Peter Molyneux is a name that's familiar to most Xbox gamers; he's the man behind the Fable series and Black & White. With that in mind, it's interesting to hear what he has to say about the PS3, being someone on the outside looking in. "It is always one or two games which define a platform -- it's the same for the Wii, and the PlayStation 2," said Molyneux in an interview with GI.biz. "I think the PlayStation 3 is still waiting for that definition title that represents the platform ..."
His statement is by no means hostile, as he goes on to talk about how much he believes LittleBigPlanet will be that platform-defining title for Sony's current black box. "I'm incredibly proud of what they've done, and it's just an amazing experience to see how their game has progressed," he said. "If we want to bring people in who haven't played games before, wherever they are in the world and whatever their cultural background, whatever their sex or age, then we've got to think out of the box and start creating stuff which fascinates those people. I think LBP could be one of those."
While it is endearing to hear him eat some humble pie once in a blue moon -- especially when praising a game releasing so close to his own -- we can't help but feel that Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted have been ignored here. Other than that, we'd have to agree with Mr. Molyneux; other titles, while popular with the Sony crowd, don't carry a universal appeal that will draw people towards the hardware. We'll see what becomes of LBP next month.
Reader Comments (43)
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:16AM brettjr25 said
Well he said a game that defines the system, you can't really say that MGS4 is it. It's a great game don't get me wrong I own it and love it, it's just I don't think anyone who hasn't played the entire series could figure out what's going on. I played the entire series and it was hard for ME to figure out what's going on.
Uncharted on the other hand is fabulous game and a game anyone can get attached to but for some reason just never got enough attention, so despite selling a million copies is sorta actually unknown.
Uncharted on the other hand is fabulous game and a game anyone can get attached to but for some reason just never got enough attention, so despite selling a million copies is sorta actually unknown.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:41AM (Unverified) said
It must all be about sales I guess. MGS4 & Uncharted DO define the PS3, but in regards to defining the PS3 "all-together", I must say that LBP will be it, and I'm glad that Molyneux admits that it will be. I can't wait to see what Fable 2 has in store for us, as well.
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 12:55PM Larz said
I think it's a moving target too, and everyone has different tastes so one persons "defining" game may be different than another's.
I might be inclined to pick Warhawk as that game. But Uncharted is also a great pick. So is Heavenly Sword, though the whole moving target point I brought up applies to that one. Does PixelJunk count?
I don't know if I'd say MGS4 is it, simply because the franchise is not PS-exclusive by any means. When I think of MGS4, I don't think immediately of PS3 but I do think back to all those great MG games that I played on NES, Gamecube, PS1, etc.
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I might be inclined to pick Warhawk as that game. But Uncharted is also a great pick. So is Heavenly Sword, though the whole moving target point I brought up applies to that one. Does PixelJunk count?
I don't know if I'd say MGS4 is it, simply because the franchise is not PS-exclusive by any means. When I think of MGS4, I don't think immediately of PS3 but I do think back to all those great MG games that I played on NES, Gamecube, PS1, etc.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:18AM (Unverified) said
God, I adore this man and the work he's done.. Very exiting hearing this from Molyneux :D If only Fable 2 would come on PS3... If only :(
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:44AM (Unverified) said
If you have PC, then you will be in luck my friend.....it just may be a longer wait....
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:27AM (Unverified) said
i have to say this guy is full of himself, Fable may be a good game but I have to say MGS4 is a Defining game for alot of people .. but it may not be for some people .. so i agree with that but ... little big planet may not be for some people as well .. don't get me wrong i am getting it the day it it's released, i'm just saying ... how he doesn't mention MGS4 is like a slap in the face for me and die hard MGS4 fans like me.
i can stoop to his level on purpose but i'm better then that ... but let's say if i did. Fable is good .. but not that good, Molyneux needs to get off his high horse ( even if he didn't say it in a hostile or mean way ) Fable isn't that great but it is a fun and cool game, but if i didn't have a 360 already... it wouldn't make me wanna rush out and buy one
i can stoop to his level on purpose but i'm better then that ... but let's say if i did. Fable is good .. but not that good, Molyneux needs to get off his high horse ( even if he didn't say it in a hostile or mean way ) Fable isn't that great but it is a fun and cool game, but if i didn't have a 360 already... it wouldn't make me wanna rush out and buy one
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 12:28PM (Unverified) said
"If we want to bring people in who haven't played games before, wherever they are in the world and whatever their cultural background, whatever their sex or age, then we've got to think out of the box and start creating stuff which fascinates those people"
this is why LBP is more defining for the PS3 and MGS4 and Uncharted fail to accomplish.
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this is why LBP is more defining for the PS3 and MGS4 and Uncharted fail to accomplish.
Posted: Sep 21st 2008 4:24AM Saucepanman said
He's full of himself? The man who openly criticizes his own game is full of himself? Reaaally?
MGS4 is not a defining game for the PS3... people who aren't fans of the series will be completely lost. Anyone can jump into Gears, Halo, and Fable and get whats going on.
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MGS4 is not a defining game for the PS3... people who aren't fans of the series will be completely lost. Anyone can jump into Gears, Halo, and Fable and get whats going on.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:32AM Jack Tretton said
"[W]e can't help but feel that Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted have been ignored here."
Oh, get over it. While a good game with plenty of merit, Uncharted is been-there-done-that. How does it elevate the action-adventure genre? And MGS 4 isn't going to win honors for its accessibility. Plus, after the initial sales surge it dropped off the charts in Japan and the U.S. MGS 4 doesn't have legs, and you certainly aren't going to "define" a console with a game like that.
Oh, get over it. While a good game with plenty of merit, Uncharted is been-there-done-that. How does it elevate the action-adventure genre? And MGS 4 isn't going to win honors for its accessibility. Plus, after the initial sales surge it dropped off the charts in Japan and the U.S. MGS 4 doesn't have legs, and you certainly aren't going to "define" a console with a game like that.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:07AM Uraeus said
I partly agree with you, but in the context of him speaking of Fable 2 as a defining game I don't think putting Uncharted up there as a defining game is incorrect. I mean Fable 2 is also definitely a been-there-done-that game if you make the requirement for being a defining game very hard.
LBP do comes of as fresher in more ways than one though and would probably be perceived as something different to what has come before.
But these things are pretty subjective at the end of the day. We can range from being very harsh and say there has been no new games types coming out since the time of populous, wolfenstein and simcity to being very forgiving and give almost any game which adds a new gimmick the nod of being groundbreaking.
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LBP do comes of as fresher in more ways than one though and would probably be perceived as something different to what has come before.
But these things are pretty subjective at the end of the day. We can range from being very harsh and say there has been no new games types coming out since the time of populous, wolfenstein and simcity to being very forgiving and give almost any game which adds a new gimmick the nod of being groundbreaking.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:19AM (Unverified) said
I have to agree with him....And he has the right to speak because Fable was one of the defining games on the original Xbox. And as far as RPG's on the Xbox go's its either Fable or KOTOR take your pick....
The Metal Gear and Uncharted comments make me skeptical of if you know what a defining game is....Uncharted is a solid game, not great but not bad.....It try's nothing new honestly its more like a tech demo for what the PS3 can do....Which is all fine and dandy.
MGS is MGS....You either hate it or you love it...Personally its MEh for me but a lot of my friends love it so hey it is what it is.
But LBP I think will be a gamers game...Every gamer and Fanboys of every console may end up falling in love with this title because its something you can't deny....More than likely it will spark some innovation into this dead market right now.
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The Metal Gear and Uncharted comments make me skeptical of if you know what a defining game is....Uncharted is a solid game, not great but not bad.....It try's nothing new honestly its more like a tech demo for what the PS3 can do....Which is all fine and dandy.
MGS is MGS....You either hate it or you love it...Personally its MEh for me but a lot of my friends love it so hey it is what it is.
But LBP I think will be a gamers game...Every gamer and Fanboys of every console may end up falling in love with this title because its something you can't deny....More than likely it will spark some innovation into this dead market right now.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 1:04PM Larz said
Well when I think of Xbox 360, I immediately think of Halo. Halo is definitely a been-there-done-that game, and what's worse is it's gameplay/controls are terrible. Even my friends who are die hard 360 fans agree with me on that point... yet they bought the games anyways. Hype works.
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:48AM geo1378 said
I still think uncharted is an amazing title and one that i am hoping a sequel comes out soon. Resistance also was a great game. Those are two of the only games i beat in the past few years, usually i get stuck or sick of a title and never finish it. Those games came out at a time when ps3 wasnt that popular though but with little big planet, resistance 2, killzone 2, and call of duty 5... plus im waiting for the new basketball games personally.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:53AM Jezer29 said
MGS4, Uncharted and Warhawk.. Nuff said
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 9:54AM (Unverified) said
Uncharted is ignored not only by Molyneueueux here, but also by most of the PS3 owners.
For whatever reason, many people don't realize how good of a game Uncharted is and how it's not just another FPS getting crammed down their throat.
I think Uncharted is one of the best games I've played in years in terms of fun and somebody with ND or Sony is missing a great opportunity by effectively promoting that aspect of the game.
MGS4, is amazing, but can require some Summer reading of sorts...
For whatever reason, many people don't realize how good of a game Uncharted is and how it's not just another FPS getting crammed down their throat.
I think Uncharted is one of the best games I've played in years in terms of fun and somebody with ND or Sony is missing a great opportunity by effectively promoting that aspect of the game.
MGS4, is amazing, but can require some Summer reading of sorts...
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:04AM (Unverified) said
I agree with you about Uncharted. Playing it was one of the best gaming experiences I have had in years. You can look at each individual part and say well its Tomb Raider with a guy. That hardly moves the genre on, but with everything put together the way ND did, its absolutely brilliant.
Its a PS3 game that for me justifies buying a PS3. Shame some people just aren't interested because they think its just "Dude Raider".
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Its a PS3 game that for me justifies buying a PS3. Shame some people just aren't interested because they think its just "Dude Raider".
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:23AM (Unverified) said
Yeah people aren't over looking it but Uncharted still never did anything I haven't seen before it just added game play elements from a lot of games into one game. Gears of war, Tomb Raider, and a whole lot of Prince of Persia. So that's why it doesn't really get a lot of respect. Its a great game but Im not gonna say one of the best gaming experiences I've ever had.
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:38AM (Unverified) said
IMO Uncharted defines the PS3. If you watch the movies, then you notice no loading screens, the game plays brilliantly like others have said and the graphics/cutscenes are a step above the competition for being practically an almost 1st-gen title. Uncharted has made me love my PS3 and the trophies make it even better.
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 10:46AM (Unverified) said
@Ex
Opposed to an innovative game like Halo or Fable?
I don't think reinventing the wheel is required to be a "defining" or repected game...
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Opposed to an innovative game like Halo or Fable?
I don't think reinventing the wheel is required to be a "defining" or repected game...
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 1:06PM glitched said
What uncharted brings new to the table is the quality and polish.
Sure, its an amalgamation of game play from other games, with a solid adventure plot. but it does it so well, that it does define the category. I can only wish that other games that inspired uncharted could have done what they did better.
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Sure, its an amalgamation of game play from other games, with a solid adventure plot. but it does it so well, that it does define the category. I can only wish that other games that inspired uncharted could have done what they did better.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:22AM puerrican85 said
Am I the only one who thinks this hype train for LittleBigPlanet is getting to be too much. It looks like a nice game and original idea, but seriously I dont see it as "THE" system seller the PS3 needs. Maybe I'm just being a buzz-kill but seriously, I just can't take a game like LBP that serious and I'm sure MS is thinking the same way.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:35AM HairyToeKnuckles said
No, you are not alone. I have been wondering why all the hype for this game, too. It's not like I have the blinders on either. I have watched every single piece of footage that is out on the game and I still haven't the foggiest why people are so excited for it.
A pretty platformer? Or maybe it is because all the creative types out there who like to build maps are excited to get started on building their own? Look, I am no killjoy, I can see a slight appeal in the game, but not like others. A system seller? Perhaps.
I am a Dad, so I will probably pick it up for its obvious appeal to my kids, however.
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A pretty platformer? Or maybe it is because all the creative types out there who like to build maps are excited to get started on building their own? Look, I am no killjoy, I can see a slight appeal in the game, but not like others. A system seller? Perhaps.
I am a Dad, so I will probably pick it up for its obvious appeal to my kids, however.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 12:31PM puerrican85 said
I agree, Its pretty and all and looks like a good choice for younger kids. I was also planning to get it for my nephew whos at the age where he can play games with better understanding. But compared to a game like Castle Crashers with a cartoon style drawing versus a game like LBP, I think he'd still rather play C.C. then this.
I'll still get the game to see whats its really all about and I'm sure it'll be pretty entertaining. But like I said the whole betting the PS3s future on this game doesnt seem like a smart bet.
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I'll still get the game to see whats its really all about and I'm sure it'll be pretty entertaining. But like I said the whole betting the PS3s future on this game doesnt seem like a smart bet.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 12:51PM (Unverified) said
Just like how we suppose to take Viva Pinata and Banjoo Kazooie seriously right?...MS has been trying really hard to get "kiddy Games" like Little Big planet onto to thier consoles to market to another audience besides fanboys who love shooters. So please spare me the garbage about what a console really needs to sale.
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 1:22PM puerrican85 said
@ScroogeMcDuck
What?? Um you got your whole point mixed up guy. What I'm pointing out is that LBP does NOT LOOK LIKE A SYSTEM SELLER. I'm not saying MS isnt worried about it getting the kids to play our out do their kid games.
When you compare the games lined up to the ending of this year from both MS and PS3, MS in my opinion has a stronger foothold with Fable 2 and GoW2. PS3 on other hand I cant really think of any titles that I'm def. getting other then unleashed and god of war 2 which is next year though.
I love my PS3 to death, but it needs some good games to make me come back to it over and over again...
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What?? Um you got your whole point mixed up guy. What I'm pointing out is that LBP does NOT LOOK LIKE A SYSTEM SELLER. I'm not saying MS isnt worried about it getting the kids to play our out do their kid games.
When you compare the games lined up to the ending of this year from both MS and PS3, MS in my opinion has a stronger foothold with Fable 2 and GoW2. PS3 on other hand I cant really think of any titles that I'm def. getting other then unleashed and god of war 2 which is next year though.
I love my PS3 to death, but it needs some good games to make me come back to it over and over again...
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 4:03PM (Unverified) said
You know.. I agree on this as well.. LBP looks SOO cool.. but I honestly don't see it as something that will just completely be the reason to have a PS3.
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Posted: Sep 19th 2008 3:20AM (Unverified) said
I bought my PS3 specifically for LittleBigPlanet, take this coming from Peter with a bit of a grain of salt - Media Molecule was founded by ex-Lionhead (and in fact Bullfrog) employees :)
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Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:23AM (Unverified) said
Uncharted is a great game, but once you're done you're basically done (limited replayability). LittleBigPlanet will evolve every day for years and will be exactly the sort of defining title that Sony has been waiting for.
Name me another game that is this accessible, appeals to such a wide variety of player types, and will be constantly redefined and reinvented going forward.
Name me another game that is this accessible, appeals to such a wide variety of player types, and will be constantly redefined and reinvented going forward.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:34AM HairyToeKnuckles said
Unless he starts developing for the platform, I could not care less what he has to say about the state of it. Just shut up, Peter, for once!
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:31AM (Unverified) said
Playstation 1 and 2 never had just one or two defining games.
The games that define playstation has always been multiple like:
Socom
Wipeout
Ratchet & Clank
Jak & Daxter
Sly Racoon
MGS
FF
GT
Tekken
Buzz
Singstar
and many more.
Just because other systems have one or two defining games, doesn't mean Sony must go the same way
The games that define playstation has always been multiple like:
Socom
Wipeout
Ratchet & Clank
Jak & Daxter
Sly Racoon
MGS
FF
GT
Tekken
Buzz
Singstar
and many more.
Just because other systems have one or two defining games, doesn't mean Sony must go the same way
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 11:53AM (Unverified) said
Has it occurred to anyone that he also just wants some former Lionhead Studios employees, the same one Molyneux heads, to succeed as an up-and-coming new company? While I have no doubt that LBP will do well, it just makes sense that he would praise a game that basically came from his former creative team. A big name like Molyneux highly regarding LBP could sell based on industry praise, but I think that's the intent. So here's looking at you LittleBigPlanet! Do what people want you to do! Sell and make people smile. :)
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 12:59PM (Unverified) said
Yeah well, thats just like, your opinion man... I definitely agree with him that there aren't any real system defining games out there for PS3 yet. PS2 had God of War, MGS and GTA. 360 has Gears of War. The PS3 needs a new series or at least a new installment in a returning series that completely reinvents the way people think of games or at least gets quite a bit of the gaming market to take notice. As much as I love MGS4, Uncharted and Heavenly Sword, I really can't get behind any of those games and say any of them are a system defining game. But seriously he's deluded if he thinks that Fable 2 will be a defining 360 game. It's a game about knights and fantasy... it's now automatically limited to a small- medium following of pretty much only nerds. If you disagree and want to say something about how you're not a nerd and want it, trust me dude, youre reading a video game blog... youre a nerd.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 1:11PM (Unverified) said
I don't really care what he thinks about which game "defines" a system. It's all about what games you enjoy. I had/am having a great time with Uncharted, Heavenly Sword, MGS4, Siren, Warhawk, etc. LBP does nothing for me. Neither does Fable.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 3:38PM (Unverified) said
I have to agree with #12. Defining games surely wouldn't be MGS4 or Uncharted.
You know somethings you have you flashbacks and you like oh N64, I missed that system. Which is one of the first games you think of? Goldeneye or Zelda.
PS1 - FFVII
Sega Genesis - Sonic
NES - Super Mario
PS2 - God of War
Those are only a couple. But these are defining games. Not what is out thus far. I believe if this LBP can live up to the hype it will be that epic game that will sell millions of PS3s worldwide.
You know somethings you have you flashbacks and you like oh N64, I missed that system. Which is one of the first games you think of? Goldeneye or Zelda.
PS1 - FFVII
Sega Genesis - Sonic
NES - Super Mario
PS2 - God of War
Those are only a couple. But these are defining games. Not what is out thus far. I believe if this LBP can live up to the hype it will be that epic game that will sell millions of PS3s worldwide.
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 3:41PM (Unverified) said
by no means did I mean to leave out...
Xbox 360 - Halo or Gears
Xbox 360 - Halo or Gears
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 7:35PM Starfires said
He's right, no doubt about it. The PS3 has yet to have something that is really new, that couldn't have been done before not only in terms of graphics, but in terms of how the game is played.
As for being a system-seller, I'm not so sure he was saying that. MGS4 was more along those lines. He is speaking from the point of view of the system as a whole having a 'classic' game to think of. In this cazse, if it does work, it'll probably be to bring in a lot of younger players who have so far been untouched by the PS3's offerings. Apart from anything else, they have more time to play the things!
As for being a system-seller, I'm not so sure he was saying that. MGS4 was more along those lines. He is speaking from the point of view of the system as a whole having a 'classic' game to think of. In this cazse, if it does work, it'll probably be to bring in a lot of younger players who have so far been untouched by the PS3's offerings. Apart from anything else, they have more time to play the things!
Posted: Sep 18th 2008 7:28PM (Unverified) said
Eh, no real reason to go into a huge debate over why Molyneux would plug LBP periodically.
Mark Heally and Alex Evens were previously employed at... Lionhead studios before Rag Doll Kung Fu, a project they'd worked on in their spare time, gave them the starting capital to get their own studio going, they still keep in contact with many of the LH crew and remain friends with PM.
Mark Heally and Alex Evens were previously employed at... Lionhead studios before Rag Doll Kung Fu, a project they'd worked on in their spare time, gave them the starting capital to get their own studio going, they still keep in contact with many of the LH crew and remain friends with PM.
Posted: Sep 19th 2008 2:36PM (Unverified) said
I had never considered getting a PS3 - too expensive, not enough games. Then a year ago I saw the GDC demo of LBP and I changed my mind right away.
I've been a pretty hardcore gamer for 30 years, sweating to the 2600, skipping school to buy a Colecovision, "wha? we have an exam today?" in university, and a late night FPS king ever since.
But LittleBigPlanet is different. Anyone with an ounce of creativity and an appreciation for subtle artistic genius falls in love with it and will want it (plus every kid out there). I was sold right away, and so were about 10 gamer friends of mine (most of which were former 360ites).
Don't kid yourself - this this is going to be epic! This title will change the world of gaming forever...
I've been a pretty hardcore gamer for 30 years, sweating to the 2600, skipping school to buy a Colecovision, "wha? we have an exam today?" in university, and a late night FPS king ever since.
But LittleBigPlanet is different. Anyone with an ounce of creativity and an appreciation for subtle artistic genius falls in love with it and will want it (plus every kid out there). I was sold right away, and so were about 10 gamer friends of mine (most of which were former 360ites).
Don't kid yourself - this this is going to be epic! This title will change the world of gaming forever...







