This game is amazing. I didn't play the first one a whole lot, but Fable 2 is jaw-dropping.
When I say a new life, I mean it. You have to actually work for a living (i.e.-become a 5 star blacksmith, bartender, etc.) After you have worked up some money, then you can put some of that money into owning and store and (here's the best part!) you make money every 5 minutes, whether you're playing or not!!! So, if you're making $500 every 5 minutes, you're going to be rich in no time!! On top of owning stores and what-not, you can also get married to multiple women/men (but be careful, if they live in the same city, things could get a little heated). Also, you own a dog throughout the game, and you "level" him up too. (i.e. He becomes a better tracker for treasure and becomes a better fighter.)
The graphics in this game are jaw dropping. When I first saw the graphics, I was amazed. I did not want to stop playing. Just taking the time to stop in the Bowerstone Market and "gazing" around was enough; but when you get outside the cities and are traveling the mountains and everything, oh my goodness; the graphics are drop dead gorgeous.
All in all, this is a fantastic game to buy. If you are any kind of fan for RPGs, this is definitely a game for you. And for those of you who want to try a RPG, this is definitely a game worth trying.