Fable Reimagined: A Fan's Nostalgic Game Boy Color Demake for the 20th Anniversary

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the beloved Fable series, an enthusiastic fan has embarked on a project to remake the iconic Xbox role-playing game for the Game Boy Color. This reimagined version is accessible to everyone at no cost. Despite Xbox's lack of notable festivities for this milestone, the tireless efforts of one individual have resulted in a project that allows players to experience Fable in a new, retro-inspired style.

James Grice recently introduced their adaptation, titled Fable: 20th Anniversary Game Boy Color Demake, on a popular platform for indie games. This project is essentially a brief demonstration that captures the charming introduction of the RPG in the village of Oakvale, including the iconic chicken-kicking feature. In a narrative parallel to the original story, players step into the shoes of a young boy known as 'lad,' who is racing against time to collect the final items needed for his sister's birthday celebration. This entails juggling errands to earn gold, accompanied by the morally ambiguous decisions that have become synonymous with Fable. Players must ponder choices like whether to keep a secret for a man involved in an affair or expose him, as well as deciding whether to defend a child from a bully or join the ranks of tormentors.

Reflecting on his childhood, Grice communicated his passion for Fable and how he often envisioned how it might fare on less powerful hardware. With some spare time on his hands, he dedicated four days to crafting his first Game Boy game, choosing to reimagine Fable specifically to mark its 20th anniversary.

The enchanting soundtrack of Fable has been transformed into a catchy chiptune remix, and the project also boasts fully voiced cutscenes, a notable feature for the old Nintendo handheld. Although the visuals might blur the lines between trees and humans, the essence of the storytelling remains intact.

This nostalgic remake can be enjoyed in a web browser or on compatible Game Boy Color devices, taking about 20 minutes to complete. Grice has mentioned the possibility of extending the project to include the Guild Graduation scene should there be sufficient interest from the community.

Yearning for more adventures in Albion? Stay informed about the upcoming installment of Fable currently in development at the studio responsible for Forza Horizon.