First teased in 2001 by serial over-promiser Peter Molyneux, Fable promised an ‘experience like no other.’ Fable has been a staple of most gamers collections since its release. With a world like no other, a storyline that encapsulates the feeling of the time in which it releases and sporting a cast that includes people like John Cleese and Stephen Fry, the Fable games stand the test of time. It must come as no surprise, then, that the series will continue with Fable 4. Coming to us from Playground Studios, since the dissolution of Lionhead studios seven years ago, Fable 4 will be a Microsoft exclusive that will see us return to the magical world of Albion in a way never-before-seen – but what else will change with this new instalment? Here’s everything we know about Fable 4…
That Fable 4 trailer
Narrated by fan-favourite Richard Ayoade, the trailer seeps with the comedic flavour of the series so far, shows us glimpses of the wonderful world which we will soon inhabit, and details – in a small part – the player’s role in the proceedings. But enough of me talking about it, check out the video below!
(Parental advisory for curse words – you have been warned)
How will it play?
In June 2023 at the Xbox Games Showcase, we were treated to a small sample of what is to come. Once more, we will be our own hero, we will be sword-fighting and swashbuckling, but also, be able to use magic in the shape of fire-balls – how fittingly Fable.
Slaying beasts of legend will also be on the menu for our hero, as will bringing giants down to size with Ayoade’s character, Dave. Let’s get ready to rumble!
How will it look?
Fable 4 will use the same engine as Forza Motorsport. For a game series that has historically looked rather cartoon-esque and almost surreal, this is a big step-up. The engine in question is the Forzatech engine. This engine delivers shimmering surfaces, luscious vegetation – where applicable – and detailed building exteriors and facades.
The decision to give Fable to the racing team was described as “a bit of a headscratcher” by Xbox Games Studios head, Matt Booty. However he also went on to say “but they have proven that they get it, and I’m excited for when the time comes to be able to show more”.
So are we Matt, so are we.
Fable 4 is confirmed to be a “role-playing game”
Initially, the rumour mill leaked that the game was going to be an MMO set in the world of Fable, rather than the role-playing Fable we are used to. These claims were soon rubbished with the initial reveal.
“To put the Fable franchise – and give it a completely fresh start – in the hands of one of the greatest game developers in the world, and also right there in England with Playground Games, is sort of a dream come true,” said Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, after the initial reveal.
“We’re letting them get a fresh start with the franchise and really you can see it’s still got the classic British humor that’s really true to the franchise, it’s obviously going to be a role-playing game, we’ve got the best folks in the industry working on it. Today was just the reveal of the game, and we’re excited to officially say Fable’s coming, and we’ll share more when we’re ready.”
The decision to make Fable the role-playing experience we have been heading towards for many years, is the right one in most people’s eyes. Fable lends itself strongly to immersion and enveloping gameplay. To make the game an MMO, would perhaps be a mistake as, often the stories we experience alone, are the ones we tend to share first. And if one thing is to be said for Fable 4 when it releases, it truly will be one heck of a story to re-tell.