Fable II Review

Fable II is an audio-visual masterpiece. It's not about revolutionary graphics or breakthrough physics. Instead, it's more about story experience, character depth, the generally pleasant atmosphere, that was brought to life through terrific animation and impeccable art. The score goes well with the setting, while the voiceovers were clearly provided by people who know how to do their job. Acting talents include recognizable faces like Stephen Fry and an array of familiar voices from a predominantly British cast. Understandably, the very much British cast makes way for very much British humor, befitting the spirit of the game and providing some rather welcomed laughs.

While there are many reasons why I recommend this title to all gamers, there are still a few personal gripes, which I'd like to get off my chest here. For starters, a wider variety of both melee (swords in particular) and ranged weapons would've been much appreciated. Also, the map system is not quite as intuitive as I had hoped. Players won't have an accurate layout of the land before them. As a result, you may find yourself resorting to the breadcrumb trail, which can be activated (or deactivated) at any time, offering the exact, shortest, route to your destination. That's just too easy and it takes the joy out of the game. Finding the location yourself is a better solution, but it's likely you'll get lost on your way because you still don't have a proper map of Albion by your side.

Let me put it to you this way: in spite of certain drawbacks, I went through the entire single-player campaign and had a great time. Things were moved up a notch in Fable II (a bit more than just a notch, actually), but on the whole, you can expect the same kind of experience as in The Lost Chapters. We mean that in a good way.

What's more, I'll gladly play Fable II again, especially if it means going into action in online co-op, which is available now by the way (just log in via Xbox Live to find your fellow online combatant). As it stands, Fable II is one of the best releases in 2008, one that's indeed worth your time and money.