, and explore the world non-linearly."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game is challenging with a steep learning curve, requiring skillful management of party, combat tactics, and puzzle solving."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual party progress and exploration, with no evidence of player-vs-player or leaderboard competition."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report returning to the game repeatedly despite its difficulty and age, indicating habitual engagement."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Party-based gameplay involves coordinating multiple characters, but no multiplayer cooperation is mentioned."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Character customization and multiple quest solutions encourage creative problem solving and party builds."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions emphasize shared party dynamics and player choice rather than exerting control over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the immersive post-apocalyptic world and narrative to escape and engage their imagination."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia, with no indication of obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Multiple ways to solve quests and varied character builds encourage experimentation with mechanics."

  • Exploration
    4

    "Exploring a detailed post-apocalyptic world with many locations and secrets is a core aspect."

  • Expression
    2

    "Character creation and skill allocation allow for personal expression within the party."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "The game features a fictional post-nuclear setting with imaginative characters and scenarios."

  • Fellowship
    -3

    "The game is primarily a single-player experience with minimal social or community interaction."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn game mechanics, and improve strategies over time."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay elements; typical sedentary computer game."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and strategic planning; not suitable for casual or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are limited to in-game NPCs with no evidence of close emotional relationships."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Player leads a party of characters, making strategic decisions and managing resources."

  • Progression
    4

    "Character leveling, skill acquisition, and item collection drive player progression."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "The game is challenging and sometimes frustrating, requiring concentration rather than relaxation."

  • Sensation
    1

    "Music and atmosphere contribute to engagement, but sensory stimulation is limited by dated graphics."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on personal achievement."

  • Story
    4

    "Strong narrative immersion with detailed lore, quests, and character interactions."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Turn-based combat and puzzle solving require planning, resource management, and tactical thinking."

  • Thrill
    3

    "The game's difficulty and permadeath create suspense and tension during gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Players find the game offers substantial content and replayability for its price."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat and destruction are central gameplay elements, with frequent battles against enemies."

  • Survival
    4

    "Players must manage resources, avoid death, and overcome threats in a harsh environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026