Fable Video Game Series
A highly popular series of action RPGs set in a fantasy universe. The brand was created by Peter Molyneux (designer of such games as Black & White or Populous) and Lionhead Studios, which he founded, but over time custody of its development was handed over to the Playground Games team. All rights to it, however, are in the hands of Microsoft.
A brief history of the Fable series
The series debuted in 2004 with the game Fable. The production was originally released exclusively for the Xbox console, but after a year it received an expanded version under the title Fable: The Lost Chapters, which also appeared on personal computers. The title received a very warm reception from players and reviewers, so it was only a matter of time before its sequel was created. The game Fable II, as it is referred to, was released in 2008 exclusively on the Xbox 360 platform and repeated the commercial and artistic success of the original. The third main installment of the series, i.e. Fable IIIwas released in 2010, but failed to live up to the hopes placed in it by fans, developers and the publisher.
For the next position under this banner we had to wait until 2012, when the multiplayer spin-off of the series saw the light of day, namely Fable Heroes. In the same year, one more side title appeared on sale - Fable: The Journey. Fable: The Journey - developed with the Kinect device in mind. Two years later, the first Fable lived to see a refreshed, birthday version under the title Fable Anniversary, developed for PC and Xbox 360. 2018 was marked for fans of the brand by yet another spin-off, the card game Fable Fortune, which Flaming Fowl Studios was behind.
Meanwhile, Lionhead Studios was working on yet another side-scrolling installment of the series, a project emphasizing multiplayer fun Fable Legends, but in 2016 work on it was halted and Lionhead itself was shut down. Nevertheless, the series was not shelved, as in 2020 it was revealed that the Playground Games team would develop its reboot, simply titled Fable.
Gameplay in the Fable series games
The action of the games in the series Fable takes place in the fantastic land of Albion. Throughout the first three installments of the series, we could see it in different periods (modeled on the Middle Ages, the Enlightenment and the era of the Industrial Revolution). During the gameplay, we most often play the role of a character whose actions determine the future of the entire land.
The game itself is maintained in a "sandbox" style, allowing a fair amount of freedom in exploring vast areas and performing side quests.. The series is distinguished by a high degree of interactivity of the virtual world, in which you can, among other things, interact with NPCs, start a family and even have a four-legged companion. Starting with Fable II there is also the possibility to play in co-op with another player.
Curiosity
Fable was sometimes considered the most overrated brand in the video game industry.. This was due to the specific information policy of Lionhead Studios. This is because the main designer of the games in the series - Peter Molyneux - was famous for enthusiastically talking about the elements and solutions he intended to introduce into the gameplay, which, however, was not always reflected in the final product.
Fable Series Evolution
2025
Fable
2020
Fable Fortune
2014
Fable Anniversary
2012
Fable: The Journey
2012
Fable Heroes
2010
Fable III
2008
Fable II
2005
Fable: The Lost Chapters
2004
Fable (2004)
Fable
RPG
2025
The reboot of an iconic TPP action RPG series, developed by Playground Games known for Forza Horizon. Fable is set in a fantasy land of Albion, which we must save from a great dark power.
Fable Fortune
Puzzle
March 4, 2020
A card game set in the universe known from the Fable series. The title was developed by Flaming Fowl, a studio that consists of former employees of Lionhead Studios – the creators of the previous entries in this popular franchise. As in other games of the genre, the gameplay focuses on duels played by using cards collected by the player in the game. The player can select from many heroes with different abilities and bonuses that can be used during the duels. The battles have not only a story background, but specific tasks to complete as well. The player must frequently choose between good and evil and his decisions determine the look of the protagonist and list of available units. Fable Fortune can be played alone or in multiplayer mode – the game contains both cooperation and competitive modes.
Fable Trilogy
RPG
February 7, 2014
A package of three titles from the famous series of action role-playing games created by Lionhead Studios Peter Molyneux. The set includes a refreshed version of the first part of the series, which was released in 2004 on the Xbox, and the second and third part of the series, already released on Xbox 360.
Fable Anniversary
RPG
February 4, 2014
A refreshed version of the legendary RPG by Peter Molyneux, created to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the original Fable game. The remake is based on the expanded version called Fable: The Lost Chapters which debuted in 2005. Developers from Lionhead focused mostly on improving the graphics to fit modern HD standards and introducing many improvements of the gameplay mechanics. The player takes the role of a small boy who witnesses the death of his closest ones during a bandit raid on his family village. Adopted by a member of the legendary Hero Guild, he trains and becomes stronger in order to have his revenge on the bandits. During the game the protagonist changes from a small, helpless boy into a true hero. In addition to the main plot, the developers also created many side quests and various additional activities that are gradually unraveled as the player progress in the game. The protagonist can act in good or bad way and his actions will impact the attitude of non-playable characters towards him.
Fable: The Journey
Action
October 9, 2012
A spin-off to the legendary RPG series developed by Lionhead studios. The game was created exclusively for Xbox 360 and the Kinect motion controller. The story takes place in the well-known land of Albion, but the gameplay mechanics were significantly simplified in order to support Kinect. It is a first-person action game with a linear story. The player is put in the shoes of a young coachman by the name of Gabriel. An unexpected meeting with a mysterious prophetess, Teresa, makes the protagonist set out on a dangerous journey during which he will have to face the evil threatening the entire land. The player will spend a lot of time driving Gabriel's carriage, exploring subsequent locations (including crypts and dungeons) and fighting gangs of Hobbes that roam the area. The game is controlled entirely with the player's movements and gestures, used to drive the carriage, during exploration, combat, and spellcasting.
Fable Heroes
RPG
May 2, 2012
Fable Heroes is another (after Fable: The Journey) Lionhead studio game representing Fable brand. The title bets on multiplayer gameplay and is characterized by a slightly lighter approach to the subject than the productions representing the main stream of the series.
Fable III
RPG
October 26, 2010
The third installment in the bestselling RPG series launched in 2004 by Peter Molyneux and his Lionhead Studios. In the game, we assume the role of the youngest descendant of the deceased king of Albion (the protagonist of Fable II) who opposes the authoritarian reign of his brother and joins forces with the local population to overthrow the tyrant and take the crown. This is the only way he can save the land from falling into ruin and protect it from the attack of a mysterious evil. The gameplay mechanics of Fable III, such as the character development system, gestures, or the constant necessity of making moral choices, are mostly derived from the previous installments of the series but were enhanced with completely new elements as well. Having seized the power, we are burdened with a number of difficult decisions concerning the economy and internal affairs of the kingdom, and our actions in this part of the game will significantly impact the final result of the confrontation with the impending threat.
- Fable III: Understone Quest November 23, 2010
- Fable III: Traitor's Keep March 1, 2011
Fable II
RPG
October 21, 2008
A full-fledged continuation of a third-person action RPG by Peter Molyneux, originally released in 2004 on Microsoft consoles. The story of Fable II is once again set in the fantasy land of Albion, but the action takes place roughly 500 years after the events of the original game, we assume the role of an ordinary inhabitant of Albion who, accompanied by his faithful dog, undertakes subsequent quests climbing up the social ladder and growing up to be one of the biggest heroes in the land. As far as gameplay mechanics are concerned, the title does not deviate significantly from the solutions of the original Fable, such as the character progression system which influences the character's appearances and alignment based on the decisions we had taken, gives us the ability to perform gestures that change NPCs’ attitude towards the protagonist, and the option to marry and have children.
- Fable II: Knothole Island January 13, 2009
- Fable II: See the Future May 12, 2009
Fable: The Lost Chapters
RPG
September 20, 2005
An expanded version of Fable, the 2004’s bestselling, Xbox-exclusive RPG by Lionhead Studios. The action once again takes us to the fantasy land of Albion, where the protagonist seeks revenge on those who assaulted Oakenfold, his home village. In the game, we complete subsequent story quests and observe how the main character evolves from a defenseless child to one of the biggest heroes of Albion. The gameplay is supplemented by the constant necessity to make moral choices that influence the appearance and alignment of the protagonist as well as the way the NPCs react to his presence. Compared to the Xbox original, Fable: The Lost Chapters introduces numerous new elements to the gameplay – the most important one is the extended story line, including an additional chapter taking place after the game's finale. Moreover, the game offers new missions and locations as well as previously unavailable items and spells.
Fable (2004)
RPG
September 13, 2004
A fantasy action RPG developed by Lionhead Studios, the creators of Black & White, led by an industry legend, Peter Molyneux. In the game, we assume the role of a young boy whose father was killed and mother and sister abducted when their village was raided by bandits. Saved by a man named Maze, the protagonist is brought up in the Heroes’ Guild to eventually become a full-fledged hero and take revenge on those responsible for the massacre. In Fable, our task is to complete story quests, the integral part of which is real-time combat with the use of magic and melee weapons. The game’s hallmark is a unique character development system: the protagonist not only gains experience and improves the three basic skill trees but also ages. His appearance and alignment can also change, as the game constantly faces us with the necessity of choosing between good and evil.
Fable Legends
RPG
cancelled
The seventh installment in the cRPG franchise created by Peter Molyneux and his Lionhead Studios. In contrast with the previous, full-fledged chapters of the series, Fable Legends puts less emphasis on the story, instead focusing mainly on multiplayer experience. The game is set in Albion, the realm known from the previous games, which got invaded by mysterious evil forces. Players can side with either good or evil. While playing as a villain, you are trying to prevent heroes from reaching their goal, by setting traps and summoning monsters. If, in turn, you decide to side with the good, you pick one of 4 available heroes, characterized by different abilities, and fight the evil. Fable Legends is powered by the most recent version of Unreal Engine, resulting in high quality visuals.
Fable Series News
Devs of New Fable and Forza Horizon 6 Grow Stronger. Playground Games Opens New Division to Support Reboot of Cult RPG Series
Playground Games studio recently opened a new division. In it, the developers of the Forza Horizon series will continue working on a new installment of the Fable series.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
July 30, 2024
Peter Molynuex Thinks Modern Games and Their Devs Fear Risk: 'Making Sequels Used to be Shameful'
According to Fable creator Peter Molynuex, the current realities of the gaming industry effectively block developers from creating entirely new, revolutionary brands.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
October 3, 2023
Peter Molynuex Thinks Modern Games and Their Devs Fear Risk: 'Making Sequels Used to be Shameful'
According to Fable creator Peter Molynuex, the current realities of the gaming industry effectively block developers from creating entirely new, revolutionary brands.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
October 3, 2023
Peter Molyneux Regrets Making Exaggerated Promises About His Games
The famous British programmer recently admitted that he is remorseful after interviews in which he made unfulfilled promises concerning his games.
video games
Maciej Gaffke
September 6, 2023
Peter Molyneux Has an Idea 'Not Seen in Any Game Before'
The father of the Fable series and the unforgettable Black & White, Peter Molyneux, has revealed that his upcoming project will be reminiscent of the greatest hits he created.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
July 7, 2023
Fable Shown at Xbox Games Showcase
The new Fable was the first game shown during the Xbox Games Showcase broadcast. Starring in the trailer: Richard Ayoade.
video games
Jacob Blazewicz
June 11, 2023
Clear Reference to Fable Heralds Imminent Presentation
The new Fable could be one of the highlights of this year's Xbox Games Showcase. With the latest video, Microsoft has piqued gamer curiosity.
video games
Adam Adamczyk
May 31, 2023
Fable Fraws on The Witcher; Avowed Follows Starfield as Next Xbox RPG (Leak)
In a recent episode of their podcast, VGC editors revealed new unofficial information about upcoming Xbox games. The industry journalists mentioned Fable and Avowed, among others.
video games
Kamil Kleszyk
March 5, 2023
Fable at Least Partially Playable; Fairytale RPG Show Possibly in June
Development of the Fable reboot has reportedly reached a stage where that title is playable. It is possible that it will be presented at June's Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2023.
video games
Hubert Sledziewski
February 7, 2023
New Deus Ex Allegedly in Pipeline; Devs Also Assist on Fable
According to new reports, Eidos Montreal is already working on a new installment of Deus Ex and simultaneously helping with the next Fable game.
video games
Adrian Werner
November 2, 2022