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So many possabilities, such little time.....

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 23 / 26
Date: December 02, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I will have to say that I am no RPG fanatic in any way shape or form. That being said, my choice of buying Fable as my first XBOX game was an odd one. As a former student of philosphy and admirer of all things mythic and violent, I was attracted to the selling point and tagline about the choices and consequences.....
I was not dissapointed at all.

I can agree with many of the reviews offered thus far, yes, it is a little bit too short, and there are not nearly enough side quests of miniquests. But I have a feeling that is something that will be worked out when the sequel comes out. Also hoping for some live based missions or larger world maps to rival the everquest crowds or the FF platforms.

Simply put, I really enjoyed this game, and recomend it to anyone who is into fantasy based levelers.

What I liked the most:

Great design: The maps were great! very well drawn, and realistic. Felt like there was alot more to explore, but there wasn't.....

Good action: The fighting was never booring, unless you get too strong on the powerups....but there was always a few suprises that cought me off guard.

The whole morality driven character design, great. Could have used more options and finess, but it's great fun to play this game from multiple vantagepoints. Being good is fun, but being evil....well we all know that's even more fun.

I got a bit addicted, (as in real life) to giving my character tattoos..... they really do affect the way your character is percieved. And, just like in our reality, some tats are just dumb. A neat little feature is that when you get them revomed, you get white scar tissure where the old tat used to be. Same with battle damage, or torture scars, they mess with the ink jobs.
The haircuts are fun, but a but silly at times.

The wepons are fun, but the great ones come too late in the game.....

I liked being able to buy houses and steal things. You can even steal houses from people by killing the inhabitants and buying them with the rent from your own properties, or stolen money. This works for stores as well.....

What I wish It could have had:

It it could have been a longer game...just so one could explore the level maps better. As I said, more mini missions next time please, especially after the main story is completed. (All that power, and nothing to do......)

It would have been nice to be able to return to the Guild after the last level.....or the Arena after beating that.....(possible multiplayer online improvements there....)

Vehicles would be nice. Horses, carts, war wagons.....adds a little more to the buying and selling aspect of the game, and breaks up the monotony of the whole teleporting to new levels thing. (Plus think of how much you can steal from a whole wagonload of goods...) Customizable horses and carts, even ships to do some pirating action (a little bit of ZELDA Windwaker vibe there)

Online multiplayer options: Why just fight the undead, or npcs when you could waste other would be heroes or villians. Create your own rivalries.... compete on guild missions or the arena.

Better AI: Some of the npcs that "helped" you along the way were just in the way, others caused more harm than help. Squad controls would be nice to fix that. Or the ability to assign your invintory or expressions to your helpers....

An unloadable invintory: I got pretty bored with endlessly cycling through all my useless tatoo and haircut cards just to get an item selected for limited use. It would be cool to be able to sell or store many of those one use marker items other places. Re-usable treasure chests would be cool.

More minigames: The whole fight club thing was pretty cool, got a bit repetative, but it could be better. The archery contests were weak, could have used more realistic based mini challenges. Straw targets just don't cut it.

More fighting styles.

More weapons. especially for assassins.....knives, darts, garrotes......stelth kill moves.....shields perhaps, decorated with customizable crests or markings. Staves for wizard types which could be both a ranged and melee weapon. (like Maze had during his big scene......) Perhaps even the ability to steal weapons and armour from the dead, not just cash or meat.

More villians. Bandtis, the undead and monsters...oh my......gets old fast. How about facing off against armoured knights, angry citizens, rouge guild agents,(other than the bleedingly obvious plot driven ones.) corrupt guards, jealous ex wives.... all of that.....)

Re-usable Demon Doors: A fun and annoying part of the game: but ovber all more than Kinda useless onces you get all the treats inside. Perhaps turn the secret areas within them into usable mulitplayer maps or npc areas. More shops, usable homes, etc. W

Bigger cities: Sure the maps were great, but I would like more multidemensionality to my towns. Bigger buildings, more levels, complex roads and alley ways. Resturaunts, brothels, not just crappy inns or roadside beer tents....

Basically I guess I would love to the the enevitable Fable sequel to be a great mediveil style GTA game.

But until then, I am going to play Fable over and over again, aiming to get every little once of fun out of it until I can't stand it again. Still some treasure chests unlocked........still some people I havent killed. Or saved, depending on the game.....

Get this game, spend some time with it, and hope that what good it has rubbs off on the RPG market, and what bad it has is fixed in the sequel.

With lowered expectations this is a short and sweet game.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 12 / 12
Date: October 19, 2004
Author: Amazon User

The hype surrounding fable through it's development has been mixed, from promises that it would be the best ever to a disaster. I can't say it's either, I warn you, if your expecting the best game ever lower your expectations, or you'll ruin the experience. That's just the problem, Fable isn't what everyone hoped for but if you accept it for what it's for you'll find it's a great experience.

On the exterior it's a beautiful game, also the characters are well animated, and the vibrant and colorful worlds immerse you and it's one of the best looking titles available currently on the Xbox. Besides some frame rate hiccups and awkward lip-syncing this is pretty flawless.

This wouldn't mean anything is fable wasn't fun to play, And not to worry - it is. The combat here is real-time, the easiness in switching to magic, archery or sword fighting is superb. That's another interesting point, you can play fable in a lot of ways, Primarily being your choices versus good or evil, unfortunately I never felt awfully inclined to be either, If I was evil I never felt revered, and if I was good I never felt acclaimed. There are several side paths to do, marriage, mini-games, and chicken kicking... It leaves a lot to do, but even with all that it only adds a few more hours to the already seemingly short experience, which might be discouraging.

Sound effects here are well done, The game has a cinematic ambience, The music is great, as is the voice acting. Your hero of course is mostly nameless (Though you are usually referred to by your "Nickname", which is easily changed at a shop, and even then It's a limited selection) Still I can't say anything bad here, except for some repetition on certain aspects.

In the end Fable is fun, and this shouldn't be passed up. Though fable might not be as groundbreaking as hoped it would be it's still great. With the replay value and open-ended nature here you'll end up playing it through twice at least.

Stop reviewing games you haven't even tried yet

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 39 / 67
Date: August 29, 2004
Author: Amazon User

When people start reviewing games the first day that you can pre-order, it sorta destroys the purpose of a star rating system. Many people use the star rating system to help choose the games that are right for them and to see if users enjoyed the game being viewed. If you rate and write reviews of games based off screen-shots and trailers, you are doing a disservice to those looking to see if they want to buy. Visually "Fable" looks like it is shaping up to be great with in-depth gameplay, but wait until it is released to put your two cents in so others may see if it is truly a great game on the basis of true playability, not marketing ploys. I am placing a 1 out of 5 rating in hopes to counteract the flood of 5 out of 5 reviews.

I played it, it's great!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 11 / 13
Date: September 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I suppose I'm one of the only people reviewing this so far that actually played the game. I hadn't read a lot of hype on this game before played it at a gaming convention, and only saw a small bit while I researched the release date for this game, so I don't think I'm "buying into the hype". I restarted the game at the con and played from the beginning until I turned into a teenager, and then completed a few tasks after that. The total length of time I spent playing was about 1.5 hours. I only played the "good" side. It was really cool and I can't wait to buy the game and finish it.

You are only a kid for about an hour of gameplay, and the start to the game is slow. The slow start is why I gave the game only 4 stars for the "fun" rating. However, what you do in the beginning matters a lot, and it gets much better, so I'll forgive the slow start and give the game 5 stars overall. I didn't get all the way to the end, so it better not dissappoint, but I played enough of the game to know that it will at least keep me occupied for several months while I play through the different variations.

Why are people reviewing this game?

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 22 / 36
Date: August 24, 2004
Author: Amazon User

It hasn't even come out yet! Since the people writing all these reviews obviously aren't in possesion of a pre-release copy, they must either be PSYCHIC or MORONS. I tend to suspect the latter. Or maybe they just don't understand what a REVIEW is. OK, listen up: it's an expressed opinion about SOMETHING YOU HAVE USED, SEEN, LISTENED TO or EXPERIENCED. It is not some uninformed opinons and 5 star ratings based on rumor, conjecture, partial information and biased press releases. So, please, just shut up and wait until the game comes out, because you're not doing anybody any favors. And, as far as "John Smith" is concerned, it IS my *&#$*(% business, because I use the star ratings to decide what games I'm going to buy and it's MY *&#*$& money on the line. Let me point out something painfully obvious to you: looking at screenshots and reading some lame press release copy quoted in a fawning magazine article is NOT THE SAME AS PLAYING THE GAME. Every game preview I've ever seen makes the game look like it's going to be the best thing ever, and 9 times out of 10, when the game gets released if fails to live up to the hype.

Not up to hype

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 20 / 32
Date: October 29, 2004
Author: Amazon User

It might not be fair to rate this game on expectations. There was so much hype about this game it would have been difficult to live up to expectations but this game wasn't even close.

It was way too easy for one. Being able to easily beat a RPG game within a few days is totally not cool. The fighting was way too easy and even with every choice having a consequence I wasn't impressed; wow I can replay and turn out looking different. Whoopee. The fact I could get married and have kids was mildly amusing for all of three seconds, the ability to fart and belch to effect peoples opinion of you made me feel I was playing a game targeted at ten year olds, and there really wasn't the complex class system we had been promised.

I was also extremely annoyed by the map and terrain system. After playing Morrowind I expected a similar world where I could go anywhere at anytime.

Don't make the mistake I did and shell out $50. Wait for a decent used copy a year or two from now.

Are you good or are you EVIL?

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 8 / 9
Date: October 30, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Fable is a unique game that changes the perception of RPGs. It has several very unique aspects of gameplay -- combining hack and slash, RPG, and the games: The Sims and Black and White. For example, you can protect traveling merchants or kill them as well along the way. You can make people fall in love with you (they will get hearts above their heads), buy a house, get married and divorced all in the same day. You can go on a quest to save a kidnapped boy in a cave -- and choose to fight the bad guy or bring a different sacrifice so they will let the kid go. As you progress, you will start to grow horns and get red eyes (if you are playing it evil) or get blonde hair and start looking heroic (if you are playing it good). If you focus on magic, you will start to look more magical. That's one of the best parts of the game -- every choice you make has an impact on the world around you and on your physical appearence. There are rumors of a follow up or XBox Live expansion -- hope so as it would add a lot to this already good game.

Pros:
* Good replay value -- Once you've played the game, play it again and be evil --- or magical -- or using only your bow. In each case, it's cool to see how your physical appearance changes and how the eventsw change as well.
* Several good game elements -- introduces RPGers to other gameplay genres like the Sims.
* Fun gameplay -- easy to get into and
* mini-games -- I've always loved them. Several Bar games that are cool.

Cons:
* Game is too short, I know you've heard this before, but the game could have had many more side quests. Another 20 side quests would have dramatically improved this game.
* In the wrong hands, this could teach you how to be a serial killer. You get points for doing evil things like telling someone to follow you -- taking them into the woods and killing them. Parent, highly suggest keeping an eye on the game's rating.
* Many elements seemed unfinished -- for example, the quest for the dolls -- you get them and there is no pay off.

First Look

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 11 / 16
Date: September 15, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I played it last night for about 4 hours so this can be considered a "First Look".

The Bad:
Very, very (too) easy at first. Walk outside the Guild and things change but not soon enough.
True RPG fans may not fully embrace it. It's a blend of RPG and fighting game more like a Diablo/Dead or Alive Hybrid than Morrowind.
Pet peeve - arrows are automatic, that just ain't real.
The interface is a little perplexing at first, especially for the quick menu that gives you expressions and inventory. A lot of D-Pad goin on. I "used" my moneybag and the one gold piece I had went missing. Buying and selling interface is way better in other games.

The Good:
Fights are fast and furious. Not much in the way of sword control but defense, movement and combat spell casting are very cool.
Spells are awesome.
Graphics are impressive, environments especially, although characters tend to be somewhat cartoony.
Storyline is intriguing but could be more complex.

Not necessarily for youngsters.

Hint: Hack at the Bramble bushes to find hidden paths.

To sum up: It's not the answer for true RPG fans but I'll end up playing it to death.

One of the best RPGs

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: October 13, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I wasn't too familiar with the idea of the game before I purchased it.
Complete a lifelong journey from childhood to the grave. Fighting your way through life and solving the mystery of your family. The game changes with your every move....

The game sounds very good, but when you start to play, you realize that your childhood lasts about 20 minutes, and your teenage years last about an hour. So really the game of a life journey can be decieving.
But all that aside, the game is very exciting; increasing your character's attributes ranging from how strong they are, to the many magical spells you may cast. Determining if you would rather travel down the path of good or evil. Marying a woman....or even a man (the character is a boy)?!?!

Quests give you the ability to earn gold and experience points to level up your character to fight the toughest guards, theives, monsters, and even the undead. One issue that I do have with teh quests are that there is a golden icon that leads you to the path in which you are supposed to take to complete the quest. So, in other words, the quests are laid out to you with no questions or concers; except defeating those that stand in your way.

One portion of the game that does keep your interest is the ability to party til you puke, that's right, your character can get so incredibly drunk that he will actually vomit! Be careful though, because if you want to marry, you must present yourself in a well manner.

I would advise any RPG fanatic to pick this up off the shelves immediately and set some time aside for this game.

Pretty decent game but could've been more

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 13
Date: June 21, 2005
Author: Amazon User

It doesnt bode well for a game when you hear so much hype over a game. Your expecting it to be the "all time best" RPG that's ever been released. Case in point with Fable, there was seriously too much hype over this game and yes. I got sucked into the dreaded hype machine along with countless others.

Well i finally got around to playing this game a little while ago. I did kind of enjoy what it had to offer, but it seemed to me that as far having choices. between being good or evil they were rather limited to be honest. I mean if your gonna be evil and some quest comes up that says "you must protect this person" and you dont. Shouldnt you have the choice to say forget that i'm not saving anybody or instead of protecting. You rob the person for whatever you desire. It does this in the game sometimes, but nowhere near often enough to feel like. I had a choice in the matter. Another thing as well what is the deal with the timed missions. I know its probably to put pressure on the player or what have you. But i dont see that being necessary at all.

Again it all should boil to you having the choice to be able to do what you want when you want. Sure you can punt chickens, marry and sleep with as many people as you want (as long as you dont get caught), wear some pretty cool armor, tattoos, beards/mustaches and all that. There are also optional quests that you can do as well. But even after doing all that, i still was able to beat the game in under 20 hours. I wasnt rushing through the game or anything like that. I had like 3 houses and at least that many "spouses". I liked being able to choose how i wanted to dispatch of any enemy via sword/bow&arrow or magic. Even though i didnt use that much because it tends to wear down the player.

But even with all that including other things to do like opening secret doors, finding this lost treasure and some others. I was still left wondering. Where is the game that PM promised? I cant help but feel a little bit cheated by it. I'm sure i'm not the only person that feels that way. Add to the fact that "The Lost Chapters" are now showing up on the PC in the very near future.

It sort of feels like a slap in the face to all the people that went out and purchased this game expecting great things. They happened but were few and far between for me. I have no desire to go back and play through Fable again. I can only hope that the next Fable game coming to the Xbox 360 delivers "all" the goods promised in this one.

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