Video Game Review: Fable II Gives Gamers Choices
Finally, the famous Fable II is in full flight and flaunts fun with few flaws.
Gamers have been waiting a long time for this second installment to the Fable universe. Lionhead Studios and founder Peter Molyneux are notorious for long development times. So, with the game finally out, Fable fans are letting out a collective sigh of relief.
Fable II is an adventure RPG about making choices and facing the consequences. Whether you’re helping the poor or sacrificing villagers, Fable II gives you the freedom to choose your own path.
Since the first Fable, numerous improvements have been made. The most notable features include a 10-times larger world map, Xbox Live co-op play and companionship in the form of a dog.
But does Fable II make all the right choices?
Pros
Fun factor – Not surprisingly, Fable II is fun, addictive and immersive. For gamers who enjoyed the first Fable, I’d definitely recommend the second. Moreover, gamers who enjoy The Elder Scrolls series will feel right at home.
Personality – The dialogue is witty and the voice acting is sharp. Character animations could have used a bit more work, but the environments are aesthetically pleasing.
Also, the soundtrack is superb. I eventually turned down the sound effects and voices so I could focus on the wonderfully orchestrated tracks.
Combat – I’m quite pleased with how the combat turned out. To use a sword, all you do is press “X” over and over. And to use your gun, all you do is press “Y” over and over. The controls are extremely simplified, and while I’m hesitant to call the game a button masher, it does provide a welcome sense of simplicity and fast pacing.
Man’s best friend – Fable II may be huge, but thanks to man’s best friend, exploration has never been easier. As players progress through the game, your dog will alert you of nearby treasure, which means less time exploring and more time advancing through the story – I can’t imagine playing Fable II any other way.
Cons
Loading – I understand loading is normal, but Fable II has an excessive amount of it. This game rarely keeps you in one spot for very long and you’ll be traveling to numerous locations. Thus, frequent loading screens.
Additionally, there’s plenty of loading even when you’re not traveling. The dialogue suffers from mid-conversation loading and occasionally stutters.
Co-op – Don’t get me wrong, the co-op is a lot of fun, but it has some flaws. First off, both players are always crammed onto the same screen, which causes awkward camera angles.
Secondly, there’s a lack of customization for other players, such as a limited amount of clothing and weapons. It’s a shame, since this game prides itself in user individuality.
Overall, Fable II is an extremely well-made game. The amount of depth is truly overwhelming and should provide for roughly 30 hours of game play. So, the choice is yours. Who will you become? Good or evil?
Fable II was developed by Lionhead Studios, and published by Microsoft Game Studios. Game was released on Oct. 21 for the Xbox 360, and retails for $60. Played extensively on single and multiplayer modes. Thank you to the PR staff at Microsoft Game Studios.
–tim.russell@aggiemail.usu.edu