Publisher Raw Fury has built up a steady library of indie games for various platforms, with many titles focused on problem-solving gameplay across distinct art styles. Raw Fury's latest game is one of its most ambitious yet, teaming up with developer Shedwords for the open-world exploration game Sable. Available for the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC, Sable is a warm, welcoming title that bids players delve into its expansive, immersive world. And though there are certain aspects to the game that are perhaps a bit rough around the edges, Sable provides a relaxing gameplay journey that stands as this generation's answer to acclaimed titles like Journey.
Sable follows its eponymous protagonist as she undergoes a coming-of-age ritual, known as the Gliding, that has her venture into desert-bound ancient ruins to find a mask to mark the completion of her rite of passage and be accepted back into her nomadic tribe. Traversing the bright landscape on her trusty hoverbike, Sable's odyssey boasts an art style inspired by visionary French artist Jean "Moebius" Girard and a calmingly ephemeral soundtrack composed by fan-favorite pop artist Japanese Breakfast that lends a cinematic sensibility as players progress deeper and deeper into this world.
At first glance and at its most superficial, Sable has more than a passing resemblance to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, with its climbing mechanic, complete with stamina meter, and focusing on players exploring ancient ruins scattered across a landscape. But Sable quickly becomes distinctly unique in its own right, from a cel-shaded animation style that is reminiscent of the Studio Ghibli/Wild Bunch animated film The Red Turtle to the exploration-driven gameplay, completely eschewing the inclusion of combat like many of its contemporaries. And as the game continues, Sable picks up more and more side quests, the proceedings are never really tedious but further add the game's welcome sense of whimsy.
There are elements of Sable that could stand to be ironed out, both in terms of gameplay and presentation. The dialogue aspect of the game perhaps is a bit overstated starting out, and could be improved by remembering to show and not tell as it includes Sable's own inner monologue but, as the game progresses, this aspect gradually becomes more endearing. While the landscape is expansive and inviting, it is rather sparse and the missions themselves do feel a bit repetitive after a while. Sable is perhaps best experienced for those looking to unwind, with the myriad of side missions as a calming presence, rather than approaching it as a serious grind; that assessment is not a criticism.
Sable is the kind of game where you dive into its expansive world and allow its gorgeous vistas to peacefully wash over you while delving deeper into its inviting world. Sable is a firm reminder that high stakes and pulse-pounding combat aren't necessary to have a good time in the medium or even the open-world exploration genre. While Sable could perhaps benefit from reining in some of its overindulgent aspects, it stands as a brilliant reminder of the joys that come with embracing the great wide open and the serenity that comes with the simplicity of exploration. In Sable, the journey itself is all of the reward and the game is all the better for it.
Developed by Shedworks and published by Raw Fury, Sable is available now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC.
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