UK's Telegraph names Fable II best game of 2008

by Jason Dobson { Dec 16th 2008 at 7:00PM }

The Daily Telegraph has thrown two pence in with its own "best of" video game round up, naming its top 50 games of 2008. Like X-Play before it, the conservative UK newspaper named Lionhead's Fable 2 as the best game to come along in the last 12 months, romancing the crown out from under near-winners, Fallout 3 and LittleBigPlanet.

Other games sitting atop the heap included Rock Band 2, Gears of War 2, Spore, Grand Theft Auto IV and No More Heroes, with Left 4 Dead and Professor Layton rounding the publication's top ten. Check out the rather comprehensive list and let us know if your favorites made the cut.

Tags: awards, best-of-2008, fable-2, fallout-3, gears-of-war-2, grand-theft-auto-iv, gta-iv, left-4-dead, lionhead, lionhead-studios, littlebigplanet, microsoft, no-more-heroes, professor-layton, rock-band-2, spore

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

mr mobius @ Dec 16th 2008 7:06PM

Having just watched my housemate play Fallout 3 for many hours and just watching the amazing ending, Fable II must be a good game to compete.

Warlord @ Dec 16th 2008 7:06PM

Bull

Shagittarius @ Dec 16th 2008 7:06PM

Wankers.

Marty @ Dec 17th 2008 11:27AM

I don't think it's bull, but I am surprised that Fable 2 would win GOTY anywhere, with all the other amazing games out. Don't get me wrong, I really liked the game, and it was a neat experience, but I still think there have been better games out this year.

Comet @ Dec 16th 2008 7:07PM

Fuck yes! No more heroes gets recongised!

Gonzo @ Dec 17th 2008 11:24AM

Wow.
The most overrated game of the year (possibly of all time) gets even more overrated.
The inclusion of No More Heroes is actually what convinced me that the ones who made this list have their heads way up their ashes.

Benny @ Dec 16th 2008 7:09PM

Glitch ridden, shallow with hideous controls and the most repetitive gameplay ever. Fable II was a massive disappointment for me. It looked so promising, but the shoddy excuse for a social aspect was just ridiculous (pressing right or left repeatedly is NOT fun, innovative or even remotely engaging). Combat was incredibly simple and the lack of a map was such a basic mistake.

Then there were the glitches, the half assed animation , poor controls (wth was with the running? It was like I was trying to heard my character around) and absolutely pointless dog (yeah, great, after all the hype it turned out to be an item detector!).

Sorry, I just felt cheated by Fable and I have no understanding of how it is so revered.

ice~ @ Dec 16th 2008 7:52PM

I'm gonna have to agree with every point you just made...and then make my own point that Fallout 3 is a far better, much larger, and much more engrossing game

Snowblind @ Dec 16th 2008 8:07PM

While many of these problems are true, most people are grossly exagerating them and Fallout 3 shares many of the same ones (on top of its horrific voice acting, dialogue and shoddy animations).

I personally don't think Fable 2 deserved GoTY, but I'd give it to Fable over Fallout.

Benny @ Dec 16th 2008 8:22PM

Erm, good? I don't see why people keep comparing it to Fallout 3. Both may be RPGs, but they are totally different in reality. Fallout 3 certainly has its unique set of problems, but I feel overall it is a far more complete experience with the flaws being relatively minor aspects.

Markez (Anti-Panda Death Murder Squadron) @ Dec 16th 2008 10:14PM

I haven't encountered a single glitch. I enjoyed the control scheme, especially the magic system. I don't know what you were expecting out of the dog really, I mean it's a dog that follows you around, were you expecting mind-blowing new insane world changing game dynamics? It's certainly not the most perfect game ever made, but I found the game world to be charming, the story compelling, and I've had swell replayability with it. People have been going all out overstating the glitches in the game since launch.

And honestly, acting like you've 'been cheated' by a videogame is absolutely hilarious to me.

Kellydude025 @ Dec 16th 2008 11:03PM

I just maxed out all my skills in less than a week. I feel like there is no reason to play anymore other than achievements and to complete the story

It turned from a "Sweet, i cant wait to see what the next skill will be! Wow!" to "All my skills are maxed...now what?"

And by all my skills, i mean ALLL of my skills. Including will. It was way too easy to do this.

I haven't played fallout 3 yet, but i sure hope its better than Fable 2.

In all honesty? I'm just glad GTA4 didn't win

Ceberus @ Dec 17th 2008 1:20PM

I disagree with you Benny, Like a lot of gamers I have both games and i really enjoy Fable 2 & Fallout 3, But They are completley different type of game, i have had no glitches in fable2 ( got it on release day ) and i've done nearly all of the acheivements on it and i'm looking forward to the DLC on the 22nd.. As with Fable 2 i have completed Fallout 3 twice and have now done around 950 G, and again i'm looking forward to the 3 lots of DLC coming from Jan onwards, I have had lots of glitches in fallout 3 though, where i've been stuck unable to get out from behind a car or rock etc, the voice overs in fallout 3 are quite poor but i still like it, saves take a long time just as they did in Oblivion.. No idea what you mean about ramdom button presses though.. Anyway whatever button pressses your on about its still a whole lot better than the FMV with random button presses as found in Quantum of solace!! Now that is a dire game!

I do not know

Benny @ Dec 17th 2008 1:40PM

What is it with people? I didn't even mention Fallout 3 in my post. =\

@ Markez: So, if I spend £40 on a game which promised a great storyline, strong emotional attachment (to other characters, the dog) and developed social building only to have Fable II prove miss the mark by a mile it is "hilarious" to feel cheated? I was cheated, by the hype and the reviews, into parting with my cash for a product which did not meet its advertised standards. I'd feel the same about anything, whether it be a game, a movie, a mattress or a car.

BananaBoat @ Dec 16th 2008 7:09PM

I'd give the award to Persona 4, and I'm not even kidding. Freaking incredible.

That said, it's no surprise that it won in the UK, considering it was made in the UK. Not that my English peeps are known for favoritism or anything...

Professor Lario @ Dec 16th 2008 7:09PM

I am nearly done with Fable 2... It is a very well- written, well-directed experience. It is a little RPG-light for me, but that is just personal preference.

That said I think Fable 2 as GOTY is a little ridiculous.

Monkey Madness @ Dec 16th 2008 7:09PM

I think it deserves it, I really enjoyed it and thought it was fantastic.

Though I do feel it is a very british game and no offence to anyone else they just won't get some of the humour in the dialogue imoe.

TheE3Guy @ Dec 16th 2008 7:10PM

BS, this game didn't even look that good. My friend has it and it looks boring as hell.

Moorio - XBL: peacebyanymeans @ Dec 16th 2008 7:14PM

So... you haven't played it?

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Dec 16th 2008 7:22PM

Well guess what? Because you didn't play it, YOUR OPINION DOESN'T MATTER!!

Seriously if you're going to criticize a game, it helps to at least play it first.

Professor Lario @ Dec 16th 2008 7:29PM

Have you played the game?

Can we have a new Joystiq rule - no commenting on games if you haven't even played them...

Cal @ Dec 16th 2008 8:10PM

I hope it deserves #1, still waiting for my copy (was due to be dispatched on Monday...)

But Spore #6...

Inect @ Dec 16th 2008 8:28PM

"Can we have a new Joystiq rule - no commenting on games if you haven't even played them..."

Killzone 2 owns.

Premature ejaculation man @ Dec 16th 2008 8:41PM

Professor! We'd only have a few active commentors if that were the case.

Drew @ Dec 16th 2008 9:46PM

Don't make me play E.T., Oreo. I'm scared.

TheE3Guy @ Dec 17th 2008 5:14PM

HAHAHA, I love how people can't state their opinion anymore without getting downvoted. Here's my take on it, graphics are sub-par, shitty storyline, and repetitive gameplay and dialogue from the looks of it. Funny people saying my opinion doesn't matter because I haven't played it, why would I even waste my time? It's like I can't say Heroin is bad for you because I've never done it before, fucking idiots. It has an 89 on metacritic for a reason, because it's not the best game ever. And everybody that downvoted me the first time can just keep sucking Peter Molyneux's dick.

colinbell @ Dec 16th 2008 7:13PM

Is Fable 2 the worst "best game of the year" ever? I mean, forget about the other consoles, the 360 gamers I know would rate Gears of War 2 and Fallout 3 higher than this game.

Markez (Anti-Panda Death Murder Squadron) @ Dec 16th 2008 10:18PM

Subjectivity is sure a bitch, ain't it?

Duke @ Dec 17th 2008 12:17PM

Apparently there are 360 players you don't know that say that Fable 2 was better. See how that works...

Hyams @ Dec 16th 2008 7:21PM

Spore and Far Cry 2 scored higher up than MGS4?

sk8monroe81 @ Dec 16th 2008 7:23PM

thats crazy MGS4 was my favorite game this year.
my psn id signature says so too.
(the joystiq.com fanboys dont realize this though, and only feel im a 360bot.)

Hyams @ Dec 16th 2008 7:35PM

You should totally add me. ^_^

My PSN is: Hyams

slycooper_rocker (lorddshadow the amazing) [anti-panda death squadron force five] @ Dec 16th 2008 8:37PM

hey hyams i'll add you so if you get a request from shahanasalam then add plz. kthxbai.

sk8monroe81 @ Dec 16th 2008 8:44PM

hyams are you being serious or sarcastic?

if you are serious i will def add you.
i could def use the psn friends.
i would be on my ps3 more if i had more psn friends.
most of my gaming friends are on the box.

just dont delete me if we argue on joystiq.com..
because thats different.

my psn id and gamertag is:
sk8monroe81

Sam406 @ Dec 16th 2008 7:30PM

Hahahahahahaha no.

The game isn't bad, but it's not GOTY material.

The combat is way too simple, since it's one button combat, and the magic is basically: get beat up until the level 5 spell charges, unleash apocalipse, win battle, rinse, repeat.

And the npcs had all the charisma of a robot... a vey impresionable robot, since you can get it to marry you after a couple of dances.

But enough whining, the game was enjoyable overall.
(SPOILERS!)
the ending sucked BAWLLS.
(/SPOILERS!)

Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Dec 16th 2008 7:38PM

"Get beat up until the level 5 spell charges, unleash apocalipse, win battle, rinse, repeat".

That's if you are a n00b.

Get Time stop lvl 1 to 3.

Unleash Time stop,Charge Apocalypse to LVL 5 PWN teh n00bs then Win although I won most of the battles with pure Katana/Maze or firearms since most of the time charging spells was tedious or the fight was already over.

Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Dec 16th 2008 7:58PM

BTW if anyone feels like getting the MP achievements in Fable 2 add me up I have a Lucien Doll and I need pretty much all the MP achievements.

I hate MP achievements, I kill all the friggin Gargoyles and got all the keys that should be enough to say I finished the game (A point in favor for Fable 2 was making collectable things insult you; that’s an excellent motivation to explore the game and eradicate all of them)

Markez (Anti-Panda Death Murder Squadron) @ Dec 16th 2008 10:21PM

I actually enjoyed the ending quite a bit, although I can understand why many didn't. For me, not every game has to have a boss fight to have a SICK AWESOME ending.

Hey ESC, I'd be up for it, depending upon when you're online, but my gamertag is MarkezJM

TobyMan @ Dec 16th 2008 7:32PM

This is bull

the main story line in fable was 6 hours long, 6 very boring hours with no interesting story.

their were only like 6 differnent monsters
3 type of clothes

the whole game was half done.

Arnon @ Dec 16th 2008 7:40PM

Was it half-done because it won GoTY?.. because I thought it was incredibly well done.

Dr Jeckyl and Mr ESC. @ Dec 16th 2008 7:41PM

The story wasn't all that bad except for the fact they didn't bother to finish it.I believe most of the people who think Fable 2 is GOTY haven't finish the game.

In my opinion Fable 2 is really good until you finish the 3rd quest then it seems Half of the game is missing.

sarge mat @ Dec 16th 2008 7:41PM

Fable 2 is my Game of the Year by far but at the end of the day this came from a paper and not a gaming focused media.

punchdotorg @ Dec 16th 2008 7:53PM

Fable II has made me obsessed to gain the 2.5 million in real estate wealth after the game is over. Great game.

Finito @ Dec 16th 2008 8:16PM

Though I disagree with their choice, it is refreshing to read why the hell they picked it. If you click on the source they give a lengthy explanation why they named it their GotY. To me it doesn't matter if some guy picked some game that I didn't find to be the best, as long as he has a good explanation for it.

There is no 'defintive' Game of the Year. Opinions are always going to differ, and that's okay, as long as they're voiced eloquently.

The telegraph did a semi-good job with that. They're to positive about their top picks. The same text could have been used in the Fallout 3 discourse had it been picked as number 1, but oh well.

bknight @ Dec 16th 2008 8:36PM

I dont think Fable 2 should be GOTY, but i would put it in my top 5 games.

Fallout 3 should have been GOTY

slycooper_rocker (lorddshadow the amazing) [anti-panda death squadron force five] @ Dec 16th 2008 8:41PM

bull $H!T

mgs4, lbp, or gears 2 should have won NO CONTEST. if any of those 3 win, i can rest satisfied.

aacman007 @ Dec 16th 2008 9:14PM

Oh dear god this game was the fails.

Fable 2 is the farthest thing from GOTY. Like some other guy said, it has to be, by far, the worst GOTY.

Fallout 3? Hells yeah! That's my pick for GOTY! I started 4 different chars and racked up like 40-60 hours on each character, and I'm STILL playing.

MGS4? Definitely a better pick than Fable 2, 10 times over.

Shit, I'd even pick GoW 1.8 over Fable 2, and I hate GoW (because of the douchebags online).

And even GTA 4, I have NO IDEA why people bitched about GTA 4. Epic story, great mutliplayer, graphics and physics, etc.! I'm glad it was GOTY for something, it deserved it. I find it so stupid how people are afraid to like GTA 4's hype because of other stupid people who are just jealous of it's "epoch win."

gg, no re.

"The only GOTY that counts is your own." - Me, 10 seconds ago.

Markez (Anti-Panda Death Murder Squadron) @ Dec 16th 2008 10:25PM

I personally thought the story in GTAIV was awful. Just because it went out of it's way to be dramatic doesn't make it better. Also, most people would argue the multiplayer was garbage. To each his own. And, as you quote yourself GOTY is subjective to each individual.