FABLE II



DEVELOPER: LIONHEAD PUBLISHER: MICROSOFT
PLATFORM Xbox 360, PC
RELEASE DATE October 21, 2008
GENRE ACTION / ROLE PLAYING

FABLE II NEWS:

- Co-Op/Minigames in Fable II Confirmed (Kotaku)
- Fable II Introduces Virtual...Dogs? (Xbox360FanBoy)


EPIC BATTLE AXE PREVIEW:

AXE FACTS: Developed by the highly regarded Lionhead studios (Black & White, Fable, The Movies) just outside of London, Fable II looks to expand on the success of its predecessor by taking a solid action/adventure RPG foundation and making it bigger and better in every way. The game, exclusive to the Xbox 360, takes place in the same fictional world as the original (Albion), but 500 years later and with a completely different storyline which will allow the player to choose either a male or female lead character.

Fable II will implement an all new combat and magic system that utilizes a one button mechanic. Melee combat, ranged combat featuring primitive guns (new to the series) and magic will be assigned to the X, Y, and B buttons respectively. Lionhead hopes that the context and pressure-sensitive utilization of these buttons will give more experienced players flexibility in combat while also making the game accessible to a larger audience.

Several new core game play mechanics are being introduced, including the ability to have a dog. The dog has been designed to “never get in the way” while delivering the emotional impact of a reliable and loyal companion. The dog’s functionality within the game will include assistance during combat, locating hidden items and treasure and acting as a guide.

The player also has the ability to develop and maintain a family, including children, to grow and interact with throughout the game. Female lead characters can become pregnant and both genders can choose to have protected or unprotected sex with their spouse (thereby determining whether or not children are born).

Fable II will also feature a fully dynamic and interactive world with no set quest-paths to take.

MY SLICE (The Axe Wielder): I’m pretty freakin’ pumped for Fable II. Yeah, the original had its problems, but it was a really, really solid experience from top to bottom in my opinion. Much of the scrutiny of the original (and all Lionhead games for that matter) was due to over promising on behave of Lionhead president Peter Molyneux, but if you could look past the lofty expectations, the original Fable delivered an experience that could is summarized by most as simply being “fun” and “entertaining”.

Now, with a solid foundation laid, plenty of additions and enhancements, and making the jump to the Xbox 360, Fable II is certainly a promising prospect for any fan of action/adventure RPGs.

LOOKING FORWARD TO:
- Larger game world
- Advanced physic in combat
- Next-gen character morhping
- Tons of character variations
- Online Co-op
- Lionhead personality
- The dog

CONCERNED ABOUT:
- Larger game world
- Frame rate
- The story
- New control scheme
- New magic system

EPIC BATTLE AXE REVIEW:

N/A (Available shortly after launch)

FABLE II Around The Web:

VIDEO:


ARTICLES:

No comments: