Fable was a trendsetter in many ways, boasting a gorgeous open world long before many others did, and for that reason, it still holds up today. But it had a few quirks that no other games really adopted, as it tried to predict the future of RPGs, and as a result, gave us something that feels like a look at what could have been.
One of the things it did a little differently was levelling up. In Fable and Fable 2, you collect experience orbs from the creatures you kill. Different orbs can be used to unlock different abilities, split into three categories: strength, will, and skill (with green orbs being a general one that can be used on any skill).
There isn’t really anything comparable in modern RPGs, or really many RPGs that came before it. Much like the bread crumb trail, it’s so very Fable. So, it’s no wonder that fans are wondering if it will make a return in the new Fable game.
Will Fable Bring Back The Experience Orb System?
“It had issues, particularly in Fable 2. But I liked it – it felt quite unique,” says Reddit user Global_Context_2531. “It added this kind of decompression at the end of a fight. As though the character needed a moment to collect themselves after the violence or review their technique and what was successful and what wasn’t, if we want to continue the experience aspect of it. But inversely, there was a kind of intensity to realising one might die and lose all the XP. There was a consideration to stop fighting and absorb the XP for a level up.”
There are plenty of others in agreement there, and those with fond memories of saving up their orbs to unlock new abilities. But with that said, some believe they will get left behind.
“I have a feeling that they’ve probably done away with it,” says Gauntlets28. “It’s a very noughties mechanic.”
Ultimately, that’s what we older Fable fans will be wondering – is this more of a Fable game, or more of a typical RPG? With a new developer at the helm, I can see it trying to bridge the gap, playing like other RPGs while having a few Fable-like quirks.
There are also things that some players would not miss if it’s scrapped in favour of a new system. That includes having to hold down a button to collect all of the orbs at the end of a fight, or losing some off a ledge. Personally, I won’t miss grinding for orbs to earn new abilities, which was usually done by redoing the crucible. Eugh…
Whatever the case, we should find out a bit more about Fable soon. It’s set to be included in an Xbox showcase on January 22.
- Released
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2026
- ESRB
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t
- Developer(s)
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Playground Games
- Engine
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unreal engine 4, forza tech
