This game incorporates 3 new games created as an add-on for the up coming game of fable. All with a range of appeals
Right. Into the actual game. The character system is quite interesting. There is a spread of 8 ready made characters that are brilliantly illustrated that you can choose from. Or you can play as any of them.
These characters can be merged so you winnings (and debts) into one character. This is also how you merge them later on with your fable II character allowing you to create a small fortune before the game is released.
On the plus side the games are creative and brand new. I can guarantee that they do not exist anywhere else and only in the land of Albion. Or in this case, the hard drive of your xbox which is probably kept in a messy room like mine shoved inconsiderately next to your pc.
By far the most appealing game to play is fortunes tower. Where cards are placed in succession in a pyramid "tower" type shape consisting of number 1-8 which have either 8 or 10 of each depending on what deck you play with; 4 hero cards that are a great help but do not come too often and a "gate" card which often proves to be useless.
This game requires strategy and discipline if you are to succeed and can sometimes be very rewarding if done properly. Though if you are unlucky you can loose large amounts.
Keystone is the second game that appears in this package and is basically a more complex version of craps, where 3 dice are thrown and a score is calculated depending on the bets you have placed. The only huuuuge difference is the addition of the "keystones" where is any two or one base stone is removed (this is calculated on their value-3,10,11 or 18). I have no strategy worked out for this game as it is pretty much purely a chance game.
And finally. Spinnerbox. This game grows incredibly tiresome and seems impossible to win in tournaments due to the nature of the game. Spinning orbs rotate and stop spinning to reveal an image. If there is 2 or more of the same image a value of chips is earned. But this comes after time and odds are, you will loose money if you bet big. The only bonus to this game is that the score you earn corresponds to the amount of chips you bet. Even if that means you make a great loss. I found myself spending half an hour doing 1 chip bets until I hit a certain value, then bet as large a sum of money possible just so I could go up in a rating. I do not think I have quite mastered this game.
There are a great many of rewards in this game such as concept art that constantly reminds you that there could be a reason to continue playing. as well as unlockable items from entering tournaments and landing "in the money". one good example is a backflip for your dog. These rewards are supposed to be exclusive for the fable II pub games and will be a way for you to prove that you have maybe spent too much time (like me) sat in your room or living room or wherever it is you play.
overall I would give this a 7 purely for the enjoyment of Fortunes Tower.
It is highly addictive and possibly worth playing to start your fortune for fable 2. Maybe. If you get a pre-order code. Then definitely. otherwise, you might want to play the trial for a few days before hand. Or pay for braid instead.
Oh yeah. and no online multiplayer to steal you friends cash. which annoyed me.