Microsoft has announced that Fable II: Game Episodes is now available, allowing gamers to taste Albion in a strange, new way: episodically. It's still unclear how exactly this will work, with Fable II being an open-world game and all, but that skepticism shouldn't stop anyone from trying it out, especially since the first chapter is free. The remaining four chapters? No idea, they're not listed on Microsoft's website. The press release below promises players can purchase additional content from within the game, so maybe this is there way of masking the price, so we don't point out that no matter how cheap it is, it's likely more than Fable II costs in stores. Just sayin'.

In fact, it seems like Microsoft might actually encourage gamers to go out and purchase the game after playing this chapter. It's almost like they want it to serve as some sort of... demonstration. Yeah. Wow, why didn't anyone else think of that? This is a brilliant move by Microsoft! This way, people get to play the game before they purchase it! Geniuses!

The press release is below.

Enter the World of "Fable II" One Episode at a Time, First One on the House
"Fable II: Game Episodes" debuts today with the first chapter available for free on Xbox LIVE

Any “Fable II” fan can share experiences of their life in the rich world of Albion, and wild stories about glory or mischief they’ve gotten into as consequences of their choices in the game. For everyone missing out, Microsoft now presents a completely new way to experience “Fable II” through the power of Xbox LIVE and Games on Demand: “Fable II: Game Episodes.”

Debuting today on Xbox LIVE*, “Fable II: Game Episodes” gives players the choice to purchase and download “Fable II” one episode at a time. This marks the first time in Xbox history that a major blockbuster title will be distributed not only digitally, but episodically as well. “Fable II: Game Episodes” delivers the entire “Fable II” experience in five consecutive installments, with all the Achievements, challenges and excitement of the disc-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, “Knothole Island” and “See the Future.”

As an incentive for those curious about the adventures that await them in “Fable II,” Microsoft Game Studios is making the first episode free to download. In this initial episode, players are introduced to the vibrant world of Albion where every choice has a consequence, and are able to experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult. Players can then choose to purchase additional episodes on Xbox LIVE at their own pace.

Players who decide to purchase “Fable II” either digitally or on disc after a foray into the first game episode will find their saved progress, character profile, and items from the first episode will be transferred seamlessly as they continue their journey. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE.**

For more information about “Fable II: Game Episodes” and “Fable III” please visit http://www.lionhead.com.

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