A second wave of Fable III reviews has assaulted the Internet, with these latest critiques painting a similar picture as the others we’ve rounded up.
GameInformer gives it a 9.0/10:
Even after you (beat) the game, new quests, locations, and characters open up. And those decisions you made as king? They’ll affect the way the world looks and behaves, too. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say that when I said just about everybody died, I wasn’t kidding. From raising a family, becoming a land baron, and even partnering up with friends locally or online, this is the most fully realized version of Albion yet. It’s a must-play for fans of adventure or anyone who thinks they can run things better than those bums in Washington. Good luck.
1UP gives it a “B+”:
Of the trilogy, Fable 2 still proudly stands as the apex — a magnanimous leap over its predecessor and as one of the best games on Xbox 360. Fable 3 almost eclipses it, but it stumbles along the way, and alternates between, “it’s Fable 2, but better” and, “it’s not as good as Fable 2.” Nonetheless, Fable 3 is even simpler than its predecessor while remaining utterly and distinctly charming when compared to the rest of the 360’s library — it just isn’t quite as magical as Fable 2.
GamePro gives it a 4/5:
I can’t say I didn’t enjoy Fable III. I’m on my ninth wedding and I sometimes load it up just to play the Lute Hero job mini-game. The plot really sticks in my craw, however, to the point where I almost don’t want to talk about it at all — pretend it doesn’t even exist. I mean, how can I really say I enjoyed a game where the only way to win is to not play?
Games Radar gives it a 9/10:
Although Fable III’s streamlined approach to the traditional Fable concept might feel a little odd to franchise veterans at first, this iteration is every bit as engaging and rewarding as its predecessors. Moreso, in fact, given that Lionhead’s subtle but deeply effective changes to character and world interaction add such a tangible sense of attachment. Big, clever and funny, you’ll rarely have enjoyed going through such punishing emotional torment.
FileFront gives it an 80/100:
If you’ve played previous Fable games, you’ll know exactly what to expect from this game. It’s really funny and full of enthralling side quests, the main mechanics aren’t anywhere near as dynamic as Peter Molyneux would have you believe, and the story isn’t quite satisfying. But that’s cotton candy for you.
RealGamer gives it a 9.5/10:
Fable III pushes the idea of the second game that little bit further, challenging players to prove their worth as a ruler. But not only that gives you a great deal of freedom on how you do it making it an even more engrossing experience that is hard to put down once the story and world of Albion grabs you.
Cheat Code Central gives it a 3.7/5:
Fable III is a good game, and in some ways it’s a great one. But playing it, one can’t help but wonder what it would be with better combat and a more thoughtful second half.
Resolution Magazine gives it a 9/10:
Fable III isn’t a hard game. I was only knocked out a handful of times and even then that was down to my own foolishness more than anything else. If all you do is power through the main quest, it’ll be over relatively soon too and it does end rather abruptly admittedly. Take your time and enjoy the genteel pace and it’s ridiculously hard not to love. It’s a game full of soul and charm. It’s the comfort food of gaming. It’s just plain old smile inducingly wondrous.
RPGSite gives it a 92%:
There are problems, yes, but in a nutshell Fable III is a flawed diamond, and it’s one that shines pretty bloody bright as a fun, unique twist on RPG traditions of old. It seems by testing the player’s ability to keep promises, Lionhead has been able to keep a few old promises of their own.
BeefJack gives it a 9.5/10:
If you need any further convincing, let me put it like this: when I began playing Fable III, it was about 8AM. I only stopped playing when I realised it was getting dark outside, nine hours later. It had sucked me in entirely, and I’d scarcely noticed that I was slowly simmering in my own filth.
GamingTrend gives it a 91/100:
Even if you don’t play Fable 3 more than once, you can expect about 20-25 hours to play through the core game, and anywhere from another 15-20 more if you decide that you want to see most of everything the game has to offer. But I’d recommend not charging straight through go wander about and sniff the proverbial flowers and have fun exploring the world of Albion.
SPOnG gives it a 92%:
Fable III is a truly great sequel lush graphics, full of humour and coated with the fantastic British sheen that only Molyneux can deliver. The attempt to refresh the series with a brilliant strategy-sim concept is stunted by Lionhead’s inability to flesh it out post-story. You’ll play this for ages, and love every second of it too, but by the time you get to the truly special part you’ll want to avoid reaching the very swift conclusion for as long as possible.
Planet Xbox 360 gives it an 8.7/10:
Though Fable III doesn’t change the formula too much from what worked in Fable II, it’s a strong continuation of the series for Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios. It’s got great replay value, between the side quests and moral judgment calls, and the presentation, though not quite flawless, is truly fit for a king. Time to roll down the Road To Rule and see what kind of leader you truly are; Fable III is in-stores exclusively for the Xbox 360 this week.
MSXbox-World gives it an 8/10:
For those of you looking to rekindle the Fable flame and get online and have digital babies, then there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. You’ll feel right at home with what’s on offer, and be glad to make decisions for the greater good. It’s an entertaining ride, and one that has the legs to keep you hooked from humble beginnings to royal conclusion.
TeamCTF gives it an 80/100:
If you’ve played previous Fable games, you’ll know exactly what to expect from this game. It’s really funny and full of enthralling sidequests, main mechanics aren’t anywhere near as dynamic as Peter Molyneux would have you believe, and the story isn’t quite satisfying. But that’s cotton candy for you.
Cheats Unlimited gives it a 96%:
I have to admit that I expected to initially like this game but then lose interest after a few hours, as with previous Fables, but this has not been the case. The gripping plot, excellent voice talent, smart humour and slick controls have all managed to keep my attention to the point where I am going ‘okay, just 1 more chapter…’ for the tenth time at 3am in the morning. This has always been my acid test for a great game, and Fable III certainly passes muster. Overall this a cracking game that, if it weren’t for few minor niggles, would get a perfect score. Mr. Molyneux you’ve finally done it, if you don’t get your 5 million sales for this magnum opus you probably never will.
No Added Sugar doesn’t score it:
When the threat has been dealt with, and it is over very quickly, you really don’t feel very Kingly; there’s no more management to do, and thus no more power to wield. It all feels a little half-baked, Lionhead needed to find a way to make playing as a King different to the game it already was, but haven’t. It is generally well-written, and some of the choices you are asked to make are genuinely vexing, but the direction the game goes in once you take the throne feels like a mistake. I will try a less moral replay, and I’m interested to see how it will work out, but I doubt again that I will be compelled at all to carry on after the fleeting plot has drawn to a close.
GMR FM gives it an 8/10:
Despite a few minor technical hitchs Fable 3 manages to be the best game in the series by far by basically turning its back on the things that bogged the games that came before it down. A simplified interface, combat and interaction system means the games world is allowed more structure which leads to it being the most engaging representation of Albion so far.
Guardian gives it a 4/5:
Despite these concerns it is hard not to get sucked into Fable 3. The combination of gaming styles action, role-playing and strategy works wonderfully together and there are some real consequences to your decisions. It may be too accessible for hardcore RPG fans but Fable 3 is hugely enjoyable and the perfect game to play on a cold winter’s evening.
And Just Push Start gives it a 4/5:
Everything that fans loved in a Fable game can be found in Fable III. The ability to make choices, build a family, and venture through the colorful world of Albion is one of the things Fable is known for. However, for fans who are expecting something new in Fable III will be disappointed as the game plays much like Fable II. Sure, there are some things new in Fable III like the leveling system, but did you know that it’s bad? Nevertheless, Fable III is still a solid title and hardcore Fable fans shouldn’t miss it.
