As the calendar flips to May, it signals an impressive milestone – two decades since the Fate series embarked on its epic journey. Since its launch in 2005, this beloved dungeon-crawling adventure has seen players don the mantle of heroic champions, battling fearsome creatures through the legendary Dungeon Gate. Over time, Fate has not only left an indelible mark on those who grew up with it but also on aspiring game developers and the action RPG genre itself. The talented creators behind Fate continued to make waves in the industry with the highly successful Torchlight series.
Recognizing the profound impact of Fate, it seemed only right to celebrate its 20th anniversary with something as epic as the franchise itself. Enter Fate: Reawakened – a captivating remaster that stays true to the game’s roots, delivering everything fans adored about it in a refreshed package.
On March 12, for Xbox Series X|S, Fate: Reawakened will make its grand entrance. This definitive edition bundles all four enchanting Fate games into one thrilling adventure, offering players an action-packed experience like never before.
When Fate first emerged, it transformed the landscape of action RPGs. At a time when many games were shrouded in darkness, Fate stood out with its vibrant, colorful art style. This unique approach appealed to younger players and families alike.
Fate’s accessibility was further boosted by its presence on Windows computers, where it came pre-installed for a time. This move skyrocketed its popularity, as players eagerly dove into the endless challenges and fell in love with the adorable pets accompanying their quests.
Despite a gap of new releases since 2011, the Fate community has remained lively, with fans and modders flocking to platforms like Discord, YouTube, and social media. Their enduring passion speaks volumes about Fate’s impact, and when the chance came to revisit the series, excitement was in the air.
The spark to return to Fate ignited in 2019 when gamigo acquired WildTangent, the original creators. Although the COVID pandemic in 2020 delayed plans, it was crucial that any revisitation was done thoughtfully. Ultimately, the decision was made to launch a remaster in honor of the 20th anniversary, bringing the nostalgic series back to life.
Fate’s gameplay has stood the test of time, but to reach new audiences, it needed modernization. Until now, Fate was limited to PCs. With Fate: Reawakened, the series expands to consoles and offers additional language support, welcoming a broader audience into its fold.
Remastering a beloved series is ambitious, and changing Fate’s core was never an option. Instead, the goal was to enhance the brilliance of the original series, not to reinvent it.
One significant step in preserving the essence of the series was showcasing an alpha demo at PAX West 2024. The feedback from attendees, both long-time fans and newcomers, was invaluable. Existing fans provided insights on gameplay and remaster expectations, while newcomers highlighted where they might get tripped up or confused.
Incorporating feedback from PAX West was paramount, but appealing to hardcore fans was crucial. A closed beta with deeply engaged Fate fans offered detailed feedback, leading to crucial tweaks and enhancements. Open communication during the beta ensured the remaster honored the original series.
Within our team, there’s no shortage of Fate enthusiasts. Our dedication to revamping Fate was mirrored in every facet of development. A standout example is Druantia, a dark, moody environment. Adjusting its lighting proved challenging, requiring multiple feedback rounds to capture its original essence.
Fate: Reawakened is a heartfelt tribute to both the series and its community. We’ve relished witnessing players express their creativity and commitment, and as we embark on the next chapter of the Fate legacy, we invite you to awaken your inner hero. Are you ready to choose your Fate?
Fate: Reawakened is set for release on Xbox Series X|S on Wednesday, March 12 and can be added to your wish list via the Microsoft Store.
