Fable III

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 735 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 329 out of 735
  2. Mixed: 270 out of 735
  3. Negative: 136 out of 735
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  1. klinesmokerr
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    It's been interesting to see how critics respond to the latest iteration of a well known game franchise over the course of this year. With so many top-notch titles the market itself has felt more than saturated with grade-A content. This is far from a bad thing for us gamers. Quite the opposite as it marks a new step in gaming where we aren't overstocked on too much random IP and have aIt's been interesting to see how critics respond to the latest iteration of a well known game franchise over the course of this year. With so many top-notch titles the market itself has felt more than saturated with grade-A content. This is far from a bad thing for us gamers. Quite the opposite as it marks a new step in gaming where we aren't overstocked on too much random IP and have a plethora of games to choose from.

    The drawback has been in the way games have been received and the strange ambiguity that game critics have put forth of late. It's been a neverending series of "damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't" reviews that seem to be in constant conflict with other games. When a game like Fable III hits the shelves you'll see critics lauding the game as a triumph for its hilarity, size and willingness to change the mold, and yet another game will be crushed for doing the same. What do we as players want? The same game again? Do we want it to change? The difference in this perspective is causing critics to appear extremely random in their desires. The frustration of this all is knowing that yet another by-the-numbers FPS will be out here shortly that will roll in praise for no solid reason. We, as gamers, deserve better than that. As a result I urge you to enjoy the title for yourself and ignore negative reviews for this game because after several hours (all night) I can stamp it with a seal of greatness.

    Fable III has what I will call the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed syndrome. By that I mean you'll have harsh critical bile spewed over changes in the franchise and yet the fans will flock to it because it has a certain charm that just can't be labeled. The humor of the game is as hilarious as it's ever been and yet there are moments of true human drama that should tug at you emotionally. The games engine feels slightly dated at times, but it's never a drawback and might be considered a perk to veterans of the series. The story can feel slightly contrived at times, but there are twists to be found that make it worthwhile. It's difficult to discuss without spoilers but suffice it to say that the story is far more engaging than the so far more critically appraised Fable II.

    Everything is improved in every way. From the graphics to the story to the humor to your dog there is nothing that hasn't seen a step up in the series. Enjoy it for yourself and take the game in the lighthearted fashion it is meant to be played. If you don't you will miss out on one of this years top must play games.    … Expand
  2. Kavorkian
    Oct 28, 2010
    10
    I absolutely have to agree Klinesmokerr. What an insightful commentary. Fable 3 is so much fun. If you like Fable 1, 2, or just video gaming in general you are going to have so much fun with this game. It's a good length. The progression of the Fable Universe is interesting and insightful. I think game critics have become spoiled in a way. It's like fun factor and enjoyability hasI absolutely have to agree Klinesmokerr. What an insightful commentary. Fable 3 is so much fun. If you like Fable 1, 2, or just video gaming in general you are going to have so much fun with this game. It's a good length. The progression of the Fable Universe is interesting and insightful. I think game critics have become spoiled in a way. It's like fun factor and enjoyability has taken a back seat to automatic scoring and favoritism. Take COD Modern Warfare 2 for example. An extremely short first person shooter with a hacked and broken online multiplayer, but because it was COD it got automatic praise from the critics who just overlooked it's obvious shortcomings. Fallout New Vegas is another game that is literally broken and often times unbeatable due to glitching (including my experience with it. The game literally freezes at a certain point and now I can not go on in the game any more). The scores for New Vegas are consistantly high just because it's a Fallout game. Then great games like Fable 3 and The Force Unleashed 2 are getting mediocre reviews. Last time I checked these were GAMES. Games are made to be played. In the Star Wars the critics all say the gameplay is much improved, but they don't like the story so much so they give it a 5. Fable 3 they say the gameplay is improved but they don't agree with the direction of the story so they give it a 6. Ugh. Anyway, Long story short, BUY THIS GAME.… Expand
  3. Chellkey
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    Yes, this is probably the best game of all time, innovative, brilliant and fantastic.
    Fable has always been a great idea, the 3rd Part is now the king of this series.

    A masterpiece!

    Those who rated this game low, has no idea about good video games, or innovation. He's just a philistine
  4. JTGreat
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    Over the years Fable has been innovated over and over, but this iteration of the game adds depth, fixes, and defines the genre, This is without a doubt the Best Fable game I've ever played, and definitely my game of the year. Nuff said.
  5. Caiusto
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    This is a beautiful game. Follows the patterns of previous, but with the elements improved. The graphics, which in the former was a weak point, this is very good for a sandbox. I love it, note 10.
  6. JerryRod
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    I found Fable III to be a lot of fun, which is ultimately the most important thing you could ask of a game. It has its shortcomings -- a few technical bugs occasionally rear their ugly faces and the disjointed design stunts some of the more emotional moments -- but all told itâ
  7. Tobias
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    Brilliant game with a sense of humor, interesting quests and main story, lots of things to do. Great characters, real decisions that change the world around you. One of the best games of 360
  8. samtheham56
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    I know there is alot wrong with this game. The storyline isn't great and neither are the graphics. But I fell in love with albion and the hero of skill reaver is very funny. Strangely the one of the best things about it though is the property market.
  9. nightxhawk95
    Oct 29, 2010
    10
    This game is the bestttttttt.There's so many things to do that you never get bored. The story is very well done, and also contains great cutscenes. replay value is very high, due to many choices in the game. Finally, the gameplay is awsome due to weapon morphing, cool finishers, spells combining, and range) GET THIS GAME! 10/10
  10. Jacody
    Oct 30, 2010
    10
    Even with its problems and a bit over the line spimplicity, this is the best Fable out yet. Since most of the reviews out there have already hit on the major problems with game, I'll just say that if you like either of the past two Fables then you'll probably love this one.
  11. TommyMurphy
    Oct 31, 2010
    10
    You can assume that when it's literally painful to press the "off" button while playing this game, it's a phenomenal game.
  12. rolltide21
    Nov 1, 2010
    10
    the game is beautiful rich and just plain fun! i am in love with it and can't stop playing and i recommend it to everyone. The game new pause system is so cool and the map that allows me to manage my real estate it just so handy and i also love the fact that your wife doesn't leave you at random times for no reason. the combat is just plain fun and the quests and story just pull me in allthe game is beautiful rich and just plain fun! i am in love with it and can't stop playing and i recommend it to everyone. The game new pause system is so cool and the map that allows me to manage my real estate it just so handy and i also love the fact that your wife doesn't leave you at random times for no reason. the combat is just plain fun and the quests and story just pull me in all i can say is that this game is great go buy it now!… Expand
  13. Farvai
    Nov 11, 2010
    10
    Fable 3 is a very good game, but Lionhead did not keep all their promises, so the game became a little disepointing. The first part of the game, and a part of the second part too, were very good. But the second part was not what i wanted. In the first Lionhead video diary, they promsied gold and green woods, but they just gave us gold. You can only set taxes once, i dont know how to sellFable 3 is a very good game, but Lionhead did not keep all their promises, so the game became a little disepointing. The first part of the game, and a part of the second part too, were very good. But the second part was not what i wanted. In the first Lionhead video diary, they promsied gold and green woods, but they just gave us gold. You can only set taxes once, i dont know how to sell stuff, AND i could not judge any criminal. And the game lasted maybe too long. But in the end, it was a awsome game, and i would recomend it to people who like RPG's.… Expand
  14. Zuganug
    Dec 1, 2010
    10
    Fable 2 was the first in the franchise I had played. I really enjoyed it but some of the game mechanics were frustrating. I was hoping Fable 3 would be better. I was wrong. Let me first say that the environment is beautiful, very immersive. Kudos to everyone at Lionhead who had anything to do with the visual aspect of the game. The writing and dialogue is also outstanding. Great voiceFable 2 was the first in the franchise I had played. I really enjoyed it but some of the game mechanics were frustrating. I was hoping Fable 3 would be better. I was wrong. Let me first say that the environment is beautiful, very immersive. Kudos to everyone at Lionhead who had anything to do with the visual aspect of the game. The writing and dialogue is also outstanding. Great voice acting, great sense of humor. Those are the good points. Unfortunately, the rest of the game has many failures. A quick list:

    - Annoying and time wasting system of going to Sanctuary to check on settings, stats, inventory, etc.
    - No auto mapping or compass. "Twinkle trail" failed to appear frequently to guide to objective.
    - Cartoon like overhead map not accurate or helpful in finding things most of the time
    - Repetitive and (again) time wasting mechanic of having to use multiple emotesactions on citizens constantly to gain favor or unlock individual quests.
    - Large # of fed-x quests for individual NPCs
    - SpouseChild feature serves no real purpose except to unlock achievements
    - HORRIBLE "I'm now an accountant!" end game which I would not have been prepared for had I not read game guides in advance.

    Really disappointed in this release, and I didn't even suffer any of the many game-stopping bugs that many others did. I'd suggest putting your hard earned money elsewhere.    … Expand
  15. Poseidonaskwhy
    Apr 20, 2011
    10
    Major disappointment. Still a quality game, but if your a fable fan, dont get your hopes up. This just doesn't feel like fable. The graphics are worse than what they were in fable II, there are only like three expressions you can do, they do not reference fable I or II at all. Before getting this game, i was really really excited. I quickly beat it and never played it again. :(
  16. birdmannavy
    Feb 11, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I bought the first Fable when it came out and boy was I disappointed.
    Not cheated, per se, just disappointed. I got to Knothole Glade and
    couldn't be bothered to play any more. Aside from being completely
    misrepresented in preview years, the load times were atrocious for how
    small and how many areas there were and I wasn't impressed with the
    graphics at all. Moreover, I wanted to play a game fashioned by me from
    childhood to death, but the laborious childhood portion of the game was
    really just a training segment (I didn't want to play "segments" I
    wanted to grow up with the character).

    (Writing this now, I think they should try to make the game that was
    previewed. It is more than doable with today's tech and wouldn't have
    to be high budget).

    Coming back to it more than a year later, something clicked. The
    action, while not measuring up to Team Ninja's Ninja Gaiden (my
    favourite game at the time), was actually brilliant for a one button
    hack and slash. And the charm! How had I missed that? Plus, the
    graphics are also brilliant with gorgeous cycling days and
    colors(although pretty greyed out compared to other xbox titles), I
    only wish there were a first person look mode without having to get out
    a bow. I still think the whole story is utter drivel. I mean, this was
    supposed to be a story crafted by the player from childhood to death,
    with carving names into growing trees and such, not some nonsense with
    a bad-guy named "Jack of Blades" and a good guy who turns out to be a
    bad guy. Whatever. What I like doing most in the game is pretending to
    be a traveling salesman, going from Oakvale to Bowerstone on foot, back
    and forth. (They could do that, too, a traveling salesperson game with
    a real economy...)

    Then came Fable 2 which the critics gave numerous 10-out-of-10's to but
    I can't stand. Fans of Fable 1 have already argued why so I won't go
    into it.

    Unfortunately, those who didn't like 2 also didn't like 3 so I avoided
    it like the plague--if it weren't for my wife. God bless you Angie! Yes
    3 is a lot more like 2 than it is 1, but it is infinitely better than
    2. I went into it a skeptic but it won me over in less than five
    minutes with its brilliant opening cinematic and well modeled, (and
    voiced!), hero and awesome graphics. The story presentation is
    excellent and the game has flow. Plus, it is the most charming mature
    video game I have ever played, and if you don't absolutely love the
    chicken suit then I can't help you.

    The story is brilliant (for a game) even if I feel both love and hate
    for the overwrought Walter. I also feel, as I do about Mass Effect 3,
    that the game is best played to have your cake and eat it too. In other
    words, have enough gold to make the right decision always. If you want
    to be evil, that's fine too, the world really changes if you do--not
    the castle, I was promised walls dripping with blood! :( --but you are
    still congratulated for it at the end by Theresa. When I played evil I wanted her to hari kari herself in despair at having helped me. That would have fallen in line with the sick charm of the game and made me feel really evil, which is what you want. My favourite characters are: the Princess!; Lesley, who's quests I say you HAVE to play, even if you are "Good", just do yourself the favor; Reaver, brilliantly, and hilariously, written and voiced; and Chesty :) Oh, one last thing. I will say that the pine trees in F2 were GORGEOUS, even better than in 3 :)    … Expand
  17. MatthewDon2002
    Feb 19, 2014
    10
    It's a thoroughly gratifying experience when you complete a game that took so much of your time and effort, especially when it's a good game. And that's Fable III summed up. It's graphics are beautiful and it's a cinematographic game, with a fun fighting system and a stupendous voice cast. It's a wonderful game not to be missed.
  18. tmp1
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    the game is beautiful rich and just plain fun! i am in love with it and can't stop playing and i recommend it to everyone. The game new pause system is so cool and the map that allows me to manage my real estate it just so handy and i also love the fact that your wife doesn't leave you at random times for no reason. the combat is just plain fun and the quests and story just pull me in allthe game is beautiful rich and just plain fun! i am in love with it and can't stop playing and i recommend it to everyone. The game new pause system is so cool and the map that allows me to manage my real estate it just so handy and i also love the fact that your wife doesn't leave you at random times for no reason. the combat is just plain fun and the quests and story just pull me in all i can say is that this game is great go buy it now!… Expand
  19. coolpc12
    May 27, 2016
    10
    Maybe Fable 3 is not so heavy RPG, no standart menus etc
    But its a very ORIGINAL game! Something NEW in game industry!
    Sanctuary are very brilliant idea - what game will have something like this??
    Also, a part, when Hero become a king is my favourite!
  20. Cragstrider
    May 19, 2019
    10
    This game is challenging, and dense with story, it challenges your beliefs of good and evil, right and wrong, in one of the most challenging, and yet captivating ways. This game will give you a unique fighting style, that is just slightly more unique and different from the already amazing fighting system that the Fable series already had. With legendary weapons that you can upgrade in yourThis game is challenging, and dense with story, it challenges your beliefs of good and evil, right and wrong, in one of the most challenging, and yet captivating ways. This game will give you a unique fighting style, that is just slightly more unique and different from the already amazing fighting system that the Fable series already had. With legendary weapons that you can upgrade in your own unique way that fits your play style. This game is amazing. It's challenging. It's worth buying. 10/10… Expand
  21. yangfanhong
    Apr 9, 2021
    10
    This is a wonderful role playing game. It gives the player the chance to face the true ethical paradox.
  22. Sand_Sand
    Aug 3, 2022
    10
    BALLS!! and buying the world.
    just watch rt.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDb-ykWKSMM
  23. SpajASE
    Sep 10, 2023
    10
    almost 100% this game i love it ... 10/10 becouse of bull****. Script is great, gameplay is fun and easy , as always Fable has best feeling in gaming ever.
  24. Bonedaddy
    Oct 30, 2010
    9
    This is easily the best of the Fable series. It IS very similar to 2 as some say, but let me tell you, everything you wished were awesome in 2 IS awesome in 3. it is ALMOST the same as 2, with the exception of getting it RIGHT this time and adding some key new features. The lack of a hud was a good idea. 1 point has been shaved for some serious glitches and a big bug or two. EverythingThis is easily the best of the Fable series. It IS very similar to 2 as some say, but let me tell you, everything you wished were awesome in 2 IS awesome in 3. it is ALMOST the same as 2, with the exception of getting it RIGHT this time and adding some key new features. The lack of a hud was a good idea. 1 point has been shaved for some serious glitches and a big bug or two. Everything else (gameplay, plot, immersion factor, everything) is top flight. Enjoy this one, it willl make a Fable fan of you.… Expand
  25. SasquatchFelix
    Nov 1, 2010
    9
    Game is great, few games are as unique and entertaining as Fable and Fable III while similar to Fable II has some improvements. Storytelling is superb, and choices you make are challenging and actually made me care about what I was doing as it effects the world around you, few games even attempt to manage this. Can't understand why it isn't getting better reviews, I played through theGame is great, few games are as unique and entertaining as Fable and Fable III while similar to Fable II has some improvements. Storytelling is superb, and choices you make are challenging and actually made me care about what I was doing as it effects the world around you, few games even attempt to manage this. Can't understand why it isn't getting better reviews, I played through the entire game and didn't expirience any major glitches.… Expand
  26. mrcritic
    Dec 29, 2010
    9
    I love this game. The storyline is very good, and the fights are awesome. You can choose between good or evil, and live your life in tons of dimensions. This game is a fresh face in my gaming library.
  27. SGRevan
    Nov 4, 2010
    9
    At first I doubted that Fable 3 would be any better than it's predecessor, after playing almost 30 hours on one character I'd have come to the conclusion that Fable 3 surpasses it's previous titles!

    THE POSITIVE From the moment you re-enter Albion you'll feel the magic that Lionhead created. It's funny, beautiful and most of all unique. It's something that you won't find in any other the    At first I doubted that Fable 3 would be any better than it's predecessor, after playing almost 30 hours on one character I'd have come to the conclusion that Fable 3 surpasses it's previous titles!

    THE POSITIVE
    From the moment you re-enter Albion you'll feel the magic that Lionhead created. It's funny, beautiful and most of all unique. It's something that you won't find in any other the game. Without any spoilers, -> You'll make a journey that will be long remembered, choices that really make you think and voice acting that'll take you away from reality. I can't praise this game enough.

    THE NEGATIVE
    Though besides all these positive things, Fable 3 still lacks the customization of your characters face. Don't get me wrong, you can still choose to have a beard, make-up, hats, etc. but nothing as in changing the nose, eye-color etc. This is something I hope they will change in the future.
    Bugs is another annoying thing that you will encounter while traversing Albion. I myself have experienced several bugs that made me restart the console, luckily the autosave is rather common and it won't put you too far back in the story.

    CLOSING COMMENTS
    Lionhead made a game that will be remembered in the years to come. Anyone who played the previous Fable games will surely find home. People who have never played any of it's predecessors, this is a good time to explore the magical world that is ... Albion.    … Expand
  28. MasterMeatWad
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    Fable 3 is much more streamlined than the predecessors, and a very different in some of the aspects you may be used to if you have played and enjoyed the prior two fable games. The menu system is gone, which is disorenting at first, but as you continue and hit the start button the 'road to rule' comes in; which is a floating road that leads to a distant castle with treasure chests youFable 3 is much more streamlined than the predecessors, and a very different in some of the aspects you may be used to if you have played and enjoyed the prior two fable games. The menu system is gone, which is disorenting at first, but as you continue and hit the start button the 'road to rule' comes in; which is a floating road that leads to a distant castle with treasure chests you open along the way for new abilities and skills. This became a feature I really liked, it keeps you in the game, world of Albion much much more, and you spend less time treading through menus to find your items you collect, and your still able to do the things you enjoy, like playing dress up, your man in womens clothes, costumes, dye hair, etc. The other major change is the CO-OP; which is now revamped and actually very fun! Your co-op partner is now their own character and they are not tethered to your same screen like a bad child not trusted to not get into things they shouldn't be into. Your able to work w/ a co op partner now in a much more cohesive way, for example blast an enemy with Vortex and your partner can shoot lightning or a fireball at them for a great combo! You also can marry co-op partners and divorce, and obviously cheat on them, or better yet, enjoy living the life of a polygamist. The story has many many side quests, treasures to be found, children to have, or now adopt, and then the main quest-overthrow the king-tyrant, and rule Albion. This is where the new featurs of ruling becomes very intuitive and fun. As a final note; Many of the characteristics of fable 2 are still present as well such as the fighting-magic, weapons-with a new twist, and melee-new twist-weapons develop through time/use, you buy houses/rent houses, add furniture to them, sell them to make money, etc. So, my final thought is this game is very very fun. The achievements are great, original, and will take you HOURS to obtain, I have been playing 14 hours so far, and there is plenty of more game to be had. I am a picky gamer- and usually don't buy new releases, but this was a good buy. However if you hated fable 1/2, you will probably not like this. But if you enjoyed, like, or loved the other fables, you will really enjoy this game, as it is much much much better!… Expand
  29. evilhomer12345
    Nov 3, 2010
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a great game. If u like fable 2, u will like this. the story is good. u get to start a revolution, and then rule the kingdom. co-op over live has improved so u can use your character, have different cameras, and get experience (now followers/guild seals). the things i didnt like is u cant buy/rent houses right away, or get married right away. you have to get far enough on the road to rule, the progression system used. also not a huge fan of the touch system, like holding hands. wish it was still follow like in fable 2. still a great game, with alot to do. collectibles, and whatnot. great game. oh i personally love u can marry NPC and people online, and have kids and STDs, fun stuffâ… Expand
  30. Ston3dog
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    This is an early review as I've just scratched the surface of this game, but what Ive played so far is really good. It looks like a lot of thought and hard work has gone into this game, the map makes it look like the game is going to be about 3 times the size of Fable 2. Already I can tell I'm going to go through on a second play through just to be evil. I cant wait to mess aroundThis is an early review as I've just scratched the surface of this game, but what Ive played so far is really good. It looks like a lot of thought and hard work has gone into this game, the map makes it look like the game is going to be about 3 times the size of Fable 2. Already I can tell I'm going to go through on a second play through just to be evil. I cant wait to mess around with my friends on line... Sometimes its good to be bad *Evil Grin*

    So far Im giving this game a 90% Im guessing after a few days of playing more I'll wish I had given it a 10.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
8
#8 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 88 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 88
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 88
  3. Negative: 0 out of 88
  1. Absolute Games
    Jan 31, 2011
    80
    Lionhead carefully preserved everything that made Fable 2 so good. Though it's a pity that the "king simulator" concept is totally wasted here.
    Read full review
  2. Cynamite
    Jan 16, 2011
    85
    There are more highlights in the first two missions of Black Ops, then in Medal of Honor. The requirements of Treyarch seemed to be better, than in the past few years. They made an interesting setting. In addition, there's a nice zombie mode and an overwhelming multiplayer. No doubt, this is Treyarchs best Call of Duty ever!
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer Spain
    Jan 15, 2011
    60
    Flaws in design and execution are even more obvious with this new game and, as usual, Lionhead fails to live up to the expectations.
    Read full review
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