Dview: Fable the Journey (Xbox 360, Kinect)

The Bottom Line:
Fable the Journey is a spin-off of the Fable series.  Supposedly this takes place 50 years or so after the events of Fable 3.  This game is mostly Fable in name only.  There are some of the recurring monsters (like trolls, hobbes, hollow men, balverines).  Some of the characters (especially from Fable 2 are mentioned briefly).  It is not at all like one, two or three.  In this game you play as a dweller (kind of like a gypsy) named Gabriel.  i am curious if Gabriel will show up in Fable 4 (if it happens, probably next generation)

This is a Kinect only game with no gamepad support.  Unlike many other Kinect games, you play this one seated and use mostly your arms.  Basically this is a light shooter game for Kinect, i guess there is also a lot of horse stuff (but the horse can almost go off on its own, except during certain game sequences).  Basically, the horse just fills in the blanks between dungeons.  When this game works it is fun at times (though tiring), however at times the controls will kind of mess up (especially aiming). 

This is a good first try, but definitely need some refinement.  i would actually like a sequel (that fixes some issues, like bigger sweet spots for spells).  Unfortunately i doubt this game will break 500,000 unit sales. 
Grade: C-

What to Expect:
* Sore arms, i really mean that. 
* 5 Magic Spells to acquire throughout the game.
* Aiming for magic spells can be tempermental or fickle. 
* Collectibles: mostly cards referencing something in the series
* Very linear with occasional stops or little off the road diversions
* Experience Orbs in the path to be gathered up by the horse. 
* Horse (Seren): Can trot, gallop, sprint
* Point at the screen with the left or right hand (or both) to unleash spells.
* An arcade mode that unlocks after you beat the story - arcade mode is the battle sections that are scored somehow (kill streaks, time, health remaining, etc). 
* Like Fable games, you can upgrade spells (kind of feels more like the second game), health and horse
* Playing the game unlocks Theresa puppet in Fable Heroes, Beating the story mode unlocks Gabriel puppet
* Transfer money from Fable Heroes to Fable the Journey: i couldn't try, but i don't think you use money at all in this game. 

The Controls:
* Reins for the horse: move right or left hand to alter course, "crack reins" to speed up, hold reins high to slow down. 
* Lean Left/Right: to move the character left or right in certain situations (not always)
* Magic (when aiming wants to work, which is much of the time) supposedly voice commands work when you raise your right (dominant) hand, i didn't try.
  - Force Push type Spell / Light : left arm (or non-dominant) shoulder level and push out
  - Shock: Right arm push out at shoulder level
  - Fireball: Wave like Kinect wave to select, then push forward with right arm
  - Shard: raise right  arm like throwing a spear to select (i can't aim this spell at all)

How i Played:
Difficulty: standard (i don't think there is a choice)
Playtime: 7-8 hours, +1-2 to try out arcade mode. 
Deaths: Probably 10 or so. Yes you can die in this game
Achievements: 40/50 (775 GamerScore)

Achievements:
There are 50 achievements for 1,000 GamerScore.  Like Fable 2 and 3 this has some interesting achievements (and achievment names).  Some of the achievements are for stuff like: getting all gold medals on the arcade mode, killing enemies certain ways, defeating lot of monsters, "purchasing" upgrades, story related, etc.  The achievement for beating the game is called "Don't Stop Believing" - a 1980s Journey reference, awesome.