Fable II was one of those games that I anticipated for its co-op and was severely let down...so I determined that I would wait for a good deal and buy it for its single-player gameplay.
Not only has that time come, it has come in the form of five easily digestible episodes, and the first episode is available...for freeeee! Xbox Live members can get their hands on this ~1.8 GB download right now. As in, this second. I wouldn't blame you one bit if you queued it up from work. I did.
Enter the World of “Fable II” One Episode at a Time, First One on the House
“Fable II: Game Episodes” debuts today with the first chapter available for free on Xbox LIVE
Any “Fable II” fan can share experiences of their life in the rich world of Albion, and wild stories about glory or mischief they’ve gotten into as consequences of their choices in the game. For everyone missing out, Microsoft now presents a completely new way to experience “Fable II” through the power of Xbox LIVE and Games on Demand: “Fable II: Game Episodes.”
Debuting today on Xbox LIVE*, “Fable II: Game Episodes” gives players the choice to purchase and download “Fable II” one episode at a time. This marks the first time in Xbox history that a major blockbuster title will be distributed not only digitally, but episodically as well. “Fable II: Game Episodes” delivers the entire “Fable II” experience in five consecutive installments, with all the Achievements, challenges and excitement of the disc-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, “Knothole Island” and “See the Future.”
As an incentive for those curious about the adventures that await them in “Fable II,” Microsoft Game Studios is making the first episode free to download. In this initial episode, players are introduced to the vibrant world of Albion where every choice has a consequence, and are able to experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult. Players can then choose to purchase additional episodes on Xbox LIVE at their own pace.
Players who decide to purchase “Fable II” either digitally or on disc after a foray into the first game episode will find their saved progress, character profile, and items from the first episode will be transferred seamlessly as they continue their journey. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE.**
For more information about “Fable II: Game Episodes” and “Fable III” please visit http://www.lionhead.com.
* Fable II: Games on Demand is available in LIVE enabled regions around the world excluding Japan and Korea
** Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer.
You just can't argue with a free game.