The first Fable and Fable: the Lost Chapters (an extended version of the original) were wildly popular RPG's for the Xbox, so Lionhead Studios naturally did what any other popular video game or movie would do; they made a sequel. Some people speculate that Fable 2 was born from much complaining among fans, since the list of things that were promised but not delivered in the first game was quite large.
The Story of Fable 2
Fable 2 does indeed pack more of a punch than the first game does features-wise, but the story feels as if it was rushed in order to get the game out in time for the holidays. Similar to the disappointment some fans felt when Princess Peach gave Mario a piece of cake as a reward for coming to her rescue and vanquishing Bowser in Mario 64, the ending of Fable 2 will most likely leave players feeling slightly cheated.
The lackluster story begins at the new hero's poor childhood in the slums of Bowerstone. After a series of events leads to a shocking turning point in the young hero's life, a blind fortune teller takes him (or her, a new feature) under her wing and sets a course to stop the devious plans of the man who so greatly altered their fate. After a quick family history lesson, the main quest begins by trying to recruit three other heroes. Throughout the game, a heavy emphasis is placed on making choices—even more so than in the first Fable—and they are often difficult to make.
What the storyline lacks in length however, it more than makes up in emotion. The final choice of the storyline is difficult, and each one alters Albion's opinion of the hero differently, but in a world where so many games rely on the final "boss battle", Fable 2 feels as if it comes to an end rather abruptly—Ben Reeves, who wrote Game Informer's review of Fable 2, described it perfectly as “falling on its face”.
The Playability of Fable 2
Albion has expanded in this game, with about ten times more environment to investigate than in the previous installation. As with the previous installation, once the main quest is over, Albion can continue to be explored. Almost every building in Albion is available for sale, and any building purchased can be rented out. Rent is earned every five minutes (in the real world), even if the console is off; usually providing a nice chunk of change when play is resumed. With an investment of about one hundred thousand gold in the real estate business, much more gold than necessary will have accrued in no time at all.
Many other features crossed over from the first game, such as expressions, marriage, and mild, blacked-out sex scenes. The expressions feature has expanded noticeably, and is much easier to use than in the first game. The new additions of a faithful dog, the ability to have children and an online co-op feature make sure that this game will have any gamer engrossed for days.
The co-op feature is worth mentioning because it was non-existent in the first game, but still feels as if it could be fleshed out a bit more. The person invited into the co-op cannot use their custom hero, but has to choose from a handful of pre-fabricated heroes. The invited person also cannot interact with any stores, traveling traders or game masters; if the invitee cannot convince their friend to turn the safety off, expect to follow in their shadow much like their dog does.
The Mechanics of Fable 2
On the technical side of things, Fable 2’s graphics create a lush and colorful environment that is sure to please even the pickiest eye. Some of the score from the original Fable crossed over to the sequel and provides just the right amount of nostalgia in the right places; the new score also contributes to the game nicely. The voice acting doesn’t do much to improve the story, but it certainly doesn’t detract from it in any way. The combat system is simple and smooth; by the time the hero has gained all of the available skills, fighting will have become second nature.
It looks as if downloadable content will become popular for Fable 2; Knothole Island will be available in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace sometime in January. Downloadable content was also available at the game’s release in a less-known way. Stopping by Fable 2’s website will take fans of the series to a short online game. When the game is completed, rewards in the form of rare items left by the hero's “ancestors” are sent to the Fable 2 game. The online game can be played through as many times as necessary in order to collect all of the items.
Assessment
All in all, Fable 2 shouldn't be missed, even if the length of the story is disappointing. The emotionally-charged storyline could be a new avenue other game designers might want to look into, and the rich detail of Albion and its inhabitants will keep even people who are unfamiliar with the series occupied for a long time.
Final score: 9
Nicole Bohny - My love for English began at the young age of two, when I began to learn how to read. By the age of four I was reading articles in the ...
