Summary
Fable 4is entering into a franchise with something of a storied history. The first game released nearly two decades ago and received considerable critical acclaim. Its success was repeated or perhaps even surpassed a few years later with the release ofFable 2, and it’s these two entries thatFable 4should draw inspiration.
The Molyneux-helmedFablegameswere nothing if not ambitious. Molyneux and Microsoft sold the games of the original trilogy, especially the second and third games, as the best of their kind, with deep RPG elements, unparalleled freedom, and a charming, expansive world to explore. The franchise reinvented itself between entries, withFable 2taking massive leaps away fromFable 1in certain areas.Fable 3set itself apart from the series even further by introducing things like a voiced protagonist and placing a heavier emphasis on ruling and property ownership. These changes, along with others like the rebuilding of the combat and weapon system, madeFable 3a unique experience, butFable 4should borrow more from the previous two games.
RELATED:Every Fable Game, Ranked
Fable 4 Should Reintroduce Fable 1’s Armour System
The newestFablegame has attracted some controversyand online hate, but it’s not the first time gamers reacted negatively to the franchise. Among the criticisms ofFable 2was the matter of Armour Rating. The firstFablegame had an armor system that was comparable to other contemporary RPGs, with different pieces of armor improving Armour Rating and decreasing how much damage a player would take. This system was completely removed inFable 2andFable 3, but it has a lot of potential for further growth, which could be realized inFable 4.
Fable 2’s Weapon Augments Should Come Back in Fable 4
The weapon system ofFable 3was one of its most interesting elements, but it didn’t allow for the same degree of freedom as the weapon system ofFable 2. Specifically,Fable 3removed custom placement of weapon augments, which would give players special buffs and abilities in combat.WithFable 4being more advancedthan its predecessors, it would do well to bring the augment system back, as it would allow for more specialized builds, unique combat encounters, and player freedom.
Fable 4 Should Bring Back The Arena & Shooting Range from Fable 2
While it’s not the most complex,Fable 2had quite a satisfying and interesting approach to combat, which was further developed and experimented with inFable 3. The combination of firearms, melee weapons, and spell casting allowed for fun and fast-paced fights.Fable 2capitalized on this by adding The Crucible, a combat arena with unique challenges and scenarios, which a player could participate in for various rewards.
IfFable 4continues to build upon the combat fundamentals of the franchise, it would be a good idea to bring back some version of The Crucible. Asone of the best features ofFable 2, something similar would work well in the next game, especially if Playground Games further fleshes out the rewards and combat scenarios of the arena mode.Fable 4could also bring back the Shooting Range, which would let players further test their combat abilities and earn extra rewards.
The future of theFablefranchise is far from certain. Playground Games, previously known for its work with theForza Horizonseries, is untested when it comes to crafting RPGs, and the general tone and expectations of the gaming industry have changed greatly since the release ofFable 3. Even thoughFable 3added a lot of great things to the series, it also moved away from what madeFableso special, in some ways.Fable 4looks to be inspiredby several sources; hopefully,Fable 1andFable 2are among them.
Fableis in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
