Title: Fable Fortune
Platform: PC
Developer: Flaming Fowl Studios
Publisher: Mediatonic
Release date: Out Now
TL;DR: A solid digital collectable card game for pros and newcomers alike. Scratching that Fable itch we never knew we had.
Price: Free-to-Play (includes In-Game Purchases)
Family Friendly?: Click here

Remember Fable, that third-person action adventure series from the Xbox days? Well, it’s back, but not quite as you remember it.

Fable Fortune is a Free-to-Play digital collectable card game (CCG) based around the famed Fable-verse. These days, it seems easy to compare CCGs to the mountain that is Hearthstone, but it stands alone and offers its own unique and fun take on the genre. After over 1000 games played – most of them in defeat (yes, I know – I suck) I’ve realised that this isn’t a Hearthstone-clone skinned with a subtle layer of nostalgia. Fable Fortune wants to be a name that’s recognisable and ultimately, it’s going the right way about it.

In the beginning, Fable Fortune can seem somewhat “overwhelming.” While the look, layout, and feel of the game appear to be heavily influenced by Hearthstone, there are tons of new characters, abilities, and challenges to get your head around. All of which aren’t fully explained when diving straight in…

Don’t worry though; this isn’t a fancy game of snap. After a couple of quick training matches, you’ll quickly grasp the basic idea, as well as a neat insight into typical card combinations and tactics – the rest is up to you.

“After a couple of quick training matches, you’ll quickly grasp the basic idea.”

To keep things simple – for now, Fable Fortune has a very small cast of heroes to choose from. Each with their own unique Hero Power (ability) and pre-built deck. Marshall The Knight is prepped to flood the board with a ray of soldiers and units, overwhelming your opponent. Barter The Merchant’s ability allows him to add extra gold into his hand, and (my favourite) Crimson The Shapeshifter is built to just go straight in and deal direct damage. I found myself floating between all of the cast as their interactions and snarky comments were a delight.

The aim of the game is to deal as much damage to your opponent as possible – seems simple, right? To do that – much like Hearthstone – you are given a deck of cards. This deck is filled with Units and Spells. When a Unit is in play, their figure will appear on the board and will then be able to attack other Units. Spells can help to buffer Units or to deal direct damage to multiple units – including your own.

Each player takes it, in turn, to draw a card from the deck and place it in their hand, this will then also add one gold piece to their Gold Chest. Once in their hand, they’re able to spend gold to play a card. During their turn, the player can then choose to either play cards, attack with Units, or to use their Hero Power. All with the goal of bringing your opponent’s health to zero. Remember, each ‘action’ will require spending Gold, so think before you act.

A really cool feature that set Fable apart from most open-world RPGs was its morality system. Based upon how you interacted with the world and the skills you inherited, this system allowed for the protagonist to be perceived in different ways throughout the world. Fable Fortune is no different.

“The choice you make will also affect how players see you online.”

At the start of the game, you are given a choice of three quests. When the quest is completed, you’re then able to upgrade your Hero Powe;, this can either be a Good upgrade or an Evil upgrade. Both have their benefits, and it’s up to you to decide which works best for your play style. The choice you make will also affect how players see you online.

Part of the fun of digital collectable card games is the cards themselves. You can easily see that Flaming Foul has taken the time to research the genre thoroughly. Each card looks fantastic and matches the tone of every hero perfectly, allowing the decks to not feel weird when in battle.  Right now, the cards and heroes are very balanced and as in my case – the battles are either won or lost depending on the draw of your card deck.

Deck building is also an essential part of the game. Like in various other digital collectable card games, you’re able to create and modify decks in any way you like. Whether you want to be a damage dealer, a healer, or a spell caster, the choices are endless. Knowing your deck is important and when the right card combination appears it at just the right time, you know it’s going to be a good night.

Sadly, due to some technical issues, I wasn’t able to fully explore the online components of the game as much as I’d have like to. As with many pre-release builds, during certain times of the day, unfortunately, the community just wasn’t available, and I found myself staring at the dreaded “looking for a player,” screen for what felt like hours. However, what little time I did spend online I enjoyed – despite getting my ass handed to me.

PVP is exactly how you imagined it to be. Random online matches against players of similar skill, with various cards and your chosen hero gaining XP as you complete a round. Co-op, on the other hand, was something I’d never experienced in other collectable card games. Relatively straightforward, you and a friend can challenge an AI bot. Each player is allowed their own Hero, deck, hand, and Quest. Once a Unit has been placed on the board, both players can control it and you’re also able to see each other’s hands (not decks). This can relate to some fantastic strategies and teamwork to deal with tricky situations.

Fable Fortune is a well thought out and solid digital collectable card game. Taking the best bits of what made Hearthstone popular and putting its own easy and unique spin on it is certainly a recipe for a good game, in my book. Sadly, I think the lack of content and game modes does hinder the game slightly but as with other digital collectable card games, the community is what will make this game shine. The foundations have been laid and with Hearthstone being such the goliath that it is, this is the perfect jump on point for someone new digital collectable card games.

 

Good times!

  • A solid collectable card game
  • The morality/quest system is a great addition and adds depth
  • Fantastic jump on point for CCG newcomers

Bad times :(

  • Not as in depth with the lore as Hearthstone
  • Can be a little overwhelming at first
  • Right now, a small community of players

Family Focus – Fable Fortune

As of the time of writing there has been no published rating for Fable Fortune. Previously, the Fable franchise has had an M rating. While there are no mentions of sexual themes in Fable Fortune, expect to see blood and mild fantasy violence during combat. All of which will be more suitable for a mature audience.

This review is based on a review copy of the game provided by the publisher.