What Fable 2 must overcome to avoid being Fable Version 2.0

Fable propelled the Xbox, making its home as a signature title that defined the system. While the game was imperfect, it presented a visceral experience where we could select a hero and follow their lives, including: conflict, romance, and the consequences of their actions. With the sequel being released in the coming months, forums everywhere are abuzz with the expectations of seasoned veterans and newcomers to the series. The question burning in the back of everyone’s mind is this: can Fable 2 surpass the original beyond that of the normal RPG elements (storyline, weapons, etc.) or will it be branded Fable Version 2.0? At any rate, let’s hope they remove the tropical mosquitoes that keep giving the hero elephantitis.

Fable 2 takes place 500 years after the original, and promises immersive gameplay filled with almost infinite choices. The combat system has been overhauled to give an impressive amount of character specialization, so they’re prepared when they visit a new host of catacombs, caves, and dungeons. While your character does discover an Albion anew, he/she will not be doing it alone, you have a trusty canine companion to protect you from harm, guide you in the right direction, chew on baddies like Turner and Hooch, and even eat your table scraps. Additionally, there’s more on the horizon for players far and wide seeking to get back into Albion.

The new game functions are impressive and lend to a social atmosphere. The upcoming Pub Games on Xbox LIVE Arcade will be a welcome addition to play with friends, while accruing wealth (big money, big money, no whammies!), and starter items for the sequel. The co-op feature is something intrinsically exciting. The prospect of tag-teaming Albion with a friend will add a social network to a game that up until now was only talked about while not played in groups. These functions would be nothing without the forum jockeys and fanboys wanting to instill a little fan-flavor into the series.
The wish list of every gamer is long, considering how tight-lipped designers are about the new features and functions. Thematically, there is a problem with a regurgitation of psychosis or Oliver Twist type plot lines, they’re simply overused and tired. The dog companion seems unimpressive on a shallow inspection, though later posts suggest a deep involvement and a Lassie-esque intuition. My last thematic gripe is that the artwork (in the past) promised but had not delivered visually dynamic character transformations. I expect my virtuous hero to be like Sleeping Beauty when he/she goes outside (animals of the forest greeting them), and if they’re evil—hooves, I want hooves.

Unfortunately, the technical list doesn’t get much shorter. Slowdown during heavy times of hack-and-slash needs to be fixed. Environment breaks the suspension of disbelief when the protagonist is stopped by virtual boundaries (puddles, etc.). NPCs tend to react like Memento-style amnesiacs, repeating past mistakes, driving themselves into unnecessary danger. Monsters need to be more dynamic, having to hit them X times before they die is lazy programming, and they need special abilities, synergy or tactics. The aging system (in Fable) had the protagonist collecting social security checks in Albion the second he decided to devote himself to a nonlinear plotline. Quests were too simple, seldom were there unexpected events or creative ways to complete them. Skill imbalance trivialized gameplay, your hero only needed a few signature moves (available early), which curtailed character exploration and produced cookie cutter builds. The emote feature was ridiculous and bordering on unnecessary, farting and flirting become less than gratifying when having to feverishly search the menu.
I guess we’ll find out when Lionhead’s RPG monster hits the shelves on October 21st. So, whether you’ve made your first million gold playing Pub Games or have been exercising to outrun the loan sharks of Albion, be ready to plunge into an immersive experience. Let’s just hope this gripping experience isn’t a recycling of the first, or my virtual Doberman will gnaw their legs off.