The Fable III review embargo has barely been lifted, yet the Internet is already completely inundated with (mostly favorable) critiques. As such, this will most likely be the first round-up of many.
IGN gives it an 8.5/10:
This is a massive game, and yet it remains accessible to gamers of all skill levels. That in itself is a pretty special achievement. Tack on a solid combat system, an immersive world, and decisions with real consequences, and you’ve got a game that just about anybody can enjoy.
Kotaku doesn’t score it:
Shave off Fable III’s disappointing end and you’d have a better game, albeit it one quite similar to the laudatory Fable II. But the world is boring without experimentation. Fable III is better off with its shaky, risky king phase. The fifth act of this play is still a rough draft. But it’s been built on an impressive set that we can play in for a long time. Those interested in ambitious stumbles should commit to Fable III. Those wanting something more polished can settle for the previous model.
G4 gives it a 4/5:
For a game based on the trick of making promises and then making good on them, it falls into the very conundrum it seeks for the player to experience. Fable III is an amazing game that I intend to play through again and perhaps, this time, it will be better to know that the getting to the throne is a messier affair than I originally thought.
Eurogamer gives it an 8/10:
It may be messy and clunky from time to time along the way, but Fable III is only guilty of indulging its designers’ whim at the expense of necessary polish, and in the royal scheme of things it’s a crime you’re happy to pardon. Many more RPGs will follow between now and whatever Lionhead does next with the series, but few if any will possess half as much heart, and most importantly, whatever else they have to offer, none will have Albion.
NowGamer gives it a 9.2/10:
If you really, really disliked Fable II, or are determined to judge it as a hardcore RPG, you probably won’t like this either; but for us, Fable III represents the pinnacle of British-made game development. A stunning achievement.
The Escapist gives it a 4/5:
Fable 3 is the best Fable yet. It’s mature and thought provoking, with a final act that will genuinely surprise and confound you. It could’ve been a masterpiece, but its many technical problems bring it down.
Giant Bomb gives it a 3/5:
Fable III does a great job reprising the elements you expect from the Fable series. The colorful, sprawling lands to explore, the great flexibility in how you develop your character and make your way through the world, the wonderfully dry sense of humor, and the cockeyed view of fantasy tradition are all here and accounted for. It’s just the rough trimming around the edges, the ways that those grand elements could have been better realized and better conveyed to the player, that make this as frustrating a game as it is lovable.
CVG gives it a 9.2/10:
It’s entertaining, thoughtful and crucially, not entirely for RPG lovers – which could lead to the series capturing an entirely new audience of adventurers.
VideoGamer gives it an 8/10:
Molyneux’s fervent quest for accessibility might alienate some core gamers, but even the most cynical of critics would struggle to suppress a smile while playing Fable III. To enjoy a game to this extent despite so many flaws only serves to show how utterly compelling adventuring in Albion can be.
gamrReview gives it a 9.0/10:
Fable III is the peak of a franchise that has made both many advancements and missteps, but ultimately a lot of fans. It is a game that is built on evolution rather than revolution, but is expertly, and clearly lovingly, crafted. A great amount of humor, customization, and variety makes for a game that may not be difficult, but is undeniably a lot of fun. If you dislike the Fable formula, this will not change your mind, but if you have yet to give the franchise a try, this is the time to jump in. This may finally be the Fable you’ve been waiting for, but please, let’s have more John Cleese next time.
Strategy Informer gives it an 8.0/10:
This is by no means a bad game. It does some new things, some of it works, some it needs more work, but you will (we hope) enjoy playing through this game at least once. Ultimately, (and since Peter has already said this isn’t being limited to a trilogy), the Fable franchise is building up to something epic. Maybe with Fable IV, or Fable V, but if Lionhead keep innovating but also keep perfecting, eventually they will create that game that lives up to everything we ever dreamed it could. In the mean time, enjoy the road that will lead to that gaming revolution, just keep in mind that it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Destructoid gives it a 5.5/10:
Fable III isn’t a bad game; it’s just very disappointing. Lacking the sense of adventure of the previous games and making the most simple of elements more awkward and overdrawn, it feels like a step back for the franchise. It’s a shame, because its narrative goals are truly outstanding and there’s still a lot of simplistic role-playing fun to be had. These positives are outweighed, however, by a downsized sense of scale, cumbersome attempts at innovation, and a total neglect when it comes to fixing some important problems.
Electricpig gives it a perfect 5/5:
Take your time with it and Fable 3 is one of the most lovingly created RPG experiences around. Fable 3 looks and feels great in almost every department. The new additions and tweaks are still genuinely refreshing. The map is a godsend, the sanctuary a revelation, the visuals warm and welcoming, the story, well told and the characters the most charming you’ll come across. The experience is as plentiful as you want it to be, yet short for others. That doesn’t stop it being a must-have for Fable fans. Fable 3 is still one of the best RPG experiences around.
The Gaming Liberty gives it a 9/10:
Fable 3 offers you more than any previous Fable game could have ever even dreamed of, in fact, dare I say it offers you an experience that very few RPGs can and ever will. A moving and passionate return to form, Fable 3 is the pinnacle of what heart and soul can create. An effigy to creation, Fable 3 is extraordinary.
TheSixthAxis gives it a perfect 10/10:
Fable III is the most complete third person adventure game of the year. That’s not to say that you’ll enjoy it the most or that it is objectively the ‘˜best’ but the gameplay is fun, addictive and tweaked to allow players to actually play the thing rather than sit and plan routes or read instructions. The visuals are some of the best on the Xbox 360, the story is a familiar one but timeless nonetheless and drives the game to a much greater degree than any previous game in the series. You could drone on and on about the intricate details of this game, how you’ll visit familiar places, see familiar faces and be a part of some ridiculously inventive quests along the way but it’s easier sign off by stating what should by now be obvious; Lionhead studios have created a masterpiece and, whilst it does have some minor imperfections, it’s as close to a perfect adventure game as you’re likely to find nowadays.
Gametactics gives it a 9/10:
Fable III oh how we wish we could give it a 10 out of 10, but we just can’t with the slowdown during some rare battles with too much going on. The offline co-op is amazing now and no one can knock it anymore. The story is amazing and well written and game will simply make you wish that Fable IV was already announced, this Holiday Season Fable fans should pick up Fable III and lead Albion to revolution!
CBC News doesn’t score it:
By offering something for everyone, Fable III is a thoroughly impressive and satisfying twist on the well-worn genre of fantasy role-playing and a resume entry that Ben Kingsley can be proud of.
MyInsideGamer gives it a 93%:
So, has Fable III lived up to its predecessor? Yes, it has. It’s a stunningly beautiful role-playing game that’s unparalleled in depth. Packed with an immersing story to keep you locked to your controller for however long you choose to play, it’s backed up with some excellent side questions that add a lot of extra gaming time onto it. Do the slight combat problems take away from the game? Ever so slightly, but it doesn’t stop the game from setting the role-playing game bar higher than it’s ever been on the 360.
Co-Optimus gives it a 4.0/5:
Despite the changes in game, I still feel Fable 3 is the best Fable game to date. There’s an excellent pace to the game. The game builds and build until you hit the revolution to overthrow your brother, and you almost think it’s over…but then you begin rule as the King or Queen. This is where the game truly makes you think for yourself, make decisions that no matter what the direct result, the outcome may be bad. You truly feel powerless despite being the most powerful ruler in land. I’ve never been so torn to make a decision in a video game and I think it’s moments like that, that make Fable 3 a must own game.
Made 2 Game gives it a 9/10:
Consoles only have a handful of classic fantasy based RPG’s and Fable III has instantly became one of them. Don’t miss you out on the part you have to play in this tale.
XboxLiveAddicts gives it a 9.2/10:
Fable III has so much packed into it I could write a book, it’s there for you to find out, explore and enjoy the story and of course there are many ways to complete the story depending on the choices you make and the route you take, but don’t rush through, take your time and enjoy what this game has to offer. It is simpler to play and in parts frustrating but Fable III is definitely the best of the three and one which should be in every Xbox 360 user’s collection.
Chronic Reload gives it a 7.5/10:
Fable III’s inflated opinion of itself unfortunately only takes away from the experience. Behind the funny jokes, A-List cast and good vs evil slidey bars it’s an average game with interesting ideas. Sorry Pete.
And SFX 360 gives it a 9.8/10:
The replay value of this game is endless and fun. Once you beat the game there is a lot of side quest still to finish, money to be earned, and joining people in Co-Op adds to the fun. If you enjoy joining someone’s game killing an entire town and then leave. Try it! If you enjoy jumping into games to help players out like I do. Go for it! It might even help you obtain a few achievements while playing. I look forward to seeing your Orb online so if you happen to see H2O Acidic hit me up. I might just join and help you out.
