Don't Wait For Fable, Play Fable 2 Instead

Hidden within this week's Xbox Podcast was exciting news, and a slight disappointment, regarding Playground Games' highly anticipated Fable. The "treasure" was a rare glimpse of gameplay; the "curse," a delay. Initially slated for this year, Fable's release is now pushed to 2026.

While delays are rarely welcome, they often signal a richer, more refined product. This extra time could benefit Fable immensely. In the meantime, there's no better opportunity to revisit the Fable series, especially Fable 2, a standout entry and a testament to Lionhead Studios' unique vision.

Even by today's standards, Fable 2 remains remarkably unusual. Compared to its 2008 contemporaries (Fallout 3 and early BioWare 3D titles), its singular vision shines through. While featuring a traditional campaign structure, its RPG systems deviate significantly from the complex mechanics of Oblivion and Neverwinter Nights. This streamlined approach makes it incredibly accessible, even for RPG newcomers.

A mere six skills govern health, strength, and speed. Weapon damage is the sole combat stat, with no comparable stats for armor or accessories. Combat, while frequent, is refreshingly straightforward, enhanced by creative spellcasting (like the hilarious Chaos spell). Death itself carries only a minor XP penalty.

Fable 2 is the perfect RPG for those new to the genre. In 2008, Oblivion's vast world could feel overwhelming. Fable 2's Albion, however, offered smaller, navigable maps, allowing for easy exploration. Players can freely traverse these areas, aided by a loyal canine companion, uncovering hidden treasures, caves, and challenging Demon Doors. This creates a sense of scale and adventure exceeding the game's actual size. Albion's geography is intentionally restrictive, guiding players along linear paths. It's not a world designed for getting lost in the traditional sense.

Albion, while less expansive than the worlds of BioWare's Infinity Engine games or Bethesda's Morrowind, shouldn't be judged by those standards. Fable 2 prioritizes a vibrant, bustling world over vast, open landscapes. Consider it through the lens of The Sims—it's a remarkable simulation of society.

Albion functions like a complex, organic mechanism. Citizens wake, work, and sleep, following daily routines. Town criers announce shop openings and closings. Each citizen possesses an internal life, shaped by their roles and preferences. An extensive library of gestures allows players to interact, charming or antagonizing NPCs. A well-timed fart might elicit laughter in a pub, while mocking children could send them running. Fable 2 masterfully creates reactive NPCs and a truly alive city.

While the player is a Hero, destined for grand adventures, Fable 2 is most engaging when fully immersed in its society. Players can purchase homes and shops, earning money through jobs (woodcutting and blacksmithing offer strangely soothing minigames). They can become landlords, or furnish their homes. They can even woo NPCs, leading to marriage and children. The individual elements feel artificial, yet the overall effect is remarkably lifelike.

A well-executed fart might have the patrons of a pub howling into their beers. Few RPGs have replicated this. Even Baldur's Gate 3 lacks Fable 2's organic romances and property market. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a similar, albeit more refined, approach. Rockstar's game features incredibly responsive NPCs who react believably to player actions. A slicker version of Fable 2's gesture system allows for varied interactions, with consequences that can play out weeks later. If Playground's Fable aims to remain true to its roots, Red Dead Redemption 2 should serve as its modern touchstone, rather than contemporary tabletop-inspired RPGs.

Other key Fable elements must also be preserved. The uniquely British humor, witty satire, and memorable characters are crucial. The binary approach to good and evil, a hallmark of the series, is equally important.

Peter Molyneux, Lionhead's founder, has a fascination with the duality of good and evil. This was central to Black & White and remains a focus in his work. However, Lionhead's approach differs from the nuanced choices in The Witcher or BioWare games. Fable 2 embraces extremes, offering stark choices between angelic and demonic actions. An early quest exemplifies this: either help a trader or destroy his goods. Later, a ghost asks for revenge on his former lover, offering only extreme choices.

Modern RPGs prioritize player expression through complex choices. Moral dilemmas are rarely simple. Fable, however, thrives on this binary. It allows players to become the most heroic hero or the most villainous villain. Fable 2 refines this, offering creative good/evil paths that impact reputation and alignment. Moral choices in other RPGs often feel underwhelming, focusing on the middle ground. Fable 2 allows for full immersion into either extreme, making it genuinely compelling.

It remains unclear if Playground Games will capture this essence. The recent gameplay footage showed a more detailed world than previous Fable games, suggesting a less restrictive open world. A dense city hints at a Sims-like societal simulation. The hope is that Playground has stayed true to Fable 2's unique qualities.

However, all this is a year away. In the interim, revisiting Fable 2 is highly recommended. Its charm and unique features highlight the importance of preserving its oddities. A Witcher clone or Baldur's Gate-alike wouldn't suffice. Fable needs to be Fable, warts and all.