Written by: Ian

 

 

 

"Fable 2" was a revelation. Featuring some brilliant moral choices, great graphics, some really smooth action combat- it was one of the best, if not the best, game of 2008.

 

Therefore, I eagerly awaited the release of the first DLC, 'Knothole Island'.

 

 

The story of the game can be played at pretty much any point during, or after, the main quest once you've reached bowerstone. You get to the island via a submarine, which is an odd, but pretty cool way of getting around. You find that Knothole is plagued by weather problems, and that you have to save the inhabitants.

 

Unfortunately, however, there aren't that many moral choices apart from a biggie at the end.

 

 

 

The gameplay in KHI isn't really any different from Fable 2's main game. The one thing which you do need to take note of, however, is that after completing each sub-part of the quest, you need to leave the island in order to progress. The game doesn't actually tell you this at any point, which I found to be a little frustrating.

 

Additionally, compared to the main game, the DLC is pretty combat heavy. After a little bit of chat, each sub-quest involves you plodding off to a dungeon, fighting to get there, then fighting to get through it. Most of the combat seems like filler to get the quest length up to be honest.

 

Without all of the fighting, you could probably get through everything in 90 minutes, but all the combat will at least double the amount of time you take to get through it.

At least you can level and skill up quite a bit as a result.

 

 

Additionally, there are some other side-quests to take part in, one of which will involve you going back and forth between the main world and the island, but both feel a bit tacked on and pointless, although if you can be bothered, will net you some more achievements. Whilst there's nothing really new here, the general gameplay experience is pretty reasonable.

 

 

Graphically, Knothole Island is brilliant. The original game was pretty good looking, but KH Island is sublime.

 

The Island, particularly when drenched in sunshine, features some brilliant effects, especially in the lighting. However, the island in all of its forms looks phenomenal.

 

Sound-wise, there's nothing really new to write home about. There doesn't appear to be much new speech or music, although what is there is as excellent as ever.

 

 

At 800 points for about 3-4 hours of content, "Knothole Island" is not the best value for money, but it is an interesting piece of content, which adds a little variety to the game. In addition, it's an easy 50 new points and you can still play it all in multiplayer, which is appreciated.

 

However, the confusing way you continue the quest, and some other minor annoyances stops this being a wholehearted recommendation. However, fans of the game will find quite a bit to like here.

 

 

 

 

+ Achievements!
+ New environments
+ Beautiful weather effects