Summary
- Bring back the armor system from Fable 1 for better customization and improved gameplay in Fable 4.
- The weapon augment system from Fable 2 should make a return in Fable 4 to enhance player specialization and combat variety.
- The inclusion of The Crucible arena and Shooting Range from Fable 2 would be a welcome addition to Fable 4, offering challenging combat scenarios and rewards.
Fable 4 is entering into a franchise with something of a storied history. The first game released nearly two decades ago and received considerable critical acclaim. Its success was repeated or perhaps even surpassed a few years later with the release of Fable 2, and it's these two entries that Fable 4 should draw inspiration.
The Molyneux-helmed Fable games were nothing if not ambitious. Molyneux and Microsoft sold the games of the original trilogy, especially the second and third games, as the best of their kind, with deep RPG elements, unparalleled freedom, and a charming, expansive world to explore. The franchise reinvented itself between entries, with Fable 2 taking massive leaps away from Fable 1 in certain areas. Fable 3 set itself apart from the series even further by introducing things like a voiced protagonist and placing a heavier emphasis on ruling and property ownership. These changes, along with others like the rebuilding of the combat and weapon system, made Fable 3 a unique experience, but Fable 4 should borrow more from the previous two games.
Fable 4 Should Reintroduce Fable 1's Armour System
The newest Fable game has attracted some controversy and online hate, but it's not the first time gamers reacted negatively to the franchise. Among the criticisms of Fable 2 was the matter of Armour Rating. The first Fable game had an armor system that was comparable to other contemporary RPGs, with different pieces of armor improving Armour Rating and decreasing how much damage a player would take. This system was completely removed in Fable 2 and Fable 3, but it has a lot of potential for further growth, which could be realized in Fable 4.
Fable 2's Weapon Augments Should Come Back in Fable 4
The weapon system of Fable 3 was one of its most interesting elements, but it didn't allow for the same degree of freedom as the weapon system of Fable 2. Specifically, Fable 3 removed custom placement of weapon augments, which would give players special buffs and abilities in combat. With Fable 4 being more advanced than its predecessors, it would do well to bring the augment system back, as it would allow for more specialized builds, unique combat encounters, and player freedom.
Fable 4 Should Bring Back The Arena & Shooting Range from Fable 2
While it's not the most complex, Fable 2 had quite a satisfying and interesting approach to combat, which was further developed and experimented with in Fable 3. The combination of firearms, melee weapons, and spell casting allowed for fun and fast-paced fights. Fable 2 capitalized on this by adding The Crucible, a combat arena with unique challenges and scenarios, which a player could participate in for various rewards.
If Fable 4 continues to build upon the combat fundamentals of the franchise, it would be a good idea to bring back some version of The Crucible. As one of the best features of Fable 2, something similar would work well in the next game, especially if Playground Games further fleshes out the rewards and combat scenarios of the arena mode. Fable 4 could also bring back the Shooting Range, which would let players further test their combat abilities and earn extra rewards.
The future of the Fable franchise is far from certain. Playground Games, previously known for its work with the Forza Horizon series, is untested when it comes to crafting RPGs, and the general tone and expectations of the gaming industry have changed greatly since the release of Fable 3. Even though Fable 3 added a lot of great things to the series, it also moved away from what made Fable so special, in some ways. Fable 4 looks to be inspired by several sources; hopefully, Fable 1 and Fable 2 are among them.
Fable is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.