James009
Hero of Oakvale
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2010
- Messages
- 92
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- Age
- 39
I just thought I'd post my pre-finished review of Fable 3 based on my first impressions. There shouldn't be any spoilers in here.
After a LONG wait Fable 3 has finally been released. I got the game at a midnight launch (during which Gamestop messed up some codes) and have gotten about halfway through the rebellion. So far it feels more linear then Fable 2 but I may be mistaken as I'm sticking to the main quest more (because it feels more forced). The story offers a few small choices but I don't feel like I have as great of an impact on the world like I did in Fable 2. This game also doesn't seem to reward exploration and adventuring as much as the previous titles which is disappointing.
The game starts off with you as the Prince or Princess of the Kingdom of Albion, the main continent in the Fable series. With your father or mother passed away your brother has gained the title of King of Albion and you are royalty. You quickly learn that your brother is corrupt, evil, and is ruining the nation with his tyranny. Your goal is to gain support to lead a revolution against him which takes you all across the lands and meeting interesting people, making promises which you will eventually have to fulfill, and killing many monsters, wolves, bandits, and soldiers.
The new "menu" system in which you walk around your "Sanctuary" is actually very impressive and smart, it's actually faster then the old 2D menu which I find amazing. You're character's "leveling" consists of going through your "Road to Rule" map which is a level you slowly walk through during the course of the game. Its unique and offers a few choices but, again, feels a bit more limited then leveling in the previous Fables.
It seems disappointing that your character doesn't appear to morph like they did in the previous Fables. Sure, you get fat and, I believe you eventually see a difference between good and evil (I haven't yet), but I don't see the muscle morphing like in Fable 1 & 2; however, I've heard that this is tied to using heavier weapons. There seems to be a few less clothing, hairs, and other facial customizers from Fable 2, however, they do look better and more impressive. Anyways, it does feel like a step back from Fable 2's excellent character customization.
Your weapons slowly morph as you play the game generally looking more impressive and unique as you do certain things. This is fun and enjoyable to see them change but doesn't make up for the loss of your character's customization. It also feels a bit too guided where you lack control.
The best thing about the game is the improved graphics. It still looks like Fable 2 but everything from the lighting to the textures has been improved. It's fun to run across the land and see the detail Lionhead put into the foliage, buildings, and characters. I've got the game installed to my 360 hard drive and the gameplay is flawless, quick, fast, and, best of all, beautiful. If the visuals don't impress you then you need glasses.
My least favorite thing about this game is the new social interaction system. You used to be able to hit the right bumper and select your action with people but now the game selects it for you. So, in Fable 3 my hero is trying to gain support for this revolution by dancing with all the men and women of Albion and whistling at them. I'd just like to be able to shake their hands... this is the worst mis-step of Fable 3's "improvements" and, frankly, i wonder how it would be released this way (too many "Yes-Men" at Lionhead?).
I must say that I haven't beaten the game yet, haven't tried co-op (anyone have it yet), and certainly haven't even explored most of the world as of yet. So far it feels like a long guided tutorial, however, this tutorial is still very much fun, enjoyable, and has a good narrative. Once you overthrow your brother you become King and your only half way through the game, I'm most looking forward to this part. Also, the characters are more alive and unique then in the previous Fables which brings about a better story. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and what you can do as the King of Albion.
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After a LONG wait Fable 3 has finally been released. I got the game at a midnight launch (during which Gamestop messed up some codes) and have gotten about halfway through the rebellion. So far it feels more linear then Fable 2 but I may be mistaken as I'm sticking to the main quest more (because it feels more forced). The story offers a few small choices but I don't feel like I have as great of an impact on the world like I did in Fable 2. This game also doesn't seem to reward exploration and adventuring as much as the previous titles which is disappointing.
The game starts off with you as the Prince or Princess of the Kingdom of Albion, the main continent in the Fable series. With your father or mother passed away your brother has gained the title of King of Albion and you are royalty. You quickly learn that your brother is corrupt, evil, and is ruining the nation with his tyranny. Your goal is to gain support to lead a revolution against him which takes you all across the lands and meeting interesting people, making promises which you will eventually have to fulfill, and killing many monsters, wolves, bandits, and soldiers.
The new "menu" system in which you walk around your "Sanctuary" is actually very impressive and smart, it's actually faster then the old 2D menu which I find amazing. You're character's "leveling" consists of going through your "Road to Rule" map which is a level you slowly walk through during the course of the game. Its unique and offers a few choices but, again, feels a bit more limited then leveling in the previous Fables.
It seems disappointing that your character doesn't appear to morph like they did in the previous Fables. Sure, you get fat and, I believe you eventually see a difference between good and evil (I haven't yet), but I don't see the muscle morphing like in Fable 1 & 2; however, I've heard that this is tied to using heavier weapons. There seems to be a few less clothing, hairs, and other facial customizers from Fable 2, however, they do look better and more impressive. Anyways, it does feel like a step back from Fable 2's excellent character customization.
Your weapons slowly morph as you play the game generally looking more impressive and unique as you do certain things. This is fun and enjoyable to see them change but doesn't make up for the loss of your character's customization. It also feels a bit too guided where you lack control.
The best thing about the game is the improved graphics. It still looks like Fable 2 but everything from the lighting to the textures has been improved. It's fun to run across the land and see the detail Lionhead put into the foliage, buildings, and characters. I've got the game installed to my 360 hard drive and the gameplay is flawless, quick, fast, and, best of all, beautiful. If the visuals don't impress you then you need glasses.
My least favorite thing about this game is the new social interaction system. You used to be able to hit the right bumper and select your action with people but now the game selects it for you. So, in Fable 3 my hero is trying to gain support for this revolution by dancing with all the men and women of Albion and whistling at them. I'd just like to be able to shake their hands... this is the worst mis-step of Fable 3's "improvements" and, frankly, i wonder how it would be released this way (too many "Yes-Men" at Lionhead?).
I must say that I haven't beaten the game yet, haven't tried co-op (anyone have it yet), and certainly haven't even explored most of the world as of yet. So far it feels like a long guided tutorial, however, this tutorial is still very much fun, enjoyable, and has a good narrative. Once you overthrow your brother you become King and your only half way through the game, I'm most looking forward to this part. Also, the characters are more alive and unique then in the previous Fables which brings about a better story. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together and what you can do as the King of Albion.