Dear diary: Lionhead video diary talks one-button combat

by Christopher Grant { Jul 31st 2007 at 9:25AM }

To be honest, we'd really like these Lionhead video diaries a lot more if they found Peter Molyneux under the covers with a flashflight and a video camerea, speaking in hushed whispers, gabbing about how so and so said this or that and, oh yeah, Fable 2's one-button combat is a pretty neat idea. So, we're missing the bedroom confessional aspect but we've still got the whole "one-button combat" thing. Of course, Molyneux's been talking about the concept for some time now, as far back as last August and as recently as, well, Fable 2's E3 showing. Our favorite part: the crazy sword instructor. C'mon Peter, don't you have some juicy gossip about that guy? We'll just use the power of our imaginations:

Dear video diary: Today, we had a sword instructor come into the offices to show us how to handle a sword realistically (Alan was a little upset we didn't consider him, but his "totally sweet" lightsaber skillz don't really count). Nevertheless, this chap was flinging a sword around like some sort of hyperactive Errol Flynn impersonator. To be honest, we quite feared for our safety! It wasn't a few times that the edge of one of his swords ("this is a Cutlass, commonly used by sailors") gently skimmed my sweatervest, shaving off a nearly imperceptible layer of pilling. My grand mum knit me this sweater! Anyways, one-button combat ...

Tags: Fable2, Lionhead

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Spilt_Milk @ Jul 31st 2007 9:29AM

I can't see how one button combat can do anything but blow.

Sidepocket @ Jul 31st 2007 9:31AM

The Egos from these Brit fucks oozes like mayonnaise out of a spam sandwich. STOP MASTURBATING AND MAKE A GOOD FUCKING GAME!

Geeze, you do not see Retro Studios and ID playing pigskin now do you? -,-;

Benny @ Jul 31st 2007 11:25AM

Go back to McDonald's, fatty.

Martin @ Jul 31st 2007 9:34AM

Does anyone else find these video diaries slightly egocentric ?

bearattack79 @ Jul 31st 2007 9:38AM

One button combat, lots of games have it. Find another hook Lionhead. Sheesh.

Stevo @ Jul 31st 2007 9:54AM

Looks pretty cool. I'm pretty stoked about this game.

Jake @ Jul 31st 2007 10:36AM

Well, you have a different button for shooting and a different button for casting spells, so it isn't really one button combat. Not trying to be a dik or anything. And as someone above said, there are already games with one button combat. It will work if executed properly.

Megaqwerty @ Jul 31st 2007 3:55PM

Now, that I think about it: wasn't Fable just Attack and Block? So, here, Block is contextual, thus meaning that the system is roughly identical to Fable's in actual execution, despite the "hype" about one button combat.

Mortensen @ Jul 31st 2007 10:53AM

I watched this on xbox live and think it's cool what they are trying to do. We can't just keep seeing games marketed towards people that never play RPG's or never picked up a controller. Soon this will be a generation geared towards JUST the hardcore and you will lose half your audience. I have tried to teach people (friends wives) how to play an xbox that weren't even familiar on how to use the analog sticks. From what I've seen, there is enough depth here for seasoned gamers as well as enough ease for first time gamers. What's wrong with that? How is thinking outside of the box or different ways of immersion for the gamers being an "Egocentric Brit"???

vidGuy @ Jul 31st 2007 11:31AM

One button combat has been done before (I'm thinking specifically of Zelda, where pressing the same button multiple times gives different attacks), but it's a quite a bit less engaging, IMO. And the phrase always makes me think of that Revolution controller mock up that was a Gamecube controller with only one "WIN!" button...

I'd rather waggle, to be honest.

Benny @ Jul 31st 2007 11:31AM

Yes, it's full of ego, but what developer DOESN'T say that their game is going to be the greatest thing since sliced bread? Yeah I can really hear EA saying "Madden '08 isn't actually revolutionary. It's the same as '07 but with tweaked graphics and gameplay. $60 please." It doesn't happen, and at least Lionhead are trying to deliver on their "revolutionary" promises.

As for them being "Brit fucks"... I'm sick of tolerating disgustingly xenophobic Americans. Most are very nice people but you are let down by your racist minority. And how the most egotistical country in the world can accuse anyone of being egocentric is beyond me.

hvnlysoldr @ Jul 31st 2007 12:07PM

It's always the other guys that are arrogant.

JerJer @ Jul 31st 2007 12:42PM

haha i love how he's like "yeah it was kinda weird that people had weapons" or "this weird sword guy with a guitar case of swords" as if working a computer to make games as your life's work wasn't weird at ALL. haha

"he's going to the loo" whaaa?? new one button combat animation = going to the loo? haha