Fable II Reviews

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Written by BuckGB on October 23rd, 2008

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Players rarely feel confused and bewildered about what they should be doing. Sure there are tough moral choices to be made, but therein lies the challenge. The game is never intrusive as to how players should go about completing tasks set before the protagonist. It's always down to you. You can cheat, lie, kill and swindle to create a truly malevolent character. Being a boring old goody-goody two shoes is an alternative, naturally. In the end, it's possible to balance things between good and evil. Meanwhile, every action has a consequence, so whatever you pull off is also going to shape your character as you go along. The image of a rich and happily married family man can easily be shattered and the next thing you know you're an ugly, contemptible loner and murderer. Through it all, people and the world around respond accordingly. Killing some annoying asshole in the street in broad daylight, triggers praise and admiration from certain people, while others may hate you for it.

In an effort to streamline the combat system of the original, Lionhead has reduced combat to singular buttons. Melee, Ranged, and Magic attacks are each assigned to an individual face button, which can each be developed with experience points to unlock additional techniques, i.e. charge the attack button for a flourish, or hold the ranged attack button for a zoomed-in view. Despite some concerns that this might be one attempt to appeal to a casual audience too far, we've got to say that the setup largely works and means there's little in the way of a barrier to enjoying the action. The progress of each attack and character development in general is well designed to lend a sense of reward and progress that keeps this aspect of the game entertaining. That said, the way in which Lionhead has changed the Magic setup feels a little awkward. Essentially you have five different levels to map spells and by tapping the Magic button you'll perform the spell attributed to level 1, hold it longer for level 2, and so on. The result is the emphasis is placed on developing a strategy of spells, instead of casting on an on-the-fly basis. It's impossible to change spells in the heat of the moment, and despite finally getting used to the setup towards the end of the game, we've got to say that the setup is the complete opposite of the streamlined, casual, approach that Lionhead allegedly based the setup on.

A great deal of focus has been placed on social interaction, which is an element that has been significantly improved in Fable II. More expressions, more possible relationships, more things to buy and sell these are all hallmarks of a good story based RPG sequel. Yet, the true measure of evolution lies in the new complexities that arise in interacting with all of these additions. You're constantly managing relationships to gain favor for a mission or increase your standing in shops for cheaper goods or courting some lover. It's all tied together in an organic way that ushers a level of personal attachment unattained by the original. While many of the characters you meet on the journey are fleeting and frivolous, those close bonds forged with your pup and potential family are among the strongest formed in any game. Even if you embark on an evil path, you're likely to hold some spot in your heart for these figures as twisted as that spot may be.

The sacrifices made by Peter Molyneux's team are many. See, Fable II is far from perfect. For every heart-wrenching plot point or intriguing moral dilemma they've woven into the game's tapestry, another, less momentous thread unravels. Many mundane, but vital features feel frayed around the edges. Getting around Albion is made easier by a sparkling trail of bread crumbs. That's because the game's maps are damn near useless. And the button that allows you to inspect and interact with townsfolk is the same that makes you draw your gun and threaten the poor saps.

There's a laundry list of inelegant faults in Fable II. The game's most half-baked feature is cooperative play. Friends can join other players' stories, but only in bit roles. That avatar into which you've invested so much heart and soul is shed when you warp into your buddy's alternate Albion. Instead you tag along as henchman. Playing with an online friend is further hampered by a crappy, uncontrollable camera, making adventuring more chore than fun. There's still plenty for two to do, though. More than a couple non-essential, but fun, Achievements require the help of a friend.

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