Fable 2 Review: A Moden Day Fairy Tale

The first Fable is often considered to be one of the best games on the original Xbox so of course trying to do a follow up would be difficult. But after all the hype Peter Molyneux built up for Fable 1, would the sequel also fall short of greatness?



Liked:
The world in Fable II is fully dynamic, interactive and free roaming world with no set quest path to take. One choice early on for example can determine the future of a town. Do you give the warrents to the Sheriff thus making the town prosperous when you return as an adult or do you give it to the criminal and condemn the town to a slum ruled by the underworld?

The voice acting is perhaps one of the best I've ever heard in a game. It is delightfully British which pleases this writer no end and any game that features Stephen Fry as a vain and arrogant man is a winner in my book.

The graphics are something else. The amount of detail in every town, forest and smelly cave you explore is phenomenal. Any fans of Tim Burton would love how the art direction has gone with the sequel.

Disliked:
I don't know about you, but I do not enjoy silent protaganists (bar Gorden Freeman) as I can't seem to grow an emotional attachment to them. Your character can only communicate with others via expressions. For example; Thumbs Up, Come Back To My Place or Kiss My Arse. It seems slighty out of place for some reason in an otherwise excellent game.

The combat system is so simple. One button for melee, one for shooting and the other for magic. Peter Molyneux was harping on about the one button combat system but it just turns the game into a button mashing party.

Conclusion:
If you are a fan of RPG's then you cannot go wrong with this game. The game has been designed in a way that you will not have any difficulty finishing the game. With a death system so forgiving its as though the game makers wanted you to see the end (when your health is gone your character will keel over but after a matter of seconds will get back up again, albeit with a few battle scars). The game is so charming that you will spend many an hour just exploring every nook and cranny that albion has to offer. Perhaps taking a job at the local bar to earn some money for that next house you want to buy. This game will love you. Who will you be?