Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores, but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, all whilst including some lengthy gameplay, to give you, the reader, the chance to form your own impressions and views while reading and watching.
In this explanatory review, we’re covering Fabledom by developer, Grenaa Games:
Fabledom (Nintendo Switch)
Fabledom spins a charming tale right from the get-go. Set in a whimsical world of princes, princesses, and magical creatures, you’re tasked with turning a small hamlet into a bustling fairytale kingdom. The story begins with a simple decision: are you a Prince or Princess, and are you seeking love or alliances? This personal touch adds a cute, romantic layer to your city-building adventures, making the game feel like a cozy mix of royal intrigue and fairy tales.
As you progress, you’ll encounter quirky characters, from giant beanstalks to witches casting skeletal curses on your townsfolk. The game’s narrative is driven by your choices and interactions with other rulers, who may end up as friends, foes, or even romantic partners. It’s lighthearted, fun, and adds enough flavor to keep you invested in your growing kingdom, even if it’s not the most complex storyline out there.
At first glance, Fabledom seems like a typical city builder, but it quickly reveals its own unique fairy tale twist. You start with a small wagon, a few peasants—called Fablings—and a pile of resources. From there, it’s up to you to gather materials, build homes, and expand your kingdom. The game’s pace is laid-back, so you won’t find yourself in any high-pressure situations. There’s also a Campaign Mode for players who enjoy progression, and a Creative Mode for those who just want to build without restrictions.
However, managing your resources can be a bit of a fairy tale gone wrong. Sometimes, it feels like your Fablings are wandering around aimlessly, ignoring the most important tasks. Even with roads to speed them up, they still seem to take the scenic route far too often. As you try to expand your kingdom, you may find yourself frustrated with the slow production of key resources, leaving you stuck watching the clock tick down on crucial challenges. It’s a game that rewards patience, but that patience is tested when the user interface and multiple menus make navigation a royal pain.
The visuals in Fabledom are undeniably charming. The game’s art style is soft, colorful, and full of whimsy, fitting perfectly with the fairy tale setting. Each building is detailed and unique, and watching your city grow from a small village into a bustling kingdom is incredibly satisfying. You can zoom in to see your Fablings going about their daily lives, from tending crops to fighting off gnomes, which adds a nice touch of immersion.
While the game is visually appealing, the world can feel a bit repetitive after a while. The magical elements, like beanstalks and witches, do add some variety, but after expanding your kingdom across similar-looking landscapes, the scenery starts to blend together. Still, the art direction helps keep things light and fun, making Fabledom a pleasant visual experience overall.
The sound design in Fabledom is as gentle as the game’s pacing. The soundtrack is filled with calming tunes that help set the mood for your laid-back city-building adventure. The soft melodies change depending on the time of day and what’s happening in your kingdom, whether you’re expanding your territory or dealing with a wandering cyclops. The music never feels overwhelming, instead providing a peaceful background as you build and manage your kingdom.
The voice acting is minimal, but the narrator’s “elderly British dude” voice adds a classic fairy tale touch. The sounds of everyday life in your kingdom, like the clanging of blacksmiths or the chatter of Fablings, help bring the world to life. While the audio isn’t groundbreaking, it complements the game’s cozy atmosphere perfectly, making *Fabledom* a pleasant escape from reality.
Fabledom is a charming, laid-back city builder that offers a delightful mix of fairytale storytelling and easy-to-grasp gameplay. Watching your kingdom grow and making alliances with other rulers is satisfying, but the game’s user interface and navigation can feel like a royal headache. With multiple menus to manage and an overwhelming sense of where things are located, I often found myself struggling to keep up. The slow production of resources and occasional Fabling AI issues didn’t help either, leading to some frustrating moments where I felt lost in my own kingdom.
Despite these hiccups, there’s still a lot to love about Fabledom. Its whimsical world, charming visuals, and lighthearted tone make it a great pick for players looking for a relaxing city-building experience. If you’re willing to work through some of the menu madness, you’ll find a fairy tale worth building.
Game Specifications:
Developer: Grenaa Games
Publisher: Plug-in Digital
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Strategy, Simulation
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: September 12, 2024
Price: $24.99
File Size: 1.5 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
