Storywise FO2 is my favorite fallout game
Imo both FO1 and FO2 aged badly and they're clunky to play, but the story is great so i'd recommend it anyway to get more stories and see stuff only mentioned in newer fallouts
Honestly, I disagree. Fallout 2 brought in some awesome retro-future themes that has helped make fallout what it is, but Fallout 1's story was laden with such awesome wastelandish atmosphere and mystery that I wish it defined what Fallout is today more.
Walking into The Cathedral for the first time... just amazing.
I know a lot of people disagree with my opinion, but its how I feel.