Sable (video game)

Sable is an open world exploration video game, in which the player can roam and adventure in a non-linear way. The game has no combat or set storyline, since the narrative is explored through NPC dialogue and environmental cues, such as remnants of an ancient civilization left to interpretation. It emphasizes simple puzzle-solving and discovery, traversing sand dunes and ruins. Platforming mechanics are put into place through a stamina gauge that allows for running and climbing, as well as the ability to glide in mid-air.[4]

Parts of the game are customizable, such as Sable's hoverbike and clothing, including the story driven masks. Both hoverbike parts and clothing items can be acquired either by simply exploring the game's world, or by completing quests given by an array of characters, which often revolve around collecting small materials such as bugs or fruit.[4] While clothing is purely cosmetic, with the exception of a few masks, different hoverbike parts affect how the player traverses the world of Midden, with different parts offering several degrees of manoeuvrability, acceleration and top speed.[5]

Daniel Fineberg and Gregorios Kythreotis began development on Sable in 2017, working in a shed belonging to the latter's parents.[6] The two-person indie development team is known as Shedworks. Writer Meg Jayanth also contributed to the game, while musician American singer-songwriter, Michelle Zauner using the name of her band Japanese Breakfast provided the game's soundtrack.[7]

The game's concept came from the planet Jakku on Star Wars: The Force Awakens.[8] Its art style was inspired by the sci-fi works of Jean Giraud, aka Mœbius. The game was also inspired by Breath of the Wild, of The Legend of Zelda series.[9] Each of the game's environments are hand-crafted.[7]

The game premiered at the E3 2018 PC Gaming Show, where it was nominated for Best Independent Game.[10] Originally scheduled for 2019, the game was twice delayed for a 2021 release.[7] Its release was supported by Raw Fury and Microsoft.[6] The game was showcased at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival, where it competed for the inaugural Tribeca Games Award.[11]

In October 2021, Raw Fury announced that they had entered in a first-look deal with dj2 Entertainment to develop adaptations of games including Sable, Night Call, and Mosaic for film and television.[33]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[35]
Pitchfork	7.5/10[34]

Sable (Original Video Game Soundtrack) is a soundtrack album by American indie rock band Japanese Breakfast for the 2021 video game Sable. It was released digitally by Sony Masterworks and Dead Oceans on 24 September 2021, with CD copies released on 29 October 2021, and vinyl set for release on 1 April 2022.[36][37] The album was preceded by the single "Glider" on 27 August 2021.[38]

Michelle Zauner, the band's lead singer and songwriter, was contacted by Fineberg directly to compose the soundtrack, as he was aware of her enjoyment of video games.[39] Zauner began writing the score with concept art and some written descriptions of places in the game for inspiration and guidance.[39] The game's developers sought someone who had not previously composed a video game soundtrack in the hopes of avoiding stylistic conventions associated with scoring games.[39] Zauner has called the song "Better the Mask", written for the game, her "favorite song [she has] ever written as an artist.".[40]

• Official website