Forza Horizon developer Playground Games is bringing gamers back to Albion at last with Fable 4.
Fable 4 got its first real look in 2023’s Xbox Games Showcase but an actual release is still a little ways off. Nonetheless, the game studio has been gradually feeding us tidbits about the return to Albion, including both gameplay teasers and a cinematic trailer to show off the new characters.
Fable 4 is one of the cornerstones of the future of Xbox Series X games, so the pressure is surely on Playground Games as the release draws closer.
The role-playing game is positioned as a soft reboot, hoping to relaunch the world of Albion with modern graphics and sleek mechanics. From the look at the game in action, Playground Games has invested in an updated look for the game but the same humorous tone and fantastical narrative elements certainly remain.
Reportedly, emphasis will also be placed on a rich narrative, headed up by lead writer Anna Megill and collaboration with Eidos-Montréal, a Square Enix subsidiary responsible for the Deus Ex series and the Thief series.
Read on for everything we know about Fable 4 so far, including gameplay, trailer breakdowns, and a confirmed release window.
When is Fable 4 expected to come out?
At the Xbox showcase in June, Playground Games confirmed a vague release window of 2025.
There’s no word around when exactly the game will come out but it does mean it will be going up against gaming giant GTA 6 next year, a challenge many game studios are choosing to avoid.
What we know about Fable 4 gameplay
Thanks to both a gameplay and cinematic trailer, there’s a fair amount already known about Fable 4.
The world of Albion
Albion is a fantastical world full of magic, fairies, swords, and mystique.
“The world is filled with stories of legendary heroes and treacherous villains,” intones the voiceover. “Of fantastical creatures and wondrous places. Where nature and magic live in perfect harmony. Not all stories have happy endings! But yours has yet to be written.”
Trailers
The central character featured in the full Fable trailer from the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 is a bespectacled giant called Dave, voiced by British comedian Richard Ayoade. A second character is introduced in the second trailer, retired hero Humphrey, voiced by Matt King, another British comedian you may know from Peep Show, who offers some fresh advice to the wannabe heroes of Albion watching.
The Fable franchise has a long history of including famous names in its cast, with Fable 3 featuring Monty Python legend John Cleese, British icon Stephen Fry, and Mission Impossible star Simon Pegg. That means that Ayoade and King might be just two of many celebrities lending their talents to the game.
A second trailer emerged at the Xbox Games Showcase that showed some action footage for the first time. You can watch that one below.
Gameplay mechanics
The dry humor present in both trailers sets the tone for Fable 4, marking a return to the same atmosphere and playfulness that’s proven popular in the franchise. There are also plenty of fantasy-style mechanics as well, with sword fighting, fireball magic, and dynamic magical beasts plenty.
The cinematic trailer, in particular, showcases some stunning settings, from cozy taverns to green landscapes. There are also hints dropped about a return to Fable’s morality system, although that’s not yet been confirmed in the trailers or surrounding announcements. In previous games, evil choices earned avatars devil horns and scary eyes, while good choices gifted them a halo and angel wings.
Open-world?
Coming from the same game developer as Forza Horizon (a game also known for its vividly realistic graphics), you can expect the RPG to offer some stunning visuals. It’s thought that Fable 4 will be open-world, allowing players to immerse themselves in the world of Albion.
Choice system
Much of the messaging around the game also emphasizes choices, with the Xbox description of the game reading: “What does it mean to be a Hero? Well, in the fairytale land of Albion, that is entirely up to you. With a dark threat looming, your choices will change Albion forever.”
That seems to suggest that people’s individual experiences will affect their gameplay, perhaps in a choice-driven narrative style that offers different stories and paths to find. Those choices will likely also include character customization, with previous Fable games allowing players to choose physical characteristics and accessories throughout the game.
What platforms will Fable 4 be on?
The Fable IP is owned by Microsoft, so you can certainly expect a release on Xbox Series X and PC.
Until recently it was unthinkable that Fable 4 could ever make the jump to PlayStation, but with Microsoft now actively moving some of its previous Xbox exclusive library to other formats, there is more of a chance than ever.
How much will Fable 4 cost?
There’s no word on how much Fable 4 will cost but the Xbox listing does state that you can “play Day One with Game Pass.”
It’s unclear if this means it will be free to play for Game Pass subscribers, but more details are sure to come once we get closer to the actual release date – or once the release date is finally confirmed.
Featured image: Playground Games
