There are tons of way to improve TB. Fallout had its moments but it's hardly a shining example of the best TB has to offer.
I kinda disliked the combat in Fallout too. I remember there was a shootup in town and damn, I had my turn and waited ****ing MINUTES while the whole ****ing town took their turn one by one. Whether it was the animals or old people shuffling (in fast forward mode) out of the way onto the sidewalk. I even had to wait while dudes outside the screen view made their move. Basically the whole town had a go. And yes, I sped up the animation but it was still massive fail.