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Microsoft Reveals Fable 3

To start off Microsoft's GamesCom press conference, Peter Molyneux took to the stage to reveal none other than Fable 3. Before Molyneux talked about how Lionhead Studios could surprise gamers with the game's story and provide something "new, fresh, and different," he made a curious comment about something wrong with Fable-like RPGs. "I think there's something fundamentally wrong with RPGs like Fable... It's a mechanic that's been there since the eighties. I'm going to take that foundation stone and throw it away." Of course, Molyneux is keeping his lips sealed about just what that "foundation stone" is for the time being.
You might be wondering just how this ties into the recent hints we've been getting about the project Lionhead is working on. Mimicking the historical figures and leaders that Lionhead has been posting pictures of, your goal in Fable 3 will be to become the ruler of the world of Albion. Molyneux said, "You are going to become the ruler of the whole of Albion. You've played in this land in Fable 1, in Fable 2 you became a hero; this time, why not rule Albion? Why not be a king or a queen?" He added, "I want players to feel and experience what it's like to be a ruler."

You'll take up the role of either the son or daughter of the Hero from Fable 2. The first half of the game will center around gaining support and starting a revolution against the current king. "Ultimately you overthrow that terrible tyrant who rules Albion, but to do that you have to make some promises," said Molyneux. But it's up to you to keep those promises about help the poor, lower taxes, and so on. An example of the decisions you'll have to make is your ability to do away with poverty by spending all of the money in your treasure room -- or you can just save it for yourself, but either way, there will be consequences. And as ruler, you'll be able to have a family that naturally take up the roles of king or queen and prince or princess.

It was quite a long presentation with lots of details -- expect to hear plenty more as GamesCom rolls on. Fable 3 is scheduled for a release in 2010, but as Molyneux says, "Don't expect it too early in 2010."

Interesting. Check the link for a video. You can also go here for the preview: Fable 3 Preview for the Xbox 360 from 1UP.com

In related news, Fable 2 will be able to be downloaded in parts for Xbox Live.

Fable 2 Coming in Episodic, Downloadable Form Next Month

Prior to announcing the big news in Fable 3, Peter Molyneux revealed something called Fable Episodic. Microsoft is splitting Fable 2 into five episodes and releasing them on the Xbox Live Marketplace on September 29. Pricing on the episodes wasn't announced, but the first one will be free. Molyneux said, "This is great from a developer's point of view -- are you enjoying this? You could buy the next episode, or buy the whole thing -- keeping them in-game." These episodes will be compatible with the existing Fable 2 DLC packs Knothole Island and See the Future, so expect this to be a completely viable substitute for a proper disc version of Fable 2.