I've been pretty much away from gaming for about 2 or 3 years now. The last game system I bought was a PS2 when it was released which now resides in my 13 year old son's room. At the time Xbox was released I was less interested in games and already had a PS2 so I passed on it. This new Fable game really has my interest (I really liked the Zelda game for N64) and with Halo2 coming out I was thinking of giving it a try.

So is it worth it to buy one now or should I wait to see how soon the Xbox 2 will be released and see if it has backwards compatability? Is Fable a good enough game to warrant buying a system for?

From the reviews, no, it apparently didn't live up to the hype. It ended up being a good but not great game, and it probably isn't worth purchasing an XBOX for that game alone. Then again I honestly haven't played it, but in general I have heard its good but not great.

Do you have many games for the PS2? You should catch up on your PS2 library first (before purchasing another system for one game), plenty of great games have come out in the last 2-3 years that you could catch up on, and many are very cheap.

Also not sure if you knew but Nintendo is releasing another Zelda for the gamecube next year, and it looks to be more like Ocarina of Time for the N64 than Wind Waker from the previews. My advice would be to hold off on buying an XBOX, catch up on your PS2 and see how the new Zelda looks.

The guys at Penny Arcade (who, despite hit-or-miss humor, generally have sharp and accurate gaming insights) hated it. Sounds incredibly boring.

- David Stein

I would not buy a console to play a 12 hour game. It wouldn't be a terrible purchase on its own, but I don't think it will be worth spending $200 to play.

Fable looks interesting, but didn't come anywhere close to living up to the hype or end up as revolutionary as predicted. Its an incredible example of shrewd marketing and hype turning an above average game into an A+ calibur seller.

I had fully intended on buying an XBOX for this game, but the reviews turned me off. I guess I'll wait for Halo 2.

Fable - no
Knights of the Old Republic - YES

If you have a PC, you don't need to buy another console for KOTOR.

Yes, Fable is awesome. It's not, I repeat not a 12 hour game. I am 5 hours in and still in the first area.

for fable? no, i wouldn't.

If you have to ask others, "Should I buy XYZ?", the answer is always "No".

Why would you have to be talked into buying something videogame-related? The impulse should be irresistable; if it's not, you're making a mistake.

Now, as for Fable itself, you're going to get (and already are getting) echoes of a particular 'professional' review or two from people who haven't played the game, so I don't know how those answers help you.

Try to seek out views from around different boards from those who have actually played it (a category which doesn't include me yet) to see if their writings push you into "I gotta have it" mode.

It's a 12-hour game if you're a reviewer with a deadline who is trying to finish as quick as possible. Then again, so is KOTOR.

I usually find that the time estimates for finishing games are way off for the average player (one who may have a job, significant other, kids or hobbies besides marathon game sessions).

That being said, I wouldn't buy an XBOX for Fable. I would buy an XBOX for Fable, HALO 2, Splinter Cell 3, Jade Empire, KOTOR 2 or any number of other excellent games to come.

Fable, while it may not live up to the hype, is still a great game. Few if any games could have met the expectations they set up for Fable. I'm getting a little worried for Halo 2.

Get one for the multitude of great games on the system. And make sure you get the component video cables for your Mits too.

NFL2K5
NHL2K5
Burnout 3
Ninja Gaiden
Fable
KOTOR
Halo 2 is getting closer.

Are all very good and will look great on your rig.

I would not get an Xbox just to play Fable. It isn't worth it, imo.

I would buy an Xbox for Azurik.

I love the game, but wouldn't buy any console just for one game... at least not a new console (used maybe). But since there are many other exclusives that are great too, I'd get one for Fable and KOTR 2 etc..etc.

As for the reviews.. I always take them with a grain of salt... they always seem so whiney.... :-)

I haven't gotten that far into the game, but from what I have played I wouldn't buy a console around it. The ridiculous amount of times you have to load just for some little small area can get irritating quickly. It is fun, and I will probably end up buying it instead of bumming off my friend's copy, but I think I'm going to wait for the pricedrop.

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking that I'll see if there's an Xbox price drop to $99 around Christmas. If there is I'll pick it up at that price. I figure even if I want it for Fable and Halo, my son will enjoy it for some of the others.

I am not that impressed by Fable so far, but I kinda figured I wouldn't be after the showings at the last two E3 conventions. The graphics are merely decent... the story isn't anything really new... the gimmick is that you can go good or evil and your character's appearance changes - big whoop. It does seem to be a pretty solid game with plenty of tedium and slow parts - I imagine it would have re-play value for those who like it. It's lacking a certain charm so far, but maybe it'll grow on me. I think alot of reviews you read (my thoughts on the game included) are a little bit skewed based on the expectations people had for the game.

In short - Fable alone isn't good enough to warrant a console purchase, but an Xbox is certainly a worthy purchase at 150 bucks. And it won't be 99 bucks at christmas.

I too wouldn't buy an xbox for any one game. But there are plenty out there worth owning an xbox for. Especially hooked up 5.1ss and hooked up high def to your big screen mits! I love mine even at 480p the HD games look amazing. The sound in Halo still has me trippin. Can't wait on Halo 2

To be fair to the Xbox few games on any system are worth buying a whole console for. Some could make an arguement for GTA 4 or Halo 2 of course. However, if you look at the library for a console and see several games that are must haves the $150 gets easier to swallow. Xbox has some good stuff already on the market and big titles like KOTR2 and Halo 2 out by Christmas.

Really it depending on the games you like. I could recommend all three consoles at this point in their life. All three have built up some pretty impressive libraries.

Why isn't Fable coming out for PC?

This business about the game changing as you perform good/evil deeds...kinda like KOTOR, only your appearance changes as well?

I have to say that I don't think it's worth buying an XBOX for Fable...it's just not worth it.