Summary
The upcomingFablereboot by Playground Games has been met with much skepticism for more than one reason, but at the heart of it all is simply that it is an attempted reboot of a very beloved franchise that is well-guarded by its loyal fans. This skepticism is worsened byFable’s wild anachronistic take on the fantasy RPG that started it all, but that may not be a bad thing.
Judging by theearliest trailer for theFablereboot, it appears to mix in some anachronistic elements with its stereotypical fantasy RPG features. This is a large part of what contributed to the first trailer being so disliked by fans, but it may work in the game’s favor in the long run.
Fable’s Apparent Anachronistic Elements Are a Unique Addition to the Fantasy RPG Genre
Fantasy RPGs Are Generally Set in a Medieval or Pseudo-Medieval Time Period
Despite rarely relying on historical accuracy to build a world and tell a story,fantasy RPGsare usually set in a medieval or pseudo-medieval time period. Generally, the setting for these games includes medieval kingdoms and empires, with their castles and quaint villages to boot. Players can typically use magic in a fantasy RPG, which they use to fight fantastical creatures like dragons, goblins, and orcs. They also usually feature races specific to the time period and the world they are set in, including elves and dwarves.
Some fantasy RPGs mix in other characteristics to spice up their magical world, like steampunk and futuristic elements. For example,Final Fantasy 6is a fantasy RPGwith a strong emphasis on steampunk worldbuilding. One of its towns, Vector, features massive factories, smokestacks, and industrial machinery for a gritty, steampunk feel. Additionally, theFinal Fantasyseries as a whole has often leaned into a futuristic version of the medieval period.
Fable, on the other hand — at least as far as the original game goes — leans heavily into its magical side to offer players a more stereotypical fantasy RPG experience.
Fable’s Anachronistic Elements Set It Apart in the World of Fantasy RPGs
TheFablereboot seems to be taking things in a drastically different direction than fantasy RPGs are known for by featuring some anachronistic elements not typical of the genre. In the originalXbox Games Showcase for theFablereboot, a character named Dave, played byThe IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade, takes the spotlight as the trailer’s narrator. What’s interesting about Dave, apart from every other character in the trailer and the image thatFablespent years establishing, is that Dave is wearing modern attire.
It’s still unclear whether Dave will have a role in the game or if he was simply created for the trailer. However, it does seem likeFable’s protagonistsomehow finds her way into the modern world, and should that come into play during the game, there could be a generous blend of fantasy RPG and modern elements comprising one unique experience. This would be largely unprecedented for a fantasy RPG, as games in the genre are generally either all or nothing when it comes to their time period, as opposed to having a mixture of anachronistic elements.
According to one ofFable’s most prominent rumors, time travel will be featured as a core gameplay mechanic, which would make sense considering what is shown in the game’s trailer. The trailer also makes it seem as though Dave knewFable’s protagonist might arrive, as he is not at all surprised by her appearance. He then acts as an antagonist, attempting to capture and kill her as she evades his attacks. If time travel truly is one ofFable’s core mechanics, there may be even more modern elements mixed into its world, making it one of the most distinctive fantasy RPGs ever to see the light of day.
Fable
WHERE TO PLAY
Fable is an RPG developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft. Set in Albion, the game challenges players to define what it means to be a hero.
