Fable Preview

Well, here we are again. It's that time of year when all the magic and charm of Christmas and New Year slowly starts to fade and we find ourselves immersed in heaps of previews, press releases, developments updates, and so on. Only a few weeks back, we were struggling to make the deadline for several reviews of titles that hit the game industry. But, once this crazy New Year's time passes, it's our task to find interesting stuff for you to read, so that you can kill time until next Xmas (when games will start to accumulate, yet again). In this, rather preconceived gaming world, it is sometimes hard to select the appropriate feature, which will represent a good read to an average gamer.

Look into my eyes.

The rear window, no doubt.

Just a moment ago, I was playing Project Gotham and DoA3 (tag team mode) - now that's what I call entertainment. For the first time I was convinced that video games are evolving at an enormous rate. Also at this point, I realized that the Xbox game system has a great potential and that it truly offers you something new. Don't get me wrong it's not anything revolutionary or radical, but it's just one step further.

Recently, a lot of titles were announced for the Xbox and many developers have seen the Xbox as a great opportunity - which is largely due to its straightforward game-design system (which makes programming a peace of cake compared to other platforms). One of the development teams that initiated development for the Xbox is Big Blue Box Studios (founded back in 1999). Even though Big Blue Box works autonomously, they have the support of Lionhead Studios (does Peter Molyneux ring a bell?). Fable is going to signify the development team's first attempt to bring an Xbox game to life.

Assuming that most of you don't want to get tangled into to game's story before you can actually try the game out for yourselves, I will therefore mention just a few details. First, you choose the gender of your character. You begin your adventure as a average teenager (age of 15), whose ordinary life suddenly becomes a nightmare. Returning home from a simple errand, he discovers that his parents have been murdered. All alone in the land of Albion, your character begins a journey not knowing what lies before him. Tasks and quests will be appointed to him/her; some tied to the plot, and others optional.

In its essence, Fable is an RPG. However, the innovation comes with the character development, which has a well-defined approach (unlike other titles of the same genre). As time goes by, the main character grows older and his physical appearance changes (which denotes almost everything from wrinkles on the skin to the growth of facial hair - that can be trimmed if you dislike goatees). What sets Fable apart from other RPG titles is the fact that it's totally supposed to simulate things and events that take place in our ordinary lives. Basically, it's true that you'll get to participate in various quests and similar stuff you'd expect from any RPG. But, the difference is that in Fable the real world around you evolves and grows much the same as you do, and whatever action you take, causes a certain consequence. Therefore, one of your main tasks is to cautiously choose the clothes you wear, the people you converse with, flowers you pick, and then eventually take it to a beautiful lassie. After that, nature normally takes its course, as your very own offspring grow right by your side. Now, would that be just a little too much for a RPG game? No. It will be even more interesting to look after all sorts of things that are not specifically tied to you character. And, it is obvious that this kind of stuff will make the gameplay even more exciting.

We are all lost. Ah, shut up you punk!

A nice day at grandpa Al's country house.

As you watch the world evolve around you, you will also have to make a few significant choices. Rather like in real life, it is up to you to define yourself with the choices that you make throughout the years. Above all, Fable puts a couple of vital alternatives before you. One: you can make your way through the game as an honest and daring individual, while remaining cool and open to characters and friends in need. And two: you choose to be malevolent and greedy, which won't present a good solution because people will start to fear you and drive away from their villages. This path is the most risky one because you're open to many enemies and people, who have nothing against you, will suddenly be revolted by your appearance. Then again, if you remain a vigilant and reliable character, you will slowly become a legend and songs and tails will immerge in your name. Also, children will begin to imitate your hairstyle and outfits. Other actions you perform can give you a good reputation - like if you plant a tree, if you do not harm a helpless animal, etc. Next to all of that, there's also the issue of appearance alterations. As I said earlier, you grow old and you watch your character change. But, it is your decision how. For example, try chopping a few logs and you'll see the character's muscles were beefed-up. And, you may want to engage in spell and scroll usage, which will cause your character to gradually loose hair (boldness - by all means a sign of intelligence. These are all good things; there's also a darker path - if you do not have any physical activities and if you begin to drink alcohol, then you shall become a lethargic character, despised by all.

As you travel around completing errands and quests, you will also be able to learn many different fighting skills. Depending on your choice, your character can master swordfighting skills, or he can become an enchanter and study the art of spell casting. Like all other actions in the game, learning these skills can change your appearance.

However, all the stuff I mentioned doesn't mean jack if it's not all packed in an appealing 3D environment. Enter the modified Black and White engine. According to the developer, the upgraded engine allows impressive visual effects and it gave them the opportunity to create highly detailed in-game character models, as well as great looking outdoor settings. There's no point in naming all of the features (since there's really a lot of them), it is enough for me to mention the most alluring bits. The character's tan will change if he stays in the sun too long, wounds will result in visible scars (which can sometimes stay for life), and so on. Other features include diverse effects in the surroundings such as trees, flowers, grass shifting in the wind, etc. etc.

In the end, there's no telling what the final of Fable will bring. Since the game's scheduled to pop-out during the fall this year, many changes and polishes can be expected, both in terms of gameplay as well as the graphics. With names like Peter Molyneaux behind it, and knowing all of the features you read in this article, there's no reason you shouldn't buy this title once it hits the shelves. Still, let's not jump to any conclusions. The developers have many tasks ahead of them and it would be a shame if they spoiled such an original gameplay concept. Their eyes are focused on the details, the gameplay experience, and there's no doubt that the Xbox platform has the capacity to bring it all to life.