Summary
Fans of theFablefranchise know that itis a unique type of game. Presenting dark, dramatic storytelling through a whimsical fairy-tale lens, the now classic franchise captivates audiences by combining elements not usually seen together. In eachFablegame, the tone shifts throughout the experience, taking players on a journey dictated by their choices. But perhaps the element that sets it apart more than any other is its trademark British humor.
TheFablegames have always had a heavy emphasis on humor and satire. The likes of which hearken back to the work of Monty Python, among others. Capturing the crass wit ofBritish comedy inFablewas something the games have always excelled at and only served to elevate the other aspects of the game. WithFable’s humor on top of its Russell Shaw/Danny Elfman score, dark and scary moments, violence, dramatic story, fairy-tale beauty, and emphasis on choice, it stands alone as an experience unlike any other.
Fable Blends Fantasy With Silliness
The firstFablewas released back in 2004 to overall favorable reviews. The game did suffer some backlash for certain unfulfilled promises made by the leadership at developer Lionhead Studios, a trend that would continue for each sequel. But in general, theXbox-exclusive Fantasy RPGbrought something unique to the table that players hadn’t really experienced before. The repercussion of player choice was approached differently than in other RPGs, offering mechanics like appearance changes, exclusive quests, and more. Depending on a player’s alignment, different humorous dialogue options appear. These vary but usually pertain to the way NPCs view the player, as someone evil will likely get a nasty reaction from the townsfolk.
Each subsequentFablegame improved upon mechanics from the previous while expanding the capabilities of the player. The addition ofcooperative play inFable 2took things to an entirely new level. InFable 2and3, players can play through the entire game with a friend, enjoying everything from epic battles to pub crawls with their closest friends. The co-op interactions inFableperfectly exemplify the capability for serious adventure and humor in the world of Albion. It is all too easy for a co-op partner to completely derail a quest by killing an important NPC or committing some other crime that attracts the attention of the authorities.
Why Fable’s Humor Is So Special
Combined with all of its other elements,Fable’s humor really shines. The stark, dry, and witty delivery of dialogue and the satirical moments make for a stand-out RPG. Manyquests in theFablegamesoffer comedic choices for players to make, and details in the game world such as item descriptions or tombstone text are always good for a chuckle. There are even subtle references to Monty Python in theFablegames, such as when guards say “It’s just a flesh wound” while in combat. The casting of John Cleese inFable 3also lends itself to the Monty Python nod, and his performance comes complete with the right level of silliness.
Though recent and upcoming RPGs have been very impressive, none have quite the vibe thatFablegames of the past have captured.The return of theFablefranchiseis certainly something to look forward to, as it seems Playground Games is working to maintain the crucial elements of the series. The most recent trailer made an effort to showcase some of the comedic elements of the game.Fableis a unique game with a very specific tone, so it will be a challenge to capture that again. Nonetheless, it will be exciting to see what the future of the franchise holds.
