|
News -
Xbox 360
|
|
Written by Duff
|
|
Monday, 18 August 2008 12:34 |
|
 Fable 2 Pub Games
I happened to get my hands on a download code for Fable 2 Pub Games for the XBLA this past weekend. This wasn't a game that I would have ever bought myself but who would say no to a free game. I took the time to fire the title up this weekend and to see what it is all about; I have to admit, this is a pretty novel concept and could be something that I see other games doing in the future. Unfortunately, that is only for those people who have gotten it for free...
 Pub Games is a tie in XBLA title that will interact with Microsoft's upcoming Fable 2. The full game launches at the end of October; in the mean time players can get a head start on their custom characters of the anticipated RPG by spending some time playing the Pub Games on XBLA. Pub Games consists of three separate (medieval) casino style games. The games are rather simple with one being a card game that is similar to black jack (Fortunes Tower), the second is a dice game reminiscent of craps (Keystone), and the final game is a slot machine style game (Spinner Box). The catch with these games is that any money / gold that you make, or lose for the matter, will be carried over into you campaign in Fable 2. Players can set their selves up to start the full game at an advantage with [plenty of gold in their pocket which will help them get a head start in buying various equipment and accessories in the game. At the same time, if you manage to blow your money now, in the XBLA version, you will start the game at a deficit.
 I think that this is a very novel concept and something that I would like to see other developers do in the future. On it's own, Pub Games is not a "good" XBLA game and I cannot imagine how or why anyone would pay $10 of their own money to download the free standing XBLA title on its own. Individuals who are anticipating the retail release of Fable 2 will receive a download code for the game at no additional cost when and if they preorder the game from one of the gaming retailers. In the latter sense, the concept is ingenious.
 Who wouldn't want to give their selves a chance to get ahead in a game such as Fable 2?; or any other RPG for that matter. The games are simple and entertaining when you look at them from the perspective that they are meant to compliment Fable 2, but on their own they are far from impressive. I sort of look at them as the free games that come in an operating system like Windows. They are entertaining little time wasters but in this case there is the potential of the player benefitting from them if they so happen to play Fable 2.
Long story short... is Pub Games worth a $10 download? Hell no. However, if you are someone who is going to get Fable 2 when it launches in late October, it makes perfect sense to preorder the game and get the XBLA game for free. The mini games are enjoyable and entertaining little diversions to pass the time until the full retail game makes its way to your system. Plus, the best gamblers out there have the ability to set their selves up to start the game off with a major financial advantage.
|