PixlBit

A Kinect sidequest to the Fable series is currently in development.

Peter Molyneux took the stage today at the Microsoft press conference to reveal the latest game in the Fable series, Fable: The Journey. Unlike the rest of the games in the series, this title appears to be a spin-off that's primary focus is around use of the Kinect. Currently, the game is slated for an unspecified 2012 release.

Taking place in Albion, the game will use common themes from the Fable series to create an all new experience. Traditionally, Fable is a third person experience, but this time things are moved into first person, allowing players to truly embody the game's protagonist. During the presentation, players were shown some of the different things that they will be able to do in the game using gesturing.

Spellcasting is clearly the primary focus of the experience, allowing players to conjure up energy masses to fling at enemies. Melee attacks were also showcased, allowing players to attack close enemies. Though not quite on rails, the experience seems to be mostly forced progression. Through the use of elaborate gestures, players appear to be able to navigate around and simultaneously attack enemies. Headtracking was also shown, allowing players to look around the environment to see potential threats surrounding them.

Control of a horse-drawn buggy was demonstrated at the start of the presentation, allowing players to slow and speed up the horse, as well as control its direction using the expected gestures/

Nothing more was disclosed about the project, but once again, players can expect it some time next year.