Fable Anniversary
" Immersive RPG with unique morality system and rich worldbuilding but clunky combat controls "
Fable Anniversary Review
Fable Anniversary is a remastered classic RPG that blends nostalgia with updated visuals and sound design, delivering a charming and memorable experience. Players take on the role of the Hero of Oakvale, whose choices shape their morality, appearance, and the world around them. The game features a semi-open world with varied environments, a unique aging mechanic, and a morality system that affects NPC interactions and character customization.
Combat involves melee, ranged, and magic attacks, supported by a skill progression system. Players can own property, marry, and engage in various side activities. While the story and quests provide a solid foundation, the game’s mechanics feel dated compared to modern RPGs. The segmented world and some clunky controls may challenge new players, but fans of the original will appreciate the rich worldbuilding and nostalgic charm. Despite some technical issues and occasional glitches, Fable Anniversary remains a worthwhile play for those seeking a classic RPG experience.
Highlights
Players praise the game's unique morality system where choices visibly affect character appearance and world reactions. The combat system, though dated, remains engaging with diverse melee, ranged, and magic options. The storyline offers meaningful choices with good versus evil paths and multiple side quests. Graphics have been improved with a faithful remaster that enhances the original's fairy-tale aesthetic. The sound design and music receive high marks for immersion and charm, featuring British voice acting and memorable themes. Nostalgia and the game's rich worldbuilding stand out as key positives for longtime fans.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include clunky and outdated combat controls that can frustrate players, especially in dodging and blocking. The world is described as segmented with loading screens and somewhat limited in size, reducing exploration freedom. Some quests lack depth, often feeling like simple fetch or kill tasks. There are reports of technical glitches and crashes, occasionally causing lost progress. Sneaking mechanics and certain mission designs are considered poorly implemented. Voice acting quality is inconsistent, and the price point is seen as somewhat high for a remaster of an older game.
Pros
- • Unique morality system visibly changes character and world interactions.
- • Engaging combat with melee, ranged, and magic options.
- • Meaningful choices impact storyline and character development.
- • Faithful graphics remaster enhancing original fairy-tale aesthetic.
- • Immersive sound design with memorable music and British voice acting.
- • Rich worldbuilding with varied environments and day/night cycle.
- • Nostalgic appeal for longtime fans of the series.
Cons
- • Combat controls feel clunky and outdated compared to modern RPGs.
- • Segmented world with loading screens limits exploration freedom.
- • Many quests lack depth and feel like simple fetch or kill tasks.
- • Technical glitches and crashes reported, risking lost progress.
- • Sneaking mechanics and some mission designs are frustrating.
- • Inconsistent voice acting quality in parts of the game.
- • Price considered high for a remastered older title.
Rating Criteria
FOR EVERY CHOICE, A CONSEQUENCE.Fully re-mastered with HD visuals and audio, Fable Anniversary is a stunning rendition of the original game that will delight faithful fans and new players alike! The all new Heroic difficulty setting will test the mettle of even the most hardcore Fable fan.