Fable II is a an epic game of less than epic proportions.
First-off, Fable is gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful. In an almost non-realistic way. That's not to say it doesn't look real; but, taking into account the scruffy and exaggerated character and building models, it is truly an artistic (and in my opinion highly successful) approach at a lush, and sometimes desolate world. The sun is the absolute high-point for the graphics, a truly mesmerizing, technically proficient, and all around enthralling artistic feat, as it shines through the forest or sets almost romantically in the distance. Overall the graphics throughout are wonderful and give the player a positive sense of attachment.
The combat, and overall gameplay, is also quite fulfilling, and positively adds to the games overall intensity and replay ability. Fighting helps you garner experience based on the mode in which you defeat your foes (i.e. using magic gets you will, melee combat gets you strength, and ranged combat gets you skill XP). You also gain general experience for merely defeating your adversaries. Each element of the combat system presents the game with some further depth; however, you will often find yourself focusing on one of the three abilities rather than all three at once. It's exciting to use just one element, even better to use two; but the combat is at it's best when all three elements of combat are combined. It's just that it's more practical to use a gun and a sword, or magic and a sword for example, than to use all three elements in perfect succession. In the end, how exciting the combat becomes is based upon how exiting you want it to be. Take a head shot? Go ahead. But why don't you electrocute the poor bandit, send him flying back in a flourish, and then pop off his head as he falls into the lake below? Just a thought.
The score and sound is also outstanding. The music matches almost perfectly with the environments and the music at loading screens, while not much more than a simple chorus, is catchy and inspiring. Sound effects are not extremely detailed or in depth, but they're detailed enough to have you enthralled in the action. The music matches up with the epicness that the game could potentially be (potential described in the last few paragraphs).
The story is, in one word, decent. You'll be sent on a quest to find three heroes to aid you in avenging an unfortunate loss, and yada, yada, yada. It's not bad. It's actually quite humorous and captivating at points. It's just not the most original, or lengthy stories of all time.
The true fun comes in terms of adventuring and developing your character. You'll face dungeons (of less than enormous sizes, yet still fun), numerous beasties, an arena (one of the games most fun parts), and various quests and side jobs (mini-games based on pressing A at the right time). Adventuring is also easier in Fable than in other free-roam games due to the game's 'bread-crumb trail' that shows you to your quests destination wherever you may go. You'll also be able to buy shops and houses that will gain you revenue even when the game is turned off. Earning gold is way too easy, but that lets you focus on other things in the game, like buying the windmill at the edge of town, or the mansion near town square, or a few of the games godly, or ungodly (in appearance and stats) weapons. Online play is somewhat limited and the person who isn't hosting the event will just serve as a henchman to the player who is (choosing from a small selection of pre-set character parts), earning wealth and XP along the way as designated by the leader before the event begins. From time to time you'll find orbs floating around that represent your friends, but it is almost useless unless you have tons of friends or actual friends you trust to play with (albeit that co-op is more about screwing around than actually getting stuff done).Your dog is also worth mentioning. He'll serve as your most loyal companion, finding treasures and dig spots wherever you go. While he'll get annoying sometimes, he is a worthy companion that will protect you from the get-go.
The game glitches a lot too. It's sad to see your character get stuck in a falling position when jumping off a small cliff or constantly strafe whenever he walks. Most glitches aren't permanent and are only minor (like your gun not making a sound the first few times you shoot), but certain ones can prevent you from completing a quest or make you want to start over all together.
Combining fulfilling combat with humor, gorgeous graphics, and a wonderful score, Fable II is a spectacle to behold; it's just too damn short. It's all about adventure, and while adventuring can keep you engaged for weeks, the story could have been longer to keep the game fresh for extended periods of time. The game is at it's best when all it's elements combine; it's about decisions and consequences, fighting and pacifism, good and bad. Overall, Fable II is a spectacular game that capitalizes on being a gorgeous tale of adventure, but falling just short of it's truly immense potential.