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| The Entertainment Review |
| Developer: Big Blue Box Publisher: Microsoft |
This again is the central theme of “Fable II.” Will players become a selfish hero that is only worried about making money and buying
property even if others must suffer? Will players give to the poor and sacrifice everything they own to protect innocent who can’t protect
themselves? How players answer these questions will affect not only how the world perceives players, how players look and determine
the future of Albion.
“Fable II” begins over 500 years after the events of the original game. Players don’t have to know anything about the first game in order
to enjoy this sequel, but there are numerous references to the past. There are plenty of surprises for those who are fans of the first
game, consider it a reward playing the original. In “Fable II” players take on the role of new character, either male or female, which
begins life as a street urchin and eventual savior of Albion. The main story is short and has very little plot. It’s about as basic of a hero’
s story as possible. It is the overall atmosphere and the many great elements outside the main storyline that prove to be the most
rewarding experience of the game.
Joining players on the journey this time is a dog. For those who are cat lovers, sorry, no cat. A dog proves to be a hero’s best friend,
and this dog is no exception. Players are able to praise and scold their dog, heal his wounds and even play catch with him. The dog
works are player’s pathfinder, sniffing out treasure chests and hidden items, warning of approaching danger and attacking enemies.
Though players don’t need to show the dog any kindness at all, players will rely on his abilities by the end of the game.
If players take their time to explore the world of Albion, they will discover an interesting world with some very strange characters. This
time around the game has moved away from the storybook feel of the original, instead using a grimmer world to tell the story. Some
areas are lush and beautiful while later players will be introduced to dark and depressing towns. The charm and whimsy of the original
“Fable” are lost this time around. There are a lot of things to do in the world of Albion when players aren’t focused on the main quest.
Every building, home or business is available for sale. Even Castle Fairfax can be purchased once players have finished the main story.
While in the towns, players are able to socialize. Basically socializing consists of players making complete fools of themselves in order
to impress people. The main player never speaks in “Fable II.” There are no dialogue trees or drawn out conversations, so players
communicate using the Expression Wheel. There are well over two dozen different expressions to learn and use, from dancing,
singing, wooing, farting and more. All of these expressions are very cartoonish but are needed if players want to play the social game in
“Fable II.”
The combat system in “Fable II” is simple but brilliant. The X button handles melee attacks, Y for ranged attacks and B is for magic.
The game is special in that players can easily combine all three buttons for some really fun battles. The more players mix up the three
elements of combat, the higher the experience multipliers. Experience can be spent to unlock new functionality for swords and guns,
increase strength and accuracy and improving the eight spells. Combat is a lot of fun, but there are two downfalls, it is far too easy and
there is very little variety in the enemies they battle.
There is also a very unique online element to the game that allows friends to appear in the game as moving orbs in the world.
Wherever a player is in Albion, they show up as a bubble in their friend’s world. When players meet each other, they can join in on an
online game. Players can talk with these people, trade items and view their stats. The game is set in to world of the host with the other
character joining as a henchman. The problem is that a henchman brings with them all of the experiences and skills that they had
earned on their own, but not the weapons or character model they already had. The one thing that is great about “Fable II” is how varied
characters can be from player to player, and to not allow these created characters in online mode is incomprehensible.
Morality is a device to give players choice throughout the game. Their actions will affect Albion, sometimes in a small way, sometimes
in a very significant way. These aren’t only measured by good and evil, but also by their level of purity or corruption. How players act not
only affect how others view players, but it also alters their appearance. The evil will grow horns while the good earn a help. The level of
corruption also alters appearance, as does what is eaten by the player. Players who eat vegetables can lose excess fat and those who
eat meat and drink alcohol gain weight. Those who want to stay slim may reconsider a slab of meat when food is needed to regain
some health. Everything players do affects how players are viewed and how the world changes.
Many players have waited four years for the sequel to “Fable” to come out. “Fable II” has a great combat system, excellent atmosphere,
a great experience system and a lot of activities to do. It is only when players start to use the social aspect that things break down.
Luckily, the adventure elements of the game keep players interested and makes for a great game.
property even if others must suffer? Will players give to the poor and sacrifice everything they own to protect innocent who can’t protect
themselves? How players answer these questions will affect not only how the world perceives players, how players look and determine
the future of Albion.
“Fable II” begins over 500 years after the events of the original game. Players don’t have to know anything about the first game in order
to enjoy this sequel, but there are numerous references to the past. There are plenty of surprises for those who are fans of the first
game, consider it a reward playing the original. In “Fable II” players take on the role of new character, either male or female, which
begins life as a street urchin and eventual savior of Albion. The main story is short and has very little plot. It’s about as basic of a hero’
s story as possible. It is the overall atmosphere and the many great elements outside the main storyline that prove to be the most
rewarding experience of the game.
Joining players on the journey this time is a dog. For those who are cat lovers, sorry, no cat. A dog proves to be a hero’s best friend,
and this dog is no exception. Players are able to praise and scold their dog, heal his wounds and even play catch with him. The dog
works are player’s pathfinder, sniffing out treasure chests and hidden items, warning of approaching danger and attacking enemies.
Though players don’t need to show the dog any kindness at all, players will rely on his abilities by the end of the game.
If players take their time to explore the world of Albion, they will discover an interesting world with some very strange characters. This
time around the game has moved away from the storybook feel of the original, instead using a grimmer world to tell the story. Some
areas are lush and beautiful while later players will be introduced to dark and depressing towns. The charm and whimsy of the original
“Fable” are lost this time around. There are a lot of things to do in the world of Albion when players aren’t focused on the main quest.
Every building, home or business is available for sale. Even Castle Fairfax can be purchased once players have finished the main story.
While in the towns, players are able to socialize. Basically socializing consists of players making complete fools of themselves in order
to impress people. The main player never speaks in “Fable II.” There are no dialogue trees or drawn out conversations, so players
communicate using the Expression Wheel. There are well over two dozen different expressions to learn and use, from dancing,
singing, wooing, farting and more. All of these expressions are very cartoonish but are needed if players want to play the social game in
“Fable II.”
The combat system in “Fable II” is simple but brilliant. The X button handles melee attacks, Y for ranged attacks and B is for magic.
The game is special in that players can easily combine all three buttons for some really fun battles. The more players mix up the three
elements of combat, the higher the experience multipliers. Experience can be spent to unlock new functionality for swords and guns,
increase strength and accuracy and improving the eight spells. Combat is a lot of fun, but there are two downfalls, it is far too easy and
there is very little variety in the enemies they battle.
There is also a very unique online element to the game that allows friends to appear in the game as moving orbs in the world.
Wherever a player is in Albion, they show up as a bubble in their friend’s world. When players meet each other, they can join in on an
online game. Players can talk with these people, trade items and view their stats. The game is set in to world of the host with the other
character joining as a henchman. The problem is that a henchman brings with them all of the experiences and skills that they had
earned on their own, but not the weapons or character model they already had. The one thing that is great about “Fable II” is how varied
characters can be from player to player, and to not allow these created characters in online mode is incomprehensible.
Morality is a device to give players choice throughout the game. Their actions will affect Albion, sometimes in a small way, sometimes
in a very significant way. These aren’t only measured by good and evil, but also by their level of purity or corruption. How players act not
only affect how others view players, but it also alters their appearance. The evil will grow horns while the good earn a help. The level of
corruption also alters appearance, as does what is eaten by the player. Players who eat vegetables can lose excess fat and those who
eat meat and drink alcohol gain weight. Those who want to stay slim may reconsider a slab of meat when food is needed to regain
some health. Everything players do affects how players are viewed and how the world changes.
Many players have waited four years for the sequel to “Fable” to come out. “Fable II” has a great combat system, excellent atmosphere,
a great experience system and a lot of activities to do. It is only when players start to use the social aspect that things break down.
Luckily, the adventure elements of the game keep players interested and makes for a great game.
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