Xboxist

Fable III Announcement + Fable II Goes Episodic

Gamescom just keeps delivering the goods. Yesterday, we broke the story about PS3 Slim and the long sought after PS3 price-drop. Today we bring you news on the Xbox front.

During the Microsoft press conference, Peter Molyneux of Lionhead Studios announced at GamesCom that Fable II can now be had in easily digestible, bite-size chunks called Fable II: Game Episodes. The original game has now been broken up into five chapters, which can purchased in-game all at once or individually. The first chapter will be free to play, but those wanting more will pay for each chapter as you go.

The first chapter is available on September 29 and subsequent chapters will each likely sport the price of 800 MS points. The game is compatible with Knothole Island and See the Future, so no worries if you're itching to dive right into the DLC.

More importantly, Molyneux introduced the world to Fable III -- and this time you get to play as the ruler of Albion. Coming later in 2010, Fable III takes place 50 years after the first game. You'll play as the son or daughter of your Fable II character. From there you'll lead a revolution and usurp the throne to become ruler of Albion. You will make decisions that affect the livelihood of your kingdom. Will you be a fair and just ruler, or a cruel and vindictive one?

A few new gameplay mechanics include the Judgment and Touch system. Judgment puts the decision in the player's hands over the life and death of NPCs. Will you help them on a quest or do they deserve the dungeon? The decision is yours. Touch will grant gamers the ability to physically interact with NPCs, which instantly leads to a boom in population since players now have a reason for "snogging."