Xbox is still in desperate need of first-party exclusives. Though recent titles likeHalo InfiniteandForza Horizon 5have been exactly what Xbox needs, being high-quality AAA exclusives that provide a reason for actually owning an Xbox, the future is a little unclear for the publisher. While a newGears of Waris undoubtedly on the horizon, anda newForza Motorsporthas been revealed, the rest of Xbox’s future slate seems eerily empty once again. The confirmedFablereboot/sequel, however, is one of the few standouts.
Originating on the original Xbox back in 2004, theFablefranchise takes a plethora of mythical, fantastical tropes, and subverts them in a uniquely dark, funny way. While the series' lead developer and public face,Peter Molyneux may not be the most trustworthy manin the industry, theFableseries is one of the few games of his that has actually gotten close to the wild promises he makes during press meetings. But with a newFableon the way, it’s time for the series to go above and beyond, drawing from the past while moving the series forward.
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What Fable Should Take From Fable 2
Released in 2008 for the Xbox 360,Fable 2is widely considered to be the best entry in thefantasy action-RPG franchise. Where the firstFablesubverted expectations and surprised audiences with its charm, wit, and distinctive style,Fable 2put some meaty gameplay behind it, delivering one of the tightest action-RPG experiences on the Xbox 360, and one of the most expansive.
ThoughFable 3is generally considered to be a solid, big-budget adventure, long-time fans of the series point toFable 2as being the better game. While fans will point to countless reasons for their decision on this, it mostly boils down to two vital factors: the game’s combat system and its world. If the newFableis going to draw inspiration from past entries, thenFable 2is surely the best place to look.
ThefirstFablehad a competent, fairly responsive combat system, with swordplay, spells, and ranged combat all flowing together quite well to produce a tactical combat system.Fable 2took this concept and pushed it to its max, creating a combat system that’s somehow equal parts complex and accessible. Unlike its sequel,Fable 2allows players to target individual body parts of an enemy, giving the player greater freedom in how they approach combat, and rewarding strategy.
Fable 2also upped the ante with the sheer volume and variety of weapons on offer. Melee-wise, players could find katanas, cutlasses, longswords, cleavers, axes, maces, and hammers, each category with at least five different entries. Onthe ranged weapon front, players could find turret pistols, clockwork pistols, flintlocks, blunderbusses, rifles, and three different types of crossbows, again, with at least a few different types in each category. On top of this, players could mix and match weapon augments, further customizing their desired build.
The newFablemight also want to draw inspiration fromFable 2’s approach to its open-world.Fable 2’s open-world is split into 13 different regions, each of which has its own distinctive visual appearance, musical cues, and atmosphere. Unlike other open-world titles,Fable 2manages to make all of its regions feel like an integral part of the in-game world by giving each one its own economy rank. Over the course ofFable 2, players can increase this economy rank by building new structures and helping the region’s residents. As the economy rank increases, and each region becomes more prosperous,Fable 2’s open-world begins to feel more like a living, breathing place as opposed to just a space for the player to traverse through on their way to the next mission.
Fableis in development for PC and Xbox Series X.
