I picked up the original XBox Fable (the platinum/whatnot edition, with all the goodies) a while back, let it sit on my shelf for a time, and have really been enjoying playing it lately.  So much so, that I picked up Fable II as well (although I intend to finish the first game first).  Why anyone complains about this game "not living up to the promise" is utterly beyond me -- it is one of the finest WRPGs I have ever played, and I'm going to "guess" that the 2nd one is going to be absolutely awesome when I get around to it.  I guess I dunno what was promised to some folks, but I got 100% awesomeness with my purchase.

I like the melee combat enough, but I find that playing as anything but an archer/ranged weapon type is.. kinda hard.  I don't want to follow the same path in Fable II as the first, though.  Has anyone here played a significant amount of time as a caster, or melee type, and can give me some tips, or point me to some good Fable/Fable II community sites (I don't want walkthroughs)?

Also.. the pub games are not really part of the game, correct?  Just some fun toys with the Fable label on it?

its fun till you are 7 hours into the game and realize its over.

you dont need the pub games at all

fable 1 demolishes fable 2 though as as gameplay

2 had a cool story tho

and they are connected

Fable II is better than the original Fable. The story in Fable II is great and the game itself is fun. I have to tell people all the time: The atmosphere walking in Albion is superb. This is one of my favourite franchises. If you are getting Fable II, try to get the game of the year edition with the two DLCs.

The only bonus in getting Pub Games was that it was the only way to teach the dog to do a backflip, which is needed for "The Completionist" achievement. I'm pretty sure they added that to the second DLC pack though, so if you get that or the Game of the Year edition, you probably won't need it.

kind of like how I beat FF7 in 20 hours?

In my personal opinion Fable blows away Fable 2. Something about Fable 2 just didn't sit right with me.

Hopefully you enjoy it though.

I would rather have 7 hours of enjoyable gameplay than 40 hours of boring gameplay.

Yes Fable is one of the best series that I have played!  I prefer the first one to the second one though...

I love fable ,.