I played fallout 3 much later then everyone else (2012) but it was still a great game and it has a charm to it. From the 1950's music and style to the landscape of post-apocalyptic DC, it has a great theme. This game is 5 years old at this point, but it is still an amazing game. The graphics at this point may be very poor compared to newer games but once you start playing it, you probably won't care. The side quests are as enjoyable as the main quest and offer some more varied mission types and areas. The combat is a bit awkward, but you get used to it. The VATS (assistant targeting system) makes up for the awkward shooting mechanics. The places are very memorable and are filled with characters to do side missions for. Karma is a HUGE element in this game, and it takes a unique approach where depending on your actions, you can be hunted after by one gang, where you wouldn't be hunted after if you were the opposite karma. The three Karma types are Good, Bad, and Neutral. The world is huge, and there are many varied locations to explore. Fallout 3 also is lengthy, but there is no grinding, and the game could easily take you 80-100 hours to complete everything (Every side mission, every area explored, and then finishing main quest).
I would give this game a 9, where its strengths are fun side missions as well as great main story, Huge DC area to explore, Karma, memorable characters, fun gameplay with VATS, to do everything takes over 100 hours, and charm that no game can compete with.
The few weaknesses of the game would be the awkward shooting mechanics, dull graphics ( Based in 2013, although for 2008 on xbox 360 this game looked decent to good), and the fact that once you finish the main quest you can't go back ( which they fixed with the DLC Broken Steel)
I would recommend Fallout 3 to any gamer!