Although it’s seemingly years away, theFablereboot is an important part of the Xbox Series X’s lineup.Fableis a classic RPG series, and it’s a relief to see it coming back even if Lionhead Studios is gone. However, because Lionhead isn’t in charge ofFable 4,some fans are unsure about the reboot. Playground Games, which has made a name for itself through theForza Horizonracing games, now hasFableon its hands, and some are nervous that Microsoft has put a studio largely unfamiliar with RPGs in charge of the influential franchise’s revival.
It certainly remains to be seen how Playground Games adapts to a game genre that it doesn’t specialize in. However, in some respects,Fablewill definitely be better off thanks to some of Playground’s expertise. Racing games are famous for their emphasis on razor-sharp graphics, offering fans breathtaking environments to enjoy as they drive.Forza Horizon 5looks like no exception, as proven by extensive gameplay footage released by Playground recently. If Playground can make such incredible renderings of the real world using theForzagame engine, then it can make a truly beautiful version of Albion in the upcomingFablereboot.
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Forza Horizon 5 Almost Looks Real
Microsoft’s conference at E3 packed so much content into one hour that it’s hard to pick a highlight. However,Forza Horizon 5was a serious contender. A significant part of Microsoft’s presentation focused on an extended gameplay reveal forPlayground’s nextForza Horizongame, and it immediately earned praise for its graphics. Playground treated fans to scenes of players racing across the pristine wilderness of Mexico and weaving through city streets. These gameplay displays showed off detailed wall murals, Mexican flora, and so on.
The quality ofForza Horizon 5’s graphics don’t just attest to the power of the Xbox Series X, they also emphasize the level of polish that Playground Games is capable of when it comes to designing player environments. That’s a valuable skill for developingFable 4.Since the newFablegame is usinga variation on theForzagame engine, Playground is well set up to make use of its graphical expertise, creating a beautiful new rendering ofFableworth returning to. If Albion is still the home of the franchise, then it could be more incredible to behold than ever.
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Fable 4’s Setting Deserves the Detail
The only trailer for Playground Games’Fablegame emphasizes the importance of a beautiful environment. Instead of sharing details about the game’s narrative or gameplay, it was a simple cinematic briefly exploring what fans can only assume are locations that’ll appear in the newFablegame. If that’s all thatFablefans will have for reference for the foreseeable future, that should at least be a good sign. The trailer suggests that Playground is thinking about how it can fillits rendering of Albionwith lifelike details that’ll keep fans coming back, enticing them to explore every corner of the world to see what else Playground is capable of.
Reservations about a studio inexperienced with RPGs taking charge ofFablecertainly still hold some water. Even so, fans should remain optimistic. Playground Games is collecting talented new developers for itsFablegame, rather than doing its best to adjust to a totally new game genre. There’s plenty of talent working onFablethat’ll help Playground chart a course on RPG development. Fans should also focus on the aspects ofFablethat they can be sure of, andForza Horizon 5’s stunning graphicswill almost certainly leave an impact on the fantasy world that Playground creates.
Fable 4is in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
