Fable II (Xbox 360)

Fable II promises the world. But be careful what you wish for.
10/22/2008 7:02 PM | 10 Comments | Page 3 of 3

What's Hot: Fascinating moral dilemmas; An ever-changing world; Innovative approach to role-play

What's Not: Poorly sketched characters; Awful maps; Weak co-op
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Gus Mastrapa
Gus Mastrapa
Status: Chickens that shoot lasers out of their eyes.
And it's here that Fable II's fatal flaw comes into focus. If the purpose of the game truly is to teach us a lesson about fate, then Peter Molyneux is no less malevolent than the old fakir in "The Monkey's Paw." Fable II promises much, but in the end delivers a sledgehammer message about good and evil, about predestination and free will. It gives us wealth, power and fame, but forces us to pay the price every time. It would be childish to ask for more, because this is exactly how life works. But it's hard not to wish for a little something more -- friends, family and companions worth making such sacrifices for.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
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Comments

  • Arcelius
    Arcelius

    10/25/2008 5:25:08 PM

    I think it's a pretty good review. Who needs to talk about the combat system? It was bad anyway.

    I was kinda saddened by Fable 2's story, and everything else about it does not make up for it. Fable losts it's magic.

    The only reason most people like it is Nastagia. But that doesn't cut it for me.
    (Also, Poorly sketched doesn't mean how they look)

    Atleast I learned something from Fable 2. I need to start renting games first.

    Reply »
  • Zenith
    Zenith

    10/24/2008 11:45:18 PM

    I'm sorry I don't agree with the Con's of your review, now I'm not going to start saying "The only reason why you don't like it is becuase you can't play it right". that would just be childish but I just have to say, I don't think you played Fable 1, cuase if you did you would proberly enjoyed Fable 2 alot more. Also about the "Poorly sketched characters" I don't know what you are on about Fable 2's Characters look awesome. I would talk more about how flawed your review if but I ran out of space

    Reply »
  • CaptainHomeless

    10/23/2008 1:06:14 PM

    I'm inclined to agree with Flynn - I don't feel like this review contains any real spoilers.

    I'm also inclined to agree, though, that the review could've spent a few more paragraphs talking about the mechanics of the game. I enjoyed hearing about the design philosophies and the author's reaction to them, but it also helps me make my decision if I know whether the combat's well-built or not, if the inventory's a pain in the ass, etc ...

    Reply »
  • surbeus
    surbeus

    10/23/2008 12:44:16 PM

    What a horrible review. It's like you expected the game to be some type of simulator when it has been evident for such a long time that it's your standard open-world rpg (e.g. Oblivion, Gothic, etc) that people have been playing for years. Did you even play Fable 1? You barely brushed on what makes this rpg standout from the rest and how it plays in place of mentioning things about the design as if you designed the game in your head in parallel with Peter M. You suck at reviewing games.

    Reply »
  • w1ndst0rm

    10/23/2008 11:28:02 AM

    This review needed a premise tag.
    My problem with the game's choice mechanic isn't the consequences of your choices but that there are so many choices to make that you are always missing many something elses when you do make a decision. Such is life.
    As for the video game part the controls and attacks are deeper than the three buttons would suggest. And the RPG lite element of leveling up your three button choices works well and fits with the theme of the game.
    I'm a lady pirate.

    Reply »
  • Aries0968
    Aries0968

    10/23/2008 2:38:12 AM


    urgh spoiler tags needed BADLY on this review, none the less roll on tomorrow so i can get a copy

    Reply »
  • GusMastrapa
    GusMastrapa

    10/22/2008 10:11:10 PM

    Funny, I found that paragraph to be the least interesting.

    Reply »
  • Candrian
    Candrian

    10/22/2008 10:07:58 PM

    Its a nice review but it is far too philosophical. You haven't actually answered the important question: How does Fable 2 play? Is the combat system intuitive and fun? Do the magic spells have a nice kick yet leave it possible to do without? What sort of environments are there and how well are the realised?
    With the exception of a single paragraph this could be a review of a book or a film, I want to know how Fable 2 performs as a *game*.

    Reply »
  • GusMastrapa
    GusMastrapa

    10/22/2008 10:01:42 PM

    Something that happens in the first fifteen minute of game, book or movie isn't a spoiler. It's called the premise.

    Reply »
  • beanzfury
    beanzfury

    10/22/2008 8:59:53 PM

    I would have really like if there would have been a Spoiler Alert at the beginning of the review. I understand (from the review) that the killing of Rose takes place in the beginning; but it would have been nice to find that out for myself. I hope in future reviews that spoiler warnings will be considered.

    Reply »

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