fabled anniversaryrecently released by Microsoft for Xbox 360, celebrates the (almost) 10th anniversary of the original Fablereleased in September 2004 for the original Xbox console. Anniversary is a faithful HD remaster of the original game, including all additional elements lost chapters content, along with some updates such as the addition of achievements, SmartGlass functionality, and a new save system.
The first thing you’ll notice, and only because they make a big deal out of pointing it out every time you load the game, is the SmartGlass functionality. For those who don’t know, SmartGlass is an app for Xbox 360 and Xbox One that allows Android, iOS, and Windows compatible devices such as tablets and smartphones to connect to a console to provide a number of features. Usually SmartGlass just turns my iPhone into an awkward Netflix remote to use, but with fabled anniversary you can use it to compare on-screen images to original Xbox graphics, take screenshots, and browse the map. It can also be the key to revealing some hidden items in the game and an easy 25 point achievement.
Once you get past the SmartGlass splash screen/initial banner and start the game, the next thing you’ll notice is the graphics overhaul. fabled anniversary it’s downright beautiful, and it’s not hard to see where the 15 months Lionhead Studios spent developing this game went. The world of Albion and its familiar surroundings are brought to life with updated lighting, high-definition skins and textures, and overall improved graphical fidelity. So good, in fact, I ran into some frame rate issues more than once. Whether that was due to my machine, the record I was playing, or just a bunch of extra pizzazz thrown into a 10-year-old game remains a question.
if you have played Fable, Anniversary it will definitely be familiar. Aside from the graphics and audio overhaul, the game itself remains essentially unchanged. fabled anniversary It’s definitely not a reimagining of the original game, but more of an update. Fans will likely be pleased that the mechanics, story, and side content remain unchanged, but those who haven’t played the original will find an ‘open world RPG’ that doesn’t feel very open, voice acting passable but outdated, and Fable game that is less feature rich than Fable II gold Fables III.
That’s not to say there isn’t a lot here. As a hero of Oakvale and card guild member, you will have many quests to do. There are still houses to buy and move into or later rent as a source of income. There are titles to win; after all, no one wants to be known as Chicken Chaser for the entire game. Oh, and you’ll have to decide if you’re good or bad, of course. Will you be a hero to the people of Albion, or will you save them from their own ruling through fear and intimidation?
The game is not perfect. Aside from the occasional graphical slowdown, it would have been nice if the team at Lionhead Studios had spent maybe one of the fifteen months they spent on this game rebuilding the arcane menu system or reducing load times. The graphics are nice and all, but it might not be worth waiting 15-20 seconds every time you change areas. Still, if your only exposure to Fable the series is II gold third, this is absolutely the best way for a 360 owner to take a look at the roots of the franchise. At the affordable price of $39.99 new, fabled anniversary it’s an obvious truck for die-hard fans of the series. Casual fans and achievement hunters will find plenty to keep them busy here too. Look for it in your local Slackers today.
