Gamespy have also previewed Fbos were they compare this game to BGDA, and they conclude with this little paragraph:

The world of Fallout is something pretty, unlike what you see in most games; after the apocalypse, gritty, but with a wry sense of humor. It could translate well to a dialogue-heavy action RPG in the right hands -- and given the technology they're using, the only question is how well the execution can stack up. After playing brief snippets of Fallout at the Vivendi Universal Pre-E3 event, I came away with the impression that this is definitely one to keep my eyes on. While dungeon crawlers are a sub-genre that's becoming a bit choked on the PS2 -- with the arrival of Dark Cloud 2 and the .hack series the competition is fierce -- Fallout promises to offer polished and accessible gameplay that spices up the groundwork laid by the enjoyable Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance.

I spotted that HomeLAN had yet again posted an article about Fallout Bos, and they seem to like what they see:

The mix of third person action and RPG with the Fallout universe seems to be an odd mix when you first think about it, but after playing the Xbox build of Brotherhood of Steel we think that Interplay is on the right track towards making an entertaining and even funny console title. The game is currently scheduled to be released for both the PS2 and Xbox later this fall.

Well this isn't much Fallout news, but if you've been looking forward to a Turn Based RPG that has potential, you'd better look at The Temple of Elemental Evil. It's an D&D RPG done by Troika, the Troika crew consists of Tim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky (they worked on FO1 and 2) and more people of course. They're having a developer chat about this game, here's the info about that chat:

We will answer! RPG Codex will be hosting a developer chat with the Temple of Elemental Evil team on #rpgcodex on irc.gamesnet.net. The chat will take place at 8pm EST, 5pm PST on Thursday, May 1st. You will need an IRC client to participate.

A new patch has been released for the Polish and English versions of the Awaken mod for Fallout Tactics.
Here`s a few highlights:

27.04.2003
Awaken patch 1.32 has been released. You can grab it in two versions, polish and english.
New fixes:
- BRC - english txt, disappears from world map, re-enter bug
- Oasis - radscopions quest, highwaymen attack - good solution added
- Raiders Camp - Winston quest, Hangman quest (now they should work properly)
- Laboratory - another way to enter
- and other small fixes

Gamespy have posted some new screenshots of FBOS, you might want to check out those for some fun.
Link: FBOS Screenies@Gamespy

Saint Proverbius told me about a new preview of Fallout Brotherhood of Steel at Gamespot, here's a goodie from that preview:

Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel makes use of the impressive rendering engine used by Snowblind in Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, and it enhances it with original work done specifically for the game. The end result is an eye-catching mix of detailed visuals that accurately re-create the game's postapocalyptic wasteland setting, including some impressive water effects.

Well I first want to thank everyone that either posted in our forums or emailed me to get better, I'm fine now. I had my appendix removed, evidently the damn thing had bursted.

I've gotten two emails about a new site (Max-Violence's Map site) and a redesign of Kaczor's fine Vault Dweller's Home Page, so remember to pay them a visit..

IGN have posted a little hands on FBOS(or preview if you will) of FBos and they seem to like the idea, here's a good quote:

Hardcord RPG fans of the PC game might look at the transition as a sellout, but Interplay likes to see it as a transition, a slight departure, and least for now. One could also see the glass half full. The series has not died with the massive changes seen at Interplay in the last three years, and the company feels confident enough to deliver it to the consoles in a more action-oriented fashion. I'm happy to see it. Plus, I'm not a real big RPG fan, so this rendition makes it far more palatable.

Interply knows no bounds to try and sucker their fans, be it from the fansites or elsewhere, and have done the following for the Fallout Tactics site at Interplay.com.

What is that, you ask? Well, thank goodness those at the fansites do know better. Those are images from the original Fallout games. The one on the left looks a bit like the Wrights' house in Fallout 2, and the one on the right looks suspiciously like the entrance for the Brotherhood of Steel.

Oh, please do click on the image links, and please also notice that the slideshow of images for the product info page shows the Fo1/Fo2 images as well.

The level of "no shame" has no bounds when it bears IPLY's brand on it. Is it any wonder why an increasing number of people are dissatisfied with IPLY? Probably not...

You really have to wonder why they would do that when they are also selling the game for pocket change. That's lower than shareware, baby!

Ausir from Sierra Army Depot has passed me news on the release of the English version of the Awaken Mod For Fallout Tactics.
To those that aren`t familiar with the mod here`s some basic information on it:

Awaken is a mod for FT:BoS. It uses its engine but includes completely new storyline. It is based on Fallout 1 and offers about 30 hours of play in Fallout world. It is done by fans and for fans (didn't I heard that somewhere?) and it is freeware.

Unfortunately because we don't have much web space, we can only afford you at the moment a patch that will change the Polish version of Awaken into an English one. All you have to do is to install Awaken (any version) then patch it with the Polish patch 1.31 and after that install the polish2english patch (which can be found in the download section).

When Fallout Guru Tim Cain is involved in a game that is a good reason to make us at least curious.
Now GamersHell has posted news of a Greyhawk: The Temple of Elemental Evil Trailer, showing his last project.
So be sure to check it, and thanks to Jarinor for the heads up.

Edit: The trailer has been removed due to a request by Infogrames, but it`s still available on Worthplaying, at least for now...

Baster has updated the Vertibird Mod to version 1.01.
It fixes this problems:

Fixed Bugs : 20.04.03
================
1. Was when I tried to get both the car and the vertibird.(if you get the car first then the game crashes when the vertibird first appears; if you get the vertibird first and you then the car dissapears from the Den junkyard.)
2. Some mistake in dialogs NPC.
3. Change some scripts. Add new item.
4. Upgrade NPC.

While we wait for the return of the Norse God Odin, life goes on in the wasteland.
I got a message from the Sweout Mod Squad crew that they need new scripters for their projects with the new editors.
So if you think you got what it takes to script just e-mail Tzorcelan at tzorcelan1@hotmail.com or go to their page.

Odin just informed me that he was taken to hospital, should be operated tonight. Doctors believe it's his appendix. He also told me he'd be back here by Tuesday... In that moment thinking about Fallout, talking about dedication...

Odin, get well! If any of you wish him the same, drop him an email or just drop a message in comments page... I'm sure he'll thank you all as soon as he gets back.

If any of you modders/map makers out there fancy Neverwinter Nights, you might want to check out this interview. In a few words, there's a group of modders that make it possible to create present/future environments, so that could be used to create any Fallout mods. This is a much brighter idea than developing a console shooter game that will capture the Fallout essence...

Link: NWN Vault: Interview with SuTech

Releasing the Official Fallout Editor, serious blow was inflicted on TeamX's Mapper. But these fellows continue to kick, with another update on their official site. They released some info on critters file format and some more of the scripting info. My Russian language is not so good, haven't spoken it since... wow, 10 years... I should have attended those classes and not playing pool... gee, at least I earned some money and chick respect... off topic, sorry ;)

I'd like you all to welcome Briosafreak as a news poster at NMA, he's an oldie in the Fallout scence and you've probably encountered him sometime.

Right now we're working on some surprises for you guys, so stay tuned and drop by the new forum..

For those that still have problems installing Fallout on Windows 2000 and XP there`s some good news, a french fan called Etienne Lamarre made a little program to help you guys with the installation.
It`s called Fallout2000 Installer and it comes in various languages, but so far it seems that just works with european versions of the game.
Spotted this on FrenchVault ,NMA`s veteran member Gadro Fallout fan site.
Cheers Gadro.

Red! has made a Fallout Key layout for the editor and game which might come in handy for the mod folks.

Spotted at the snazzy DAC

Update: Red also shipped this file to me, you can all download it here (Odin)

Now you can say what you want about this title, from the insanely poor design, to the hasty spin-doctoring by Interplay, to how Chuck has his head clearly up his ass in that interview, to how they have to resort to screening out questions that hit a bit too close to home in the upcoming "chat", to anything else the ban/delete-happy prestige-whore forum spin-doctors there on the official forum won't let you say.

Never has a game had so much bad press at its mere announcement, but Interplay won't let that disturb them, as they think it just takes a bit of sweeping underneath the carpet and "hiding" of some posts.

Just log on your NMA forum account and find the appropriate forum and let the harsh Brick of Reality attempt to insert a Clue of Design into the Skull of Vacancy that Chuck wears on his shoulders.

Rumors seem to be confirmed, and waiting for official word from Feargus/Interplay/BIS. There also seems to be word that more from BIS might be leaving, resulting in even more possibility that some hints from BIS to Digital Morons about the material used in Fallout: POS might not be forthcoming.

Therefore, it might be left to the fans if we "politely" tell Chuck where his head is obviously lodged, along with the dire need for a Cluepon to be given to him about the Fallout setting, as it's obviously not coming from Interplay and it's doubtful that BIS will be able to hand it to him along with a much-needed kick up the ass.

(Insert obligatory insult aimed at Interplay/Titus here that essentially says "You're fucked" in French.)

Spotted at RPGCodex

Well you gotta hear this. Chuck, the main dude behind the creation of Fallout Brotherhood of Steel, posted this on official Interplay forum (no link sorry, as I do not like what they're doing over there):

Ok Boys and Girls, here is your chance.

Myself and the Lead Designer of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel will be fielding questions and posting the answers on the boards Tuesday, April 29 and Wednesday, April 30.

An e-mail account will be set up for questions to be submitted. This account is for F:BoS questions only. Some things may not be answered it is just not possible or feasible to answer everything at this time. It is almost certain that some redundancy will exist, so if your own personal question does not get answered, please look for one that is similar.

There are a few rules:
1. Any e-mail’s that are malicious or insulting will be ignored, as well as all questions from that person.

2. Questions that have been answered in any interviews will most likely reference those interviews.

3. If your questions do not get answered, please don’t take it personal.

4. We can not answer questions regarding Fallout 3, Black Isle, any Islander or Interplay Corporate.

5. We reserve the right to amend these rules as needed.

The e-mail account is: BOSforum@interplay.com

The answers to the questions will then be posted in a locked topic for your review.

Interplay Development does hope you get the answers you are looking for. We do believe in this game and hopefully the press coverage that is scheduled to start will help you see that this game is not going to bury Fallout, but instead broaden the appeal and reasons to make more Fallout games.

So sharpen those Shiv’s and load those Akimbo’d DE’s and take your best shot, because our First Aid and Artful Dodger skills are max’d.

With Genuine Sincerity,
Chuck Cuevas
Producer - Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel

I noticed over at VoodooExtreme that the fellas over at DAC had gotten word that Feargus Urqhart have left/quit Black Isle, now this isn't confirmed from IPLY/BIS yet so it's only a rumour.

Baster informed me that he had translated his vertibird mod to English. For those of you who doesn't know what this is, it's a mod which let's you ride the vertibird and it also includes some new quests.
Download link: Vertibird Mod (3,3MB), Vertibird Mod (NonDAT, 3MB)

I noticed a thread started by MCA, where Red evidently had emailed him some information about the official Fallout 2 editors, lookie here:

I wanted to thank Red_Nmmo for passing along the following information about the editor that should prove helpful:

=======================

Here's a version that removes ambiguities and adds some details.

When there's a slash ("/"), the left part is in edit mode, while the right is in the game mode (F8). Most of the normal game function still work in the editore - moreso in the game mode of course. The M key is especially useful for selecting critters as it doesn't have the issue of "clicking a bunch of time until you hit the critter" problem since you know exactly where you click.

B: Fix map objects to PIDs (same as menu)
C: Character/Copy
F: Toggle some form of reporting on and off (fps? probably not)
D: Switch light level look of map (Day, night et al)
I: Inventory/List scripts (same as menu)
K: Kill critter (and recucitate!)
L: Give 500xp to OBJ_DUDE
M: Mouse-Hex cursor toggle
N: Advance 1 month
O: Options
P: Pipboy/Find tile under cursor in list
Q: Make walls transparent (not invisible - neat!)
R: Toggles roofs on/off
S: Skilldex
T: Advance 1 minute/Open edit mode menu
S: Place location script
W: Worldmap [Note: if PROs are read-only, it crashes]
Z: Rest
[/]: /One step change of daylight

Alt-A: Save As
Alt-B: Edit OBJ_DUDE (Note: as in the menu.
when exiting this function it leaves the screen mostly black!
Alt-F: File menu
Alt-G: Shift map (?)
Alt-H: Crashes app
Alt-I: Load text map
Alt-N: Erase map
Alt-O: Open map
Alt-S: Save
Alt-T: Scripts menu
Alt-V: Tools menu
Alt-W: Set map script
Alt-Y: Use pattern

Ctrl-F: Disable sound effect cache
Ctrl-I: Pipboy map
Ctrl-J: Give object to OBJ_DUDE
Ctrl-L: Load savegame
Ctrl-N: Advance 1 month
Ctrl-P: Pause
Ctrl-T: Adance 1 day
Ctrl-V: Version

F1: Help/Items
F2: Critters
F3: Scenery
F4: Walls
F5: Tiles
F6: Misc
F7: Quick Load Savegame
F8: Switch to game mode
F9: Rebuild Weapons (Librarian menu - need librarian=1 in cfg)
F10: Rebuild proto list (Librarian menu - need librarian=1 in cfg)
F11: Rebuild all (Librarian menu - need librarian=1 in cfg)
F12: Screenshot

The librarian menu can be toggled on with override_librarian=1 in the cfg

You can load games into the editor, note however that the game's files are used instead of the ones found in the directories and/or the DATs. Also note that if you extracted and modified PRO files in your "working" directory, chances are loading the savegame will delete them so you'd need to make them read-only - but see the W key above...

Getting the PRO files to be editable: On the same drive you installed Fallout2 (well, I don't know, it might be the same you installed the mapper, or in which master.dat is found in mapper2.cfg, I haven't toyedwith it much since it works for me), create /fallout2/dev/proto, and in it place the directories critters, items, scenery, tiles, walls, misc. Once that's done you can edit the pro files.

Here's a sample of how it looks on my drive for reference (in hopes it looks good in the email...) E:\ \---fallout2
\---dev
\---proto
+---critters
+---items
+---scenery
+---tiles
+---walls
\---misc

====================

Locutus have sent me the latest addition to the Fallout 2 unofficial patch he's done, this time it's the polish version, he's also working on a new patch (both UK and Polish). If anyone can try this mod out on a US version and let him know if the bugs seems to be fix, he'd be very glad.
Download link: Fallout 2 Unofficial patch v1.03 (PL,265KB)

Locutus have just finished creating the unofficial 1.03 UK patch for Fallout 2, here are some of the errors it fixes:

• Small fix in the Enclave computer terminal
  
• Grisham will no longer call Balthas Balthus (Or Balthos, I can't quite remember.)
  
• A fix in Badger's dialogue
  
• Tubby will now tell you about Redding
  
• Marge will no longer say that Dan supports the NCR
  
• Some small fixes in President Richardson's dialogue
  
• Vault City gate guard will now call Marcus a mutant and Lenny a ghoul

I just wanted to say that I'm working on a new file script and that's why I haven't added any new maps/mods/files you guys might have sent me lately, so as soon as I fix that I'll upload the files.

Max-Violence informed me that he had almost finished his latest Fallout Tactics map, it's called Revenge 2.But he's looking for people to test it out and give some feedback, check this thread for some more info!

Kaczor informed me that the Awaken mod has been released. Well the Polish version of their mod has been released, the English version is still in the works.
Thanks Kaczor!

Holy Crap! The Original Fallout 2 Editor has been released, our months of nagging at the lubly Chris Avellone have paid off. I'd like to thank MCA for making this possible, now let's nag for that source code .

Updated: I forgot to thank the following people for making this editor possible: Josh Sawyer, Darren Monahan, Feargus Urquhart, Chris Heidari, Scotty Everts and finally the man who really made this possible by slaving away on his freetime mr Chris Jones !

Download links: Fallout 2 Editor (2,6MB) , Fallout 2 Editor Documentation (PDF, 564KB) and Fallout 2 Editor Documentation (WORD, 420KB).

Kreegle got word that a new mod group has been formed and they're looking for new members, here's what one of the members said:

The mod squad called Sweout is has been founded, the only members now are Tzorcelan and Creep and we are looking for quality modders, if you think you can make some really nice stuff, send me (Tzorcelan) a mail, at tzorcelan1@hotmail.com and we can talk about it.

DJ Slamák (DAC) got word of a new game in the progress, it's called "Fallout Tycoon". Think of it as SimFallout,well almost..here's what you can do in the game:

In the game, you’ll play the role of Mayor of a settlement or city (whichever suits your skills). You‘ll be able to side with factions from the world of Fallout - become a Vault city-type town or a Brotherhood of Steel outpost. Another possibility is to become a continential Enclave base, a Mutant camp, a Ghoul settlement or an NCR town. And if you mind the post-apocalyptic scenery, you can build on the ruins of pre-war cities like San Francisco, the Boneyard, etc. You‘ll get dozens of structures. You’ll have to provide your citizens with water (which is hard to come by in the Wastes, so you'll have to rely on tricky and unstable trade), food (which is obtained from farms and brahmin breedings, or by trade as well) and of course with the ubiquitous money. Expect to trade „something for something“, where you can get or sell both food or water and techonlogies, armors, weapons, ...etc. Be careful, though: You can only trade with other friendly towns.

While looking around I noticed that the TeamX site had posted a news bit about a new Fallout 2 mod, this one replaces the Highwayman with a Vertibird (sweet!) and also there's a new quest. The only problem is that this mod is in Russian (he's looking for someone to translate it to english, so if you want to help email him at baster@inbox.ru), I've uploaded the files to NMA:
Download link: Vertibird mod (dat, 720KB), Vertibird mod (non-dat,675KB)

I've also taken the liberty of uploading the IanOut project files to NMA
Download link: Rar (730KB), Rar00 (730KB), Rar01 (655KB)

I've also been informed about another Fallout project in the works (actually awhile ago...But I thought I'd give you guys some good news.), this one is called Fan Made Fallout: The Last Bastion of Hope, so remember to check that out as well.
Link: Fan Made Fallout: The Last Bastion of Hope

I've gotten word of a total conversion for Fallout called IanOut, there is a hungarian version and an english version (Beta) ready for download. Here's more info:

What is IanOut?

IanOut is a total conversion for Fallout.

Why IanOut?

The main problem of Fallout was, that it was very hard to create mods for it. The main object of IanOut is to create an engine, which has a completely documented Mod Developement Kit, so everyone can create his own post-apocalyptic world.

How?

Fast everything in the game is a simple txt file, which can be edited by hand, the MAP and ACT files can be edited with the help of the Level Editor, and the FRM files are loaded from the master.dat and critter.dat file of Fallout.

HomeLAN have talked to little chucky (or was that a movie?) and asked him about the latest addition to..erm...the Fallout world (according to IPLY), and here are some gems:

HomeLAN - Fallout has a huge cult following for many gamers. How does the following for this series affect the development of the game?

Chuck Cuevas - When we started discussing a Fallout console game, we looked at the fan sites and what they wanted out of future Fallout titles. The hardcore fans aren’t into consoles or action games, so we knew from the outset that some fans wouldn’t get into the idea. But at the same time, we felt that the Fallout universe is a rich, wonderful game setting, and many Fallout fans as well as console gamers who aren’t familiar with Fallout will love playing around in it. Many members of the current development team are Fallout fans. Many of the ideas incorporated into the story, art, and design come straight from Fallout 1 and 2. With all of this in mind, we took a different direction from the PC titles, putting together a game experience that appeals to a broad console audience (a group with different expectations than the hardcore PC gaming crowd). And in the end, we feel that what makes a game Fallout isn’t turn-based combat or sprites or a keyboard and mouse. It’s about a setting and storyline that’s going to be cool no matter what platform it’s on. Ultimately we’re hoping to broaden the appeal of the Fallout world so that we can make more Fallout titles for all platforms, all types of gamers.

HomeLAN - What can you tell us about the storyline for the game and how it fits in the Fallout universe?

Chuck Cuevas - The story takes place shortly after the events of Fallout 1, where the mutant army was defeated and dispersed, and the Brotherhood of Steel began to grow in strength. It begins with a Brotherhood of Steel initiate (the player character) sent out on a training mission – with no supplies. Traveling to the small desert town of Carbon, the player character is supposed to rendezvous with a high-ranking member of the Brotherhood in order to receive further instructions. But things get complicated. The Brotherhood officer doesn’t show up, and the player has to interact with people in the town to find out what happened. The townspeople have their own problems – raiders. What was supposed to be a training mission turns into full-scale battle.

More locations and characters figure into the story as the player tracks the Brotherhood officer across the wastes, running into a cult of ghoul fanatics, psychotic malfunctioning robots, and a powerful faction of the super mutant army.

Thanks to Ryskah and Kaczor, I got word that the Wasteland 2042 team has released a movie teaser (14,2MB) and a new interview. Remember to check out those..