Fable 3 Review

Your brother rules with an iron fist. How will you rule?

Fable 3 was one of the most highly anticipated games of the season, but was all the hype warranted? This new installment transports you back into Albion, the mythological realm your Father freed in Fable 2. This time you play as the spoiled second child of the now deceased hero. Your older brother currently sits on the throne and has become a dictator to the people and seems to be spiraling out of control. Your mentor, Sir Walter, decides enough is enough and the two of you embark on a quest to depose your brother and make you a hero in the process.

The Menu systems of Fable 3 is improved from Fable 2 considerably. The biggest change is the Sanctuary. Left to you by your father, the Sanctuary is a stronghold you will be teleported to anytime you press start. It holds all of your costumes, weapons and achievements. It feels much more interective than a menu and fits nicely with the tone of the game. You will be able to fast travel to anywhere in Albion from the Sanctuary. The weapon system is also much more streamlined. You now start out with the weapons left to you by your father (not imported from save files) and these progressively get stronger as you upgrade them. There are also legendary weapons abound, over 50, but you must have upgraded your starter weapons first. The leveling system is now more balanced as you get "guild seals" which can be spent on anything from levels in your jobs to magical upgrades. All of this is achieved through the "Road to Rule" feature which limits what you can upgrade at which time.

The game play of Fable 3 is very much like all the other Fables. You have a melee weapon, a ranged gun and magic. Once again the magic is extremely overpowered and unbalanced and makes using any other form of combat unnecessary. You fight your way through quests and groups of baddies that Fable fans will be familiar with

The storyline of Fable 3 is pretty well done. I, like many, assumed the task of becoming king was the only part of the game but that's just the start. Once you gain the crown all of the campaign promises you made are called in and you can choose to honor your word or reject it. All of these decisions have moral and financial implications which, I won't spoil it for those who have yet to play, are very important in the final act. There are two problems I have with Fable 3's story. The first is that it is simply too short, you can rush through the story in a handful of hours and it seems like many parts dictate you not explore but approach the task at hand. The second is that after you become king you are put on a time line but the amount of time you are given does not proceed as I felt it should and, word to the wise, 121 days left does not mean 121 days left. Overall its an enjoyable romp but leaves the player feeling slightly unsatisfied.

The immense interactivity you are given before and after you complete the main objectives is astounding. Many of the side quests feel unique and are a lot of fun to do while there are also many "fetch" quests like any big game. The decision to have a family, own property and hold jobs is well done and mirrors other Fable but what is vastly improved is the online play. Instead of being a henchman you are now another hero and the linked screens system is gone. It is now fun to play with your friends instead of a chore.

Finally, the feel of the game stays true to the dry, and often childish, British humor that inspires it. One moment you will be facing down the destruction of Albion and the next you will be belching in a villagers face. It all seems somewhat contradictory and can make certain parts feel disconnected.

Overall I felt that Fable 3 is a very well made game but is much too short for the $60 price tag it commands. Rent it for a few days and you will have beaten it.