Games

Fable 2

Publisher: Microsoft

Platform: Reviewed on 360

Price: From £36.99

Certificate: 15

Peter Molyneux is back. And his genius is bigger than ever.

Returning with a heavily hyped sequel to his 2004 smash hit 'Fable', Molyneux presents an ever faithful audience with the cunningly named 'Fable 2' and once again the masses will rejoice.

An alluring jaunt into a vivid fairytale world of sword and sorcery (with a little gunpowder thrown in to add a little extra wallop) this title, like its predecessor delivers in both concept and gameplay.

The story unfolds some 500 years on from the events that took place in the original and the fantastical land of Albion has changed drastically, entering a time not unlike our own Age of Enlightenment.

The geography of the starting zones has remained largely unchanged, allowing players of the original to build up an instant rapport with this sequel. But beyond the bastion of Bowerstone the world has been expanded massively and the plot is much more of a challenge.

Filling the shoes of a would-be hero, could-be villain (depending on the moral choices made during play) you head out seeking justice for the death of a sibling.

Sadly 'Fable 2' does have its flaws. The most notable of which is the lack of anything that be mistaken for a user friendly map.

The briefness of the main story arc, which can be completed in under 15 hours is also an issue. And there are several gameplay glitches that appear to have slipped through the testing process.

But with the exception of the map these issues, any other little gripes are relatively minor when the complete package of 'Fable 2' is put into perspective.

The graphics are splendid and the voice acting is top notch too, unless you hate cheeky cockney villagers.

Each segment of the game is presented stylishly and with depth, every pixel is placed perfectly and every character come monster is given due care and attention.

Atmospheric music pours in at the exact moment it's warranted and overall the mood is set brilliantly for a no holds barred journey

It's Tim Burton's 'Sleepy Hollow' meets 'The Princess Bride' and it's all wonderfully done, regardless of whether it's the single player and multiplayer option you choose.

From the opening sequence to the end credits, 'Fable 2' offers up a truly epic adventure game.

Action packed, family friendly and even laugh out loud funny at times, it offers up an easily accessible and largely open ended world plus an enticing and all encompassing storyline.

Every little step seems to matter, with your characters morality and legend on the line.

Fans of fairytales and traditional adventure games will absolutely love this title, regardless of whether they are avid gamers or have never picked up a pad in their lives.