Fable II (games for Xbox 360) begins more than 500 years after the events of the original. You don't have to know a thing about the first Fable to enjoy the sequel, but there are numerous references to the past. There are plenty of surprises waiting for those fond of the first Fable; consider it a reward for having played the original. In Fable II, you play as a new character – either male or female – who begins life as a street urchin and eventually becomes savior of Albion. The main story is brief and has little in the way of plot. It's about as basic a hero's tale as can be fashioned. It's the atmosphere and elements outside the main storyline that prove most rewarding.Coming along for the journey is your dog. If you're a cat lover, this may not be the game for you. A dog is a hero's best friend, as we all know, and your dog is no exception. He loves you unconditionally. You can scold him all you want, leave his wounds unhealed, or never pay him any attention whatsoever. It doesn't matter. You are his master and he will always be on your side – even if you're a total jerk. Play with your dog or give him treats and you'll probably feel better about yourself. Either way, your dog is a welcome ally. He's your pathfinder, sniffing out treasure chests and hidden items, warning of approaching danger, and tearing at the throats of fallen enemies. You may never give him a single kindness, but by the end of Fable II, you'll have become completely reliant on his abilities.
he dog is a success. I can't say that you will fall in love with your dog and keep a special place in your heart for him even after the disc's stopped spinning in the drive, but some will. And the rest can at least appreciate a canine companion who is helpful and almost never gets in the way or acts as a nuisance. You never control the dog. It acts independently and wisely. And though, on occasion, you may see him walk through a closed door or witness the textures on his fur disappear, he is a well-crafted pet.
Your dog is not your only navigational tool. There is also a golden breadcrumb trail that (usually) points in the proper direction for your next quest. Instead of taking up a chunk of screen real-estate with a mini-map, the breadcrumb trail fits nicely into the scenery. It can be turned off, but that would be a mistake. The trail at first might seem like a lame gimmick, but it actually frees you up for exploration. Fable II's world is significantly larger than the original and is packed with secrets to discover. There are 50 silver keys to collect, 50 gargoyle statues to destroy, nine Demon Doors to be opened, and a half-dozen magical statues with mysteries to solve. Also, there are whores to screw.
If you take the time to explore, you'd discover Albion is an interesting world with some really odd characters in the mix to lend personality. Lionhead moved away from the storybook look of the original, settling on a grimmer world. While areas around Bowerstone are lush and beautiful, many of the later areas such as Wraithmarsh and Bloodstone are depressing. Even in Bowerstone, there is a distinctly Dickensian feel. Dickens, by the way, not the most uplifting of writers. The charm and whimsy of the original is lost in Fable II. Modernity encroaches on fantasy.
Fable II
ESRB rating: M (Mature)
Publisher: Microsoft
Developer: Big Blue Box Studios