Gamasutra brings word of two gameplay twists for Fable III, the latest iteration of Peter Molyneux' ambitious RPG franchise, known for its emphasis on moral choice and its ambitious adaptive worlds.

Speaking at GDC Europe in Cologne, Molyneux told attendees that Fable III will be broken into phases — the first, rather typically, will put the player on a quest for power, while the second will focus on the challenge of wielding it.

The first half [of the game] is about leading a rebellion, storming and overthrowing the tyrant king..[but] rather than doing what most games do, which is end there... we then change the game and make you ruler...How are you going to fulfill the promises you made in your journey to rule?

Apparently, by touching people. In addition to turning the traditional powerlust of RPGs on its head by forcing players to actually wear the crown they fought for (and pass judgment on his subjects) Fable III introduces a new "touch" mechanic. The idea is to bring the player deeper into the gameworld by letting her hug, embrace, kiss and hold hands with NPCs.

Molyneux explained that "the character feels very detached from the world" in many video games. Why shouldn't we have the ability for the hero to touch people?" 

What's interesting about the mechanic is that it's dynamic. Rather than just a collection of scripted opportunities, Molyneux' touch system seems to be an extension of the tactile experience pioneered by Fumito Ueda in Ico, where the relationship between the game's characters was drawn in large part by the nature of their constant physical interactions. In Fable III players can even take an NPC by the hand and lead her around the the world, Ico-style, if they wish.  By giving players the ability to physically interact in ways that are more about communication than combat, Molyneux hopes not only that they will feel a stronger presence in the world of Fable but also that the tactile gestures between characters will "start to mean something."

As for more risque possibilities? "I don't think I need to tell you what other touch mechanics we have," Molyneux drily revealed.

While the Fable franchise often has trouble living up to the ambitious expectations Molyneux sets for it, this iteration seems as intriguing as ever.

[via Gamasutra]