Fable: The Lost Chapters Now Available

[Evil Avatar]

Microsoft sends along word that Fable: The Lost Chapters is now hitting store shelves.

Command your fate and embark on a journey to the wondrous land of Albion in Fable: The Lost Chapters for Windows, now shipping to stores! The fantasy role-playing game from Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios takes players on a wild adventure filled with ferocious monsters, dazzling magic and captivating lore, where every action has a consequence and a lone individual will determine the future of Albion! Fable: The Lost Chapters builds upon the legendary and award-winning gameplay of Fable—the Xbox blockbuster that has sold more than 1.6 million copies worldwide—with an extended adventure reaching the treacherous Northern Wastes, spectacular new spells, vicious new enemies and more, all optimized for Microsoft Windows XP.

In Fable: The Lost Chapters, players grow from an inexperienced child into the most powerful being in the world, spoken of by all and immortalized in legend. Your actions will shape your character’s skills, appearance and morality as your character’s life story is created from childhood through adulthood and on to old age. Will you choose the path of righteousness or a life of evil? Your character will transform to reflect every decision and action, scarring in battle and wizening with age in the world of Fable: The Lost Chapters. For more information, please visit the Fable: The Lost Chapters site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/fable.

[TrackZero]

Uh, after playing an advance copy *cough*. I can say this is a much improved version. I'm definitely going to go pick this up, as I find it much better than my Xbox version (and the PC graphics simply look better, no doubt about it). Not to mention that it can now have proper mods made for it. Also, there's almost twice the amount of quest content as the original, amoung other things.

Edit: Oh yeah, I'm also disappointed with Gamespot for reviewing this and while crediting all the new content and fixed bugs, they gave it the exact same score as it had on the Xbox. It just doesn't make any sense. It should have had at least some improvement to the score.....

[FunkyPoopMonkey]

Uh, after playing an advance copy *cough*. I can say this is a much improved version. I'm definitely going to go pick this up, as I find it much better than my Xbox version (and the PC graphics simply look better, no doubt about it). Not to mention that it can now have proper mods made for it. Also, there's almost twice the amount of quest content as the original, amoung other things.

Edit: Oh yeah, I'm also disappointed with Gamespot for reviewing this and while crediting all the new content and fixed bugs, they gave it the exact same score as it had on the Xbox. It just doesn't make any sense. It should have had at least some improvement to the score.....
The reviewer played the Xbox version before, no doubt, and it made him think less of the game because most of it he had already played before. Because of this, he is a bastard and you hate him, right?

[Orphiuchus]

For all of its quests and morality choices, I cant stand this game simply because the world feels so damn small. Every area consists of narrow paths linking up with other narrow paths. Give me a open field damnit.

[Draft]

They found the chapters, but I'm willing to bet the fun's still lost.

[Xerxes]

This game would of been cool if it had a online arena component. By the end of the game me and my friends all had different type and looking heros. And like redoing that fight at the arena, or even dueling seemed like it would of been cool.

[Ludoc]

Uh, after playing an advance copy *cough*. I can say this is a much improved version. I'm definitely going to go pick this up, as I find it much better than my Xbox version (and the PC graphics simply look better, no doubt about it). Not to mention that it can now have proper mods made for it. Also, there's almost twice the amount of quest content as the original, amoung other things.

Edit: Oh yeah, I'm also disappointed with Gamespot for reviewing this and while crediting all the new content and fixed bugs, they gave it the exact same score as it had on the Xbox. It just doesn't make any sense. It should have had at least some improvement to the score.....

That's because, as we all know, console games are inherently superiour to pc games. A PC game needs a host of improvements to even be on par with console game.

Seriously, Gamespot seems to become less relevent and in touch with reality every day.

[TrackZero]

The reviewer played the Xbox version before, no doubt, and it made him think less of the game because most of it he had already played before. Because of this, he is a bastard and you hate him, right?

Bitting into the flamebait, I'll explain further. I don't hate him. I just think it's illogical to review an expanded edition of a game and give it the same score, unless the content itself added absolutely nothing to the game experience. Considering one of the major issues with the original is it's lack of content, that definitely should have been addressed in their scoring system. Not to mention the cranked up graphics. Otherwise there's definite bias coming into play here in that the score was not changed from the original. Or definite stupidity.

Then again, Gamespot is off in their own little world, as the same thing was done when Metal Gear Solid 2: Substance came out and was rated lower on all 3 systems than MGS2: Sons of Liberty did on the PS2 in the first place. Those silly reviewers probably don't even remember what they had for breakfast. ;)

[AbeLincoln]

For all of its quests and morality choices, I cant stand this game simply because the world feels so damn small. Every area consists of narrow paths linking up with other narrow paths. Give me a open field damnit.

I didn't really have a problem with this, if you removed the world map from most classic RPGs than you'd be left with pathways just as narrow as Fabel's joining other narrow pathways leading to objectives and the only difference is how complex and confusing they are. It really wasn't something that bugged me. True, I feel a little more confined than in say KOTOR which has a similar view and running around controls, but apart from the monsters there really wasn't anything in those large open feilds, and after I was done leveling on all the beasts I was taking straight paths from one entrance/exit point to the other.

[Xerxes]

I mean do you really see such a huge jump in graphics? Looks like Fable to me. Maybe TrackZero there wasn't anything that really wow'ed him as far as new stuff goes. And from what I'm told it's only a fourth more quest which is still alot. Four new larger lands to visit. Also fixed bugs doesn't mean it doesn't have it's own bugs. And what type of mods we talking?!? Hot Ale Mods with your wife (in game wife.) ;-)

The xbox version of lost chapters hasn't come out has it?

[TrackZero]

I mean do you really see such a huge jump in graphics? Looks like Fable to me. Maybe TrackZero there wasn't anything that really wow'ed him as far as new stuff goes. And from what I'm told it's only a fourth more quest which is still alot. Four new larger lands to visit. Also fixed bugs doesn't mean it doesn't have it's own bugs. And what type of mods we talking?!? Hot Ale Mods with your wife (in game wife.) ;-)

The xbox version of lost chapters hasn't come out has it?

If you want to get anal about the new content, you can, but that's not what I'm going into, my point is only necessary to understand in a general concept. The new content does add to the game and is quite enjoyable. At the very least, you'd expect to see a .1 increase in the score. But, as I also pointed out, Gamespot never does this, because they're a bunch of cluebags. Ce la vie.

[Xerxes]

Ok it's gamespot, not Time Magazine. But if it's the same reveiwer, he may of just found the new levels more of the same. I mean if you slapped on another Halo level in the first game, hell by the end I was glad it was finally over. You know after running the same map over and over again.

Sidenote, DAMN you loved Fable on xbox, 9.9 score.
Checked you game collection. ;-)

[Wyrm]

Well if you're a good reviewer, you should be looking at every game objectively. Experiences with other games shouldnt shape your actual review, but help aid in your description of said game.

[thecrazyd]

Haha. You gave Fable a 9.9? What is the Lost Chapters? A 12?

[Orphiuchus]

I didn't really have a problem with this, if you removed the world map from most classic RPGs than you'd be left with pathways just as narrow as Fabel's joining other narrow pathways leading to objectives and the only difference is how complex and confusing they are. It really wasn't something that bugged me. True, I feel a little more confined than in say KOTOR which has a similar view and running around controls, but apart from the monsters there really wasn't anything in those large open feilds, and after I was done leveling on all the beasts I was taking straight paths from one entrance/exit point to the other.

Kotor felt small to me as well. I just hate the huge invisible wall blocking off the whole world. I'm on a new planet? Really now, then explain why I can only move around 2 acres of it.

I think I've been spoiled by gothic, gothic 2, arx fatalis(yea it was underground, but it felt open in a claustrophobic way), daggerfall, and morrowind.

[Chagrinful]

Fable was bad all around, Xbox or PC, lame predictable story, a RPG system where you HAD to have points into bow skills or you'd be fucked at the end. It was pretty lame over all, the fact that it was so restrictive and also that you fought the same 3-5 eneimes over and over. The new content was laughable and you can see why it was left out. Hell even Wind Waker had more "advanced" combat system than Fable, not too much more advanced but still a bit more to change up the pace a bit.

[Xerxes]

I'm sorry charginful the game wasn't bad... Not even that obvious with predictablility, aside from you will fight Jack. Now the enemies were the same. And the boss fight was kinda easy.

[ReaverX]

I dunno, I kinda liked Fable. I didn't go into it thinking it was going to be some "end-all GAME KILLERZ!!!11" so I wasn't disappointed at all with the gameplay or the story. It's pretty fun, just don't set your expectations through the roof.

[Vandenh]

>Every area consists of narrow paths linking up with other narrow paths.

True.. they need to fix that in Fable 2.

That online arena component would be a great idea! Mail it to Lionhead! Peter are you listening????

Anyway... really loved the first one.. it somehow felt very different, the world very European (does that make sense) and will certainly be picking this one up. Maybe for PC, maybe for XBox.... dont know yet.

[DeadPixel]

This game was booooooooooooooring. As much as I tried to like it, it kept putting me to sleep.

[Eon]

I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed creating MY character and I enjoyed the way that you really were the captain of your own fate.

I didn't enjoy the lack of content or the fact that JUST when my character was how I liked him the game ended. And I REALLY didn't enjoy the fact that my Blademaster / Fight Club champ was effectively reliant on using a weapon he found on the bridge in the way in of the last arena. :(

[Ridlin]

I loved the first one on Xbox. I played it a lot. I did a review of the pc version for DailyGame, and I gave it a lower score. It was the same game as before, complete with annoying things like the dumb stealth mission, so the "expansion" is really more of a "port".

I called it Fable : The Lost Paragraphs.

[Xerxes]

I loved the development of my character as it was... I mean I had friends telling me the combos they used compared to mines. I used to use that hulk/rage thing with the slow down time and something else that just made my fights feel bad ass...

[H.Bogard]

Edit: Oh yeah, I'm also disappointed with Gamespot for reviewing this and while crediting all the new content and fixed bugs, they gave it the exact same score as it had on the Xbox. It just doesn't make any sense. It should have had at least some improvement to the score.....

*coughgamespotareconsolefanboyscough*

seriously......their game of the year awards were a JOKE!

[MadHiro]

Between the incredibly closed nature of the game world, and the fact that stupid gameplay mechanics were integrated into the fiction of the world, I have a hard time suspending my disbelief when playing this game. This is an important thing to be able to do when playing an RPG; otherwise, you aren't assuming the role.

For instance, they have doors that only open when you hit specific triggers; okay, that could be cool. When the trigger for one of the doors is having a high combat multiplier, something that is entirely artificial? Yeah, that is really immersive. Certain quests are only completable in a totally non-intuative fashion; any of the rescue quests, the only way I've found to complete them is to just run for the exit. Actually trying to protect the person you are trying to rescue doesn't seem to work.

Without a sense of immersion, it is just an poorly done action game with a poorly executed RPG system on top. So what if your 'avatar' changes over time; he doesn't feel like you in any real way, so what does it matter?

[mpsmith]

The new lighting system (on high) is very good looking. It actually makes my framerate drop visibly (in the 40s probably) and I have an Athlon 64 3500 and a BFG GeForce 6800 GT (256mb).

[TrackZero]

Ok it's gamespot, not Time Magazine. But if it's the same reveiwer, he may of just found the new levels more of the same. I mean if you slapped on another Halo level in the first game, hell by the end I was glad it was finally over. You know after running the same map over and over again.

Sidenote, DAMN you loved Fable on xbox, 9.9 score.
Checked you game collection. ;-)

Yeah, I knew that one would come back to bite me in the ass. I also wrote that review of the game while completely ripped. I remember I was pissed at the time as everyone was ragging on the game, and I found it to be fantastic. I ended up putting in about 70 hours in Fable.

In hindsight I can see it's shortcomings. Though I'm still convinced the original game deserved to be in the 9/10 rating. It was obviously over-hyped and couldn't live up to expectations, which is always a bad thing. But that doesn't mean there isn't a quality game sitting there. Ah well.

Switching topics. You're glad Halo ended when it did? Damn. I go back and play through that game once a year, I'd love for there to be more to it. Now Halo 2, that just dragged on and on in it's single player campaign for me....

Oh, and I noticed as well, Gamespot just gave Ninja Gaiden Black the same score as the original, continuing their trend of "sure, there's way more to do, new stuff to use, but it's not any better" style of rating. I suppose they just don't like new content.

[TrackZero]

Haha. You gave Fable a 9.9? What is the Lost Chapters? A 12?

Heh, see my last post for an explanation on that one.

[TrackZero]

>Every area consists of narrow paths linking up with other narrow paths.

True.. they need to fix that in Fable 2.

That online arena component would be a great idea! Mail it to Lionhead! Peter are you listening????

Anyway... really loved the first one.. it somehow felt very different, the world very European (does that make sense) and will certainly be picking this one up. Maybe for PC, maybe for XBox.... dont know yet.

In TLC there as new plot points setting things up for Fable 2 that were quite well done (and you can tell, again, was cut out of the original due to time constraints). I won't ruin them there, but check it out for yourself if you're interested in the game at all.

[omnithrope]

I enjoyed the game, I enjoyed creating MY character and I enjoyed the way that you really were the captain of your own fate.(

If "captain of your own fate" means "you can pay money to change your faction at any time", then, yes, you were the captain of your own fate.

[omnithrope]

Is it just me, or does anyone else find this game to be insulting?

I feel like I bought an unfinished Xbox version, and now I'm going to have to pay for the PC version if I want the content that should have been there in the first place.

It feels like they rushed the game out the door, and then had time to sit back and finish it.

Now we get to pay twice for what we should have received in the first place.

[Xerxes]

I'm going to buy the xbox version of chapters... I don't feel insulted and I don't think I bought a unfinished game. It's kinda like Morrowind and Morrowind game of the year edition...

[omnithrope]

I'm going to buy the xbox version of chapters... I don't feel insulted and I don't think I bought a unfinished game. It's kinda like Morrowind and Morrowind game of the year edition...

I'd agree with you if it weren't for the fact that Morrowind was rediculously long, but Fable could be finished in an afternoon.

[Xerxes]

You get a high five from me. I ran through the game doing everything, and it took me 17 hours; but a afternoon. What's that like 4 hours between noon and evening right?

[TrackZero]

I'd agree with you if it weren't for the fact that Morrowind was rediculously long, but Fable could be finished in an afternoon.

Yeah, I'm still playing through TLC and I'm at 16 hours, I've yet to even fight Jack yet (and get to the TLC content after that). But it's certainly not in an afternoon.