It feels likeFable 4has been a long time coming, with three years passing since it was first confirmed in 2020 and only a handful of updates emerging over the years. Fans of the original series were pleased that the closure of Lionhead Studios didn’t mean that the franchise was at an end too, but there is some trepidation now thatFable 4is in brand-new hands. When it comes to RPGs, Playground Games is untested, but it will be interesting to see what the studio decides to retain from the previous games, and what it introduces.
Unsurprisingly, gamers who loved the firstFabletitles have their own ideas about whatthey want to see inFable 4, from returning characters to new features. So far, not much is known about Playground Games' upcoming title, and what information has been released hasn’t given a definitive idea of what players can expect fromFable 4. However, there are some things that fans hope will make an appearance in the exciting next chapter of theFablefranchise.
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A Return To Fable’s Roots
TheFablegames progressed the history of Albion with each entry, starting from a more classic medieval fantasy landscape and moving into an industrial age with a steampunk aesthetic. While it was fun toadd guns to the mix inFable 2andFable 3as the technology of the in-game world developed, many fans are hoping that the reboot returns to its roots and focuses on more of a fairy tale world full of magical lore, mythical beasts, and simplistic societies. There are indications that this will be the case thanks to the style ofFable 4’s trailer, but embracing this and pushing it further with more unique monster designs and magical elements would be key.
Although some aspects ofthe originalFablegamesmight not have aged as gracefully as others, one of the things that helped the series stand out from its competitors was its silliness. The irrepressible humor, the unrepentant embrace of ridiculousness, and the cartoonish elements all worked really well together and madeFablea fun experience. However, there was usually a good balance between the humor and the more serious, emotional aspects of the narrative, which theFablereboot would do well to emulate.
Fable Customization Options
Alongside elements that players might want to see make a return or be developed further likeFable’s fairy tale world, there are some things that the reboot should essentially reinvent. Although there was an element ofcharacter customization in the originalFablegames, the morphing system feels dated and simplistic compared to what’s on offer now. As players tend to hugely enjoy this aspect of RPGs,Fable 4should present them with a fun, diverse, and fully customizable character creation feature. This could also extend to the world around the player, letting them shape the relationships and friendships they can enter into, where they can choose to live, and how Albion is affected by their actions.
Leveling up, combat, and magic were fairly straightforward processes in the first three mainlineFabletitles, andFable 4could present players with more of a challenge if it makes these more complex and engaging. Players could choose different approaches to combat for the most part in the previousFablegames, but this was also a little limited. More variety in weapons, magical abilities, andplaystyles would helpFable 4impressboth returning fans and new ones.
Fable 4is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
