Sable is a minimalistic coming of age story set in an open world of monumental surroundings. The world does not need saving, the titular character is not the chosen one, rather she sets out on a rite of passage to experience the world and learn what role she may want to fill going forward. It is a journey in conversation with Breath of the Wild in that, while it may borrow many gameplay aspects, the purpose and feel of the journeys is very different. Sable is nonviolent with no fail states and nearly no ways to meaningfully impact the world. Even the growth of Sable herself is mostly imbued by the player through their experience of the world. Tonally, this creates an emphasis on unfettered exploration above all, which proves to be a genius decision as the world itself is the main attraction.
It is apparent from the very beginning that the world of Sable is absolutely striking. Gliding Sable’s bike over the vibrantly colored sand and taking in the minimalistic geography is mesmerizing. Each zone has a different, distinguishing aesthetic which in and of itself is fascinating to take in. Far greater, however, is stumbling upon towering locations that dot across the map, testaments to civilizations long gone. The sheer scale of named locations is staggering and demand a player’s awe. Many of these areas are wholly unique and often surprising, so much so that even by the end of the game players may be caught off guard by what they have found. While some offer up bits of lore, most often these locals communicate implicitly about the past while raising plenty of questions of what came before. This is at the heart of what makes Sable’s world captivating, it ultimately reminds quite alien. Players may find minor revelations, but rarely can do anything with them except admire what has been.
This narrative thrust encapsulates what sets Sable’s tale of self discovery apart from many others. Ultimately, there is no heroic or adventurous path beyond Sable’s journey, only growing up, informed by the world they have taken in with little power to change it. It is resonant with players who may feel that they have gone on a similar journey. Yet, at the same time, the beauty of its world inspires hope, that perhaps Sable’s purpose, and our own, may be more tied to enjoying the world that we find ourselves in. Regardless of the philosophical inspiration that players may take from it, Sable is an experience and a world worth taking in and beholding.
Author’s note: at the time of writing Sable is also plagued with aggressive micro-studders, framerate drops, and some janky physics. The developer has stated that a series of patches are incoming to address this, but this is the state of the game as it is now. These problems are distracting and frustrating but it is a testament to how amazing the game is that I could not put it down regardless of the performance issues.
It is apparent from the very beginning that the world of Sable is absolutely striking. Gliding Sable’s bike over the vibrantly colored sand and taking in the minimalistic geography is mesmerizing. Each zone has a different, distinguishing aesthetic which in and of itself is fascinating to take in. Far greater, however, is stumbling upon towering locations that dot across the map, testaments to civilizations long gone. The sheer scale of named locations is staggering and demand a player’s awe. Many of these areas are wholly unique and often surprising, so much so that even by the end of the game players may be caught off guard by what they have found. While some offer up bits of lore, most often these locals communicate implicitly about the past while raising plenty of questions of what came before. This is at the heart of what makes Sable’s world captivating, it ultimately reminds quite alien. Players may find minor revelations, but rarely can do anything with them except admire what has been.
This narrative thrust encapsulates what sets Sable’s tale of self discovery apart from many others. Ultimately, there is no heroic or adventurous path beyond Sable’s journey, only growing up, informed by the world they have taken in with little power to change it. It is resonant with players who may feel that they have gone on a similar journey. Yet, at the same time, the beauty of its world inspires hope, that perhaps Sable’s purpose, and our own, may be more tied to enjoying the world that we find ourselves in. Regardless of the philosophical inspiration that players may take from it, Sable is an experience and a world worth taking in and beholding.
Author’s note: at the time of writing Sable is also plagued with aggressive micro-studders, framerate drops, and some janky physics. The developer has stated that a series of patches are incoming to address this, but this is the state of the game as it is now. These problems are distracting and frustrating but it is a testament to how amazing the game is that I could not put it down regardless of the performance issues.