Guide Note

Fable 2 is an action role-playing game developed by Lionhead Studios for the Xbox 360.

Fast Facts

1. Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
2. Developer: Lionhead Studios
3. Lead Designer: Peter Molyneux
4. Genre: Role-playing game
5. Modes: Single-player and multiplayer co-op
6. ESRB rating: RP (Rating Pending)
7. Release date: October 21, 2008¹

Set 500 years after the original Fable, play as either a male or female child who slowly grows into a warrior, learning combat skills in a dangerous world of monsters. As the last hero in Albion, the player is searching for other potential heroes to create a Band of Heroes/Villains. Similar to the previous game, appearance and actions affect character development and the way NPCs react to the character. Players meet many people and may even start a family on their journey.

The combat in Fable has been described as "simple yet deep" by developer Peter Molyneux.² Each combat system exists with input from one single button, melee combat by pressing the blue button, ranged combat with the yellow button and magic with the red button. Combat is rhythm based, although the timing is broad. Pressing the X button for different lengths of time or in different patterns yields different results, similar to a morse code fighting technique. To help players with the rhythm, drums pound to signal when the X button should be pressed. Blocking is also controlled with the X button. Players will notice that their fighting style changes as their character matures. Another new addition to combat is counterattacks. Perhaps the most significant addition is that of a dog companion. The dog follows the player on their adventures and will help during combat, alert to enemy presence, as well as new areas in certain regions. The dog changes appearance based on the character's alignment with good, evil, kind or cruel. If the character elects to start a family, their children will mirror attributes.