Fable 2 Pub Games – Xbox Live Arcade review

Apparently trying to drum up anticipation for the release of Fable 2, developer Lion Head has spewed forth this mini-collection of minigames. While designed to be passable time-wasters, these three games, including Keystone, Fortune’s Tower, and Spinnerbox also have a nefarious hook: money you earn in these promo games actually carries over when you buy and play the full Fable 2 game, so you can start out already rich.

Keystone

Fable 2’s take on Craps is a remarkably strong and balanced game of chance, with lots of different ways to gamble on the outcome of the roll of three dice. The strongest and most skillful of the three, Keystone isn’t quite the most fun…

Fortune’s Tower

A game of almost pure luck, Fortune’s Tower shouldn’t be nearly as much fun as it is. It’s a straight card-drawing game, with each fresh draw offering more cash but a higher chance of failure. It’s deliciously nerve-wracking as each line reveals itself. Unfortunately, someone discovered an exploit that allows you to get rich way too easily. Hopefully this problem will be fixed soon.

Spinnerbox

Spinnerbox is Fable’s fruit machine, minus everything that makes fruit machines fun; and fruit machines aren’t much fun anyway, so as you’d expect, it’s the weakest of the bunch. No holds, no nudges - just a tap of the A button and a spin of the discs; matches score, odd symbols fail. That’s about it. Ignore, unless you’re a serious, mental gambling addict.

Overall, Fable 2 Pub Games is a very expensive package, but the rewards in the wider world of Fable 2 could be great. It’s essential only for players who plan on spending a lot of time with the full game.

Aug 22, 2008