A new entry in the long-dormantFableseries is being worked on by Playground Games, and fans of the series are understandably excited to learn more. It has been years since the lastFablewas released, and many new players may be wondering whether or not they should check out the original trilogy before picking up the new game. The good news is that players who are worried about story beats likely don’t have to worry, as the new game seems to be a reboot of the series.
However, there are many themes and elements from olderFablegames that players may want to familiarize themselves with ahead of the nextFable. All threeFabletitles have aged a lot over the years, with the firstFablereleasing on the original Xbox and its two sequels releasing on the Xbox 360. That much time could have many players wondering whether or not the games are worth checking out, but considering the originalFablewas one of thebest exclusives on the original Xbox, it set a precedent that shows all three titles in the series are more than worth playing in 2021.
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What Makes the Fable Games Special
Many RPGs focus on offering meaningful consequences to the actions and choices made by players, but theFableseries takes this to an entirely different level. This is done in a variety of ways, but the largest and most influential is undoubtedlyFable’s iconic morality system. This system sees the player’s character changing based on whether or not the player makes good or evil decisions over the course of their playthrough.
Raising one’s morality in either direction changes the hero’s appearance, unlocks new abilities, and changes how NPCs interact with the player. While the system has received criticism over the years for being inherently binary and easy to cheese, the results it has on a playthrough offer a special feeling that arguably isn’t offered anywhere else in the industry. The impact of the player’s decisions is further reinforced by how the world outside of the player is forever changed. Players can decide whether peasants live or die, can end up destroying an entire village, and even decide the fate of the entire world inFable 3. This allows players to really have an impact onAlbion and its history throughout all ofFable’s installments.
The series also offers a unique take on the fantasy RPG that is heavily inspired by fairy tales and British culture. The games are renowned for their humor and silly atmosphere, and they present a whimsical world that is considerably more light-hearted than RPG series likeThe Elder ScrollsorThe Witcher. This includes a variety of different stories, unique locations, and afew different spell systems across theFableseries.
Another unique aspect of the series is how it allows fans to see its world progress through time. All three games in the trilogy take place in the land of Albion, with each one being separated by years of progress and societal changes. This allows players to see the impact that time has on the world, with previously accepted religions fading into myths and the nation eventually reaching the technologies of the Industrial Revolution. This is a very special reward for players who are dedicated to the series, and will be something that the newFablewill have to be very careful to balancewhen it releases.
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