I've been playing final code of Fable 2 over the last couple of days and am really REALLY enjoying it so far. Fans of the original will get a nostalgic glow from the oo-ar English accents but there is no need to have played through the first game to appreciate the sequel. What *will* help though is an appreciation of Zelda, Oblivion and fairy tales generally. So think dungeons, exploring off the beaten track and digging for treasure all set in a classic fairy tale/fantasy medieval setting. If this sounds appealing then you'll appreciate that Fable 2 is one of those classic "winter" games best played in on a snowy/rainy Sunday afternoon. Or maybe that's just me. But you get the drift – this is a world away from Saints Row 2 and the rest.
So far I've done some exploring, fighting and questing but Fable is just as much about interaction with the locals. So far I've exchanged presents, flirted, farted and am saving up for a rather natty shop. There seems to be far more scope here than in the original game. But perhaps the biggest hit is your canine companion, who you pick up early in the game. Having a pooch at your side as you explore the countryside is a great feeling and there is a definite emotional pull if he gets injured.
The orb system – which shows other players as floaty orbs in the game, and allows you to send gifts and interact – looks like a masterstroke and adds an MMO buzz to the game, even in these early pre-release days.
I've only briefly played the actual multiplayer – limited to two players - and wasn't 100% convinced. Basically you feel a very much secondary character to the player whose game you have joined. Yes, you get the gold and experience points to take back to your game but your world remains as it was when you left. This means you will need to repeat quests you may already have done in multiplayer. Not a gamebreaker though, but slightly annoying after playing the likes of Crackdown.
Anyway, there is a review embargo until next Monday but from what I've played so far Fable 2 looks a good 'un.
