A Tales for the Ages: We Review Fable 2


                                  We like to call this screenshot, “Killing the Undead” to peeve our logical readers. 

While today’s now-gen consoles allow for brilliantly intricate worlds to be modeled on our high definition televisions, these realms are often mired in convention. Since the industry’s inception, certain inalienable rules have always existed: lose your health and the game ends, reward and punish the player in a Pavlovian manner- until they understand the internal logic of the game’s design. The scant number of titles that circumvent these principals are often hugely successful, as witnessed by the Grand Theft Auto series. Fable 2 should be added to that paradigm-shifting pantheon, as its design determinatively evades the formulaic limitations still seen in a great majority of contemporary titles.

The game’s title is a bit of a misnomer. Whereas fables are usually short passages culminating in a moral lesson, the game is closer to a fairy tale, with a rich tapestry of emotive characters and poignant plot points. To disclose more of Fable 2’s narrative would be a disservice; we would advice the player to avoid any synopsis, and experience the title as the designers intended.  The game stands as the antithesis of the focus-group tested titles that are common today, instead harking back to a time when games were developed from a lead designer’s vision. Throughout the title’s development, many have derided its design decisions- from a one button combat system to a constantly visible waypoint marker, directing the player to the next objective.

After spending a few hours in Fable 2’s universe, it becomes clear that the reduction of videogame tropes was a brilliant decision. Lead designer Peter Molyneux and developer Lionhead Studios has created a game that transcends the rift between casual and hardcore player, by never penalizing the player too severely. When the player falls in combat, a few experience orbs are taken and a scar is added- no ‘game over’ splash screen followed by a reload of the last saved game. This punishment has lingered needlessly in console gaming’s DNA- a distant holdover from arcade gaming, where the contrivance was employed to limit play time.


                                                 It’s not easy being the only dog in Albion. Treat him kindly.

While RPGs are characteristically text-heavy, Fable 2 has ingeniously streamlined the method of conveying information to the player. By providing a canine sidekick that accompanies the main character, the game gives unobtrusive auditory cues to the player. Having your dog growl when enemies are nearby, or bark to indicate treasure in the proximity is a wonderful departure from using a map-based system.  The game’s true triumph is its versatility- if players choose to be angelic paladin-types they will find townspeople crowding around them. On the other end, the player who walks the path of malevolence will see those around you cower in fright. Gamers can be single, marry once or choose polygamy.  The absence of any cultural or moral relativism is astounding.

Combat is much more intricate that early reports had speculated. The “X” button imitates a melee attack, “Y” launches a ranged shot, while the “B” button is used for magic. Each of these strikes has multiple layers of complexity- they can be chained, amplified or enemy attacks can even be parried. Magic can be focused around the player, or directed toward a target with a push of the right stick. Overall, combat is very engaging and marvelously executed.


                                            “Quick, Rover, lift your leg on him for massive damage!




Fable 2’s music, cutscenes and sound effects display of level of craftsmanship characteristically reserved for Hollywood’s top auteurs. From the Dickens-esque prologue, where players watch a sparrow glide above the snow-littered Victorian streets, to the lush valleys and foreboding caverns, the title has a wonderful graphical opulence. The game’s soundtrack masterfully combines choral chants, booming orchestral hits, and gentle flutes to accompany the player’s journey. Occasionally, we would stop playing the game just to admire the richness of the music; few games have ever sounded as good as Fable 2.

A few minor quibbles prohibit the game from reaching a state of faultlessness. Most noticeable is the framerate, which can drop when a large number of characters are in a geographically complex region. The game’s menu system is a bit slow and feels clucky, as in-game FMV show you what spells and abilities look like. Lastly, while the expression system is the game allows for a considerable amount of non-verbal communication, it feels a bit shallow and immature in comparison to Mass Effect’s dialogue trees. Still, there problems are very minor and should in no way dissuade a purchase.


                                                                Since he’s showing midriff, choose “flirty”.

Fable 2 represents a significant shift in the way games are played. From it abandonment of gaming clichés to its rejection of moral prescription, developer Peter Molyneux has created a must-play experience. The title displays a synergistic mix of stunning art, top quality vocal talent, and a dazzling soundtrack, that will be remembered for years to come.

About Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

45 comments

  1. First, excellent review.

  2. GOTY?

    I’d like to know how often the framerate dips.

  3. I heard it was really short, more like 9 hours in length.

  4. No, most people say 16-20. More if you goof around and do side quests.

  5. I have a Plasma TV, and the graphics dont look that good. Did you guys doctor those screenshots?

  6. Just because you’re college educated doesn’t mean you gotta use every 50 cent word in the dictionary.

    Good review when I could READ 😉

  7. Great review, DE

  8. Yeah, those shots look a bit too good.

  9. I hate your reviews, you make my go out and buy things I shouldn’t.

    Shame on you.

  10. Ok, I played the first, and thought it was OK, but didn’t do what it set out to.

    Is this one more of the same?

  11. No, it’s everything Peter M. promised with the first one and failed to deliver.

  12. Wow, this sounds completely awesome.

  13. You are guys are expect caption writers.

  14. I have 15 people on my friends list playing right now. I guess it is pretty good.

  15. Most review sites are saying 18 or so.

  16. I bought SR2 instead. I think I made a mistake.

  17. And DLC content planed for Fable?

  18. Sounds lot better than i tought it would be.

  19. How was the online play?

  20. Great review!

  21. quite a wordy review there, guys!

    Still Let me translate…Fable 2 is the shiznit.

  22. The shots were taken from the games site, and reduced in size. I assure you we haven’t modified them in any way.

  23. I hope you meant ‘excellent” 😉

  24. I wish this was in an Blockbuster. I don’t have $60 to spend on this!

  25. I was one of those people worried about the combat. Good to hear its interesting for the long haul.

  26. Anyone think we’ll see a Fable 3 this gen?

  27. From the megacritic scores, this games is pure magic.

  28. I think thats a safe bet.

  29. Wonderful review. You got me very hyped about this game.

  30. This is next on my must buy list

  31. I’m having a hard time believing this game is as good as many people are saying. I smell a conspiracy.

  32. I saw a youtube video of the music of Fable 2. It sounded very good.

  33. Is the game really free of relativism when you have to be white and English? Why cant to be an African or Asian?

  34. Well,it is in a way, you can marry a man, woman, multiple partners, you can cheat or be honest on them. You can have children, or not. Hell, you can even kill your children. Name another game that lets you kill your own kids. That’s taboo in most games.

  35. Great review, dudes.

  36. Can you practice voodoo or Santeria? No, the game seems based in Christianity even tho these no direct reference…

  37. Dude, youre making a big deal out of nothing. Religion is not in the game. So just because you cant worship Allah or the Devil of whoever, youre saying this is a bad game?

  38. Spongebob NoPants

    Man, it’s a fantastic game, but that can’t include everything.

    Get over it.

  39. No conspiracy. It really is good. I picked up my preorder and was completely sucked into the game. Next thing I knew 5 hours had passed.

  40. Glad to hear the combat is fun. So actually is a three button system?

  41. I cant get this with Fallout 3 next week. Fable will have to wait.

  42. Buying this tonight. I am so ready!

  43. Oh man so many great games all at once!!!

  44. The first Fable took me a measly 12 hours to beat. I’m not plunking down $60 for such a short game again!