Game Disucssion: Fable [Xbox]

[AgtFox]

So, sitting here with about 6 days before Fable drops I have one question:

Are you going to get the game or have the reviews turned you off?

I personally am probably in the latter section.  I will definitely rent the game unless we're provided a review copy, but this game has gone straight from instant buy to the rent section because of the questionability of its length.  I believe I can rent it and be done with it before the rental period ends.

How about you guys?

[Destructor]

Who here took advantage of the $30 with free shipping deal that we linked to here from the forums? Sure, I won't be able to play the game for a few days, but my gaming box is a bit full as it is.

[ingrin]

So, sitting here with about 6 days before Fable drops I have one question:

Are you going to get the game or have the reviews turned you off?

I personally am probably in the latter section.  I will definitely rent the game unless we're provided a review copy, but this game has gone straight from instant buy to the rent section because of the questionability of its length.  I believe I can rent it and be done with it before the rental period ends.

How about you guys?

The reviews confirmed what I expected, with the exception of game length.  However, since I planned on playing 3 very unique characters (at least) through the game, it warrants a buy for me.
There are different ways to develop your character and see what he winds up looking like, which adds some replay.
There are the different alignments which adds some replay. (Yes, cheapened by the temples a bit)
There are still 4 (predictable) endings to see, so that adds replay value as well.
I might event try playing one of the characters I'm less attached to as gay just to see if there are any special reactions/easter eggs.  I was thinking of doing this with my truly evil mage character, not because homosexuality is evil(its not), but because it gives me the most direct option for dealing with npcs who might have a problem with it.  I'm thinking something along the lines of "the talented Mr. Ripley" in medieval times.
But most importantly, I like PM's sandboxes.  I expect to spend some time playing with the towns.   I liked Black & White and did not find it as tedious as some did, so I suspect I will enjoy this game as well.

My two favorite reviews so far are Gamespot and XBN.
Here is a link o XBN's review (Zip File of jpegs cause its a mag):
http://members.aol.com/peyton018manning/fable.zip

[Jack Burton]

My problem with Mr. M's games are typically that they are one-trick ponies.  You can train your creature....and now I'm taking it away from you.  Now you have it back, but you've probably gotten bored by now.  Have fun!

Well, Molyneaux had better games in the past that were more than "one trick ponies" (in my mind at least):

1. Populous
2. Syndicate
3. Dungeon Keeper

Obviously 1 and 3 also include the sequels.  I think Molyneaux's reputation has been tarnished by Black and White (I liked the game, although I understand people's qualms with it) and he needs it back with Fable and the upcoming Movies and B+W 2.

Isn't Peter also responsible for the awesome Magic Carpet series as well?  Hes got a great track record.  And you have to give him props on innovation on B&W.

[whiteboyskim]

Who here took advantage of the $30 with free shipping deal that we linked to here from the forums? Sure, I won't be able to play the game for a few days, but my gaming box is a bit full as it is.

I would have, but the Missus x-nayed that. Stupid marriage...

/grumbles

Regardless, I'll hold off on this. Right now I've got at least another three or four games that I'd like to play through before really getting into the Fall Season of gaming.

[Purge]

My problem with Mr. M's games are typically that they are one-trick ponies.  You can train your creature....and now I'm taking it away from you.  Now you have it back, but you've probably gotten bored by now.  Have fun!

Well, Molyneaux had better games in the past that were more than "one trick ponies" (in my mind at least):

1. Populous
2. Syndicate
3. Dungeon Keeper

Obviously 1 and 3 also include the sequels.  I think Molyneaux's reputation has been tarnished by Black and White (I liked the game, although I understand people's qualms with it) and he needs it back with Fable and the upcoming Movies and B+W 2.[/

Isn't Peter also responsible for the awesome Magic Carpet series as well?  Hes got a great track record.  And you have to give him props on innovation on B&W.

He was also responsible for Theme Park & Theme Hospital. Oh, and BC is also coming out from the other satellite studio.

Actually, there is a Syndicate 2; it uses a 3d model system that allows moderate terrain damage, (ala satellite strike, etc) and is about as hard as the American Revolt addon for Syndicate. (3.5 out of 4 on the "kicked in the jimmies" scale)

I'm not sure how much involvement Peter had at the time;l think this was a release just months before he left the EA family to build Lionhead.

[AgtFox]

Another review is out...this time from EGM:

7.5, 8.0, 9.0

[Balshazaar]

Didn't this come out today?

[AgtFox]

Didn't this come out today?

Yeah, many people are getting it today, some tomorrow.  It "shipped" today.

[Devil]

Picked it up at lunch. Should be able to put some time in tonight.

Shakedown?

[AgtFox]

Shakedown?

If you're asking if CG will have a Shakedown I have no clue.  I'm probably going to rent this game, so you won't see one from me.  As for others picking it up on the staff, I have no clue.

[Devil]

If you're asking if CG will have a Shakedown

Of course I am! Where the hell else would I go for information? :wink:

[Knightshade Dragon]

I should have my copy tomorrow-ish.  We'll have a shakedown and a full review by Monday-ish.  

[Devil]

Thanks-ish!

[Devil]

Played about an hour or so and I like it better than KOTOR so far.

There. I said it!

[whiteboyskim]

So gang, any thoughts on this one? Anyone got it and can't put it down? And what's the deal with the save system. I got the impression from GG that unless I RTFM right from the get-go, I'm screwed if I save and then close out or something to that effect. Thoughts? Impressions? Availability that you've seen in stores?

[AgtFox]

Availability that you've seen in stores?

I can comment on this...it is widely available.  I stopped at Gamestop while my take out was being prepared last night and they had plenty of copies available for purchase.

[Tebunker]

Great game btw, not good with impressions anymore, just know that I had a great 4 hours last night and I can see myself enjoying the process of digging into the world of Albion, even if it only last a shortwhile.

[Purge]

I'm enjoying it sofar. It only came out today, and I want to run back downstairs and play more .... [Purge restrains himself] ... gotta get some sleep.

[sigh] Damned career.

[TheMissingLink]

I have an exam tomorrow but picked up Fable today thinking I would only play an hour or so of it...

Nope, 4 hours logged and it's time for my ass to pull an all-nighter.  Thanks a lot, you beautiful game, you.

[whiteboyskim]

Crap. It's got that addictive feel to it, doesn't it? Damn...

/curses going out of town all weekend

[Knightshade Dragon]

Oh you have no idea.  I'm writing my shakedown on my break.  I think you'll enjoy it.

[Balshazaar]

Chicken Chaser.  Chicken Chaser.  That's what I get for kicking so many damn chickens in the first 30 minutes of the game.

[Fellow]

In truth, you don't have to kick that many chickens to get the title.

I kicked two chickens as a kid, and am still called that. Well, or rather was, 'till I paid to have my title changed to Ranger.

[whiteboyskim]

Chicken Punting sounds like a ton of fun by itself, but the ideas in this game and the stories I've heard have gotten me more interested in it. I may swing by Fry's on the way out of town today and grab it.

[TheMissingLink]

In truth, you don't have to kick that many chickens to get the title.

I kicked two chickens as a kid, and am still called that. Well, or rather was, 'till I paid to have my title changed to Ranger.

I had my changed to Maleificus!

[AgtFox]

Gabe isn't too kind to Fable in his latest post on Penny Arcade.  Wow, his thoughts usually run pretty parallel with mine on RPGs.  I was thinking of purchasing this, I think it went into the rent mode again.

[stiffler]

From the Penny-Arcade article:

These people are so desperate to share their characters that they were trying to take photos of their TV screens.

Funny, somebody sent me a photo of their character snapped of the television last night!  That same person wants to go buy The Sims 2 but refuses to drop $10 on the PGR2 packs.  Sounds like TheMissingPriority to me. :twisted:

[TheMissingLink]

From the Penny-Arcade article:

These people are so desperate to share their characters that they were trying to take photos of their TV screens.

Funny, somebody sent me a photo of their character snapped of the television last night!  That same person wants to go buy The Sims 2 but refuses to drop $10 on the PGR2 packs.  Sounds like TheMissingPriority to me. :twisted:

You son of a BITCH!

[Knightshade Dragon]

So uh....what are you trying to say?

[TheMissingLink]

Back to Fable, man, I've heard plenty of complaints about this game but none of them really affect my view of the game.  I guess people were really looking forward to unrestricted access through areas of the game (there are lots of paths and shrubs blocking you inside them), I, however, don't mind it at all.  I like a lot about the game.  The voice work is TERRIFIC!  No complaints here whatsoever.

[Balshazaar]

Protecting people is difficult! I got that little kid out of the cave after 2 attempts, luckily or I might have thrown something Fun game!!

[phormio]

I know this has been out for a while but I couldn't play Fable for over a week after I got it due to RL issues.

I'm really enjoying it. When I stop I want to get back in and I consider that a good sign.

No it didn't live up to it's hype, but I've learned to listen to information about Peter Molyneaux's projects through a lowered expectations filter, so I was not overly disappointed. Most of the disappointment came initially, but as you get into it, the game does draw you in and I find it quite enjoyable. I like the look, the combat/spell system, and the limited open-endedness of the side quests. And while the interface isn't as intuitive as it might be, I find that once you get used to it, it's not a problem. Nowhere near as open-ended or free ranging as, say,  Morrowind, but a good game nonetheless.