[OFFICIAL] Fable 3 Details & Discussions

[Hedon]

Release Date: Holiday 2010 (4th Quarter)

Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios

Developer: Lionhead

Platform: Xbox 360 Exclusive

Supports: Microsoft's Natal, cooperative play, Xbox Live

Fable III Wiki Entry

Joystiq covers Peter Molyneux comments at X10:

Receiving a live demo of Fable 3 from Lionhead, er ... head and Microsoft Games Studio boss Peter Molyneux during today's X10 event, we learned that it, in his words, "is all about power and uniqueness." Well, that and Charles Dickens. (More on that in a sec.) Yes, the game is up, running and actually looking pretty far along at this point. But Molyneux was much more keen to talk about some of its new gameplay mechanics than anything involving graphics, sound or other trimmings.

First up, he revisited the premise of the game. It's set in Albion, which -- as we noticed right away -- has become heavily industrialized. You play as the son or daughter of the hero from Fable 2, with Molyneux confirming that you can import your saved game from that title, but that it "will make minor, not major, changes to the story." The game's structure will have you starting out as a "nobody," getting people to believe in you and eventually starting a revolution. About half-way through, you'll be the king or queen of Albion.

The Albion in the demo could certainly stand a change in ownership. It's smoggy, grimy and the streets are full of the homeless, poor and starving. The factories are full of everyone else, including children as young as five-years-old. Molyneux says that all of this is inspired by the works of Charles Dickens; in particular, Oliver Twist. As bad as it is, he promises you'll eventually have the power to change it all, should you choose.

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Can gamers expect a tie-in product similar to Fable II: Pub Games for Lionhead's upcoming Fable III? Microsoft's Peter Molyneux told attendees at X10 that something was in the works.

Molyneux wouldn't detail the tie-in, only teasing that the product is "a really cute, very very cute 'outside of Fable III' experience that I'm not talking about." Molyneux, who felt a need to reiterate how adorable the "experience" will be, proclaimed: "It's really, really cute. It's not Pub Games." Sadly, whether the "really cute" experience would be a Xbox Live Arcade release wasn't confirmed. What is confirmed, however, is that this thing should be pretty ugly. No. Wait, forgive us. We're pretty sure he said cute.

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Eurogamer uncovers No Experience, No Health Bar

"Experience seemed 1990s" - Molyneux. Presenting at Fable III at X10 in San Francisco, Peter Molyneux has revealed that the RPG - if you can still call it that - has no experience points or health bar.

Health is represented by the screen-colouring effects common in action and FPS games - Fable III has no HUD most of the time - while your character grows in power according to how many followers he or she has in the game's world of Albion. Levelling up is also represented by your weapons, which grow and change appearance according to how much and how you use them.

"It's an RPG without a health bar or experience," Molyneux said in a demonstration. "Because we put the levelling up into the world, with followers, you don't need experience."

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Joystiq uncovers in-game shop, microsotransactions

Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux isn't just pushing the curve on Xbox 360 with now-confirmed Project Natalsupport in Fable 3; during his speech at the annual BAFTA gathering, the legendary designer revealed his intent to integrate an "in-game shop" within the game world, enabling players to purchase DLC without disrupting the game experience (i.e. exiting to the Xbox Live Marketplace). In a report on the presentation, That VideoGame Blog noted that Molyneux had suggested special weapons, for example, could be sold for about £1 ($1.70).

Also mentioned were plans to offer "travel" to new areas of the game world (think Fable 2's DLC destinations) for a fee. Molyneux thankfully didn't suggest that such things as tattoos, hair dye and the like -- which were purchased using the in-game currency of Fable 2 -- would be for-pay in its sequel. We imagine that getting the town crier to announce you as "Supreme Ruler of the Universe Who's Better Than Anyone Else at Fable 3 Ever" will carry a modest fee.

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Characters, dogs and weapons in Co-op

If there's one thing we could've used in Fable 2, it was a more fleshed-out co-op system. Sure, we could see our friends' orbs floating about Albion and we could even invite them to play as a one-off character in our world, but it was one unable to collect experience or have any lasting impact on our game. As you might image, Lionhead's head lion Peter Molyneux is ready to deliver just that in Fable 3. Molyneux told the 4Guys 1UP podcast: "I heard you all about co-op. You want to have your own hero come into the world. Okay, fine, you can have that definitely."

Detailing the system further, he admitted that the player's dog and weapons will also be available in co-op. "When you come into my world, you come in as your hero, with your dog, with all your unique weapons, self-crafted weapons. I heard you -- you don't wanna be tied to my camera, you wanna go off and do your own thing in my world. Fine, fair enough."

That said, he warned about "consequences" from bringing in said friends to your own version of Albion. "It means careful who you invite in, 'cause they can screw the whole thing up, man!" And then, when the possibility of using the new "touch" functionality came up, things took a turn for the weird. "Yes you can use touch with your co-op partner. Yes you can walk down the street hand-in-hand. Yes you can drag your co-op partner to your dungeon and see what happens. Absolutely." Keep in mind, folks -- what happens in the dungeon stays in the dungeon. Rawr!

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Video Diary

The only thing that I REALLY wanted to see improved this time around is the co-op. The camera in Fable 2 for co-op was horrid, and made co-op almost unplayable.

EPIC “FABLE III” JOURNEY EXPANDS TO WINDOWS THIS HOLIDAY

Limited Collector’s Edition Includes Unique Memorabilia and Unlocks Additional In-Game Action

Lead a rebellion, start a revolution, and rule a kingdom in “Fable III.” Microsoft Game Studios and Lionhead Studios present the thrilling new chapter in the “Fable” franchise exclusively on Xbox 360 and Windows. Action, drama, adventure and humor propel the story as players choose their journey to become King or Queen of Albion.

“Fable III” will be available in Standard and Limited Collector’s Editions for Xbox 360. The Standard Edition will retail for $59.99/£44.99/€64.99, while the Limited Collector’s Edition will retail for $79.99/£59.99/€84.99. The Windows version will retail for $49.99/£39.99/€54.99, and will also be available for download exclusively on Games on Demand on Games for Windows – LIVE.

The Limited Collector’s Edition also offers unique collectibles that true “Fable” fans won’t want to miss, including downloadable content, also available for Windows users, as well as in-box items that come with the Xbox 360 version. Wrapped up in a distinctive box created in the likeness of a book from “Fable III,” the contents include:

· A new quest: Uncover the mystery of the haunted forests of Silverpines and earn the legendary sword, Wolfsbane, deadly against wolves and balverines.

· Exclusive location: Unlock a new region, ideal for settling down with a family and discovering new treasures.

· “Fable III” playing cards: Created by Lionhead, these cards depict every type of character in “Fable III,” including Heroes, royals, rebels and villains from across Albion and beyond.

· Guild Seal Coin: The coin features a Good side (blue) and Evil side (red) to assist players in making critical decisions that will impact the fate of the world forever.

· A new dog breed: Renowned for its loyalty, the Boxer is a brave canine companion worthy of greatest Queens and Kings.

· One unique outfit: Unearth one male and female outfit from the mysterious, faraway land of Aurora, a new destination in your “Fable III” adventures.

“Fable III” sets the stage for an unparalleled action and adventure experience, in which you will be called upon to rise from revolutionary to ruler of Albion. The choices and sacrifices you make while fanning the flames of revolution, and then as you rule as King or Queen, will lead to an ever evolving world of consequences that will be felt across your entire land.

“Fable III” is not yet rated by the ESRB. To access and download new screenshots of the Standard and Limited Collector’s Edition contents, visit http://edelmanadmin....ic/Fable%20III/.

Press Release

[troist]

Theres a new video diary out too:

http://www.lionhead.com/diaries/Default.aspx

In my eyes I'd like a more open world, or more exploration...

That morph stuff they mention in the diary isn't really my thing either... Looks a bit cheesy...

[metal_dragen Veteran]

It'll be nice to see something a little more open-world in the Fable universe. That's something that I think really took away from the RPG-ness of Fable throughout the series. The maps are all very linear for the most part.

I'm glad they are going with in-game DLC store - ME2 did this as well and it's so much nicer (you even get an update telling you there is new DLC available, call up the menu, purchase and it downloads in the background while you are in-game).

I'm kinda worried about the health/experience changes they are making. It seems like they're taking a page from Bioware with the way they chose to do health in ME2. I personally find this takes some of the experience of an RPG away - managing an inventory, health, mana, etc. is all a part of the experience in my opinion. Molyneux almost makes it sound like there won't really be new weapons to acquire with his talk of those changing as you "level" your character and with how much you use the weapon.

Still, I'm a huge fan of Fable, Lionhead, and Molyneux, so I'll definitely pick it up. I'm just a little worried at this point.

[The Teej]

Official topic 10 months before the release? Bad, bad idea IMO.

[Hedon]

Fable 3 coming to windows???????

Love the new exclusive to Microsoft Windows/Xbox 360 look.

My link

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Technically it's not new, it's just a merger of the logos. They used the same "stamp" design on the original Xbox titles but it was a yellow font.

Example

On the subject of it coming to Windows. I doubt it. Like I said, I think they've just decided to merge the brands into one logo. Fable 2 hasn't even been announced for PC and it leads into Fable 3 storywise. Wouldn't be very good for new comers to pick up half way through the story. Although it's not a proper story so to speak..

[Hedon]

Technically it's not new, it's just a merger of the logos. They used the same "stamp" design on the original Xbox titles but it was a yellow font.

Example

On the subject of it coming to Windows. I doubt it. Like I said, I think they've just decided to merge the brands into one logo. Fable 2 hasn't even been announced for PC and it leads into Fable 3 storywise. Wouldn't be very good for new comers to pick up half way through the story. Although it's not a proper story so to speak..

I was aware of the only on Xbox logo. I just hadn't seen the only on Xbox/PC logo before.

As for coming on to PC:

http://n4g.com/news/489972/molyneux-wants-fable-3-on-pc

Molyneux states “I would love to see the Fable franchise on the PC and I think it would be a truly amazing experience on the PC.” Is this enough to spark speculation of the creation of a Windows version of the Xbox favorite, or just the hope of a developer who wants more people to play his game?

I get the feeling that MS is going to make NATAL for the PC at some point here too.

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

I don't think MS will allow it. It's a system seller for the 360 and they would be concerned about even more piracy.

E3 will probably give us more hints as to platforms, but even if it comes to Windows I wouldn't expect it until after the 360 launch.

[Hedon]

Doh:

Update: Microsoft has responded: "We've made no official announcement but please stay tuned," a spokesperson said.

It might!

[Nagisan]

I would gladly buy this game....if they took the time to release it for Windows too (that means, no crummy port that runs like crap).

[Ci7]

I don't think MS will allow it. It's a system seller for the 360 and they would be concerned about even more piracy.

E3 will probably give us more hints as to platforms, but even if it comes to Windows I wouldn't expect it until after the 360 launch.

they will just lock-in to latest windows(7) or Dx10/11 platform

so they have it their way!

[Alan-]

I already preordered. Can't wait.

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

they will just lock-in to latest windows(7) or Dx10/11 platform

so they have it their way!

They could have done the same with Fable 2 and Vista, but didn't.

[Hedon]

Well, I hope it comes to PC at least. I don't game on PC, but I wouldn't mind seeing Fable get more market saturation. The Fable series is AAA, and deserves a bigger audience.

[Corris Veteran]

while I haven't gotten to Fable 2 yet, its sitting on my shelf, I have a friend who really enjoyed it which is why I picked it up and just not to it yet.

But from what I have read, I don't like the sound of this apparent no experience system, which seems to be just talk as there is going to be an experience system just applied different, instead of numbers you will have to count how many times you hit something instead, lol.

And I don't follow Molyneux and what he says generally, but it feels like a lot of what he has said about Fable 3 he said would be present in Fable 2?

Ah well, hopefully Fable 2 will be good when I get to it.

[metal_dragen Veteran]

I don't think MS will allow it. It's a system seller for the 360 and they would be concerned about even more piracy.

E3 will probably give us more hints as to platforms, but even if it comes to Windows I wouldn't expect it until after the 360 launch.

I can vouch for that since Fable II being 360-exclusive was about 75% of the reason I bought my 360.

[Hedon]

Fable 3 SKU's announced. Fable 3 for Windows confirmed!

My link

Today we announced details on the Fable III SKU's that will be available later this year. Here are the highlights: Fable III will be available in Standard and Limited Collector's Editions for Xbox 360.

The Standard Edition will retail for $59.99/£44.99/€64.99

Limited Collector's Edition will retail for $79.99/£59.99/€84.99.

The Windows version will retail for $49.99/£39.99/€54.99, and will also be available for download exclusively on Games on Demand on Games for Windows – LIVE.

GREAT NEWS! And available as a digital download on Windows...a little STEAM action there :)

[____]

GREAT NEWS! And available as a digital download on Windows...a little STEAM action there :)

Unfortunately its GFW On Demand only :(

[Hedon]

Unfortunately its GFW On Demand only :(

Looks like retail and digital.

[Hedon]

Lionhead filling Fable III with 47 hours of voice work

Fable III will be a chatty fellow; the RPG will have 47 hours worth of dialogue, Lionhead audio producer George Backer has revealed at the Develop Conference in Brighton. That?s 460,000 words.Trotting around the gameworld and hearing the same chatter from the AI shouldn?t pose much of a problem either. The 32 different types of AI come with a vocabulary of 2,000 different sentences.Each.

According to Backer, the impressive amount of dialogue will be put to good use, too; the game has a cast of 80, including confirmed names John Cleese and Jonathan Ross.

The game?s out later in the year, on both the 360 and PC.

My link

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Let's just hope it's interesting to read/listen to

[Andre S. Veteran]

If Fable 1 is of any indication, it'll be largely 47 hours of farts and giggles.

[mad_onion]

http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/02/make-your-own-fable-iii-villager.aspx

You're able to make your own villager and have them appear in the game if you pre order. The post says "The Fable III Village Maker launched today in the US and UK" but it didn't seem to be available on the UK site yet... Also, it's not clear if UK retailers are going to be offering the pre order codes, probably not.

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Delayed on pc

[DrunknMunky Veteran]

Hands on from EuroGamer

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-17-fable-iii-hands-on

Trying to decide if I want the Collectors Edition or not