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Fable Xbox Lionhead/Microsoft  'Fable' has been surrounded by so much hype and conjecture that it is impossible to think of it in isolation. Originally called 'Project Ego' and in development for longer than the Xbox has been available for purchase, the game was meant to revolutionise role-playing games by placing you in a living world that acts and reacts to your character, yet is independent of your character. Unfortunately, it's not in the slightest. It has a generic story that doesn't go anywhere interesting, a half finished subplot which seems as though it was abandoned mid game development, bland quests and character customisation which leaves a lot to be desired. However, the game looks good, and the combat is entertaining. Originally we were told that we'd have trees that grew in real time, a world that was influenced - but not determined - by the main characters actions, and that these actions would have consequences. What we have is a static world that completely revolves around the main character. There's a Good/Evil meter which goes up or down as you become more of either one by committing deeds, and you'll spout horns or spawn a halo depending on which you are, and townsfolk will comment on how mean or nice you are. This is a step above 'Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic' but still has very little influence on the overall outcome of the game. Your actions don't seem to make any real difference: for example, if you go into a town and start killing people you'll get a fine and anyone you don't kill will fear you. That's it. There's no real noticeable distinction to the game play, you don't disrupt the world - or even the town's economy - and you can complete your major quest as per normal. Your Hero can only be male, and his appearance is static - you can't choose hair colour, eye colour, build etc. As you progress through the story, you can change outfits, hair, and purchase tattoos, but there's not really that much variety. Supposedly these were to be reflected in the world - people were meant to follow your clothing and hairstyles - but they don't. There are other heroes in the game and originally they were going to compete with you for the world of Albion's affections, but they have no bearing on the game at all. You'll meet them, even fight a couple, but nothing comes of it. Later in the game you'll meet a few who help you, and you're not really sure why. It's a loose end that shows the potential that was left out of the game for whatever reason, and you feel slighted by Lionhead's Peter Molyneux. The main quest itself is pretentious and predictable, on top of being insanely easy, and the whole game can be completed in about twelve hours. However, what is there is a pretty good action RPG. The combat is good, if somewhat easy, and there are hundreds of secrets to find, and whilst incredibly static, the world of Albion is rather beautiful. If Molyneux didn't proclaim this would be the best RPG ever, if he didn't claim a living, breathing, independent world, this would be a rather fun, above average adventure RPG with a few nice, interesting features. However, we were promised something really special, and frankly 'Fable' isn't. If you haven't heard much about the development then you'll probably love this game for what it is - but I believed Molyneux's hype machine and am a little sour for it.  |
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