Fable II: My Pocket Pets DLC Impressions

One of the best features Fable II had going for it was the inclusion of man's best friend. Rain or shine, healthy or limping, your trusty dog would follow you anywhere you went in the world of Albion. Whether you were a paragon of virtue or a lousy roustabout prone to carrying on extramarital affairs in the local Gypsy camp and charging exorbitant prices for pies, your pup was always there to help sniff out hidden treasure and provide constant companionship. Now the world of Fable pet ownership has been expanded with new DLC called My Pocket Pets.

My Pocket Pets is described by Peter Molyneux as a companion to Fable II that allows you to breed and raise dogs and eventually import them into the world of Fable II. The most compelling feature of this DLC is the price; the download itself will cost nothing. However, there is a small, reoccurring service fee for the expenses that go along with keeping your pet alive. That fee is one dollar a day. Or your pet dies.

But let's not get hung up on money. A dollar a day is a small price to pay to keep your cuddly companion alive. And considering the possibilities for cross-breeding, it'll be worth it. You can literally breed any type of dog you want with another one. Are you a struggling hero known to lose fights and drown in the ocean? Why not mix a Pitbull Terrier with a Newfoundland and get the ultimate mixture of toughness and rescuing abilities in your dog? If something a bit cuter is more up your alley, you can mix a Dachsund with a Welsh Corgi for the most adorable dog known to man. The opposite sex simply won't be able to turn you down.

But if dogs and scientific morality bore you, you can take the next step forward and mix entire species. It may be a difficult child to love, but you can breed a Troll with a Ghost Pirate if you so choose. Or maybe a Balverine and a Banshee? A Hobbe and a hobo? The possibilities are endless!

No release date has been announced, but My Pocket Pets will be available on Xbox Live Marketplace within the next few months. Look for a full review and a feature called "Top 10 Abominations of Nature Made in My Pocket Pets" when it comes out.