ChrisTalbot.com

Jacquie was out of the house on Wednesday and Thursday night, so I put quite a few hours into Fable. For those that know the game's story, I'm passed the arena, my character has married Lady Grey and I saved just outside of the Grey House. I'll be going there next and doing whatever the quest is. I think my in-game timer is nearing the eight-hour mark. I figure I probably have another four to six to go.

While the game is fun, I think it's a bit overrated. It's not a spectacular game by any means. It has some serious problems -- or perhaps I should say it has things that I really don't like. The aging rate is too quick. After half a dozen quests, I'd aged twenty years. My guy isn't much of a hero if he's only really been able to do a quest every three or so years. Also, as you age, nobody around you ages. That's just dumb.

The game is also really railroady. There aren't that many optional quests at the Heroes Guild. This is kind of disappointing, and I'm sure it's contributing to the rush-rush pace of the game. They could've at least put in some more filler quests.

Maybe it's the old school platformer in me, but I really don't like the absence of a jump button. I know it wouldn't really add anything to the game, but I just like the ability to jump in a game like this.

Also, why are there are no shields? I can buy a sword, armour ... but not a shield? Why? What the hell kind of a swordsman doesn't use a shield? Sheesh!

And really, there's just not a lot of depth to the game. I think the developers spent too much time adding in little bits of coolness and not enough time developing the side stories.

Still, despite my complaints, I'm enjoying Fable for what it is. I don't know if I'd want to buy the planned sequel, though. And I seriously doubt I'd play through it a second time.