The Orb Told Me Episode

[fishbang]

Another episode for another random day of the week. Download it here (http://ingamechat.net/audio/IGC20081024.mp3).

As of this writing, Fable 2 is busy spreading mirth and fulfillment to all who fall under its spell, be it through the joy of quests completed or a public display of scatological humor. The specter of mediocrity that dogged the first game has been exorcised completely with this entry, as our friends lists can attest, but it seems that’s only made room for a much greater evil to take its place.

You’ve no doubt heard reports of troublesome code and wonky behavior - bugs which can, in some cases, be utterly game-breaking. But having suffered some of these issues ourselves, we at the show can’t help but classify this release as a gross failure, one made all the worse by how much concentrated fun the game had delivered in the short time before we chose to flap our gums to the abbot in Oakfield. We know to expect a fix at some point in the near future, but those affected have already moved on. With so many games just within reach, there’s little chance of going back any time soon. Sad pandas all around.

[Heretic Machine]

I just can't see how so many people are getting affected by this Abbot bug. I've played through that part of the game three times (three different characters), and I still don't get how you could get screwed over there.

Also: Pistols are awesome. They're meant for close range combat, in the middle of large groups of enemies (designed to be swapped with melee freely in the middle of heavy combat).

[Rakael]

I don't either HM. I also don't see why you don't just start over, as that is very early in the game. Just my opinion though.

[Psykoboy2]

I don't either HM. I also don't see why you don't just start over, as that is very early in the game. Just my opinion though.

It's early in the story, yes, but in the game...it can be where ever you want it to be. I mean, he'll tell you how far he was in the game, but seriously, you could 5 star blacksmithing and wood chopping, buying real estate and shops...then come across the bug and really not have the desire to start all over.

[Rakael]

It's early in the story, yes, but in the game...it can be where ever you want it to be. I mean, he'll tell you how far he was in the game, but seriously, you could 5 star blacksmithing and wood chopping, buying real estate and shops...then come across the bug and really not have the desire to start all over.

I see your point. Fable 2 is a very open game. Still, I'm having so much fun that I would restart after a game breaking bug just to keep having fun. I'm not saying I wouldn't be pissed, but this is the most fun I have had with a game in years.

Of course, I am rarely so wowed by a game to even finish it once. I intend to play through Fable 2 many times. If you knew me, that would mean a lot. :)

[Gerbs]

This episode wouldn't play for me using WMP, I had to run it through Quicktime. Anyone else having problems?

[Primus]

How can you call Fable 1 mediocre??

[diablopath]

This episode wouldn't play for me using WMP, I had to run it through Quicktime. Anyone else having problems?

I just listened to it in Quicktime, as well.
It's not on iTunes yet, ;(

[danielOut]

Playing just fine for me in WMP. Interested to know if anyone else has problems. I can try exporting it again.

[Squidbot]

I have been past this game breaking bug with four individual characters, with no issue.

[Psykoboy2]

I have been past this game breaking bug with four individual characters, with no issue.

Have you attempted to do what it says to do in order to activate the bug?

[Iron Past]

It's really a shame that your game was ruined because of the bug, since it really is a great game. The only thing I can say is at least now it's known so the rest can avoid it. Personally, I haven't hit any, but I know enough people have to make it a big deal; I'd say that it was probably rushed, but didn't it go gold about a month before release? I'd have thought they had time to fix it.

Kind of strange, since there was so much care and thought put into everything else, for example, the description for "Salted Peanuts" reads: "Two peanuts were walking down a street and got assaulted. They had it coming." How is that not awesome!?

[kyrieee]

Click here (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/grandtheftauto4?q=gta%20iv) for proof that hype affects people's perception of games. Scroll down and try not to laugh

Also, longer episode = better episode!

[fishbang]

I tried awfully hard in the podcast to make it clear that the real reason for my displeasure was that it was a fantastic game that bugged on me, not a shitty game. If I had not been having so much fun I wouldn't have felt much of anything over the loss. How indeed could a game whose details are so lovingly crafted be sent to market with such frail code? I know the troubles aren't even remotely universal, but they are common enough to be unacceptable.

I also wanted to make it clear that I'm sure I could have gotten to that same point in the story again in short order, but it's what the player can do outside of the main quest that really elevates this game, and it's what I had done in that regard that I chose not to throw away.

As for the bug itself, I call shenanigans on the official explanation as well, as I didn't do anything like what they're saying is necessary for the trigger. I simply walked into the temple, crossed the threshold and was greeted with cold indifference by the abbot and his cronies. Full stop. I didn't turn away or emote or anything.

I'm holding out hope that the fix will let me pick up from my existing save. If not, then I'll certainly come back to it at some point in the future.

[fishbang]

How can you call Fable 1 mediocre??

I didn't mean "specter of mediocrity" to indicate that it was mediocre, but that it has often been popularized that way. I didn't have the means to play it when it released or for years afterword, so I was especially sensitive to how opinions developed after the fact.

For Fable 2, there doesn't seem to be any such disappointment.

[SPBTooL]

The host player does have some control over the camera by resetting it behind him with the left bumper.

I'm fine with how the Co-op works except for the camera. All they need to do is patch it so that the camera can pull back 4 or five times farther and anything between the camera and players goes transparent. I also have played with my 4 year old and would like it if the host had priority at the edge of the camera to pull the guest along if needed. I must say that I was very proud at how well she did.

I didn't hit that bug but can understand your frustration. I had most of Oakvale purchased before I did that quest.