In a lot of ways, The Fable franchise and Xbox consoles mirrored each others’ success stories.
Both had memorable starts. Fable I was a hit, sold well, and people still talk positively about it today, although many felt it under-delivered on its grand promises. Same with Xbox, it had lots of hits, but nothing as close to the success of Halo 1 and 2.
Then the sequels for each came out, and this is where the high point would come in. People considered both Fable II and Xbox 360 to be the best in their respective series.
And with modern gaming being in the dumpster fire, I headed back into the old library of games I either loved growing up, bought but never played, or just plain never finished. Fable II was one I finished. Multiple times.
And how could you not? Sure, Fable II was under-delivered on its promises — something Lionhead Studios was notorious for — and yet, what they got right, they nailed. Not very many games, even to this day, are as immersive as the world of Albion. There are tons of ways to interact with citizens. For example, you can pose heroically for them, play your loot, or you can literally crap your pants in front in front of them. Hell, you can even hand out autograph cards and if they love you enough, you can marry them, buy a home for them, and have kids. Then go to another town and start the entire process over again. Just pray your multiple spouses don’t cross paths.
My favorite part, however, is the economy system. It’s not deep or complicated, but you can go up to just about any building and purchase it. From there, you can either kick the tenant out and move in yourself, or continue renting. This also includes various business’ through town. You can literally become an evil baron who owns the land, jacking up rent, or you can lower the prices, freeing people from the horrors of mortgage payments. Only ever in video games can this ever happen.
It was addicting playing Fable II again for the last week. I loved buying the land, watching my finances go up, running around the beautiful countryside with my trusty dog showing a treasure spot nearby. Or the collectibles as trash talking Gargoyles who egg you on to shoot them. And the game does not take itself seriously either. Visiting a shady temple of shadows, I’m greeted by a guy in black, telling me all these horrible things, only to end on informing me that poker night is Friday.
Of course, playing a dated game isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There’s lots of pop-in, blocky textures, stuttering, people and corpses clipped or stuck in the environment. The story feels like it’s building up, only to end right as it gets good. The combat takes a while to get going and even then; it doesn’t get too deep — simple and fun, yes. Oh, and if you hate multiple versions of the same NPC’s? This will be a nightmare. It’s hilarious flirting with my in-game wife when there’s literally 6 other identical versions of her crowded around us and asking me when I’m going to propose to them.
Both Xbox and Fable would go on to shit the bed with Xbox One and Fable III. I think that’s why it’s important to look back at better times where the game industry was simpler. You just make a great game and hope it sells well. And that’s why I think Fable II is still worth going back to. Not too many games let who you are and your choices redefine the world around you. If you are good, the world around you will be lush and beautiful. If you’re evil, well, get used to looking at slums and homeless people.
