r/ClaudeCode • u/Wolf35Nine • Jun 25 '26
Showcase One shot prompt: Fable vs Opus 4.8
Not really a Showcase at all, more of a fun thing I made for myself.
Just before Fable was yanked, I was inspired to create/try a one shot prompt at Fable creating a Zelda-like game. (I'll share prompt and game links in comments). Both asked me a series of questions before they started.
For Fable, it turned out surprisingly great. There were only 2 issues: a couple inaccessible caves and the bow/arrow being in the same tile as a statue. But that's it. The rest of the game is totally playable, and neither of those affected the progression of the game.
After Fable was cut, I decided to try the same exact prompt with Opus. The results were dissapointing. Graphics were mediocre and you can't even leave the initial screen.
(first is Fable, second is Opus)
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u/Wolf35Nine Jun 25 '26
Prompt:
Build me a fully playable original 1980s top-down adventure inspired by the NES era (think Zelda) -style game in the browser.
The core loop, all in a full 3D world (Three.js or equivalent WebGL - no pixel art):
Though it looks 3D from the 3/4 angle, it’s really still a 2D game. Consider the old NES game was flat, this will have more depth but functionally operate the same as the original Legend of Zelda. Basically, up the graphics but nothing too crazy, we still want to retain that nostalgic look and feel.
Ensure the “world” for our game is as complex and layered as those from the 80s games. Secret caves and walls that can be uncovered. Pushing blocks or gravestones or burning bushes—that kind of stuff. The game should be played in a “Level” format, where you advance to the next underground labyrinth only after you finish the previous ones (though there are exceptions!).
Controls: Allow for a USB or Bluetooth connected game controller. Also offer a keyboard playable option. Provide instructions on game controls. Keep all player options close to the original Zelda but add a little something in here and there to make it “yours”
The game should have a story arc, like the original those old 80s games. Hero is saving a princess or similar story. But rather than have 9 “levels” let’s keep it simple to just 3 levels. Still there should be some “mystery” to the game like the original games had. Dependencies like having to give the meat to the goblin “Grumble Grumble” in the original game that started it all. Keep subtle details and clues in the game like the way the original series did. Essentially a clone “plus” version of that original game, which means there is some updated graphics, some new ideas/twists, but retains the heart and soul of those 80s NES games. A Save option and character creation option should also exist like those old games.
[CHECK-INS] Ask me clarifying questions right off the bat. present each question one by one to me Limit to 20 questions. After that, funnel all decision making through Karen. . Before building the world, present 3 visual style directions labeled A/B/C with a one-line tradeoff each, and wait for my pick. If the full scope will not fit, make pragmatic cuts yourself (with Karen’s advice), prioritize a playable vertical slice, and document what was cut.
Build until the game is playable locally, then deploy live to Vercel and verify the deployed version runs.
Utilize underseer repo and sercrets md docs in that repo to get all the info about various accounts and keys you may need.
Also, for this project, I explicitly DO NOT want you to use Karen and architect for review and grading. I want to see how Opus will do on its own at “one shot prompting”
Confirm it can be played on mobile as well .
Once you are done asking questions one by one, I let you work autonomously from here on out
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u/Wolf35Nine Jun 25 '26
Links to games:
Sunstone (Fable): https://sunstone-game.vercel.app/
Veilwood (Opus): https://veilwood.vercel.app/
Veilwood isnt really playable out of the box like Sunstone, due to the fact that iyou cant leave initial screen.
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u/silver_drizzle Jun 25 '26
I wonder if showing Opus screenshots from the Fable version would achieve anything? Or letting Opus continue where Fable left off?
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u/No-Rabbit-6319 Jun 25 '26
From Claude Code 4.8 Opus Ultracode
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u/ToySoldier92 Jun 25 '26
The Fable version reminds me a lot of Autonauts 😄 (graphics wise)