Fable II Pub Games Reviews
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Consequences are light in Fable II Pub Games because ultimately you decide whether to merge your winnings with your Fable II hero. Even if you end up thousands of dollars in debt with a few neat items, it could still be worth merging just to see if brutish debt collectors come after your kneecaps or try to repossess your house. If that scenario sounds entertaining to you, then Pub Games is a solid purchase. However, if you're lukewarm about Fable II or gambling in general, then Pub Games doesn't do anything well enough to warrant your attention.
The second is at IGN with a score of 6.4/10:
There probably aren't many people out there more excited for Fable II than I am. And the chance to earn money and items for Fable II well in advance of the game's release is certainly one a fan, such as myself, can't pass up. Yet, I can't deny my disappointment in Fable II Pub Games. There's no personality here -- just a trio of games and nothing else. And only two of those games are good. If you've pre-ordered Fable II, then by all means, you should download and enjoy this free game. Fortune's Tower and Keystone are nice distractions. If you didn't pre-order Fable II, then save your money. If you pick this game up and don't plan on buying Fable II, you should kick yourself in the face. This is a good idea overpriced and poorly executed.
The third is at Eurogamer with a score of 3/10:
It's difficult to argue that these represent an 800 Microsoft Points value (the phrase "horse armour" springs to mind), and, overall, it would be impossible to argue that Fable 2 Pub Games represents value for that money. The marriage of XBLA and boxed game is a nice idea, but the Pub Games themselves are lightweight and boring, and the potential benefits for Fable 2 players are the sorts of things typically bundled on Collector's Edition bonus disks in the first place - and typically overlooked by the majority of players who can think of better ways to spend the extra money. Down the pub, for instance. If you're looking at this without an eye to buying Fable 2, definitely don't bother. If you're itching for Fable 2 and can't resist, make sure you take advantage of a pre-order deal. Either way its inoffensive composition isn't enough to escape censure.
The fourth is at Videogamer with a score of 8/10:
Pub Games does exactly what it's supposed to do and it does it in a fairly charming way. The background music and the graphics are quietly stylish with the occasional flourish - the way the hero cards spring to life in Tower of Fortune is a neat touch - but it's thoughtful design that makes the games worthwhile. If you're not planning on buying Fable II then Pub Games is a questionable use of 800 Microsoft Points; if you are then it's certainly something to check out - especially if you can get it for free.
The fifth is at Gamervision with a score of 6/10:
The Fable II Pub Games are sort of a strange case, as they are just barely games and in no way worth the $10 no matter how excited for Fable II you are. There are achievements to earn and different unlockable levels for each game, but it's still very light on content. As a pre-order bonus, however, they are fantastic, and set a new standard for content included with a simple $5 deposit. At zero cost it does sweeten the pre-order deal, but on their own I can't recommend it for anyone.
The sixth is at Game Stooge with a score of 3/5 (if it's free):
So here's the verdict: don't buy it. Get Fable II either now via preorder to get the code to get a free copy of Pub Games, or just get Fable II when it comes out to get the copy included with it.
And the seventh is at Video Game Talk with a score of 2.5/5:
As a freebie for preordering Fable II, Pub Games is an average bonus and will appeal to the fans of the original Fable on the Xbox. As a standalone game on Xbox Live marketplace, Pub Games certainly isn't worth the 800 points ($10). While Fortune's Tower is entertaining, there are much better card games on XBLA that include multiplayer modes. Keystone and Spinnerbox aren't worth the time and playing through the tournaments for the prizes is a dreadful chore. Xbox Live users should avoid purchasing this title. Fable II fanatics are likely to be disappointed by the three mini-games, but elated with the tournament prizes.
