Fable 2 is definitely a solid game that's marred by a few irritating aspects that are hindering the immersion that Peter and Lionhead have worked hard to create.
The implementation of a "rubber-banding" camera system in a same-couch-cooperative session is understandably a necessary
![E v i l [Evil]](/emoticons/e_v_i_l.gif)
but it's presence over a XBL session is unfortunate and unwelcome.
The lack of a system-link facility is a shame as well, but given the nature of the current camera system, players might as well play it on the single Xbox 360 anyway. Playing on a single console also allows the second player to "see" what the host player is doing (they can read the same documents, view the inventory etc. - which is better than nothing) instead of facing a "player one has paused the game" screen during a XBL session.
Other quirks such as being trapped by the crowd, the golden-guide temporarily losing it's bearings, the sometimes hit-and-miss pressing "A" to interact with objects and NPCs, the disappearance of shopkeeper NPCs, the overall lack of challenge etc., etc. are not game-breakers (most can be worked around) by any means, but can aggravate on occasion.
However Fable 2 has one of the best volumetric lighting systems I've ever experienced in any game, irrespective of platform. Watching my character being bathed with light (and shadows) from the setting sun was sublime ... wow. Many a Fable 2 sunset and moonrise are now etched indelibly in my mind. The game is also vast, so much so that it can be slightly overwhelming. Sometimes my partner and I switch the golden-guide back on to get our bearings and before switching it off again. It's also refreshing to experience a game that's vibrant and so infused with colour and movement instead of the bland and dull (is that a word?) colour schemes found in most games of this generation.
Thanks Lionhead for giving us Fable 2. When you guys return from your deserved break, perhaps you could address some of the issues that we (to varying degrees of intensity and passion
![Smily [:)]](/emoticons/emotion-1.gif)
) have discussed?
Cheers
Mr T.
aka. Lord Panda (XBL GamerTag)