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> Fable: Written by: Damon
Baker
 Publisher: Microsoft Price: 49.99 Genre: RPG M for Mature
For years, the world of Albion was created by Lionhead Studios, and for years,
the gaming world sat with anticipation for the results. Promises of an amazing storyline, as well as open-ended gameplay kept
the community on edge awaiting a release date. As the day of truth approached, fans gathered around their wallets to make
sure they had the fund to burry themselves into this world of Albion. This world was created for us, and yet, it seems as
though it isn't large enough for anyone.
When reading the game slogan, "For Every Choice, A Consequence," players are reminded of the promises made for Fable. Every
choice that a player made was supposedly going to alter the Story, and how people react to you. However, that is not the case
in the final product of the game. Now, choices that you make merely alter your characters alignment; how good or evil he is.
The more you lean in a specific direction, the more your character will change in appearance. This will change the way that
people react to you. If you're pure evil, with horns and red aura, then people will generally fear you, and avoid talking
to you. If you become a good character, you'll be constantly hounded with praise and love, unable to avoid them. Either way,
it gets extremely annoying, having no way to escape the constant attention.
In a world that boasts a wide variety of choices, there isn't a wide variety of things that you can do. Quests in the game
that don't follow the main story line become scarce at an early stage. Players may actually find themselves putting off main
quests, just to prolong the gameplay.
The Battle system in the game is a high point. Realism surrounds it, as you won't survive long if you get surrounded, and
don't run away. However, the dodge and roll aspect of avoiding attacks gives individuals that "Devil May Cry" feel, as you'll
be completely invulnerable as you're rolling. For players that choose the path of the Magi, good luck in battle. The magic
system is extremely flawed. Players can assign magic to one of three buttons; X, A, and B. Three magic techniques alone, and
then they can use "Y" to scroll to the next page.
Probably the most fun in the game, is taking some time off from the hectic life style of the Hero's Guild, and kicking
back and enjoying life. Characters aligned with the good side of life (Avo) will have no problem finding a woman, to marry
them. Tell a joke or two, do a sexy pose, and watch them fall in love. Give them some chocolates or perfume, and you won't
be able to get rid of them. Give them a wedding ring, and you can even get them into bed. Characters aligned with the evil
side of life (Skorm) will have a bit more of a difficulty finding someone to wed them. However, before you can get a wife
(or husband), you must own a house. Most towns that are encountered in the game have a house or two for sale. Decorating it
will increase the value, forcing people to pay you more money for it, if you choose to rent it out.
The world of Albion is brilliantly and beautifully crafted. Character and environments are interactive, giving players
a mild control over the world in which they live.
The sound portion of this game's environments are well done. Music composed by legendary Danny Elfman (who is best known
for his work in most of Tim Burton's films) can be heard in the background throughout the course of the game. After walking
into town, the sound quickly changes from well composed music to irritating townsfolk. Whether you worship at the temple of
Avo or Skorm, the townsfolk greet you accordingly. Praise or hatred, it won't matter. After hearing it too much, no matter
what your alignment, you'll want to punish the villagers for not keeping their mouths shut.
Controlling your Hero (or villain) becomes a bit of an assignment before long. With major flaws in the areas of magic and
target lock make fighting a bit of a chore. Players may find it easier to skip target lock altogether, unless they're using
a bow or specific Will Power. Melee weapons in the game have a large swing radius, making target lock an avoidable part of
the battle system.
After beating the main story of the game, players may want to play again, this time as the opposite alignment as their
first play through. Beyond this, and playing around with the marriage aspect of the game, there isn't much else to do. With
limited quests to begin with, going back and finishing the few missions that are left will leave little enjoyment for seasoned
Action/RPG style players.
Fable earned itself a Mature rating from the ESRB. With things like Heavy Drinking, Vomiting after Heavy Drinking, "relations"
with significant others, and bloody murders that may or may not include decapitations, it isn't exactly a question as to why.
Albion was said to be a world full of wonder, a world in which everything would change according to the Hero's actions.
The Hero changes nothing other than his own appearance. A game that boasted so much, became a bit of a disappointment in the
end.
Graphics: 9.0 | Sound: 8.5 | Control: 7.0
| Replay: 5.0 | Overall Game Score: 7.5/10
                   
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