Fable: The Journey represents Microsoft ‘s latest – and likely final – attempt to prove that Kinect , in its current incarnation, is a viable control interface for more than just dance simulators and mini-game collections. Developed by Lionhead Studios , with the now departed Peter Molyneux serving as Creative Consultant, The Journey puts players on a guided, first-person tour of Albion which, thanks to the power of Unreal Engine, has never looked better. But does the game play as good as it looks? Read on for our full review of Fable: The Journ

On the occasions when everything works exactly as advertised, Fable: The Journey proves to be good – if simplistic – fun. Using Gabriel’s gauntlets to launch enemies into the air, and then decimating them with a well-placed blast of magical energy, can be extremely satisfying. Sequences in which Gabriel and Theresa flee from The Corruption, Seren galloping at a breakneck pace as the surrounding landscape is overtaken and defiled by The Corruption’s crimson mass, are among the most intense, graphically potent set-pieces The Journey has to offer. Sadly, those occasions are too few and far between, and the game is constantly undermined by its finicky, imprecise Kinect contr

If there ever was a game designer that should not talk about his games prior to their release date, it’s Peter Molyneux. When discussing his projects, Molyneux has a childlike sense of excitement where he will enthusiastically share details on his grand ambitions for the title. This is actually quite refreshing in itself, because who doesn’t enjoy hearing someone passionately discuss their creative projects? The problem with this occurs when the game in question is actually released. The game itself could be good, even great if it were simply judged for what it is, but disappointment is going to happen when a title fails to deliver on lofty promises no matter how good it may otherwise. The most memorable example of Molyneux creating hype that the game couldn’t live up to was 2004’s Xbox exclusive action RPG Fable.

There were many secrets to discover in Albion, which was necessary to pad out the game. The main story campaign was short by RPG standards, so having optional side quests and secrets added value to the title. Demon doors would have treasures such as legendary weapons if you could solve the riddle to open them and there were many silver keys scattered across the land they were needed to open silver treasure boxes. They may have have fixed this in the subsequent reissues of Fable, but in the original Xbox version there was a glitch to get unlimited silver keys. This worked by getting a key, doing a hero save but not a world save and then load the file. The character will have the key in their inventory and the key will be waiting to be collected in its original spot.

Fortunately, The Journey’s combat is better than its driving. Gabriel’s left hand controls the Push spell, which can be used to manipulate objects in the environment – including enemies – while his right hand deals damage with (eventually) one of three magical attacks : Bolt, Fireball and Shards. Letting loose with the game’s spells is easy enough: bring the appropriate hand to your shoulder, and “push” toward the spell’s target. Incoming attacks can be blocked by holding your left arm horizontally in front of yours

The Journey takes place fifty years after the events of Fable III. Players take on the role of Gabriel, a dweller who is living a happy, but simple life with his tribe in Albion. After a sudden lightning storm, Gabriel is separated from his caravan and forced to find an alternate route to reunite with them. Soon after, our hero is caught up in the attack of an earth-shattering force known as The Corruption. Narrowly escaping the spreading darkness, Gabriel meets the mysterious Theresa. The last of the hero bloodline, she’s tasked with protecting the world from evil that threatens it. Gabriel must help restore her power by taking her to the Tattered Spire. To assist in this quest, spell-casting bracelets are harnessed to protect them from the evils of Albion.

There may be iconic silent protagonists such as Crash Bandicoot and Gordon Freeman, but these I feel like Fable needs to have some in-depth voice acting for a protagonist this time around. The other Adventure Games story guide have all had a silent protagonist who only seems to communicate in emotes. The original game lacked even a scr

Colorful characters are encountered along the way that assist in your travels. These characters range from mildly amusing to surprisingly developed. One of the most emotional relationships in the game is with your horse Seren. As she’s with you every step of the way, willing to march into danger at your command, a surprising bond is quickly formed. Camps are periodically reached where, among other things, Seren can be feed, healed and cleaned. Touches like these really go along way to ensure she’s not rendered a lifeless form of transportation.