Fable 2

If you go down to Witchwood today, you’re sure of a big surprise
If you go down to Witchwood today, you’ll find that it’s in disguise
For every game that ever there was
Will soon get a kick up the ass because
A sequel’s been made, to bring us an all new Fable

Teddy Bears or no, there will soon be every reason to venture back into the land of Albion. The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved Fable is heading our way. Although an official release date has yet to be announced, gamers can expect Fable 2 to hit the stores towards the latter part of 2008 – just in time to decimate your pre-Christmas savings! Fortunately, no gamer is going to care about the price tag if the title lives up to even a fraction of the anticipation and excitement that is starting to build.

Set 500 years after the original story, Fable 2 will have you returning to an enchanted land which has “for every choice, a consequence”. Only this time around, the tagline might actually mean something. While almost universally enjoyed, one of the few perceived flaws in Fable was that the game never really delivered on the epic promise of every single action having a resulting reaction. There were definitely hints of this happening in the first title, and even the odd occasion or two of it being quite obvious, but the second Fable looks set to hold up that statement in a much more dynamic and apparent fashion.

With more freedom in a much larger setting, you will be able to adventure your way through Albion and discover just how much has changed in your 500 year absence. Towns will have grown to a near unrecognisable state and weapons evolved, to include a deadly array of firearms. The land will struggle to stay balanced under the weight of thriving villages, decaying dungeons and more moral quandaries than you could poke a stick at. The chance to perform good deeds and sinister activities will be hovering around every corner. Yes Planeteers, the power to choose is still yours.

Fortunately, your mighty hero (or heroine) won’t have to go it alone, as Fable 2 sees the introduction of a loyal canine companion. Part friend, part protector and part compass, your devoted pooch will stick with you through thick and thin, requiring only food in return for his unconditional love and companionship. Not only will he stay by your side, but will match your inner journey to the heights of heroism, or the depths of lurking darkness.

Also expanding upon the ideas from the original game, Fable 2 will allow you to indulge in the thrills of marriage, love and - if you so desire - unprotected sex. The result will be a little bundle of joy as you welcome a child into the world (although having your character involved in a same-sex marriage will, quite possibly, reduce the chance of this happening). If you do dream of re-creating the Brady Bunch in your marital boudoir however, expect your little critters to follow your every moral example, turning themselves into tiny angels or hellish brats.

Newly introduced to the realm of “Good” and “Evil” will be the subsets of “Nobility” and “Corruption”. Not directly linked, your character will be able to turn black and white into a confusing shade of grey, living life as a noble, hard working assassin, or a lazy, drunken hero.

Finally, one of the most exciting new developments will no doubt be the introduction of a long-awaited multiplayer function. Pulverising a group of Hobbes no longer needs to be a solo activity and the new dynamic Co-Op mode will definitely change the way your fable unfolds.

For those of you who simply can’t wait so long to get back into it all, you can start earning in-game currency for the Fable 2 world later this year, before the game's release to retail, by downloading and completing exclusive mini-games. Available through the Xbox LIVE arcade, you’ll be able to use your earnings to purchase weapons, armor and more for your hero.

With a revamped combat system, huge “new” world to explore and more choices than ever, Fable 2 is going to be one of the biggest releases of 2008. Be sure to stay locked to NZGamer.com as we bring you more Fable 2 coverage throughout the year and confirm these anticipated details!