Image courtesy of Gamespot.com
(WARNING: Possible spoilers of key plot point may be in this review)
Along the paths we choose, a choice is made we can never take back. The clock winds down ever so slowly; to move or not to move, there’s a price to pay either way.
Almost immediately in this episode, the cost is thrown straight into your face as the aftermath of finding Fabletown’s “killer” unfolds. The site of the murders is under investigation, Bluebeard is running amuck in the office, and a funeral is being conducted off the side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Without much hesitation, Bigsby and Snow head out to view the festivities and pay their respects. There’s no better or worse spot to measure your relationships with others than when their lives are greatly impacted. Holly, the sister of the deceased, let Bigsby know right away he wasn’t welcome – even with the information he’d gathered. The more sobering interaction might have been with Gren, whose arm you previously had the option of tearing off in a fight. Everyone wanted resolution and no more trouble than what was already presented. Too bad the Tweedle brothers felt otherwise. With a few latent threats and a few well placed shotgun blasts, the stage is set and the title is introduced.
An added obstacle lies in this chapter of the story; time isn’t just placed in front of you as part of the setting. Instead, it is used against you in your investigation. Not allowing you to probe more thoroughly makes your choices a lot more interesting and important. What clues have you missed? Maybe there was a better showing of what might actually be going on behind the scenes. Many things stopped me as three paths are given before proceeding to a final location, with the site I picked being under my total control and the others damaged with evidence in tatters. It was a good move, as the creators make it harder for you to avoid a second or third playthrough.
One of the biggest points in this part of the story is getting more of a peek at the old world and the Fable’s attachment to the sentiments of it. Finding everyone isn’t so far removed from their former activities, whether it’s old traditions or the objects pulled from there directly, makes one wonder if there’s a place in the near future where we might catch a glimpse of it. It wouldn’t be something that is needed, but definitely something that would be fun to look at.
Without giving too much more away, the reveals here add an extra element to what is to come. No one is worth trusting and many have unknown motives laying just beneath the surface, and knowing that always makes it harder to find the right choices. Noticeably, the time given to pick a move has increased a bit, possibly to let the player consider some of the more layered options in play. It will be interesting to see where everything goes, but for now, we players have many mysteries on our hands to keep us on our toes till next time. It will most definitely be worth the wait.
