Fallout 2 companions

Permanent companions
Permanent companions require a few requisites to be met for them to join the player's party. For a few NPC's, there is more than one possible way to have them join your party.

Companion controls
Once an NPC becomes the player's companion, their dialogue menu changes to a list of tactical and combat-oriented options. New from Fallout is a "Combat Control" button in dialogue, which lets you automatically change an NPC's armor, weapon, distance, and tactics.

Temporary companions
Like permanent companions, there are a few conditions that must be met to have temporary companions join the player's party.

Companion controls
Temporary companions cannot be controlled in any way.