Don't trash original with 'Fable II' release

The sequel is slow, but it improves in other areas.

By Chase Koeneke

Published Oct. 27, 2008

Let's get this out of the way: I loved the first "Fable." It has a place in my personal hall of fame.

Even though it didn't live up to designer Peter Molyneux's lofty ambitions - and frankly, nothing could have possibly lived up to the hype that it was getting - it was an amazing experience that's not to be missed. It had a tight combat system, well-done graphics and an interesting, twist-filled story. "Fable II," instead of just polishing up it's older brother's graphics and adding a few new features, has been rebuilt from the ground up with mixed results.

First the good. "Fable II" has a ton of new features, the greatest of these being your new furry companion. The hero now has a dog that follows your every move. The dog has his own AI, which rivals many of the allies of other games. It will sniff out treasure, warn you of enemy ambushes and even play fetch. The dog's a great addition that really separates this game from anything else you've played this year.

The world of Albion has experienced 500 years of change from the original game. In that time, someone learned how to sew, because there is now a plethora of new clothing options, which give every hero the ability to have a unique look. My hero looks like a pirate, complete with an eye patch and three-pointed hat. Colonial guns have been invented in that stretch of time, too. This makes long-range combat much more complex and satisfying. For example, one can decide whether to equip yourself with a speedy pistol or a powerful rifle to use for your advantage.

Fortunately, not all has changed in those five centuries. The hilarious British voice acting and wit from the first game has returned, as well as the large variety of magic.

Now, for the bad news: "Fable II" is a slow game. Its combat feels clunky; loading screens are even longer and more prevalent than in the first game, and things that should be relatively easy - say, using a healing potion - take a lot longer than they should. "Fable" had a great d-pad system, which allowed players to map actions to different directions on the pad, like in a PC game. This system has been mysteriously scrapped and replaced by a terrible, context-sensitive one, which pales in comparison.

The graphics are definitely more detailed than in "Fable," but they aren't better. Everything seems to blend into other things, which is in contrast to the bright, vibrant graphics of the original. "Fable II" also is filled with glitches. People walk through floors, slowdown is a constant pain and targeting is, ironically, hit-or-miss.

But don't let these problems dissuade you from purchasing this game. "Fable II" is excellent.

Lionhead Studios could have just repackaged "Fable" and added Achievements. Then they would have sold millions of copies, but they set out to make a unique experience and succeeded.

Here's the verdict: get "Fable II."

Its cons are far outweighed by its pros, but buy the original "Fable." It won't be more than $20, and it'll work on your 360. Both are great games that might go into your hall of fame one day.