29 - Fable (Lionhead/Big Blue Box, Xbox)

Kieron: For those who believed the hype, a disappointment. For everyone else, a joy. The moral being... oh, you figure it out. The latest depressing example of how people misapply Chuck D's famous "Don't Believe The Hype" to mean "Disagree with the Hype" rather than "Think for yourselves".

Kristan: I'm not sure if I'm in the 'believed the hype' camp or the 'everyone else' one. I think I'm just put off by the general air of disappointment more than anything else. There are a few games out there that always sound better than they really are, and I get the feeling that this definitely applies to Fable. I'd like to play it, I really would, but I've read so many little moans that put me off I just end up playing it safe. Maybe one day. Maybe I'll 'think for myself', but in a time poor world you tend to spend far too much time listening to opinions that may not tally with your own in any way. Ah well.

Ronan: *BONG* There's that death knell again. *BONG* But wait a second, this isn't even an RPG! It's a brilliant action-adventure game!! *BONG* Oh, I see, this time the death knell is for my social life. *BONG* Well, you have me there. I did get seriously addicted to Fable's compelling blend of customisation, fairytale graphics and kill 'em all gameplay. *BONG* Please stop that now. *BO...* That's better.