Microsoft’s press conference was far less spectacular than I expected it to be, I at least expected them to try to one-up Sony in the price department and they didn’t. The only thing that they did talk about was Fable 3 which is interesting indeed and definitely sounds like a game that I will be picking up on release next year. So instead of telling you about what they have planned for Europe, it will be about Fable.
First off
Fable 2 is going pay to play on September 29 this year and will be released in five chapters, the first of which is going to be free. At the end of the chapter you will be prompted to purchase the next or the whole game. That’s very interesting for people who like to play games in little bites. Also the game will be completely compatible with Knotthole Island and See the Future which is also a good thing.
Now onto
Fable 3 and I want to start off by saying that I think it is very strange that Fable 3 is coming out two years after the third. RPG’s don’t typically have that kind of turnaround in a console generation and seems that Peter is definitely trying to capitalize on the 360’s hardware while it still seems fresh. A new gameplay element was also teased which is most definitely Natal, despite the fact that he doesn’t come right out and say it. I certainly hope this game isn’t going to be sold short so Microsoft can say they have an RPG ready for Natal. It would just be a shame to have a rushed game for something like that.
Anyway, the game will take you into the role of one of many heroes, one that will eventually be the King of Albion. The entire game is based around what kind of ruler you are, and it will show in your world if you are greedy, ruthless, a progressive, a tyrant, cherished, popular, etc. This is why Lionhead has been teasing the public with pictures of leaders like Abe Lincoln or Che Guevara. They are making the game so that you will feel like a ruler when you play. Family will also play a role, children and wives will be a key focus for you and if history proves anything women and children can play kingdoms like puppet masters.
The game starts you as the son or daughter or the hero from Fable 2 and uses your game save from said game to make the character you play as. The first part of the game has you leading a revolution against a tyrant king. You will get support, followers, unite the countrymen, etc. They said they were inspired by Joan of Arc and Genghis Kahn. You are forced to make choices and promises in the game to your followers, and whether or not you can keep them will play a role in the game as well. You will also age quicker since taking on something like this usually takes its toll on the ruler. At some point you will make it out of Albion and into the rest of the world where you will meet up with characters that were in Fable 2.
Lionhead have been studying historical events to help inspire a major dramatic feel to the game, which Peter let on has been a tricky thing for them to do. This lead them to a new game mechanic called
‘Judgments’, where you will feel the power at any time and decide the fate and outcome of a situation. The example they use is someone storms into the throne room and a girl who is suspected of stealing food is brought before you at any time during the reading you can stop to investigate further or you can pass immediate judgment. You can visit her family, her accuser, etc. and these are the quests of Fable 3.
The next mechanic is
‘Touch’, here’s where Natal will be used and it sounds pretty interesting. You will be able to shake hands, hug, and later on kiss. This will help develop your intimate relationships in the game for sure. I don’t think that there will be anything more intimate than kissing in the game so don’t get any idea’s people. So you can take a walk and hold hands with your kid or wife. Rush into a house and save a child that is crying because it’s in danger and that’s what makes up ‘Dynamic Touch’. They want you to know how your people react to the touch of their ruler, will they be enthralled by your presence or will they shy away in disgust.
I think it sounds like a very interesting game and the one thing that I could actually get into Natal with. The stuff showed at E3 was ho-hum, but this sounds very promising indeed. It bothers me that Sony has had this capability for awhile with the PSEye and never used it or implemented it though it is very likely they will with Microsoft pushing these kinds of boundaries. That was the whole of the presser right there. Kind of weak but still interesting, but what do you guys think!?
