Endless Fables: Shadow Within Collector’s Edition 2023

Endless Fables:

The Fable series unfolds in the fictional realm of Albion, a land initially comprised of independent city-states separated by vast expanses of wilderness. The setting draws inspiration from Medieval Britain, infused with European elements. Notably, "Albion" is an ancient name still associated with Great Britain. Over the course of the series, Albion's timeline progresses; in Fable II, it enters an era reminiscent of the Age of Enlightenment, while Fable III sees the nation united under a monarchy, transitioning into an "Age of Industry" akin to the real-world Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the inaugural Fable game, players step into the shoes of a young protagonist thrust into a life of heroism after bandits raid their village, slay their father, and abduct their sister. The decisions players make throughout the game influence how the Hero is perceived by the denizens of Albion and manifest in the Hero's appearance, reflecting their virtuous or malevolent deeds. Beyond the primary quest to uncover the truth about the Hero's family, players can partake in optional activities like trading, romance, marriage, pub games, pugilism, exploration, and thievery.

Gameplay:

Fable II unfolds 500 years after the events of its predecessor. The world mirrors a European setting from the late 1600s to early 1700s—a period characterized by highwaymen and the Enlightenment. In this iteration, science and modern ideas have supplanted the old beliefs in religion and magic, towns have evolved into bustling cities, gunpowder is revolutionizing weaponry, and social, family, and economic opportunities and challenges abound. Fable II essentially expands upon nearly every aspect of the gaming experience from the first installment while preserving the core gameplay elements. Albion's continent is larger, with fewer locations that are more intricate and detailed. Unlike Fable, where quest completion is the primary narrative driver, Fable II's story evolves based on the player's actions and circumstances, fostering a more interactive experience.

Fable III, set half a century after Fable II, continues Albion's historical progression. The industrial revolution is in full swing, and the society bears resemblance to that of the early 1800s. Across all versions of the game, moral development—whether toward goodness or wickedness—remains central to gameplay. This moral growth extends to personal and psychological aspects, interwoven with political themes, as players are tasked with toppling an oppressive monarch in Albion and defending the realm against external threats.

As role-playing video games, the Fable series revolves around character development, with the player controlling the protagonist. This development is intricately tied to the character's interactions within the game world, particularly through engagement with various aspects such as conversation, storytelling, education, trade, gaming, relationships, and combat.

Players can shape the protagonist's growth by focusing on parameters like magic, strength, and social skills. Furthermore, players have the freedom to dictate the moral alignment of their character, allowing for skill development in both virtuous and malevolent paths.

In addition to this fundamental gameplay structure, some iterations emphasize set quests that collectively enable the protagonist's growth and unravel segments of the game's overarching narrative.