Fable III Reviews

Quite a few new Fable III reviews have been posted to the web this weekend, with the scores and overall perception ranging from dismal to very enthusiastic.

PALGN gives it a 7/10:

For all that is good and unique about the game, for all the potential, for all the endearing charm and regardless of what promises have and have not been kept, for the first time in the series, Fable III is unable to transcend the sum of its parts. For the issues of design and playability, all the good aspects are enough to offset the bad ones. And as it stands, there really is nothing out there that will give you the same experience as Fable III. Unfortunately though, the simplification has just gone too far and the technical deficiencies can often make the game a chore. So once again, while you’ll still have you’re fun; we’re left to lament the unfulfilled potential of another Lionhead title.

GameArena gives it a 5/10:

It’s the same kind of hyper-achievement-meaningless-stat-farming present in most Facebook games – an apt analogy for the Fable series as it constantly ‘˜streamlines’ its gameplay elements. Facebook games don’t pretend to be something they are not however, clearly displaying themselves as fun little time wasters. Fable III meanwhile is still attempting to convince the world it is an extraordinary achievement – the truly extraordinary achievement about the Fable series is its continued existence.

Game Revolution gives it a “B”:

The fact of the matter is Fable III feels like Fable 2.5 rather than a full-on sequel. Just like the King of Albion, you need to be responsible for the things you say and the promises you make, no matter what the consequences. Or just learn to keep your mouth shut until the game is totally done. Fable III is a good game, but it should be a great game, and that’s all on you.

GamingLives doesn’t score it:

If you enjoyed the series and the works of Lionhead, you have probably already bought this game, but if you have never played a Fable game and you want to play a well executed action RPG then you need to get Fable III. Fable III may have its flaws but over all, its well worth the price of admission.

Gaming Age gives it an “A-“:

While Fable II seemed to regard the story as secondary to the newest toys thrown into the mix: making money and babies, Fable III draws our attention back to character building and history making. Instead of adding layers of game on top of the story, this latest edition does a wonderful job of making the story and the new ideas work together.

Bits ‘n Bytes gives it a 5/10:

I’m so frustrated with Lionhead Studios. This game should have, could have been better. Had they not rushed it out onto shelves and given it another year or couple months of development, I know this would have been wonderful. There’s so much potential, but the sheer amount of flaws this game is riddled with made it impossible for me to enjoy myself.

ConsoleGaming gives it an 8.5/10:

In conclusion, Fable III is a fantastic sequel to what was already a brilliant game. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a major change that would excite newcomers. I can only see Fable veterans purchasing this. Although the inclusion of some celebrities to act as the voiceovers might entice some new gamers into the franchise, it won’t be enough to attract a larger audience. Fable fans will love what this has to offer, despite the formula being changed a little bit. If you have never played any of the games but love story-based titles, this is definitely one to pick up.

 GameFreaks gives it an 8/10:

Despite the drawbacks however, and there’s plenty of them, Albion is a land I have fallen in love with in the past and I continue to love it. Replay number two will be starting up shortly and that’s a rare thing for this old gamer.

Newbreview gives it a 3/5:

Once again Peter Molyneaux and Lionhead studios have promised us the world and delivered Sweden. Fable III does very little to expand on the formula established in Fable II and many of the alterations it does make are actively harmful to player engagement and empowerment. However, it has also kept most of what was lovable and charming and genuinely joyful about Fable II and married it with the most expansive and well-drawn game world so far. The new Ruler mechanics are hesitantly implemented and ultimately disappointing compared to what might have been, but they provide enough scope for replay and experimentation to justify their presence for now. Ultimately, as with every game Molyneaux has ever made, Fable III is a truly brilliant sequel waiting to happen.

And Megabits of Gaming gives it a “Rent It” verdict:

I’ve considered past games like Comic Jumper and No More Heroes to be so damned funny that they are more than worth overcoming their flaws. But Fable III is pushing the limit of my need for quirky humour. It’s got oodles of cheeky blokishness and memorable characters, but it’s also not particularly enjoyable on numerous fronts. Playing Fable III did give me the strong urge to play Fable II, which is readily available for cheap prices, so maybe you should just revisit that instead.