Third time's the charm for Fable

From its infancy, the Fable series has reinvented and revolutionized the role-playing game (RPG) genre. The newest addition to the franchise is no exception. You know you are dealing with a different Fable when you're miniaturized and sucked into a table-top RPG governed by three of the worst game-masters Dungeons & Dragons has ever seen. From start to finish, the added multidimensional elements make Fable 3 the richest experience yet.

You know you are dealing with a different Fable when you’re miniaturized and sucked into a table-top RPG governed by three of the worst game-masters Dungeons & Dragons has ever seen. From start to finish, the added multidimensional elements make Fable 3 the richest experience yet.

There is a depth to the plot that was missing in previous instalments. The fictional realm of Albion has entered industrialization and with its factories comes oppression of the commoner. Reared hearing of your father's heroic deeds (see Fable 2) you begin your quest to overthrow your brother the king, and bring salvation to your people.

After dozens of enthralling gaming hours, difficult decisions need to be made when you become king. The black and white morality you experienced up to this point is cast into shadows of grey as a great enemy threatens your people. Is it better to be loved but doomed, or hated yet a saviour? Will you have the strength to fulfil the promises you made earlier in the game? Albion pulses with life crafted through immersion rarely seen in a game.

Graphically, Fable has never looked better. More realistic than Fable 2, textures are lavish and facial expressions are consistently filled with individuality, if at times wanting in variety. Though character movement is often jittery, the mesmerizing moods and incredible details in Albion itself allow less impressive elements to be easily overlooked.

Voice acting is simply superb with the talents of John Cleese, Ben Kingsley and Bernard Hill rounding out the cast. The script is the best of the series, with a British style of dark comedy that is refreshing and entertaining. From main characters to the people you pass in the street, the voices of Albion add vitality and verisimilitude to the game.

Most innovative of all is how the menu and combat systems have been overhauled. Streamlined and fluid, players will spend less time fiddling with menus and controls and more time playing the game. The inventory-map system typical of most RPGs has been replaced by an interactive sanctuary — rooms, remnants of your heroic father's legacy, where you can access your map, clothing, weapon, and online abilities. This is just one more way that the developers keep you locked into the world of Albion.

The single button combat is beautifully simplistic, and never loses its lustre, especially given you are no longer penalized in experience points for using different combinations of magic, melee or firearms. There is a greater variety of weapons and Fable 3 uses spell gauntlets with which you can mix and match the spells you unlock with your experience points. All these are the backbone to a quest system that, regardless if you meander into the more quirky quests or stay true to the main storyline, is exquisitely riveting.

There is myriad other minute, compelling additions that add finishing touches to the elaborate tapestry of the game. A greater ethnic diversity in characters is a refreshing improvement. Finishing moves have been added, which makes combat a touch more visually visceral. Online co-op now allows you to enter other players' worlds, trade weapons, complete quests and even start families.

From quest to conquest and guns to glamour, the layering of elements plugs players into the pulse of Albion, making decisions more gripping and rewarding. It is the sense of responsibility developed that makes Fable 3 the most innovative, impressive and immersive game of the franchise. In Fable, you grew up. In Fable 2 you lived and in Fable 3 you rule.

When he's not teaching junior high, St. Albert Catholic High School alumnus Derek Mitchell spends his free time attached to a video console.