Fable II Coming October 21st/CE Detailed [360]

[AgtFox]

Coming from Microsoft via a Press Release that will be posted in the next post, Fable II will see release on October 21st in North America and October 24th in Europe. They also give details of the $79.99 Collector's Edition as well. Here is a piece from the PR:

Fans eager for a head start will have the opportunity to test their luck in the Xbox LIVE Arcade title developed exclusively for “Fable II,” available on Aug. 13; those who pre-order a copy of “Fable II” at participating retailers will be given free access to download the “Fable II” Pub Games, or they can be downloaded without pre-order via Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft points. The high-stakes casino-style pub games, titled “Fortune’s Tower,” “Keystone” and “Spinnerbox” will offer players the opportunity to start earning a bounty of gold and treasures to fund their adventures in “Fable II,” ahead of the title’s release on Oct. 21.Who else is excited about the co-op play in this game where you see orbs of where people on your friends list are in the actual game and you can just walk up and join up? I know I am.

[AgtFox]

The Full PR for the release date and CE details (as well as Pub Games info):

Today, Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios announced that the highly anticipated action role-playing game “Fable® II” will ship to U.S. retailers on Oct. 21, 2008 and European retailers on Oct. 24, with subsequent release dates throughout the rest of the world in the coming months. Combining thrilling action, heart-wrenching emotional experiences and a genre-bending Xbox LIVE multiplayer mode, “Fable II” is the must-have blockbuster for 2008.

Developed by Peter Molyneux and Lionhead Studios, the creators of the critically-acclaimed “Fable” and “Black & White,” “Fable II” offers an infinite amount of choice in an open world environment, allowing gamers to become the most heralded of all heroes or reviled of all villains. Ringing in new heights of innovation for the genre and expanding upon the rich experience of the first title, “Fable II” immerses players in the expansive world of Albion.

“Fable II” pioneers a new combat system designed to allow players to truly master hand weapons, ranged combat weapons and magic, each using a different single button on the Xbox 360 controller, making the game approachable and accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers. Players will live out personal and emotional experiences like never before, whether playing solo or co-op together with a friend or over Xbox LIVE, with their constant dog companion by their side.

Fans eager for a head start will have the opportunity to test their luck in the Xbox LIVE Arcade title developed exclusively for “Fable II,” available on Aug. 13; those who pre-order a copy of “Fable II” at participating retailers will be given free access to download the “Fable II” Pub Games, or they can be downloaded without pre-order via Xbox LIVE for 800 Microsoft points. The high-stakes casino-style pub games, titled “Fortune’s Tower,” “Keystone” and “Spinnerbox” will offer players the opportunity to start earning a bounty of gold and treasures to fund their adventures in “Fable II,” ahead of the title’s release on Oct. 21.

http://www.lionhead.com/fable2/images/colledition.jpg

In addition to the standard retail version, “Fable II” will be offered in a Limited Collector’s Edition through participating retailers and will feature:


Bonus DVD – Includes new ‘Making-of Feature’ with Peter Molyneux and the team at Lionhead Studios and concept art viewer
Bonus In-Game Content (Requires LIVE account) – Includes “The Hall of the Dead” Dungeon, “The Wreckager” Legendary Cutlass Weapon and Otherworldly Bonus
Collectible Hobbe figure with accessories – From the Qee Collection comes this one-of-a-kind Hobbe figure. Nasty, brutish, and short, he roams the countryside, preying on travelers and spiriting away the children of the unwary.
48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold Trial Card – With Xbox LIVE Gold, players can show off their individual hero by inviting friends into their unique version of Albion or they can visit their friends’ Albion, and earn additional gold, experience and renown to take back into their own.
Five printed Fate Cards – These five beautiful cards foretell the Hero’s great destiny to journey across all of Albion, encountering deadly enemies and enigmatic allies. The path leads to a choice that will change the world forever.
The standard edition “Fable II” will have an estimated retail price of $59.99 and the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for an estimated price of $79.99. “Fable II” is rated “M” for Mature.

[AgtFox]

So, Dead Space and Fable II on the same day for 360 (Dead Space is also coming on PS3 and PC same day)...that could be a bit rough.

[Purple Santa]

I'm stealing the little figurine from Ms. Claus...she can have everything else...and she loves the idea of co-op...she's looking for some evav peeps to play with

[Purple Santa]

So, Dead Space and Fable II on the same day for 360 (Dead Space is also coming on PS3 and PC same day)...that could be a bit rough.

Yes it is. I'm thinking Dead Space may move...but again I say, to many good games coming out at once...a few of these games won't do well...which sucks for all gamers...

[AgtFox]

I'm stealing the little figurine from Ms. Claus...she can have everything else...and she loves the idea of co-op...she's looking for some evav peeps to play with
I have a good feeling that Co-Optimus will have this game as a Co-Op Night through Microsoft at some point. August's game is Too Human on the 20th. Here is the official Xbox.com calendar event (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/community/calendar/coopgamenight/default.htm).

[AgtFox]

Yes it is. I'm thinking Dead Space may move...but again I say, to many good games coming out at once...a few of these games won't do well...which sucks for all gamers...
Dead Space is most definitely not moving. Technically it ships on the 20th, but I don't think it's high profile enough like Madden where stores will have it weeks ahead of time.

[Sir Kodiak]

Do we know who these "participating retailers" are yet? Because getting me interested in preordering without my being able to do so is stupid. All this has done so far is keep me from preordering through Amazon because I doubt they're a participating retailer.

[bKangy]

I guess I might pre-order and then sit on it til Christmas, I won't be at home to play it during October.

[AgtFox]

Do we know who these "participating retailers" are yet? Because getting me interested in preordering without my being able to do so is stupid. All this has done so far is keep me from preordering through Amazon because I doubt they're a participating retailer.
Given the price it looks like Amazon has it available for preorder (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-9CS-00001-Fable-Limited-Edition/dp/B0014ET6EM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1218128442&sr=8-1).

[Blue]

I think Fable is one I'm going to try and get for either my birthday or Christmas. I'm looking forward to it but there are just a few other games coming out around then then that I want more and will (potentially) hold my attention longer anyhow.

[Sir Kodiak]

Given the price it looks like Amazon has it available for preorder (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-9CS-00001-Fable-Limited-Edition/dp/B0014ET6EM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1218128442&sr=8-1).

Oh, hey, their webpage now has a box indicating that they're a participating retailer. Awesome, thanks. That same box is also on the non-limited-edition one for people like me who just want the game (and the pub games).

[Heretic Machine]

Coming from Microsoft via a Press Release that will be posted in the next post, Fable II will see release on October 21st in North America and October 24th in Europe. They also give details of the $79.99 Collector's Edition as well. Here is a piece from the PR:

Who else is excited about the co-op play in this game where you see orbs of where people on your friends list are in the actual game and you can just walk up and join up? I know I am.

That actually does sound pretty cool. Reminded me of that online version of Zork where you could see and talk to other people, but couldn't interact.

[Mdot23]

Definitely stoked for this one. Co-op sounds hot.

[Sandman]

I'm getting Fable II for ~$50 shipped thanks to ordering it sometime last year from Amazon....those CE bonuses sound nice but not $30 nice.

[Whimbrel]

Sheeoot. I guess its time to finish Fable 1. I stopped playing the first time because after about 12 hours of play time my character started looking like an 80 year old leper.

[Hecubus]

I'm still debating this as a purchase. I kind of enjoyed the first game, but it was quite stripped down from the original promises made by Molyneux (what else is new.) Additionally, for an action RPG, it was far too short for my tastes, and Molyneux recently stated the play time for Fable II will be around the same length as the first--the main storyline anyway.

It did retain a few interesting ideas, but Fable contained nothing that set the game apart from other titles in the genre, for me at least.

Since I'm on the fence, I'm actually going to wait for reviews on this one. If the consensus is good to great, I'll likely pick it up. My hope is Fable II will be as great as Molyneux claims, but he's burned me before so we'll just have to wait and see.

[rpgedgar]

GameFly all the way.

[Purple Santa]

Gamestop is also a particpating retailer. No big surprise there. I know the hate for GS...but I figure I mention it since I just checked. They will be sending out emails soon to those who have pre-ordered with instructions on how to get the codes.

[karak]

I am excited for this. I think that perhaps the programing will meet the ideals.
Good times.

[Kelegacy]

GameFly all the way.

Might make sense with the incredibly short game Fable 1 was.

I'll still probably buy it, though. Who knows.

[tayaya]

As much as I'm excited about this game... doesn't Fallout 3 hit at like the same exact time?

I'll be picking up the game that comes in a lunchbox, thanks!

[Deunnero]

That's gonna be a nice CE!

Any idea which retailers get it? Or when we can start to pre-order it?

[Mr. Lake]

I am interested in when we'll start seeing those XBLA titles that will allow us to earn gold ahead of time before the game ships. Anyone know when that is happening?

[Mr. Lake]

I am interested in when we'll start seeing those XBLA titles that will allow us to earn gold ahead of time before the game ships. Anyone know when that is happening?

I uh... just learnt how to read the press release.

[DropD98]

Just got my call from Gamestop about picking up the codes for the Pub Games. I pre-ordered the CE a month ago and have been paying it off $10 every payday. Too bad I have to wait to download 'em...

[saulob]

I'm crazy about that co-op thing. Too bad no news on the PC yet :(

[violentp]

Never got into the first one so the only thing I'm looking forward to is possibly the co-op. But how long do you think this community will be active?

We need PSO ep.1 & 2 back.

[PathMaster]

Sounds cool. I still need to play Fable though..

[drakkarim]

Who else is excited about the co-op play in this game where you see orbs of where people on your friends list are in the actual game and you can just walk up and join up? I know I am.

I know I'm not :)

looking forward to the game though.

[inmostlight]

As much as I'm excited about this game... doesn't Fallout 3 hit at like the same exact time?

I'll be picking up the game that comes in a lunchbox, thanks!

Last I heard it was coming out a few weeks earlier in October, though I'm not sure if that was set in stone. I'm definitely getting both games, hope I have time to actually play them! At least with the different tones, I think I might be able to alternate between the two depending on my mood.

[Sandman]

Not sure if it's been mentioned before but according to Amazon their pre-order codes will be e-mailed August 15th.

[Telefrog]

Not sure if it's been mentioned before but according to Amazon their pre-order codes will be e-mailed August 15th.

Be wary. The preorder bonus codes are in very limited supply and Amazon doesn't let you know right away whether or not you will get one at this point.

[Deadend]

Agh, I hope it's easier to earn gold than in Fable 1 where there was no non-exploit based way to make money from what I could tell.

[torrefaction]

Oct. 7 Fallout 3
Oct 21st Fable 2

So basically..I need October through Decemember off work.

[Sandman]

Be wary. The preorder bonus codes are in very limited supply and Amazon doesn't let you know right away whether or not you will get one at this point.

I ordered back in November of last year.

[inmostlight]

Oct. 7 Fallout 3
Oct 21st Fable 2

So basically..I need October through Decemember off work.

Oh wow, I just realized that I'm already taking Oct 21 off work; I'll be out of town the previous five days, and that's my "catch up" day to pick up pet from boarding and make sure I have clean laundry and groceries. Looks like I'll have something else to do, while clothes are drying, sweet!

Now I'm secretly hoping that the vacation beforehand is nothing but rain so I'm "forced" to take the 360 with me and play some Fallout...

[Sir Kodiak]

Be wary. The preorder bonus codes are in very limited supply and Amazon doesn't let you know right away whether or not you will get one at this point.

You can cancel an order that they haven't begun to process to ship yet, so if you don't get a code, just cancel your order and preorder somewhere else.

[KamaItachi]

Oct. 7 Fallout 3
Oct 21st Fable 2

So basically..I need October through Decemember off work.

Man, Fable 2 is looking more and more tempting these days. It'll be a tough call over I should get this or Fallout 3.

[torrefaction]

Man, Fable 2 is looking more and more tempting these days. It'll be a tough call over I should get this or Fallout 3.

NO IT WILL NOT.

That's a stupid thing to say.

Fallout 3 or both. No question.

[KamaItachi]

NO IT WILL NOT.

That's a stupid thing to say.

Fallout 3 or both. No question.

If I didn't feel so burned over Oblivion, I'd agree with you. Both It and Fable promised much, and under delivered as far as I'm concerned. The difference was that fable at least was an enjoyable experience despite how easy and short it was.

[rainbowblack]

I'm going to be far too busy with Fallout 3 and LBP to even realize that this game shipped. I'll buy it eventually though

[Zaro]

I've never play the first one so i don't know what kind of game it is.
I was wondering, is there some puzzle in fable or secrets hidden in the
world, you know i little like Zelda or Okami, or it's more like a 3d baldur's gate?

Thanks!

[Kamalot]

Never got into the first one so the only thing I'm looking forward to is possibly the co-op. But how long do you think this community will be active?

We need PSO ep.1 & 2 back.

Is the Fable Co-Op available split-screen, or only over Live?

And yes... we need a game that harnesses the magic of Phantasy Star Online again.

[violentp]

Is the Fable Co-Op available split-screen, or only over Live?

And yes... we need a game that harnesses the magic of Phantasy Star Online again.

Not sure actually. It's been under my radar. Debating whether to pick up the first Fable on Live to see if it's my kind of game.

But again, they need to bring PSO back. Live/PSN release would be hot.

[Kelegacy]

Not sure actually. It's been under my radar. Debating whether to pick up the first Fable on Live to see if it's my kind of game.

But again, they need to bring PSO back. Live/PSN release would be hot.
You can buy Fable cheaper in stores (the Lost Chapters edition for 5-$10 new). I wouldn't bother with downloading it.

[saneman]

Is the Fable Co-Op available split-screen, or only over Live?

And yes... we need a game that harnesses the magic of Phantasy Star Online again.

For a while there "Couch Co-op" (http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/17630) was all they'd announced.