Microsoft has today finally ended speculation on when the follow up to critically acclaimed action role-playing game Fable will hit shelves down under. Fable II is due to launch on October 23 this year with a standard edition retailing for A$99.95, while the limited collector's edition will set gamers back A$119.95.

　　According to Microsoft in addition to a copy of the game, the collector's edition will also include:

　　* Bonus DVD – Includes new 'Making-of Feature' with Peter Molyneux and the team at Lionhead Studios and concept art viewer

　　* Bonus In-Game Content (Requires LIVE account) – Includes "The Hall of the Dead" Dungeon, "The Wreckager" Legendary Cutlass Weapon and Otherworldly Bonus

　　* Collectible Hobbe figure with accessories – From the Qee Collection comes this one-of-a-kind Hobbe figure. Nasty, brutish, and short, he roams the countryside, preying on travelers and spiriting away the children of the unwary.

　　* 48-hour Xbox LIVE Gold Trial Card – With Xbox LIVE Gold, players can show off their individual hero by inviting friends into their unique version of Albion or they can visit their friends' Albion, and earn additional gold, experience and renown to take back into their own.

　　*Five printed Fate Cards – These five beautiful cards foretell the Hero's great destiny to journey across all of Albion, encountering deadly enemies and enigmatic allies. The path leads to a choice that will change the world forever.

　　Today also marks the launch of Fable II Pub Games; a gambling-themed stand-alone title available on Xbox LIVE and free to customers who pre-order Fable II. Three games are available to play including: Keystone; craps and roulette, Spinnerbox; slot machines, and Fortune's Tower; a "press your luck" style of game. Those that choose not to pre-order Fable II through a retailer will still be able to purchase Pub Games for 800 Microsoft Points online, and all accumulated gold winnings can be transferred to the retail game to be used to buy in-game items once it goes on sale.