Nothing makes you feel old like realising the "recent" song you like is actually 20 years old, or the TV show you still quote regularly like everyone should know it ended 15 years ago.
Such was the feeling I got when the release of Fable Anniversary made me realise it was a decade ago when I was running around the screen kicking chickens on the original Xbox. Although it wasn't the first game to do it, Fable really nailed the RPG gameplay where every action the gamer takes has a consequence. Its relatively simple levelling system and user-friendly interface made it accessible and enjoyable to those, like myself, who couldn't really be bothered with the RPG genre.
Fable Anniversary is the same game with an extreme makeover. It's been upgraded to 1080p with new textures, lighting and special effects. At face value it looks like a stunning, brand-new game.
The interface, navigation and save system has been rebuilt from the ground up, with lightning-fast load times to explore the world of Albion. You can now save at anytime, anywhere - even during quests. Across the board, Fable is more accessible to the casual gamer than ever. It does seem a bit of a shame, however, that the slick combat system of Fable II or III hasn't been used in Anniversary. Instead, we are stuck with the rather clunky affair dealt up in the original. Not a game-breaker but a shame nonetheless.
With the Lost Chapters expansion included on the disc, Fable Anniversary is well worth a trip down memory lane, or is the place to start if you've never played the series. Ian Knott
