Dogs are a man's best friend according to Peter Molyneux. News from GDC has revealed one of the major new features in Fable 2 is a pet dog. The dog replaces the map, guiding you through forests and across the Fable landscape, as well as lending a helping paw in battle.

Acting as a constant companion, the dog isn't just a pet to set on enemies; it's your dog and will act of its own volition, responding to your actions. There are no attack commands for the dog, but the Fable 2 team has been working on creating AI that will make the animal work in a believable way.

Gamers can choose to nurture their dog or neglect it. Whatever they choose the dog will follow them, giving them unconditional love. As the game progresses, the dog will grow to look like its owner. Play on the side of good and you get a fluffy, bounding Pedigree Chum dog model, but play as an evil doer and your dog becomes a mean, lean attack hound.

Basically, get ready to care about Fable 2 like you've never cared before.

Chella Ramanan