Cert: 16+
Platform: Xbox 360
Genre: RPG
An hour into Fable 3 I was leading a clutch of chickens to their coup singing bock-bock-bock while dressed as a giant hen. Welcome back to Albion.
Fable 3 is quintessential British. The voice cast sounds like a who's who of UK comedy (Simon Pegg, Stephen Fry, John Cleese...) and the 22-piece orchestra score is equally impressive. The game falls into two equally funny halves. The first is all about overthrowing an evil king who just happens to be your sibling, while the second, and arguably the most original part, revolves around ruling Albion for yourself.
Lionhead and it's boss Steve Molyneux are famous for making sometimes extravagant claims about their games but to their credit Fable 3 is a real achievement. Take the concept of menus; they've been done away with. Instead when you press start the game takes you to a 'sanctuary' where you change clothes, fast-travel and activate the much improved co-op mode. Then there's the weapons which evolve with your character and the visible way towns fall or prosper under your rule.
There are a few technical flaws. Objects pop in and out of view with alarming frequency and there's a jarring transition when you click on villagers. And you could argue that the novelty of farting and belching in front of strangers has worn off a little since the last game - that is if the novelty of farting and belching can ever wear off.
Inspired.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 4/5
Game Play: 5/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 5/5
Reviewed By: Bryan Collins
