Fable: The Lost Chapters : Games : Web Wombat

Does anyone else get a sense of déjà vu? Well, if that’s the case, don’t be surprised as Fable: The Lost Chapters is nothing more than a re-released version of Fable - the original great action/adventure game which, like a relationship with J-Lo, promised everything but left the player feeling less than fulfilled.

However, thanks to a vast array of expanded content, greater customisation options, and additional story lines, Lost Chapters brings the Fable juggernaut a little bit closer to the adventure of a lifetime it once proclaimed itself to be.

For anyone new to the world of Fable you should first take a good hard look at your gaming priorities, then read up on our review here.

When it comes to role playing games on Xbox, Fable: TLC does not come close to the length of Morrowind or explore the in-depth combat provided in Jade Empire, but instead takes the cake in the style department, giving players a lasting connection with their character.

The combat interface is very simple and intuitive, which gives the title more in common with the Zelda series than most other recent RPG epics, although the combat system can be exploited thanks to some overpowered spells. The character interaction to most of Albion’s inhabitants turn out to be slightly shallow, which can get highly repetitive, but the game tries something new with moods and facial expressions.

The main addition to the game begins after the original ending of Fable, with an entirely new area and boss battle, which was heavily discussed during development of the original Fable but never made it into the game...until now!

The core story is unchanged. Minor tweaks help the game have a slightly better flow and it now feels more complete. Those of you that kept up to date with the development of the original, you would have learned of some features that never found their way into the game but instead were left on the cutting room floor. Although removed, these features were still clearly hinted at throughout the game world. Demon doors that never opened, ships that never set sail, legends that only existed in books, these and many more are now apart of the game and can finally give some of us the closure gamers were looking for.

You discover additional regions, storylines and side quests as well as new optional missions. Many of these are solely for giggles, like a bordello in Darkwood, or a quest involving mushrooms - not any ordinary mushrooms, if you know what I mean. There are more spells to master, new amour, a few new weapons and even some new monsters to use them on to slice, dice and julienne! Keep an eye out for new characters scattered around the game world as well as items to find, loads of dialouge, and new cut scenes.

Fable: TLC’s highly detailed visuals are brought to you by soft, colorful ambient lighting, which gives the entire game an appropriate dreamlike, wispy look. The PC version is where it's at, but that's not to say the Xbox game looks shite - it's just not as detailed when seen through 256Mb of arse-kicking AGP memory. The sound score is memorable, a beautiful classical style, playing pleasantly throughout the story, changing its tone and mood effortlessly to fit each different type of setting and situation.

The only element lacking in the sound is that of the enemies - where the repetitive grunts and groans can get more annoying than listening to Monica Seles playing on centre court - more variety is needed.

This game is filled with memorable sights, sounds, and surprises, and with its platinum prices you can’t go wrong. If you have played thoroughly through the original Fable as both evil and good, this game may not warrant another purchase. However - if you haven’t, this game will make a splendid addition to your Xbox collection.

Game: Fable: The Lost Chapters
System: Xbox
Players: 1
Online: No
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Distributor: Microsoft

Rating: 80%

(Ratings Key/Explanation)

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