Fable (2004)
RPG

Publisher	Microsoft
Developer	Lionhead

The role-playing game seems to be in real danger of collapsing in upon itself with many new titles appearing almost indistinguishable from each other and increasing complexity making them extremely off-putting for all but existing fans of the genre. Fable, though, is something different. Created with input from famous games designer Peter Molyneux (designer of titles such as Populous and Black & White), it aims to be as accessible as it is open-ended, as the character you control gains experience, ages and chooses whether to follow the path of good or evil--or occupy a grey area between the two.

Fable is played entirely in real-time, so there are no random encounters or turn-based battles to endure; your character gains experience in four main areas--general, strength, skill and will--during all their actions from combat to talking to villagers. Specialising in a certain area allows your character to become an archetypal fighter, wizard or jack-of-all-trades.

The game's real flexibility though is in the way you interact with other characters in the game, with the option to charm, bribe, intimidate and flatter as appropriate. A character's attitude towards you is further influenced by your notoriety within the game world and even your sex appeal, allowing you to play the game exactly as you want. The only problem with Fable is that the combat is a little unconvincing and awkward, but with so much else going on this hardly seems to matter. --David Jenkins