Don't Wait For Fable, Play Fable 2 Instead

Buried within this week's Xbox Podcast was exciting, albeit bittersweet, news about Playground Games' Fable. A rare glimpse of gameplay was revealed, but unfortunately, accompanied by a delay. Initially slated for release this year, Fable is now set for 2026.

While delays are rarely welcome, they often signal a game striving for depth and detail. This extra time could be beneficial for Fable. In the meantime, there's no better opportunity to revisit the Fable series, particularly Fable 2, a standout entry that deserves rediscovery.

Even by today's standards, Fable 2 remains remarkably unusual. Compared to its 2008 contemporaries (including Fallout 3 and early BioWare 3D titles), its vision is unique. While featuring a traditional campaign structure with a linear story and side quests, its RPG systems are refreshingly approachable. Forget complex stat blocks; Fable 2 simplifies things, making it accessible even to RPG newcomers.

Six core skills govern health, strength, and speed. Weapon damage is the only significant combat stat; armor and accessories lack comparable numerical values. Combat is streamlined, yet creative spellcasting (like the hilarious Chaos spell) adds flair. Even death carries a minimal XP penalty, removing a common source of frustration.

Fable 2 is, in essence, the perfect RPG for those new to the genre. In 2008, Oblivion's vast world might have felt overwhelming. Fable 2's Albion, however, offered smaller, manageable maps, allowing players to freely explore and discover hidden treasures, caves, and challenging Demon Doors. This design creates a sense of scale and adventure beyond its actual size. Albion's geography is somewhat restrictive, guiding players along linear paths, but this isn't necessarily a drawback.

Albion, while not as expansive as Morrowind or BioWare's Infinity Engine worlds, shouldn't be judged by those standards. Fable 2 prioritizes a vibrant, bustling world brimming with life. Consider it akin to The Sims—a remarkable societal simulation.

Albion functions like a complex, organic mechanism. Citizens wake, work, and sleep, their daily routines driven by their roles and personalities. Through a diverse range of gestures, players can interact with NPCs, charming or antagonizing them. This level of reactive NPC behavior and a truly alive city is rarely seen in games.

While the player is a Hero, destined for grand adventures, Fable 2 is more engaging when fully integrated into its society. Players can buy and manage properties, work various jobs (woodcutting and blacksmithing offer surprisingly relaxing minigames), woo NPCs, and even start a family. While individual elements might feel artificial, the overall effect creates a genuine sense of life.

A well-executed fart may have the pub patrons howling with laughter.“Few RPGs have replicated this aspect. Even Baldur's Gate 3 lacks Fable 2's organic romances and property market mechanics. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a similar, albeit more polished, approach to NPC interaction and a responsive world. Rockstar's game features believable reactions to player behavior, and meaningful interactions can have lasting consequences. If Playground Games' Fable aims to stay true to its roots, Red Dead Redemption 2 should serve as a modern touchstone.

Other crucial elements for the new Fable include retaining its British humor, witty social satire, and a memorable cast of characters (something Playground seems to be addressing with Richard Ayoade and Matt King). Most importantly, Lionhead's approach to good and evil must be preserved.

Peter Molyneux, Fable's creator, has a fascination with the good versus evil dichotomy. Fable 2, however, doesn't offer nuanced moral choices; it embraces extremes. Quests present stark choices between heroic and villainous actions. This binary approach, while simple, allows for truly extreme playstyles—becoming either the most heroic or heinous character imaginable. The game's reactive world reflects these choices, shaping the player's reputation. Fable 2's success lies in its focus on these two extremes, rather than attempting a complex spectrum of morality.

Whether Playground Games will capture this essence remains to be seen. The recent gameplay footage, while showcasing a detailed world, didn't fully convey the spirit of Fable. However, the glimpses of a dense, lively city are encouraging.

The footage suggests a more open world than previous entries, and the detail in the environment is impressive. The hope is that Playground Games has retained Fable 2's societal simulation. The prospect of interacting with NPCs, shaping the world through actions, and experiencing the game's unique blend of humor and morality is exciting.

This vision, however, is a year away. In the meantime, revisiting Fable 2 will highlight its unique qualities and the importance of preserving its spirit in the upcoming sequel. The new Fable shouldn't be a Witcher, Baldur's Gate, or Dragon Age clone; it needs to be Fable, in all its quirky glory.