Fable 2

Fable 1 aimed to make a game where everything you could imagine you could do within the realms of good and evil. after 10 years in development the game was released. While it was a solid game it could not be ignored that the game failed to really deliver on its promises. Does Fable 2 achieve what Fable 1 could not or is it another forgotten tale lost to the sands of time?

Design

Fable 2 like Fable 1 starts you in the world of Albion 500 years after the first game. If you were familiar with the first game you will undoubtedly notice things have changed. However this is not necessary to appreciate all that is going on in the world. From the outset of the game you are given chances and choices of how you want to approach the world of Albion. Will you be good or will you be evil? The choice is up to you. The game starts in a fairly linear story mode that takes you from childhood up to adulthood. More than anything this will serve as a tutorial mode. This is a valuable experience as the controls have indeed changed slightly since Fable 1. Once the tutorial ends the linear game play is over with. From there it's up to you what you want to do. There is a story to play through but the pace of which you tackle that is up to you. There are numerous side quests and distractions to enjoy in the world of Albion. Perhaps a job chopping wood or blacksmithing to earn money appeals to you? Maybe you like spending time in the pub and playing games. There are also quests that have nothing to do with the main story, although these are integrated so well you may not be able to tell the difference. Another thing that needs to be mentioned is the inclusion of your canine companion. Your dog serves a couple of purposes, first he can aid you in battle attacking downed opponents and secondly he hunts for buried treasure and out of the way treasure chests. Both of these skills can be improved with training manuals purchased from book stores.

Game Play

In the early portion of the game the learning curve can be a little steep. The lack of a healing spell in this game combined with health potions being difficult to come by can make survival a bit of a challenge. The walking controls and targeting leave a little to be desired as well, particularly when working with ranged weapons. However after a little bit with the game you do get used to this quickly. The game does make it a little easier finding your way around by replacing the mini map in the corner with a gold trail you follow. The trail can be a little distracting as it makes it difficult to branch off your trail and explore your environment.

When it comes to battle the enemies do not show any real resistance to one choice of weapon over another which leaves you at your discretion as to how you want to tackle the game. Will you be a close combat weapon specialist? A ranged weapon specialist? Perhaps a Will (magic) user? Any choice will get you through the game; however combining the three will have the best results as there are several skills which aid the other two categories.

Presentation

Fable 2 looks about as beautiful as any game you will find on the XBOX 360. The colors are lush and vibrant as well as drab and dreary where they need to be. The frame rates are great with the exception of going into and coming out of mini games. The people in the game have a tendency to look like marionettes a bit. However you do get accustomed to that all too quickly. The sound in battles is about what you would expect, nothing too spectacular. Where the game really excels for sound is conversations with the towns’ people. The voice acting is done really well and the conversations are rather humorous. Fable 2 will make you smile if not laugh. The mechanic of showing off for the towns’ people to make friends and gain notoriety is back and the music is exactly what you would expect from the genre.

There are many things that are right with Fable and couple things that are not. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot else they could have included in this game that isn't already there. The story is good. The choices between good and evil are fun to make. There are times when you are backed into a corner and you feel like you have to make a choice you really don't want to. Granted both options are open, but there are consequences. Fable 2 is a fantastic game that offers hours of entertainment beyond just playing through the game. I would highly recommend this game.

Design 9.3
Game play 8.8
Presentation 8.6

Overall 9.1