Four years after releasing the original “Fable” on the Xbox, Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios have released “Fable II” for Xbox 360.
Role-playing game fans will not be disappointed.

But after games like “Mass Effect” and “Fallout 3,” they will probably not be blown away.

For a role-playing game, the story of “Fable II” has little to offer. The main character remains speechless throughout the game, which deflates interest in the story in several ways.

But the lack of a voice isn’t as important as the lack of dialogue choice. Because the hero is mute, the story is pushed forward by monologues of the other characters.

To make matters worse, those monologues are often boring and lengthy.

The player never gets a chance to say anything. Instead, the hero has a set number of expressions that can persuade villagers to adore or revile him.

Lionhead Studios made a terrible decision in forgoing dynamic conversation. Video games are about interaction; “Fable II” has that, but sitting through 10 minutes of a monologue has the entertainment value of bronchitis.

The combat is actually fun — a welcome departure from the original “Fable.”

Players can switch between melee weapons, guns and magic on the fly to create effective combos. Magic use is unlimited, so players never have to worry about restraining themselves.

Having no limits has a downside, though. While the action is fun, the level of difficulty could have been raised several times over with how easy it is to learn the combat.

In a demonstration of art imitating life, almost anything the main character eats causes significant weight gain. No amount of exercise can get rid of the fat and celery seems to be the only solution to obesity.

Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to stockpile important items like celery. Stores carry about one or two of each item.

None of the side missions or the world have to be explored, but if you spend $60 on a video game, you should get your money’s worth.

The game’s extensive world offers hours upon hours of extra play.

The side quests aren’t as engaging as other games like “Mass Effect,” but it’s an impressive showing nonetheless.

In the original game, money could be earned just by trading goods between shops and completing quests. “Fable II”’s shop owners aren’t falling for it this time. To earn gold, players will have to work for it in various jobs including bartender and woodcutter.

Earning money in a video game should be done by fighting in arenas and killing villains — things you can’t do in real life.

Reach the reporter at christopher.ogino@asu.edu.