Games review: Fable III

Set 50 years after Fable II, Lionhead's third chapter in the Fable saga sees players return to the world of Albion during a time of industrial revolution. You play as either a prince or princess while your older brother holds the throne and is ruling the land with an iron fist. It's your job to lead a revolution to overthrow him.

As with previous Fable games, morality takes centre stage. It's up to the player to decide how they reach the throne, and once they're there, if they will rule democratically or become a tyrant. To become king or queen, players must travel the land and win over the hearts of the people through good deeds and ridding the land of evil. Combat makes a return through a simple three-button system for melee, ranged and magic attacks. Characters will level up after defeating enemies and conversing with Albion citizens. Players are once again free to get married, have children and start a new regal bloodline, as well as amass a vast property empire across the land.

Fable III is perhaps the funniest game in the series, with some top British talent on voicing duties, such as John Cleese as faithful butler Jasper, alongside Stephen Fry, Jonathan Ross and Simon Pegg. The game is chock-full of dry British humour that gives it an entertainment value few can match. Together with highly polished visuals, a whimsical setting and a gripping plot, this is the best entry in the Fable series by far.

• This article was first published in The Scotsman on November 6, 2010