🌾 Stardew Valley 1.7 Update: What We Know
Eric Barone (ConcernedApe) has officially confirmed that Stardew Valley Update 1.7 is in development. The announcement was made on August 30, 2025, during the Symphony of Seasons concert in Seattle (source: ComputerCity, Dexerto).
Key Details So Far:
- ✅ Confirmed Development – 1.7 is happening, though no gameplay details yet.
- 🎶 The reveal was part of a live concert event, surprising fans.
- 🤔 Content specifics are still under wraps, but given the scope of past updates (like 1.6 adding new festivals, dialogue, and late-game content), players are expecting new crops, events, and maybe even new areas.
What it means for players: Stardew Valley continues to evolve nearly a decade after launch, showing no signs of slowing down. If you’re mid-save, it might be worth holding off on a new farm until we learn more about 1.7.
🦋 Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date & Pricing
After years of anticipation, Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a confirmed release date: September 4, 2025 (source: TwoAverageGamers).
What We Know:
- 📅 Release Date: September 4, 2025.
- 💵 Pricing: Recently unveiled (exact regional pricing varies, but it’s expected to be in the $30–40 range).
- 🎮 Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation confirmed.
- 🏹 Gameplay: Players take control of Hornet, exploring a vast new kingdom with faster, more agile combat compared to the original Hollow Knight.
Why it matters: Silksong has been one of the most highly anticipated indie titles of the decade, often compared to Elden Ring in terms of hype within its genre. Its release is shaping up to be one of the biggest indie launches of 2025.
🎮 Final Thoughts
- Stardew Valley 1.7: Still in early reveal stages, but fans can expect the same level of love and depth that past updates delivered.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong: Finally landing in just days, ending years of speculation and delays.
👉 If you’re into cozy farming sims, keep an eye on Stardew Valley news. If you’re craving challenging, atmospheric action-platforming, Silksong is about to dominate your September.
Best Fable Games Ranked
The Fable series has captivated gamers since its first release in 2004. With its unique blend of action, role-playing elements, and moral choices, the franchise has built a devoted following. Each game offers players the chance to shape their hero through decisions that affect both their character and the world around them.
Fans often debate which Fable game stands as the best in the series, with Fable: The Lost Chapters and Fable II typically considered the strongest contenders. The original game won hearts with its charming world and story, while the sequel added new features and improved gameplay. Each title has its strengths and weaknesses, making the “best” game largely a matter of personal preference and what aspects of gameplay matter most to each player.
1. Fable: The Lost Chapters
Fable: The Lost Chapters stands as an expanded version of the original Fable game, released in 2005. It added new content, quests, and areas to explore beyond what was in the first release. Many fans consider it the best game in the entire series.
The game follows the journey of a young hero who grows from childhood into a powerful figure in the land of Albion. Players make moral choices that affect how the character looks and how others react to them. Good actions create a halo, while evil deeds give the hero horns and a frightening appearance.
Combat in The Lost Chapters offers flexibility with melee weapons, bows, and magic spells. This variety lets players develop their own fighting style. The game also features a rich customization system that goes beyond most RPGs of its time.
The world of Albion feels alive with villagers who react to your fame or infamy. You can buy houses, get married, and build a reputation across different towns. These features were groundbreaking when the game first appeared.
What makes The Lost Chapters special is its charm and humor. The British wit shines through in dialogue and quests. Even serious moments often have funny undertones that keep the game from feeling too heavy.
Many players appreciate how much more gameplay and customizable content this version offers compared to later entries. The additional storyline extends the adventure and provides more insight into the world and its characters.
Despite newer games in the series having improved graphics or additional features, fans often point to The Lost Chapters as having the best balance of story, gameplay, and RPG elements. Its straightforward approach to character development and world-building created a foundation that later games struggled to match.
2. Fable II
Fable II is often considered by many fans as the best game in the series. Released in 2008, it expanded on the original game’s foundation while adding several new features that improved gameplay.
The game stands out for its improved mechanics. Players can buy properties, decorate houses, and build a real estate empire – features that weren’t available in the first game. The combat system feels more fluid, giving players more options during fights.
Fable II introduced a dog companion that helps find treasure and fights alongside you. This addition created an emotional connection many players hadn’t experienced in games before. The dog responds to your moral choices, changing based on whether you’re good or evil.
The morality system saw significant improvements. Your choices affect not just how NPCs react to you but also how the world itself changes. Towns prosper or decay based on your decisions, making the consequences of your actions more visible.
Graphically, Fable II was impressive for its time. The world of Albion feels vibrant and alive, with distinct regions and stunning vistas that encourage exploration.
Some fans praise the game’s soundtrack as exceptional, though others argue the original Fable had better music. The audio design creates an immersive atmosphere that pulls players into the fantasy world.
Despite its strengths, Fable II seems to have missed earning its rightful place in gaming history. It received strong reviews upon release, with many critics scoring it around 8.5 out of 10, but it doesn’t get mentioned as often as other classics from that era.
The game balanced accessibility with depth, allowing new players to enjoy it while giving experienced gamers plenty to master. Its charm comes from combining serious fantasy elements with British humor and quirky characters.
3. Fable Anniversary
Fable Anniversary is a remastered version of the original Fable: The Lost Chapters. Released in 2014, it brought the beloved classic to modern systems with improved graphics and some gameplay tweaks.
Many fans consider this version to be the best Fable game due to its faithful recreation of the original while fixing several technical issues. The remaster maintains the charm and storytelling that made the first game special.
The combat remains simple yet satisfying, letting players choose between melee weapons, ranged attacks, and magic. This system feels more responsive in Anniversary compared to the original release.
Character customization is another strong point. Players can still change their hero’s appearance through their actions and choices. Good deeds create a halo, while evil actions lead to horns and pale skin.
The world of Albion looks stunning in this version. Enhanced lighting and textures bring the fantasy setting to life without changing the distinctive art style fans loved.
The main story follows the Hero of Oakvale’s journey from childhood through a quest for revenge and ultimately saving the realm from a powerful threat. Side quests offer plenty of moral choices that affect how NPCs react to the player.
Anniversary includes all the extra content from The Lost Chapters, which added roughly 30% more gameplay to the original Fable. This means more quests, areas, and equipment to discover.
One limitation is the somewhat clunky menu system that wasn’t fully modernized. The game also retains some of the original’s quirks like occasionally awkward camera angles.
For those who enjoyed Fable: The Lost Chapters, Anniversary offers the definitive way to experience it. New players will find it more accessible than trying to run the original on modern hardware.
4. Fable III
Fable III continued the story set in the fantasy world of Albion, this time placing players in the role of the child of the hero from Fable II. Released in 2010, the game pushed the series forward in time to an industrial revolution era.
Players had to lead a rebellion against their tyrannical brother, King Logan, and then rule Albion themselves. This introduced a unique two-part structure where the second half focused on making difficult kingdom management decisions.
Combat remained similar to previous games but was simplified. The magic system changed to gauntlets, and weapons evolved based on how players used them, making each player’s arsenal unique.
The property system expanded, letting players buy and rent out more buildings than before. Marriage and family features returned, though some fans felt they weren’t as deep as in Fable 2.
A major innovation was the “Road to Rule” progression system, replacing the traditional experience points with a physical path unlocked throughout the story. This helped visualize character growth in a new way.
Fable III received mixed reviews. While some praised its story and voice acting (featuring talents like John Cleese and Simon Pegg), others criticized its oversimplified menus and lack of meaningful choices as ruler.
Despite ranking fourth in GameRant’s list of Fable games, Fable III sold well and maintains dedicated fans. Some players consider it massively underrated compared to earlier titles.
The game’s strengths included its distinctive art style, humor, and strong narrative themes about power and responsibility. Its weaknesses centered on simplified gameplay systems and technical issues at launch.
5. Fable: The Journey
Fable: The Journey stands out in the series as the first game designed specifically for Kinect on Xbox 360. Released in 2012, it takes a different approach to the Fable universe by focusing on motion controls rather than traditional gameplay.
Unlike previous Fable titles, The Journey puts players in the role of Gabriel, a dweller who must save Albion with the help of the blind seer Theresa. The game uses a first-person perspective, which was a major shift from earlier entries.
The gameplay centers around spellcasting and horse-drawn carriage sections. Players use hand gestures to cast spells and navigate through Albion, giving a more immersive feel when the controls work properly.
Despite mixed reception, many consider it one of the best Kinect releases for Xbox 360. The game attempted to bring the Fable experience to hardcore gamers through a new control scheme.
The Journey offers deep storytelling and picturesque visuals that stay true to the series’ aesthetic. The world of Albion remains beautiful and engaging, even through this different gameplay approach.
Some fans have surprisingly positive opinions about the game. One player mentioned that while part of them was joking, they honestly felt The Journey feels more like a genuine Fable experience than some might expect.
For those curious but hesitant about the motion controls, many recommend watching the game on YouTube to experience the story without frustration. This allows players to appreciate the narrative without dealing with potential control issues.
While not the strongest entry in the series, The Journey represents an interesting experiment that expanded the Fable universe in unexpected ways. Its unique approach makes it worth noting in any discussion of the franchise’s history.
6. Fable Heroes
Fable Heroes stands as a distinct departure from the main series. Released in 2012, this game took a completely different approach by introducing a hack-and-slash format with cartoon-like visuals.
Players can choose from various puppet versions of characters from the Fable universe. The game allows up to four people to play together, making it a fun option for friends and family.
Combat is straightforward, with players fighting their way through familiar Fable locations. Players collect coins during gameplay which can be used to unlock abilities and upgrades.
While the game ranks lower on most Fable game lists, it offers a unique, family-friendly take on the universe. Its simple mechanics make it accessible to newcomers.
The board game element adds an interesting twist to progression. After completing levels, players move around a game board to unlock new features and bonuses.
Fable Heroes connects with Fable: The Journey through a shared currency system. Coins collected in Heroes can be transferred to The Journey, showing Lionhead Studios’ attempt at creating connections between their games.
The art style remains one of the most memorable aspects of Fable Heroes. The puppet-like characters and colorful environments create a distinct visual identity separate from other games in the series.
Though not as deep or complex as the main Fable games, Heroes serves as an entertaining spin-off. It provides a more casual way to experience the Fable world without the commitment of a full RPG experience.
7. Fable Fortune
Fable Fortune was a unique entry in the Fable series, taking the franchise in a completely different direction as a collectible card game. Released as a free-to-play title, it mixed familiar Fable elements with strategy card gameplay.
The game preserved the good vs. evil morality system that made the main Fable games famous. Players could choose to complete quests with either good or evil approaches, which would change their hero’s abilities during matches.
Each match in Fable Fortune featured distinctive Fable humor and art style. The card designs included many creatures and characters from the main games, giving fans a sense of familiarity despite the new format.
Combat worked similarly to other popular card games like Hearthstone, but with enough unique features to stand out. The morality choices added a layer of strategy not found in other card games of its time.
According to reviewers, the game showed genuine promise. IGN noted that Fable Fortune had novel ideas that put a fresh spin on familiar CCG gameplay, particularly highlighting its good/evil upgrade system.
Unfortunately, Fable Fortune didn’t achieve the popularity needed for long-term success. The servers shut down in 2020, making it impossible to play today.
While it ranks lower on most lists of Fable games, it represented an interesting experiment for the franchise. The card game format allowed players to experience the world of Albion from a new perspective.
For card game fans who also loved Fable’s world and humor, Fortune offered a brief but enjoyable experience that combined both interests effectively.
8. Fable II Pub Games
Fable II Pub Games was released as a standalone Xbox Live Arcade title that served as a companion to the main Fable II game. It featured three different gambling mini-games that players could enjoy both in the arcade version and later within the full Fable II experience.
The collection included three distinct pub games: Fortune’s Tower, Keystone, and Spinnerbox. Each game offered different gameplay mechanics and betting strategies for players to master.
Fortune’s Tower seems to be a fan favorite among the three. Many players found it more consistent and reliable for earning gold compared to the other options. The card-based gameplay struck a nice balance between luck and strategy.
Keystone challenged players with a dice game where they bet on combinations of numbers. Some players developed specific strategies for success, such as maximizing bets on all archstones numbered 3-18, as recommended in popular guides.
Spinnerbox was considered the most luck-based of the three games. This spinning wheel game offered big payouts but with less player control than the other options.
What made these pub games special was their integration with the main Fable II experience. Any gold earned in the arcade version could be transferred to the full game, giving players a head start in their Fable II adventure.
Unlike later entries in the series, these mini-games were a significant feature. Pub games appeared in all Fable titles except Fable III, making the Fable II collection a unique offering in the franchise.
For achievement hunters, the games also provided additional challenges to complete outside the main game, extending the Fable II experience in a fun and engaging way.
9. Fable Coin Golf
Fable Coin Golf was a mobile game spin-off of the main Fable series. It combined elements of miniature golf with the fantasy setting that fans know from the main games.
The gameplay involved flicking coins across various boards to reach targets. Players needed to navigate obstacles and traps while collecting gold along the way. The game featured three distinct chapters, each with its own challenges.
One interesting feature was its connection to Fable III. Players could transfer gold earned in Coin Golf to their main game save. This helped them get a head start in Fable III’s economy.
The game also offered exclusive weapons as rewards. Upon finishing each chapter, players unlocked a special weapon that could be used in Fable III. This cross-game integration was novel for its time.
Despite these perks, player reception was mixed. Some fans found the game frustrating, with one Reddit user stating that whoever created Coin Golf is going to hell. The game’s difficulty spikes and timer mechanics were particular pain points.
In rankings of Fable games, Coin Golf typically lands near the bottom. GameRant placed it at number 9 in their comprehensive ranking of all Fable titles. This position reflects its status as a minor entry in the franchise.
The game is now difficult to access since it was removed from mobile stores years ago. This limited availability has made it something of a forgotten chapter in Fable history.
10. Fable Legends (cancelled)
Fable Legends represents one of the most notable cancelled projects in gaming history. Microsoft pulled the plug on March 7, 2016, despite the game being in development for years and already in beta testing. The cancellation wasn’t just about ending a game – it led to the shutdown of Lionhead Studios, ending the legacy of a beloved developer.
The game was meant to be a departure from the traditional Fable formula. It featured 4v1 gameplay where four heroes would face off against a villain player who controlled monsters and traps. This asymmetrical multiplayer approach was quite different from the single-player RPG experience fans knew.
Perhaps the most ambitious aspect was its planned cross-platform play between Xbox and PC players. This would have made it one of the first cooperative crossplay titles of its kind, breaking new ground for Microsoft’s gaming ecosystem.
Money seems to have been a major factor in the cancellation. Reports suggest Microsoft didn’t see the game becoming profitable despite pouring significant resources into development. The project allegedly cost about $75 million before cancellation, making it an expensive gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off.
The beta received positive feedback from many players. The servers remained active until April 13, 2016, giving testers a brief window to enjoy the game before it disappeared forever.
Many former Lionhead employees have expressed that the studio closure came as a shock. Some staff members indicated they were shut down because Microsoft shifted focus to other projects and priorities within their gaming division.
Fable Legends now exists as a fascinating “what if” in gaming history. Its cancellation marked the end of the original Fable era, though the franchise would eventually be revived years later with a new developer.
History of Fable Games
The Fable series has carved out a unique place in gaming history with its moral choice systems and evolving gameplay across multiple titles. Each game brought new features while maintaining the core fantasy RPG experience.
Early Development and Releases
Fable began as an ambitious project by Lionhead Studios under Peter Molyneux’s direction. The first game, originally titled “Project Ego,” was released in 2004 for Xbox and later expanded as Fable: The Lost Chapters in 2005. This expanded version added new content and is often considered the definitive edition.
Fable II followed in 2008 exclusively for Xbox 360, expanding on the original’s foundation. The game introduced companion pets and more sophisticated moral choices.
Fable III arrived in 2010, shifting the gameplay focus to ruling a kingdom after your character becomes monarch. The series continued with spin-offs like Fable Heroes, a more cartoon-styled action game, and Fable: The Journey, a Kinect-based title.
Several smaller titles were also released, including Fable 2 Pub Games and the mobile game Fable Coin Golf.
Evolution of Gameplay
The Fable series is known for its morality system where player choices affect both character appearance and the game world. Good actions make the hero glow while evil actions give them horns and pale skin.
Each game built upon this foundation. The original Fable focused on a hero’s journey with relatively straightforward good/evil choices. Fable II added more nuance with a real estate system that let players buy and decorate properties throughout the world.
Fable III transformed the traditional RPG structure by dividing the game into two parts: the revolution and ruling as monarch. This created a unique gameplay loop where early decisions affected kingdom management later.
Combat evolved from simple hack-and-slash in the original to more dynamic systems with ranged, melee, and magic abilities balanced across later titles. The series maintained its interactive storybook style throughout, giving players meaningful choices that shaped their personal hero’s journey.
Core Mechanics of Fable Games
Fable games are built around innovative systems that let players shape their journey through their choices and appearance. These mechanics create a unique RPG experience where your decisions truly matter.
Moral Choices and Consequences
The heart of every Fable game is its morality system. Players make choices that push them toward good or evil, with visible changes to their character’s appearance. Heroes with good alignment develop halos and clear skin, while evil characters grow horns and pallid complexions.
These choices affect more than looks. The world reacts differently to you based on your moral standing. Villagers might cheer or cower as you walk by. Gameplay mechanics change depending on your path, with different abilities unlocking for good and evil characters.
Fable 2 improved this system by adding more nuanced choices and consequences. Your actions influence property values, NPC interactions, and quest availability. Even small decisions like eating certain foods or choosing outfits impact your character’s alignment.
Character Customization
Fable revolutionized character development by making it responsive to player actions rather than menu selections. Your character changes based on how you play:
- Physical attributes: Using melee weapons builds muscle, while magic use creates glowing blue lines on your skin
- Skills and abilities: Combat styles evolve based on weapon preferences
- Appearance options: Haircuts, tattoos, and clothing choices affect NPC reactions
The series expanded these features with each release. Fable 2 added weight gain mechanics tied to food consumption and more detailed aging. Fable 3 introduced a “touch” system where players could interact with NPCs through handshakes, hugs, or dancing.
Character development extends beyond aesthetics. Your reputation follows you across the game world, opening or closing opportunities based on your past actions and appearance choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players often wonder about key differences between Fable games and how the series has evolved over time. Here are answers to common questions about this beloved franchise.
What are the differences between Fable II and Fable III in terms of gameplay?
Fable II and Fable III have distinct gameplay elements that set them apart. Fable II features a more open combat system with melee, ranged, and magic options that players can switch between seamlessly.
Fable III simplified the combat and introduced a “touch” system where players hold hands with NPCs to guide them. It also replaced the traditional menu system with a physical “Sanctuary” where players walk through rooms to access different game functions.
Property ownership expanded in Fable III, allowing players to rule as monarch and make kingdom-wide decisions. This was a significant change from Fable II’s more personal hero journey.
Is Fable Anniversary a worthwhile experience for new players to the series?
Fable Anniversary offers an excellent entry point for newcomers. This remaster of Fable: The Lost Chapters features updated graphics, improved controls, and quality-of-life improvements.
The game preserves the charming British humor and moral choice system that made the original famous. New players will appreciate the more intuitive interface while experiencing the story that started it all.
Anniversary’s additional content and streamlined mechanics make it more accessible than the original release without sacrificing what made Fable special.
Which Fable title provided the most immersive experience according to long-time fans?
Many long-time fans consider Fable II the most immersive title in the series. Its atmospheric world of Albion, compelling story choices, and the bond with your dog companion created a uniquely engaging experience.
Fable II’s balance of humor, darkness, and meaningful consequences resonated with players. The game felt “cozy” while still offering depth, with decisions that affected both your character and the world around you.
The second game struck a sweet spot between the simplicity of the original and the more politically-focused third entry.
How does Fable 4 compare to previous titles in the series?
Fable 4 (sometimes called the Fable reboot) is still in development by Playground Games. Microsoft announced it in 2020, but has released limited information about gameplay specifics or story details.
The developers have suggested it will honor the series’ legacy while bringing new elements to the franchise. Based on early teasers, it appears to return to the magical, fairytale-inspired setting of earlier games.
Without a release date confirmed, fans continue to speculate about how it will compare to previous titles.
What should newcomers expect from the gameplay and story of the Fable series?
Newcomers to Fable should expect action RPG gameplay with a strong emphasis on moral choices. Your decisions shape your character’s appearance and how NPCs react to you throughout the games.
The series blends British humor with fantasy storytelling in a world where your actions have consequences. Combat combines melee weapons, ranged attacks, and magic spells with increasingly fluid systems in later games.
Fable’s unique identity comes from its mix of serious heroic journeys and quirky elements like property ownership, marriage, and silly expressions you can perform for villagers.
How has the Fable series evolved from the original game to the latest release?
The Fable series began with a focus on a hero’s journey and moral choices in a fantasy setting. The original game introduced the concept of good and evil actions physically changing your character’s appearance.
Fable II expanded the formula with improved combat, a dog companion, and more robust social and economic systems. Fable III pushed further into political themes by allowing players to rule as monarch and make kingdom-wide decisions.
Later entries like Fable: The Journey experimented with different gameplay styles, though these spin-offs received mixed reactions from fans who preferred the core RPG experience of the main trilogy.
