PSA: Fable 2 Episodes now available, first hit's free

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 29th 2009 at 10:20AM }

The first installment of Fable II Episodes is available now on Xbox Live -- for free. Think of it as an extended demo for the magical adventure that became the Joystiq Game of the Year for 2008. We have no idea where exactly the first episode ends and, more importantly, we have no idea how much the next servings will cost (we're waiting for confirmation).

Depending on the total price, it may be better to pick up a physical copy of the game or wait for the "game of the year" edition. Don't let the first-hit-is-free drug dealer tactic reel you in while alternatives exist, friend.

Tags: fable-2, fable-2-episodes, fable-2-episodic, lionhead, lionhead-studios, microsoft, rpg

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gobo @ Sep 29th 2009 10:26AM

They say you can't get achievements until you purchase episode 2. Episode 1 is pretty much just a demo.

Cole @ Sep 29th 2009 10:34AM

What are the chances the achievements are a different set than the full game?

Paul @ Sep 29th 2009 10:34AM

wow that really sucks about no achievements. i saw a comment on major nelson's post about this saying he heard the other 4 episodes are going to cost 1160 points each. if that is the case, then the 4 episodes alone will still be around 58 dollars which means you are basically paying for the first one in the long run. basically another insulting games on demand price since you can get the game brand new for 30 dollars at gamestop.....

Markez @ Sep 29th 2009 8:51PM

When have they ever allowed you to get cheevos for something that's a demo or trial xbla game? Other than Hexic, which is actually a free game? I'm assuming never? Why on earth would you think you would get cheevos off it?

gobo @ Sep 30th 2009 5:53AM

Because it is considered a part of a full game. It is episode 1 of 5. It isn't a trial or a demo, you can't even access episode 2 without it. It is a crucial part of the game, and it is a part of the game that rewards you with achievements on disc. Unofficially, it is just a Fable II demo one year post-release. I've played, loved, and completed Fable II numerous times, so it isn't a big deal for me... Just don't waste your time downloading it thinking you'll get a bunch of free cheevos unless you plan on getting each subsequent episode.

1v100 is supposed to have cheevos, as is JoyRide. Both free games.

Peter Molyneux [Planeteer | Power of Inspiration, Ingenuity & General Bullshitery] @ Sep 29th 2009 10:37AM

You're welcome gents.

MystileArmor @ Sep 29th 2009 10:40AM

For what? Instead of focusing their time on chopping Fable 2 into bits, why don't they just make some new DLC and fucking make it a substantial length. Don't get me wrong, I liked the Fable 2 DLC, but it was short as fuck.

Peter Molyneux [Planeteer | Power of Inspiration, Ingenuity & General Bullshitery] @ Sep 29th 2009 10:53AM

*sigh* Okay, Mystile, I'll explain it to you in a way that you can understand. The Fable 2 Episodes equate to the same game in a new delivery system. Therefore, it is a new experience. You can experience the same magic of Fable 2 in a new, revolutionary way. Of course, your question of DLC is valid. I am spending much of my time now working on Fable 3, which will be fully Natal controlled. Imagine it! You make sweet love to your virtual wife by air humping. It's quite brilliant and will draw the player more deeply into the experience.

And again, for the new way to play Fable 2, you are welcome, Mystile and everyone else. No need to thank me. Your money will be plenty of thanks and praise

finnith @ Sep 29th 2009 12:17PM

I see how you got your name.

Ryan @ Sep 29th 2009 12:20PM

"You make sweet love to your virtual wife by air humping."

And have a real life divorce on your hands?

I think this Natal thing is already starting to go too far.

Victor @ Sep 29th 2009 2:09PM

More like Peter Moneylux HAH!
I'll shut up now :(

NaeemTHM @ Sep 29th 2009 10:50AM

I liked my time spent with Fable 2, it was a fun ride. That said, MAN was it easy...I have no interest in any DLC because I feel it would be a waste of money.

You can hit the minus button now T___T

iamnotafish @ Sep 29th 2009 11:19AM

I also found it super easy. However, I did spam the same commands for every set of enemies - summon zombie friends, charge lightning attack to full, release, pound with hammer, repeat until all enemies are dead.

However, the story was phenomenally well told and the artwork was beautiful.

Petebot330 @ Sep 29th 2009 11:27AM

Yeah it's really easy. The other thing that keeps it from being compelling is that it's not nearly as immersive as 1st person roleplaying games like Fallout 3 or Oblivion. Even the 3rd person Bioware games manage to be more immersive, so I'm not sure why I feel like the game kept me at arm's length.

Rhamsey @ Sep 29th 2009 10:57AM

Eh, this format for retail games doesnt make sense to me, but since the first one is free, why not try it to see how it works.

John Z @ Sep 29th 2009 11:28AM

I don't see why this is such a bad thing. Major Nelson mentioned in the blog post that save data would be compatible with the retail copy, so quite frankly if after playing the free chapter, I decide I want to go get a used copy, all the better.

My question is, though, that if we can't get achievements in chapter 1, will those achievements be awarded to us when we start chapter 2 in the retail game or download?

Markez @ Sep 29th 2009 8:56PM

Well now that's actually a sensible question, not like the foolish 1st post in the thread acting like it's a scam not to get free cheevos off of what is essentially a demo, or trial.

Going off this from Major Nelson, "After completing the chapter, you have the choice to then purchase the next installment and continue your adventure. Fable II: Game Episodes fully compatible with the disk-based, retail version of Fable II, allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase Fable II at retail. The episodes also deliver full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, Knothole Island and See the Future."

I would *think* you wouldn't get shafted out of the cheevos, but who knows.

Ryan Hamilton @ Sep 29th 2009 11:33AM

I would get it, except that I did everything possible in Fable II.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/3537877538_8aa2b94804_o.jpg

Wehooo @ Sep 29th 2009 11:43AM

Bitch, bitch and moan. This is great for us who never picked up the game.
And for alla of you who cry about the possible price being the same as buying it in the stores, most people never finish their games so for them its great not having to pay for the end.
This doesnt change your former Fable 2 experience.

Paul @ Sep 29th 2009 4:01PM

so what you are saying is i should NOT buy this game at gamestop for 30 dollars (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?product_id=70785) but rather purchase each one of the episodes and pay almost 60 dollars instead? i like to get the most out of my purchases so i actually do finish the games i buy. also, when i do finish this game, you still think its smarter to buy these episodes rather than the physical game which i could trade in or sell when i'm done? this is not helping me want to play this game as if i really wanted to play it, i would have bought it by now. or i could rent it. or i could borrow it from a friend. plus, its not like this has any sort of multiplayer so there is no value once you finish the story. but whatever.

Wehooo @ Sep 29th 2009 4:26PM

No I'm saying download the first free episode, if you enjoy it and know that you will play it to the end, then buy the disc.

I really want to play the game but have not had the time to play it yet.

AlpahGeeeK @ Sep 29th 2009 11:40AM

What does PSA: mean at the beginning of this post's title?

Ethan @ Sep 29th 2009 11:44AM

Google is your friend.

But since I'm typing, Public Service Announcement.

Wehooo @ Sep 29th 2009 11:45AM

PlayStation Active

AlpahGeeeK @ Sep 29th 2009 11:48AM

Thanks Ethan.

Adam777X @ Sep 29th 2009 1:34PM

Hey there Molyneux! I love Fable 2 and I have nearly all the Achievements for it, but I must ask you a question: why does the framerate lags a lot, it makes the experience worth less :(

Peter Molyneux [Planeteer | Power of Inspiration, Ingenuity & General Bullshitery] @ Sep 29th 2009 3:14PM

Hey there Adam. I appreciate your love and praise and I look forward to your purchase of Fable 3.

The framerate lags because well, the game knows what you do in your room at night and it doesn't like it. It then reports back to Lionhead Studios through Xbox Live and I must say, that I don't like it either. Only animals behave like that Adam. Have some shame.

Adam777X @ Sep 30th 2009 12:04PM

Haha, good one. You definitely won there, Molyneux! And I will definitely buy Fable 3 and Natal when it come out!

Oh and Molyneux! I have 100% on Fable 2, as a good hero! Now you know how much I love the game you dreamed and you guys made at Lionhead!

(So, ... when will a patch come out?)

Tomsta666 @ Sep 29th 2009 12:38PM

This is cool I suppose for people who have yet to play the game. Ive just finished it, so Im not that bothered myself. But I like this idea of try before you buy extended demos. I hope more companies do this. Well played Lionhead.

Slade @ Sep 29th 2009 3:50PM

hey bout how long is the "extended demo"

torontodirk @ Sep 29th 2009 4:48PM

Just a quick question to anyone that can answer. I borrowed the disc of Fable 3 from a friend of mine, but had to return it a week later. If I play this episode 1 version, will it recognize my saved game from when I played the disc?

Just curious.

torontodirk @ Sep 29th 2009 4:49PM

Just a correction, I meant to say Fable 2.

MindTheGap76 @ Sep 29th 2009 5:01PM

I just played through Episode 1. It lasted me a little less than three hours (I'd guess, I wasn't timing). You go through the introduction of being a boy, the first dungeon as an adult, and then do a single quest that opens up a roadblock. When you try to move on to the next town through the now-cleared blockade, it prompts you to purchase Episode 2, which costs $10 (800 points).

Also, no achievements. Every time you earn one, it prompts you to purchase Episode 2 to unlock it. So a glorified demo, but still, a welcome demo.

I'm not big into downloading full retail games—I like owning a disc if I'm paying more than twenty bucks. Anyone have any idea if my save game/unlocked achievements from this first episode will transfer over if I purchase the retail game?

MindTheGap76 @ Sep 29th 2009 5:05PM

Akashic @ Sep 29th 2009 5:39PM

For a sandbox game(or open world w/e), it is ridiculously short. Like sooooo short, it left me wanting more, which there wasn't unless you waste more of your money.

I started an evil greedy version and I find it hard to try and finish it knowing the ending is practically the same no matter what you do. There's also nothing to do after beating the game unless you skipped the sparse short side quests.

Also didn't like the customization, there are barely any clothes in the game, I always wear one thing the entire run. Also your character was always ugly and so was everyone else in the game. Except for like the blind woman, but that smile, you know she has something up her sleeve.

Feels like I played half a game. I've learned my lesson, Fable 3 is a rent game for me.

Sorry for flaming the game, but games shouldn't get away only being told about the good things. Also I flame cause the bad outweighs the good in this game.

Just got sucked into the hype.

Kev (XBL: ksiddique) @ Sep 29th 2009 11:07PM

Fable II Episodes is available now:
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games/offers/00000001-0000-4000-8000-00004d5307f1

Riley @ Sep 30th 2009 3:58AM

Wow, thanks! I never would have known that, unless maybe I read this article...

Kev (XBL: ksiddique) @ Sep 30th 2009 9:22AM

You're welcome. If you actually read the article you would have noticed that there was no link to the XBLM.

Benny @ Sep 30th 2009 9:05AM

Episode 2 is 960 points in the UK.

Squintin @ Oct 1st 2009 4:28PM

I just played through this episode and having never played the game before I loved it. I also loved the ridiculous 2nd Player XP exploit. I maxed my stats in a matter of minutes on just a demo of the game! My brother owns this game and he barely plays games anymore but is addicted to this one. I'm definitely gonna take his copy off of his hands soon.