With the release of the PC version of Lionhead Studios’ acclaimed action-RPG just around the corner, we return to the fantasy world of Albion for a comprehensive review of the maturing title on the XBOX 360. Considering the game’s predecessor, Fable II, never made it off of Microsoft’s Xbox console, should PC gamers fork over a full fifty dollars for an aging re-release?
The Hype:
“Fable III” is the latest installment to the action packed and critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive franchise that has sold more than six million copies. Fans new and returning will now embark on an epic adventure, where the race for the crown is only the beginning of your spectacular journey. Five decades have passed since the events of “Fable II,” and Albion has matured into an industrial revolution, but the fate of the kingdom is at peril. In “Fable III,” you will be called upon to rally and fight alongside your people, ascend to the seat of power, and experience the true meaning of love and loss. The choices and sacrifices you make while fanning the flames of revolution, and then as you rule as King or Queen or Albion, will lead to an ever evolving world of consequences that will be felt across your entire land. This sets the stage for unparalleled action and adventure that offers even more ways to fight and engage than ever before.
Throughout your journey, you will encounter a colorful cast of characters that fans have come to expect from the off-beat style and humor in the “Fable” games. After determining whether these characters are your friends or foes, you will either join them or fight against them in explosive combat, alone or with a friend on Xbox LIVE®* . In your quest to plant the seeds of revolution, seize power and rule over your kingdom, the choices you make will change the world around you, for the greater good or your own personal gain. Who will you become? A rebel without a cause, the tyrant you rebelled against, or the greatest ruler to ever live?
The Reality:
Just like countless other role-playing adventures, Fable III begins with the standard choice of gender, but at this early stage the similarities seem to deteriorate. From this point on, players are thrust into an engaging and generally entertaining story of leadership, courage, revenge, and…gnome collecting. Yeah, you read that right. Lionhead Studios has crafted a game that is surprisingly versatile, switching seamlessly between witty British-style humor and dramatic epic-esque storytelling. The plot isn’t going to win any awards, but considering the state of the modern game industry, this isn’t much of a revelation.
As explained earlier, the game allows players to take on the role of brother to the current (allegedly evil) king of the region. This initial set-up leads to a lot of “adventuring” in order to locate possible allies and recruit for a revolutionary army. I use these quotation marks around the word “adventuring” to stress the linear nature of the game, which at some points can be pretty nonsensical. For a storyline that basically asks you to visit every locale on the map, it seems odd that the events of the main game must be completed in a specific order. It seems as if the developers were trying to balance traditional RPG content with simpler action-adventure objectives, yet it hurts the length and feel of the game overall. With an entire fantasy realm to explore, who wants to follow directions? In addition, games that allow for player’s choices to impact the plot abound in this day and age. The system of cause-and-effect that the Mass Effect series has set in place works wonders for RPG and action fans alike, so why wouldn’t Lionhead try to vary up their classic formula a bit? To be fair, past Fable entries have also suffered from oppressive linearity… but with the success of Rockstar Games’ open-world Red Dead Redemption (and similar titles), you’d think they would take a hint.
While many modern role-playing games allow for these open, “sandbox” style worlds with hours of terrain, Fable’s Albion is relatively small and confined. Areas feel more like movie sets than connected locations, and the game’s instant travel system doesn’t help that at all. These gripes aside, Fable III can look and feel outright gorgeous at times, as the landscaping and lighting has obviously been perfected. It’s nowhere from being the best looking game on Xbox 360 (try Crysis 2, maybe?), but stunning nonetheless. The art style works well with the graphics engine, combining some very realistic looking locations and characters with a sizable amount of fantastical content. Overall, players should feel generally immersed and satisfied with the latest incarnation of Fable’s world.
In terms of gameplay, Fable III manages to both innovate and disappoint. Like many other aspects of the three-quel, combat and leveling has been streamlined to a pulp, allowing for casual players to dive right into the experience. As far as standard action fare goes, this is probably a plus—many players won’t want to devote hours to learning move combos or grinding to gain experience. Nonetheless, it should be remembered that the blockbuster series has traditionally fallen into the RPG genre. For the more hardcore fans out there, the newest Fable’s battle system may arrive as a bit of a disappointment. Shootouts, magical duels and sword fights generally descend into button mashing, while the game’s difficulty stalwartly remains on the “snooze-inducer” level.
Although the more combat-based gameplay is far from perfect, Lionhead Studios has managed an unremitting customizable experience to embolden players. Weapons will change their color, shape, and design to fit play style, and trust me: there are quite a lot of weapons to choose from and alterations to explore. Clothing is also brought to the forefront of gameplay with a navigable dressing room that allows for a great deal of customization and unique attire. Dyes and tattoos are also available, and players can purchase new hairstyles and clothing on their way to the throne.
Moving on, the final gameplay element worth mentioning regards the allure of side-quests, short excursions from the main storyline that help to extend the game’s length and depth. While there aren’t as many as would be expected from a traditional role-playing game, Fable III’s lot form an eclectic and inventive bunch, a motley assortment of extraneous adventures. From an arduous gnome collecting initiative to a chess battle with a merciless and inanimate object, players will find plenty to do once they’ve trudged through the game’s main plot points.
Overall, Fable III is an excellent adventure that suffers only from some standard-issue genre-specific banality and lack of informed innovation. In short, players should expect a fun game that’s worth the price of “admission.” Serious RPG-veterans may want to steer clear of the simple combat and streamlined experience, yet there’s always the magnetism of easy achievements or trophies for the console gamers. With the obvious exception of the game’s plotline, there’s no revolution to be found within Lionhead Studios’ latest release. Nevertheless, fans of the series and casual gamers alike should be enthused with this marvelously accessible and ultimately enjoyable blockbuster. The action-adventure genre has never been defined so well.
XBOX360 Game Review: Fable III
Where to Buy : Amazon.com
Price: $39.99 (Currently on sale for $29.99)
What I liked: Merged action/adventure plot-points, excessive customization, side quests, morality system, menu system, overall design
Needs Improvement: Gameplay formula, firefights and sword combat, disconnected locations, lack of leveling system
PC Version Note: If you are interested in pre-ordering the PC version on DVD, Amazon has you covered for $49.99! Otherwise head to Steam for the digital download.
