12 Essential Titles Every New Gamer Must Play

12. Fable 2

It's hard these days to pick a 'My First RPG' amongst a swathe of more technically accomplished titles, and although it's definitely more prudent to just yell "PLAY SKYRIM!" from the rooftops, it's Fable's mix of localised English humour and true fairytale sensibilities that appeals to newcomers wanting to ease themselves into the genre and established players alike who also want to get immersed in another world. Featuring many downright loveable aspects revolving around being the hero in the world of Albion, the townsfolk will regularly remark on your actions, and should you take the respective paths of Good or Evil to their logical extremes (albeit in a fun Prince Charming cock-strut or mua-ha-ha'ing sort of way) you'll be able to see the reactions of the world change around you alongside your appearance. That's not to mention the incredibly fun combat system that maps sword-swings, magic and ranged weapons to different face buttons, allowing you to take on everything from a group of wayward bandits, to some much larger stone giants throughout the game. Whether you use your skills to create a golden halo floating atop your head for plenty of good deeds, or instead sprout a couple of Satanic horns from battering too many chickens and swearing at pensioners, Fable is very tongue-in-cheek, and once you get a taste for the sense of humour on display you'll be living in Albion for days.
Gaming Editor
Gaming Editor

WhatCulture's Head of Gaming.