The Fable Game Pass Core Lineup
Microsoft’s new Game Pass tier includes 25 titles and I’m absolutely thrilled to see the Fable series represented. The beloved British fantasy series is no doubt a gem, but the choice of game is puzzling, and the buggy remaster of the second entry doesn’t help matters.
The first Fable is a masterpiece, and I can’t imagine a world where I don’t include it in my top-10 Xbox Game Pass games list when it launches. However, new Game Pass subscribers who are unfamiliar with the series’ history and importance may not be in the mood to tackle the original game when the sequel is sitting right there. That’s where Fable 2 comes in.
The sequel is the gem that truly represents the series, and it would have been an excellent Game Pass Core choice. It’s not just me saying this, either – Fable 2 is unsung hero in gaming history. It went against the grain, and the direction the series took with its sequel is what made it so special.
The first game put players in a comfortable fantasy world where magic was plentiful and the hero from the original could do no wrong. The sequel took players out of their fantasy comfort zone and introduced a broken world, where magic is no longer believed in and the deeds of the hero from the first game are forgotten. It’s a dark and dangerous place, and the game nails this atmosphere.
Microsoft’s failure to recognize that Fable: The Lost Chapters didn’t need fixing is concerning, but I’ll leave that for another day. Putting that aside, Fable Anniversary, the newest entry on the list, is a travesty. A buggy remaster of the original, it left players with unstable worlds, wide-eyed NPCs, and various bugs, including freezes and unplayable states.
I can put up with the dated art style and presentation of the first game, but Fable Anniversary is unplayable. Even putting that aside, Fable 3, while not as strong as the first two games, still functioned well, even on Game Pass. The fps-boost is a welcome addition and the world is still fun to explore.
Microsoft, I’m begging you – if you’re going to include Fable on Game Pass, please put Fable 2 on the upcoming Core round-up. The first game will be waiting when you’re ready, but Fable Anniversary should not represent the series to any new players.
Instead, check out our picks for the best upcoming games on Game Pass. You can also read up on all the latest Game Pass news, or find out what we think of the latest additions to the Xbox Live subscription service.
