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An undeniably exciting RPG...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: August 16, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Fable has reached the point where all RPGs dream of going. It's absolutely the pinnacle of the Adventure criteria. The creators put you in the game, they make it fun, and they make it interesting. Fable is the game that absolutely defines the whole light side/dark side thing. Because no other game concentrates on the subtle, small, important details and leisures quite like Fable does. People will learn to adore you, and people will learn to fear you, you have a life, you're not just some dummy on a string being instructed on exactly what to do.

You hear that? Fable is life. It's adventure. With a hint of unrealism, just to the point to make you eternally amused to never decease until the fat lady sings.

Battle System: 9. It's not guns, it's not shoot'em up blowing their brains out. It's classic swordsplay and acrobatics, blocking, stabbing, leaping, lunging, ducking, dodging, running away, nothing to say except 'die'. Not to mention, you can eat pie. And it's all realistic, hitting someone in the back, the head, the torso, all cause different amounts of damage, there's decapitations if you're lucky. And the game even keeps track of your decapititations, how cool is that? There's archery, shoot someone with and arrow, the further you pull back your arrow, the more damage it does, but the less accurate it is. You see? Realism. Plain, clear and simple, just like the drive-thru guy ordered.

Leisure and life: 9. Flirt with chicks, flirt with guys. (Eww..) Flirt with chickens. Whatever. Flirt with anything with a face. Get a special haircut, facial hair, tatoos, some chicks find them attractive, some scary. Some may think you're Michael Jackson with a sword and get the heck away from you. Hey, that's life, right? One of the first games ever to allow you to get married to any woman, (or man) and actually have sexual intercourse with them. Yep, you heard me, sex. Don't get cought up on the kinkiness boys, it lasts for 5 seconds when the screen goes blank, it's only for crickets and giggles. Buy a house, rent out your house, live in your house, steal from anyone, kill anyone, picklock doors, fish, dig, kick chickens, abuse your wife, whatever you wanna do, you can probably do it in Fable.

Main adventure: 10. Yes, this game is not all just chicken-kicking. There is a plot. Filled with with surprises, cliff-hangers, and ultimate rewards.

Gameplay: 4. Quite possibly the only downside to this game. It's TOO EASY. I completed the game naked and didn't die once. There is no way to change your difficulty. This does, however, make the game much more fun as you don't have to reload and just get lucky in order to defeat an enemy. But in all sincerity, you may very well just whiz your way past this game in mere hours if you put your mind to it.

But then again, that is why I am thankful for all the bonus material in the game, because the actual game itself can go by pretty fast.

It may seem confusing and hard-to-get at first, but all RPGs do, so just stick with it.

Fun and unique game but whose potential is never quite lived up to

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: September 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

THE SHORT: Fun to play, with a solid combat system and lots of good humor. Beautiful graphics and interesting gameplay. Brings a lot of new ideas to the genre, but barely develops them or makes them matter.

THE LONG: Spending years in development, this game was touted as going to be the "best RPG ever". It is quite, quite NOT. It's a very fun game, and there's not a lot like it, as it brings a lot of new ideas into the genre. But a great deal of what it brings are ideas that wind up pretty shallow, and which don't affect the gameplay very much.

Your quest is that of a young boy, whose village is burned to the ground and who joins the "Hero Guild" to build his skills for the inevitable day of revenge. The game was touted as giving you complete control of your destiny, with the choice of good and evil affecting everything you do. Well, you don't have much control over your destiny, and the choice of good and evil doesn't affect much of your eventual outcome. Like a lot of the features I read about pending release, these are interesting ideas that wound up being pretty shallow gameplay alterations and nothing that greatly changed the flow of the game.

It's not all bad though by any means. Fable is plain fun, and it's worth playing through a couple times to see what can be done. The graphics are very pretty, and the dialogue is some of the funniest stuff I've seen in a game lately. It's fun and unique, just not as deep as I expected.

For example, wandering in the game is extremely linear. The game is broken up into "areas" that take a couple minutes to wander around in, and then you walk through the gate into the next area (which takes a few seconds to load). There's no wandering off the beaten path into the woods except for the few instances where a hidden path is programmed. It's very linear, and allows for very little exploration.

The whole "destiny/choice" thing that was the basis of the gameplay isn't very deep either. There are the basics, such as whether or not you choose to break windows and punch townspeople. And then there are the specific choices of whether you stop a bully from hitting a kid, or join him and hit the kid yourself. This is basically how you structure your character to be good or evil in this game. It should also be noted that becoming fully evil takes maybe a half hour of doing very bad things, yet you can completely turn around and become holy in maybe twice that time. It just isn't that deep.

Destiny isn't much in your hands either. There's a specific plot that must be followed to finish the game, and the only variances along the way are whether you take the obvious evil or good path during individual quests (ward off bandits or join them, for example). It's fun, it's just that this stuff comes off as undeveloped and diversionary more than some great buffet of life-altering choices.

Lastly, the game is pretty short. You can play through and finish it in around 15-30 hours, and that's considering a lot of screwing around. In a game broken up into linear areas that you walk through one by one, there's not much room for messing around. Aside from the main quests there are "quest cards" that you can accept at the guild, and take those on for cash and renown. You can boast about these quests and offer to do them with more skill than required (such as doing them in your underwear) which is one of the parts of the game that's still shallow yet does affect gameplay a little bit. Outside of this though, the only other stuff you can do as far as adventuring is to break the riddle of about a dozen talking doors who each have a somewhat special item within. Other than that, you'll be doing the story stuff or those quest cards (which your guildmaster incessantly pesters you about, along with everything else).

But then here's where some of the positive stuff comes in: You can mold at least some of your character for amusing results. Your stat menu keeps track of a lot of stuff- how much you've had to drink, how many times you've had sex, what your sexual orientation is (you can shack up with men) and so on. It is interesting to have relationships and get into drinking contests and so forth. But like the rest of the game, this stuff hints at potential that was pretty undeveloped. There are only ever half a dozen different types of people to marry, they all say the same things, and marrying them doesn't really change much. It "feels" cool to do this stuff, but it doesn't really affect the game one way or another. In other words, like a lot in this game, you can skip it entirely and it wouldn't matter. Sure you'd be depriving yourself of some of the fun, but that's all it is, fun. It doesn't really add anything to your overall game besides a more "fleshed out" feeling.

Fighting is cool at least. The system is much more solid than Morrowind for example (however that game gets almost everything else right). The combat has the right "feel" to it, while your character is swinging his sword, throwing off lightning, or shooting with a bow. There's lots of combat, and it's satisfying. Choosing your spells can be awkward, but the action itself feels right. You can switch between your three attack styles anytime, and fighting with any of them earns points to level-up those skills in a multitude of ways. Use more magic to unlockmore spells, use your bow to become more quick and sneaky, etc. It's this kind of stuff that makes the gameplay more thorough and involved, and this is what I would have liked to see more of.

Lastly, the other positive stuff is interacting with people. As mentioned, everyone in this game is somewhat amusing with their cockney british accents and goofy dialogue. Throughout the game you win certain expressions and interactions, and can use them to mess around with townspeople. Become evil for example, and win the "Vulgar (pelvic) Thrust", which you can use to horribly disturb innocent children. Or you can earn the middle finger, which you can use to express disgust at a particular shopkeeper's prices. Being good earns you stuff more suited to wooing partners, such as manly poses and flirtations. But then along creeps another problem with the game- these interactions are amusing and provoke equally amusing reactions from people. But like everything else, it's pretty shallow. Nothing is actually accomplished by doing this, save for the romantic efforts. Give a finger, fart at your wife, it doesn't matter. They'll express their distaste and move on. Nothing changes. It's fun, but ultimately superfluous.

Basically, that's it. The game touted freedom and choice, but restricts you to a linear quest and gives you very basic choices which don't affect much around you. The designers talked about letting you mold your character, yet took out the female option and gave you stuff to do that affects your stat screen and not much else. The biggest issue is the fact that, pure and simple, so much effort was spent making the game funny and pretty and unique that the game wound up being not very deep as a result.

So why after all these complaints do I say it's such a fun and good game? because it actually is. While not really a "faulty" game, it's definitely a disappointing game. But that's only if you had any expectations. If not, then the game's solid engine and glitchless presentation is great when coupled with these little diversions that make it unique. As much of a letdown from the hype that it is, at the end of the day it IS enjoyable to screw around with the various options and character interactions. Once finished, you will remember Fable as a fun experience not similar to really any other RPG. But you'll still be left feeling that the game was loaded with superficial glamours and wasn't really long or deep. If you want a complex, free-roaming, epic triple-digit time questing and role-playing, then Morrowind is still the best bet for the Xbox (or any system, really). But if you want a lighter, funnier, and more glamorous (and MUCH shorter) role playing game, then Fable might be your thing. As another reviewer pointed out, he liked it because he had no expectations. Fun game, but not nearly as deep as you may have heard- so go into it not expecting anything revolutionary and you'll probably have a good time.

The Game of a life time

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: December 06, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I have found this game to be alot of fun. When i was in germany i literally spent 4 months playing that game. You can do SOOO much. If you wnat to beat it and move on to another game well.. it will take you about 17 WHOLE hours. but if your like me and like to get into the game and explore everything that it has to give you then i suggest this game. It has many different roles that you can play as. You start off as a kid and gradually becomne an adult. You can have everyone love you or hate you. you can be GOD or you can be Satan. i wouldnt recomend this game for kids under 13 due to sexual activity in the game. but then again YOUR CHOICE. I hope you njoi the game thnx,
Mr. Xbox

This is what i've been waiting for?

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 17
Date: September 15, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Just like everyone else, I too was really excited about this game. But I am beginning to wonder why? This certainly doesn't live up to the hype. Sure its fun, sure its something different, but is it as legendary as they made it out to be? No. The voice acting sucks, there is no jumping method, and you can't do whatever you want. Sure you can attack villagers but 5 seconds later guards mysteriously appear to fine you... Um not realistic.. in real life you could run away. Don't get me wrong, this game is good, just not as golden as it was advertised as.

I won't be surprised if this game is better than Halo 2.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 17
Date: July 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This is a totally new franchise but it's gotten a lot of hype and looks interesting. It's hyped to be the second best game on XBOX behind Halo 2, but Halo 2 has been delayed forever and it looks a lot like the original Halo to me.

That dude that gave this game 1 star is probably just pissed because he only has a GameCube or something. Who cares about XBOX live, XBOX is getting enough games with muti-player death matches already. Sorry to say but not all of us care about that. That's another problem with Halo 2, all the talk is about online play, what about the campaign mode? Watch it be the second hand focus of the game and turn into a clone of the original. Kinda like... I don't know... Splinter Cell 2?

Prince Charming or Prince Alarming:You choose part1

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 26 / 90
Date: July 06, 2004
Author: Amazon User

In this game you choose if you are a well respected admired by all that matter,women through themselves at you,little kids where their hair like you and dress like you,your cheered when you come into to towns and get all the deals,sounds nice being the hero,sounds realy good to an angelic hero,I'll get to that in a later.But why be good,good is boring for the most part.You could be an outlaw admired by the the deginerat scum,a rapeist,a man who steals candy from babies,people run and hide when you enter towns,and many merchents may hate you and over charge you.
Now if you chose the path of Righteousness(why you would I don't know) you will basicly save people on a quest to avenge your parents deaths.If you accidently kill an innocent first off congradulations there may still be a chance for you to be evil,second you can go to the Chapel of Light to redeem yourself.When you wanna settle down you'll be able to marry anyone of those damsel in destress types,then have kids that'll act like Beaver and Wally Cleaver.
Now onto the fun stuff:EVIL!Now all you light wieghts who think you'll be Darth Vader like that,it won't be that easy.To get to Vader status you have to be a souless menicle bastard.On your way to kill the SOB that killed your parents you'll marry an equaly hard chic and have kids that will remind you of Cain and Able,without the Able.And to be evil you have to creative.Anyone can be bad if you want to evil:do the bad thing,then do the right thing,which means you double crossed everyone,and when all is said and done kill em' all.

Lots of Fun for about 12 Hours

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: September 29, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Fable is a fantastic game. You're character changes appearance based on your game actions. Eat too much and you gain weight. Don't get enough sleep and you look tired. Evil actions get you horns; goodness gives a halo.

You can do a great deal of things that many people miss the first time they play through. You can buy property such as "maritial homes." You could also buy other locations such as stores and taverns but you have to take care of the original owner... Marriage and some, uh, related mature events are even possible.

The story is interesting if somewhat predictable. Don't be deceived, there are really only two endings. Unfortunately, your actions affect little else besides your appearance and the way NPCs react to you.

The combat and magic systems of Fable are excellent. If Morrowind left you wanting, Fable is the answer here. There are even mini-activities within the magic system. Increase your summoned monster's power by allowing it to kill more powerful creatures. It will become the most powerful thing it has killed! You can also even use the spell timeslow to affect various interactions in the game. Are the bar games too difficult? Cheat a little with timeslow!

As great as this game is, it is far too short. Like so many games by Peter Molyneux, Fable is full of revolutionary ideas but skimps on content. The actual core quest takes about 10 hours. The current hot topic amoung gamers now is, of course, whether Big Blue Box will release more (can release more) content via X-Box Online.

I'd really love to recommend this game for purchase, but renting Fable is really sufficient. Why spend $50 on a game when you can play it for a week and experience everything in it for $5? Hopefully, Big Blue Box, Lionhead and Peter Molyneux will learn that revolutionary ideas are only experienced to their full potential when there is enough game content to appreciate them.

Keeps getting better!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: April 05, 2005
Author: Amazon User

This game is one that interested my husband a lot because you are able to choose the fate of your charatures. My husband got this game in December, and it is still one of his favorite games. He has played this game being completely good, evil, in the middle, using only magic. Every time the story is similar but the events are different. It has been one of is favorite games. He also bought Halo 2 at the same time and he completed that within 2 weeks, and stop playing it. He is still playing FABLE!!

Good, but...

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 9
Date: September 17, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This game was toted as being a dead-on competitor with Bethesda Softworks's Morrowind. In many ways, these two games are very similar. However, the concept falls short for Fable. In many ways, the game disappoints the hype given to it. To be fair, I will list what I thought the best and the worst of it was:

Pros:
* Dynamic charisma-based reaction by NPCs. Very nicely done, however - the clapping and calling out to you like some sort of rock star gets a little old about 3/4 the way through the game
* Your actions affect how the game plays out - LIMITEDLY. You are given choices of how the auxillary quests play out, however - the basic quest of the game is strictly followed, which could be helpful for those who get lost easily. I know a few times, I felt a little lost
* You can play your character any way you want, within the confines of the game engine of course. If you like hack-n-slash action, pump your strength and speed up. If you like the 'pick-em off at a distance' aspect of things - you can increase your speed and accuracy to make yourself deadly with a bow and arrow. Finally, if you love magic - you can make yourself a force to be dealt with by funneling experience into the learning of magical spells.
* Armor and weapons are clearly marked, so you know all the advantages and disadvantages to them - as far as how they might affect your appearance (attractiveness and scariness, respectively). Armor even has an alignment adjustment, which can enhance or degrade your character's appearance to the NPCs.

Cons:
* Game is way too 'leashed'. While you do have some leeway as far as your optional quested - you cannot really leave the main quest line for too long - and locations are often very tightly tied together that there really isn't too much exploration involved. Those used to the open exploration of the countryside in Morrowind will be sadly disappointed to see it absent in this Lionhead offering.
* Game is WAY WAY too short. I am an average gamer, and I finished the game to completion in less than 18 hours without a strategy guide. I am betting that those who got the strategy guide finished in under 12 hours. In real life terms, I finished the game in 2 days. That is WOEFULLY short, and leaves me feeling empty after it. Yes, you can continue to play after the main quest is completed - but there is little point. There are no goals to achieve, and many of the side items noteworthy to explore are cut off at the aftermath of the game.
* The whole marriage concept is useless - it achieves nothing.
* The whole house concept is nearly useless - all it can nab you is a free bed in that town when your there, and a place to stash your tropheys. You can also rent them out - but at the end of the game - you already have enough money to buy a small island for yourself - so more money just seems....like more... not better.
* Many story loose-ends are never tied up. I won't spill the beans, but there are a few important story elements that just don't get much attention after their plot device has played out. No wrap up - no summerization, no end. This game NEEDED an end, and they just left it off to make it SEEM like it was open-ended.
* XBOX Live support - it doesn't seem to serve a purpose. The game is single player - there is no mechanics in the game for multiple players, and XBOX doesn't allow patching - so it seems to be in there to fill up space. Not a good thing to do.

Overall, the game has the feel of something that could be, and still might become, something very special. However - it has gaps, it feels like a large portion of the game is missing - and those of us who come to love the open-end RPG genre when we began our gaming love affiar with Morrowind will find this game a shallow substitute. DEFINATELY worth a rental - but I cannot recommend a purchase - unless you find you really like to play the same story over and over again - just from different characters.

Fable is really fun, but is toooooo short.

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 9
Date: September 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Fable is really good for an RPG type of thing. But what I didn't like is that the game is really short, (you can finish the game at 8-10 hours), and there arent a lot of quests. But, the controls are fine, the gameplay is excellent, the fighting is cool (but a little repetitive), and the graphics are good. This is a very good game, but possibly the best rental game, considering it's shortness and when you get really bored of the game.

I think the creators could have done a much much better job.

ATTENTON!!!!!! FABLE: THE LOST CHAPTERS IS COMING OUT SEPTEMBER 20, 2005!!!!! EXPECT IT TO BE IN STORES ON THURSDAY OR ANY TIME THIS WEEK!!!

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