Don't Wait For Fable, Play Fable 2 Instead

The Xbox Podcast dropped a bombshell this week: Fable, Playground Games' highly anticipated title, is delayed until 2026. While disappointing, this delay hopefully signifies a richer, more detailed game world. In the meantime, there's no better time to revisit the Fable series, particularly Fable 2, a unique and surprisingly approachable RPG.

Fable 2, even by 2008 standards, stands out. While featuring a traditional campaign structure, its RPG mechanics are refreshingly streamlined. Six core skills govern attributes, combat is straightforward yet creatively spiced with spellcasting (Chaos, which makes enemies dance, is a highlight!), and death incurs only a minor XP penalty. It's an RPG perfect for newcomers to the genre.

Unlike the sprawling worlds of Oblivion or Morrowind, Fable 2's Albion is more manageable, composed of smaller, interconnected maps. This isn't a world designed for getting lost in geographically, but rather one teeming with life. Think of it as a sophisticated societal simulation, akin to The Sims.

Albion functions like a living organism. Citizens follow daily routines, reacting to events and the player's actions through a diverse range of emotes. You can charm or offend, even seduce, NPCs, shaping your reputation through your interactions. This level of reactive AI is truly remarkable.

Beyond adventuring, Fable 2 allows players to integrate into society. Purchasing and managing properties, engaging in minigames (like woodcutting and blacksmithing), and even forming relationships and starting families adds a unique layer of depth. While individual elements might seem artificial, the cumulative effect creates a believable sense of life.

A well-timed flatulence might send a pub into fits of laughter. Few RPGs have replicated this level of social interaction. Red Dead Redemption 2 comes closest, with its detailed NPC interactions and reactive world.

Fable 2's approach to morality is another key element. Unlike nuanced systems in games like The Witcher, Fable 2 embraces a stark good vs. evil dichotomy. This binary choice, however, fuels the game's comedic extremes and allows for truly heroic or villainous playthroughs. The reactive world reflects these choices, shaping your reputation and alignment.

Playground Games' development update showed 50 seconds of pre-alpha footage, hinting at a more detailed world than previous entries. A bustling city suggests a continuation of Fable 2's societal simulation. However, only time will tell if Playground can capture the essence of Fable 2's unique charm.

The delay gives us a chance to appreciate Fable 2's legacy. Hopefully, Playground Games will retain its quirky charm and avoid creating a generic RPG clone. We need Fable to be Fable, warts and all.