Microsoft chose CES to unveil the PC edition of Fable III, the successful third entry in Lionhead's Xbox adventure trilogy. There were no specific announcements about Fable III for CES beyond having it in their booth. Microsoft just wanted to reveal the game and reassure PC gamers that Microsoft remains very active with Games for Windows.
Coming later this year -- Microsoft did not give out a firm release date -- Fable III for the PC will feature a fresh visual pass to take advantage of graphics cards and processors that now outstrip the Xbox 360. Certainly the version of Fable III I played today looked sharper than it did on Xbox 360, with crisper textures.
But what matters far more is how it plays. Thought you can customize your controls to your liking, the default settings used today were workable. The potions and spells once attached to the Xbox controller's d-pad have been mapped to the first four function buttons. To select between the three available weapons to heroes -- melee, ranged, magic attack -- you scroll the mouse wheel. Whether or not you launch a light or heavy attack depends on which mouse button to press: left or right. I really enjoyed this simple system as it dovetailed nicely with the streamlined combat, which is something I rather liked about Fable III on the 360.
What did throw me off, though, was movement. The combination of the mouse for "looking" and traditional WASD just felt clunky. During the first battle in Bowerstone, one of the earlier pivotal moments in Fable III that launches the second act, staging off against the king's thugs was a tug-of-war. I had no problems launching area effect lightning magic and finishing off villains with a sword flourish, but aiming? Erg. However, you can always plug in an Xbox 360 controller to play Fable III on the PC.
According to the Microsoft representative showing me Fable III, Lionhead is one of the best "listeners" in the industry. The developer heard many of the impressions and complaints leveled at Fable III (for example, I think that too many choices in Fable III lack consequence), but do not expect any radical gameplay changes in the PC edition. However, there could be some minor alterations or new content, which Microsoft will disclose later in the year.
Fable III for the PC -- and the Xbox 360 -- will also hook up to the newly announced Fable III: Coin Golf, a Windows Mobile game (exclusive to Windows Mobile handsets). In the penny-pushing mobile game, gold earned is transferred to your hero's coffers. If you've played Fable III on the 360, you know how this could be a big help in the final act.
Look for more on Fable III for Windows in the near future on IGN, including where and how it will be sold. Will Microsoft skip the Steam juggernaut and stick just to retail and Games for Windows Marketplace? And be sure to keep checking our CES coverage for the latest out of the world's biggest tech expo in Las Vegas.
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