Buried within this week's Xbox Podcast was exciting, albeit bittersweet, news about Playground Games' Fable. A rare glimpse of gameplay was revealed, but unfortunately, accompanied by a delay. Initially slated for release this year, Fable is now set for 2026.

While delays are rarely welcome, they often signal a game striving for excellence. Hopefully, this extra time will allow Fable's richly detailed world to fully flourish. But this delay presents a perfect opportunity: now is the ideal time to revisit (or discover) the Fable games, particularly Fable 2, a series high point, and a truly unique RPG.

Six main skills govern health, strength, and speed. Weapon damage is the only significant combat stat; armor and accessories lack similar complexities. Combat, though frequent, is lighthearted and swashbuckling, enhanced by creative spellcasting (like the hilarious Chaos spell). Death itself carries only a minor XP penalty.

Fable 2 is the perfect RPG for RPG newcomers. In 2008, Oblivion's vast world could feel overwhelming. Fable 2's Albion, however, offered manageable, interconnected maps. Exploration is encouraged, with hidden treasures and puzzles adding depth. While not sprawling like other RPG worlds, Albion’s focus is on vibrant, engaging life. Consider it a remarkable social simulation, akin to The Sims.

While the player is a Hero, Fable 2 shines when integrating into society. Players can buy and manage properties, work various jobs, and even woo and marry NPCs, resulting in the birth of a child. These seemingly artificial elements combine to create a genuine sense of life.

A well-executed fart might have pub patrons howling with laughter.“Few RPGs have replicated this. Even Baldur’s Gate 3 lacks Fable 2's organic romances and property market mechanics. However, Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a similar, albeit more polished, approach to reactive NPCs and social interaction.

Playground Games must maintain Fable's distinct elements: its British humor, witty satire, and memorable characters. But most crucial is Lionhead's approach to good and evil.

However, a full year remains until release. In the meantime, revisiting Fable 2 is highly recommended. Its unique blend of gameplay and social interaction highlights what makes it so beloved and crucial for Playground Games to preserve in the next iteration. Fable should remain Fable, quirks and all.