Lionhead Studios and Microsoft Game Studios announced today a few juicy bits about Fable II's pre-order benefits.

Firstly, gamers who pre-order the game at participating retailers worldwide will be given free access to download the Fable II "Pub Games", which will be released this August (those who don't pre-order can purchase it for 800 MS points; also it will be included with the game itself). Gold earned in the casino-style mini-games therein can be transferred to the world of Fable II. As well, you can purchase things with the gold - really nice things. Things like weapons, clothing, houses, dog tricks and more. So basically, anyone who pre-orders the game is going to be stinking rich and chock full of weapons and stuff by the time it's released ("maybe when the leaves have a slight brownish tinge - but are still on the trees").

The games will be available as one download, and are called "Keystone" (a Craps/Roulette combination), "Spinnerbox" (an updated take on the slot machine),  and "Fortune's Tower" (a 'press your luck style of game'). A tutorial called "Shell" will be included to help you learn how to play each.

The second thing is the inevitable limited collector's edition of the game. That's ready for pre-order now as well, for $79.99 USD. Here's what you get:

• bonus disc with a new behind-the-scenes making of video
• collectible Hobbe figure
• LIVE trial card
• additional in-game content (an Xbox LIVE account is required).

The standard edition can also be pre-ordered for 20 bucks less.