My dad got if for me when I was like 13-14, 2000 I think or so... at the time he used to get me some cheap and horrible games, so I didn't bother playing it...
Came 2004, I was going through my old collection of CD's, having played all the current games to the point of exhaustion and boredom, and found the ubiquitous FO2 cd lying around. I thought 'Hey, why the hell not'' and started playing it.
Hated the temple of trials, didn't have a manual, and got stuck on the 'locked door' which has to be opened with lockpick skill in the Temple of Trials. Gave up...
2006 came, and for some reason I ended up playing it again. This time round I tried all the buttons, all the possibilities, and finally managed to open the acursed door. That literally was the door that opened up to me the marvel that was Fallout. From there on, I was like ''OMG WHAT HAVE I BEEN MISSING!'' even by the graphic standards of the time, I was like ''Wow this is truly awesome! This game is genious, hilarious and incredibly satisfying!'' ... so on I played. Repeatedly.
I then gave FO1 a spin. Preferred FO2, but still love both games. They are easily on my top 5 games list.
Its funny to think I had plenty of chances to miss this opportunity. Clearly fate had other plans...