In May, the gaming world will celebrate a significant milestone – 20 years since the inception of the beloved Fate series. This legendary franchise, which kicked off in 2005, thrust players into heroic roles to conquer the Dungeon Gate and leave behind a legacy of vanquished foes. Over these two decades, Fate didn’t just captivate the imaginations of countless players; it also shaped the journey of action RPGs and inspired a new wave of game developers. Not to mention, the creators later crafted another dungeon crawler hit – Torchlight.
Recognizing the profound influence it wielded, it was only fitting that the 20th anniversary of Fate ushers in something extraordinary: a remaster that genuinely encapsulates the reasons players fell in love with it originally.
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Mark your calendars for March 12, when Fate: Reawakened lands on Xbox Series X|S. This definitive edition is more than just a trip down memory lane; it packages all four classic games into one explosive bundle, reigniting the magic of this award-winning series.
The Ascension of Fate
Upon its debut, Fate offered a bright spot in the action RPG landscape, which at the time was filled with darker, brooding titles. By embracing vibrant, colorful graphics, Fate made itself appealing to younger audiences and family gamers alike.
Interestingly, Fate was even pre-loaded on some Windows computers back in the day, making it easily accessible and aiding its rise to fame. Players were enamored by the endless dungeon challenges and the charming pets they could bring along for the ride.
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As the franchise expanded, so did its community. Despite the lack of new releases since 2011, platforms like Discord, YouTube, and social networks stayed buzzing with enthusiastic Fate fans and modders. The enduring passion among players is a true testament to Fate’s impact. So, when a new project opportunity came along, we were more than ready.
A Spark of Inspiration
The chance to revisit Fate materialized around 2019 when gamigo took over WildTangent, the brains behind the original Fate series. The pandemic in 2020 delayed plans, but we knew we had to tread carefully and thoughtfully. A remaster, we decided, would be the ideal way to celebrate Fate’s 20-year legacy.
A lot has changed since 2005, and while Fate’s gameplay is timeless, we recognized the need to modernize it for today’s consoles. Until the advent of Fate: Reawakened, the series was strictly a PC affair. Expanding to consoles and adding more language support meant tapping into an entirely new audience.
A Careful Crafting
Taking on a beloved series is no small feat, and altering Fate’s essence was never our intention. Instead, Fate: Reawakened aimed to enhance what already made the series special.
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PAX West 2024 was pivotal, as we showcased an alpha demo. Many visitors were newbies, but a good number had cherished memories of playing Fate growing up. Listening to feedback from both groups was invaluable. Long-time fans knew exactly what they wanted from a remaster, and equally important, what they didn’t want.
Conversely, watching new players explore the demo provided insights into potential stumbling blocks. PAX West was a treasure trove of constructive feedback, helping us iron out bugs and refine the game.
Aware of the need to satisfy hardcore fans, we conducted a closed beta with engaged community members. These seasoned players offered detailed input, ensuring the remaster stayed true to its roots. This open dialogue was essential for achieving a balance between nostalgia and innovation.
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While our team boasted its fair share of Fate enthusiasts, special attention was given to certain areas during development. The moody and dark Druantia, for example, required painstaking attention to get the lighting just right, capturing the essence of the original.
Awakening the Hero Within
Fate: Reawakened is more than a game; it’s a tribute to the community. We’ve been thrilled by the dedication of players who’ve continued to celebrate this series over the years. As Fate steps into a new era, we invite you to unleash the hero within. Are you ready to determine your Fate?
Fate: Reawakened becomes available on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12. Make sure to wishlist it on the Microsoft Store and prepare for your thrilling journey back to the Dungeon Gate.
