Earlier today, Lionhead Studios announced the release of a Fable HD remake, previously only available on the original Xbox. Wasting very little time between the announcement and the release date, Fable Anniversary is set to hit stores this holiday season. The game will include updated graphics, a new save game system, a new interface, and shorter loading times.
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Some are surprised that Lionhead has opted for the 360 (as opposed to the upcoming next-gen console Xbox One) for this release. Lead designer Ted Timmins explained the reasoning behind this decision on an episode of Major Nelson’s podcast hosted by Larry Hryb:
“It’s the game that Fable fans have been demanding for years now. It’s the one game that’s not on the Xbox 360, so it’s amazing to get the whole franchise on there.”
Fable Anniversary will include the original Fable game and the Lost Chapters expansion.
Many of us have been expecting a new Fable game from Lionhead, and while this is not quite what we had in mind, it is by absolutely no means disappointing. The opportunity to replay the original game with enhanced visuals and remastered cutscenes will be a nostalgic pleasure.
Does the announcement of Fable Anniversary mean that we will not hear anything about a next-gen Fable game at this year’s E3? Not at all. Microsoft has already promised numerous game announcements during the event.