Summary
It has been nearly two decades since Lionhead Studios released the firstFablegame and surprised the gaming community with one of the most eccentric role-playing games to ever hit the market.Fablebrought layers of whimsical fantasy and often off-color humor to the RPG genre that no other game before it had been brave enough to explore, along with unique gameplay mechanics that were innovative for the game’s time. Shortly after its launch, Lionhead releasedFable 2and thenFable 3, and while the third installment didn’t perform as well as the first two, theFabletrilogy as a whole still stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when developers dare to push the envelope and create unorthodox experiences for gamers to enjoy.
Being that it is so unique,theFabletrilogy comes with a hefty set of unwritten rules, most of which add to its charm and distinctive nature. Many of these rules encompass whatFableis truly all about, whether it be its choice and alignment system, its rewarding exploration, its worthwhile money-making schemes, and its emphasis on romance and family. Players who have yet to experienceFablewould do well to brush up on these unwritten rules, as they can often make or break a playthrough.
Choices Are the Heartbeat of Fable
When considering what makes theFabletrilogy what it is, it’s impossible to ignoreFable’s player agency mechanics, as they make up what is arguably the series' most defining characteristic. The firstFableinstallment was advertised as a game that would essentially allow players to be whoever they wanted to be, and it delivered on an unprecedented level. Not only wouldFable’s choice mechanics go on to influence the way the player would be treated by other characters in the game, but they would also affect the player’s appearance, even down to what or how much food they choose to consume. These choices are all a part of each game’s alignment system, which ultimately determines the hero’s path and public reception.
Each Game Has an Alignment System
While moremodern role-playing gameshave entertained and even encouraged moral ambiguity, theFabletrilogy moves players to lean either toward committing good or evil deeds, as their appearance remains unaltered if they simply choose to toe the line the entire time. That being said, the notion that players can be whoever they want to be in theFabletrilogy remains intact, as that is always a possibility. Nevertheless, eachFablegame has an alignment system that determines the alignment of a hero’s actions and then slightly alters their appearance as a result.
Fable’s Alignment System Is Very Simple
The firstFable’s alignment system of morality is very simple, allowing players to become either good or evil, depending on the choices they make. It also includes several physical appearance sliders that have less to do with the moral decisions made by the player and more to do with the way the hero’s appearance changes over time. These sliders are Slim and Fat, Young and Old, and Attractive and Ugly.
Slim and Fat are affected by how much or how little the player chooses to eat or drink, Young and Old are determined by how many in-game days the hero has been alive, and Attractive and Ugly are a result of what the hero is wearing or the state of their physical appearance due to moral choices. The more “good” choices the player makes, the more angelic and attractive they become, whereas the more “evil” choices eventually transform them into a devil with horns and glowing red eyes, typically scaring off anyone who comes near. Renown is also included inFable: The Lost ChaptersandFable Anniversary, which increases as players complete quests and interact with villagers.
Fable 2 and Fable 3 Have an Expanded Alignment System
Fable’s alignment system is simple, butFable 2andFable 3include an expanded alignment system that allows for even more customization. The second and third installments in the series maintain the alignment sliders of their predecessor but add several new sliders to the list as well.
Each of these alignment sliders can be affected in similar ways toFable, through the player’s actions, food and wardrobe choices, and physical appearance. Despite being impacted similarly, however, the expanded list of options allows players to further personalize their experience inFable 2andFable 3.
Filling Fable’s Combat Multiplier Is Crucial to Leveling Up
TheFabletrilogy has some highly satisfyingfantasy RPGcombat, thanks to its customization options, but its mechanics changed after the first installment. Specifically,Fableincludes a combat multiplier that increases as players deal damage to enemies and decreases as they receive damage. The higher the combat multiplier, the more experience the player receives when defeating enemies. Unfortunately, the combat multiplier was removed inFable 2andFable 3.
Exploration Always Pays Off in Fable
Apart from its in-depth alignment systems,theFabletrilogy’s world is sizableand more than worth exploring. As players venture beyond the beaten path and choose to ignore the main storyline every once in a while, they will frequently encounter valuable treasures such as powerful weapons and large sums of gold. In addition to the precious items that can be found, exploration is rewarding just for the gorgeous fantastical scenery that awaits those who choose to venture out into the wilderness. Furthermore, players will often find curious characters who need help and will offer profitable side quests that help flesh out the world ofFableand provide a worthwhile respite from each game’s usual activities.
Real Estate Is Worth the Investment
Another oftheFabletrilogy’s standout featuresis the opportunity it gives players to invest in real estate. Particularly inFable 2andFable 3, investing in and renting out real estate is one of the most efficient ways to earn income. Houses can even be furnished with the best furniture there is to encourage higher rent prices. When houses aren’t rented out by the player, they can also be lived in, along with their spouse and child if they choose to marry and procreate. Stores can also be purchased, which will net the player a percentage of that store’s income and provide them with a major discount on goods sold. The economy plays a huge role in theFabletrilogy, and investing in real estate is one of the most direct ways players can influence it.
TheFabletrilogy is so unique that its list of unwritten rules could likely go on forever. However, so long as players take advantage of its iconic alignment system,Fable’s combat multiplier, the trilogy’s consistently rewarding exploration, and its real estate investment opportunities, they’ll find their time in theFabletrilogy to be a one-of-a-kind and highly satisfying experience.
Fable 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Fable III is the next blockbuster installment in the highly praised Fable franchise. Lead a revolution to take control of Albion, fight alongside your people, and experience love and loss while preparing to defend the kingdom against a looming threat. Your choices as ruler will lead to consequences felt across the entire land.
