A couple a weeks ago, when I was deep into the amazing world of Fable III, I wanted to write a post, praising the genius who first thought of including achievements in games. The achievements in Fable III gave me a reason to stay a bit longer in a world I wished was real.

Though, having a few weeks to think on the post and play a little more Fable III and than replay Fable II, has changed my mind about achievements. I am now finishing Fable II, playing the DLCs and trying to collect all expressions. In order to to do that, however, I would have to radically change my character, making her from a Saint into a Devil. This is not only annoying, but actually spoils the whole fantasy :(

So, I have played with a good and pure character and have completed the main story by chosing to save a lot of people, but now I have to go and kill a bunch of innocent villagers just to get a trophy?! No, I’m not doing that!

After obsessively searching for a the Book of Worship all yesterday night, which was not fun and was just a waste of precious gaming time, I’ve decided to abandon  the whole “achievements” idea, because it spoils everything.

I feel I should explain why I first became so obsessed with achievements and especially in Fable II and Fable III. It was not because I wanted to show off my prizes or get an affirmation of my gaming skills. It was because I liked both games so much I wanted to somehow commemorate the time I spend playing them and have a nice collection of game-related “stuff”. Like a fan who collects posters of a favourite band. Alas, I have to say I will give up attempts to complete my Fable II achievements collection and here is why: I am not ready to give up all the things I’ve actually achieved while playing (like the 100% Morality and 100% Purity, which were mostly reached through goof deeds during the game and not eating a lot of tofu) without even thinking of getting an award. I admit, it is nice to hear the familiar sound of an Achievement Unlocked, especially when I like a game so much, but truth be told if one thinks about it — the whole trophy thing is a little shallow. I do not expect someone to “pay” me to play a game and I do not have the need to shove my “awesome gaming skills” into nobody’s face.

In conclusion I want to say that although I have been a little disappointed with achievements lately I do not resent the idea entirely. I know that achivements and trophies are fun to get and a lot of people I very fond of them.

Personally, however, I think that chapter of my gaming life  is over.