Fable: The Argument For and Against Companion Characters

Companion characters are practically a given in modern RPGs, as many gamers crave meaningful side stories they can invest in that increase the emotional weight of a game and give them something more worthwhile to do than simply run fetch-and-kill errands. The genre has thus been filled to the brim with memorable companion characters that some players even feel they have built a personal relationship with that transcends the games themselves. However, Fable has never really followed that path, choosing instead to focus solely on the idea that its stories are meant to be the player's journey, not a shared one. Even so, it might not be too late for it to start.

As the upcoming Fable reboot looks to modernize and breathe new life into the beloved franchise, it has a chance to capitalize on what has since become an RPG staple by featuring companion characters that travel alongside the Hero. With local co-op no longer being a viable selling point and many players today wanting a much deeper, more emotionally charged experience from RPGs, it might be in Fable's better interest to feature companion characters. At the same time, it could be that doing so would diminish what Fable has always been and what it is meant to be. It would all depend, of course, on how it's handled.

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By Liam Ferguson

Fable's Companion Dilemma Reflects a Bigger RPG Identity Question

Companions Could Deepen Fable's World, But They Risk Distracting From the Hero

One of the main reasons why Fable might want to consider featuring companion characters is what it would add to the world and the narrative unfolding within it. The inclusion of companions would potentially add a risk factor that would not only change the way players approach major decisions but also make the overall experience a more personal one. Rather than the player's choices merely affecting their character's appearance, morality, and public perception as it has in past Fable games, it would also affect the companions they've established close relationships with, adding more weight to each decision.

Fable 2 did feature a memorable dog companion that added emotional weight and gameplay value, and while that would potentially work for the Fable reboot as well, human companions might be even better.

However, Fable has always been about its Heroes and their story rather than the stories of those in the world around them, and adding companion characters to the mix could potentially steal the spotlight. In modern RPGs that feature compelling companion characters, the player character is at risk of being overshadowed, especially if that character is without a voice or distinct personality. For example, the player character in Dragon Age: Origins is not likely one that players remember, and instead, their memories are more likely tied to the game's companions — Alistair, Morrigan, and Leliana, to name a few. As such, the upcoming Fable reboot would need to ensure its protagonist Hero was as distinct and memorable as any companions it chose to include.

The Decline of Local Co-Op Opens the Door, But Execution Is Everything

Additionally, earlier Fable titles relied on local co-op to give players the option of traveling alongside a companion, but with that feature all but gone in modern gaming, it does open the door for AI companions to join the fray instead. That isn't enough of a reason to just throw in a robotic sidekick, though, as Fable would need to make sure that companion had depth, purpose, and was all-around interesting enough to be considered more than a gimmick or "doing this just because other RPGs do it." A well-executed companion can add to a game, but a weak or repetitive one can make playing it a chore.

One of the main reasons why Fable might want to consider featuring companion characters is what it would add to the world and the narrative unfolding within it.

Fable doesn't need companion characters to prove it belongs in today's RPG space, but if it decides to include them, they can't just be along for the ride. Instead, they need to add something real to the story without pulling focus from the player or turning the Hero into a background figure, and they need to have a greater purpose for being there than simply helping out in combat. That balance is a delicate one, but if Playground Games can manage it, companions could bring something fresh to the table without compromising what makes Fable, Fable.

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