Fable: The Lost Chapters
Published by: FinalCloud on 2007-01-24
Page Views: 3431
Rating: 8/10
Lose yourself in this in-depth game.
Ok, so here we are. With Fable 2 not due for release until the 27th October this year, I thought now might be a good time to grab that copy of Fable and get playing again. Fable: The Lost Chapters basically extends the storyline beyond where the previous title left off, which is a good thing. Fable was a good game but had a really short storyline running through it, so its good to see that the developers have taken the opportunity to extend the gameplay. The game follows your character from just a small lad to a battle-hardened veteran, allowing you to choose to follow a good or bad persona for him.
Gameplay
 Gameplay wise, the game is deep and involving and the landscapes are big and bright, filled with bustling characters. It really makes you feel like your part of something bigger. The game adds up to several hours worth of new content, which is quite a bit more on top of what the original Fable had to offer. When the game first starts, you get the impression that there is going to be a lot of moral decision making, but this is actually more of an undertone, as the game itself is quite linear. This means that no matter which approach you take (good or evil) it plays out pretty much the same way, which is disappointing. The game actually encourages you to master a little of both good and evil skills, so that you end up with a well rounded character. The leveling system is excellent, allowing you to build up your character any way you like.
Controls
The controls are typical of any third person game and the combat is actually a lot of fun. Nothing too complex then? Well, no, not really. Anyone who's played games like this before (Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons) will be all to familar with the style and layout. The combat system allows you to take on multiple enemies on screen. The thumbsticks operate movement and camera, while you have the buttons for attack, use/interact etc. You could simply pick up and play this title without any previous history in this genre.
Sound
The voice and dialogue in this game is actually pretty funny and will no doubt cause a giggle from time to time. It is excellently done and there is a deep and gripping soundtrack that sets the tone for the whole game. Sound effects are spot on and you notice the differnce in say effects between ice and fire. Nothing to fault on the audio side of this game.
Overall
Ok, so overall, Fable: The Lost Chapters is a really good game, both gripping and involving. It looks beautiful and sounds excellent and as I said earlier, you really feel like you're part of something bigger. Watching your character grow and evole subtly over time generates a rappor, a connection to your character and you follow the adventure every step of the way through their eyes. The only thing that lets this game down is the linear gameplay, with little difference between good and evil pathways. The developers should have looked at how titles do this well (such as KOTOR 2) and learned from it. The NPC's and AI in the game respond and react well to you and you'll have plenty to keep you going. You could whizz through the game in several hours, but I recommend taking the time to do the extra bits too. For example you can get married, trade or gamble and although not crucial to the story its pretty neat, watching how characters interact with you. So, all in all, a good follow up to Fable that should definitely deserve a look in.
8/10
Related Link: Official Fable: The Lost Chapters Website
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