Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[X3F hands-on: Fable 2's musical combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/x3f-hands-on-fable-2-musical-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/x3f-hands-on-fable-2-musical-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/x3f-hands-on-fable-2-musical-combat/#commentsFiled under: , ,


You may or may not know this, but Peter Molyneux has something of a silver tongue. Having witnessed its power at GDC when he revealed "the dog," we weren't sure what to expect at the E3 Fable 2 presentation. Of course, Peter employed that same silver tongue to describe the original Fable, which, while being a good game in its own right, wasn't exactly what he promised. So, when he told us that Fable 2's combat is controlled with one button, we were a bit skeptical.

Continue reading X3F hands-on: Fable 2's musical combat

JoystiqX3F hands-on: Fable 2's musical combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e307fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionheadstudiospetermolyneuxFri, 13 Jul 2007 20:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Dene Carter interview: no nudity in Fable 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/dene-carter-interview-no-nudity-in-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/dene-carter-interview-no-nudity-in-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/29/dene-carter-interview-no-nudity-in-fable-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Loinhead has a new interview up with Dene Carter, Fable 2's creative director, in which he answers some of the hard-hitting questions on the minds of Fable fans. Questions like:

"So does that mean nudity?"
"Sorry?"
"Nudity?"
"Oooh, ah, that's a very good question. Well if you remove all your clothes your hero will, again, be dressed in underwear. Even the female heroes."

Thankfully, they go on to cover some new ground that hadn't been covered in the previous Molyneux interview, namely how the game is accessible to all players and skill levels, how the quest system has been cleared up and simplified, and how big the game world is. They've decided to make the game as simple as possible by eliminating things like contextual menus, and it isn't aimed at hardcore gamers.

When asked about the dog, they said the model will be changing to a more Brotherhood of the Wolf model. before, they'd been looking at Labyrinth and other Jim Henson-based models before moving on. What's ironic is the Jim Henson's Creature Shop created and designed the wolf in Brotherhood of the Wolf, but c'mon ... we're just being picky.

Check out the video interview after the jump, just prepare yourself for no nudity.

Continue reading Dene Carter interview: no nudity in Fable 2

JoystiqDene Carter interview: no nudity in Fable 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dene CarterFable 2Fable2Xbox-360Tue, 29 May 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[First Fable 2 video diary now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/first-fable-2-video-diary-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/first-fable-2-video-diary-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/first-fable-2-video-diary-now-available/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, Fable fans of all ages, the first Lionhead Video Diary is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace. You can also grab it from Lionhead's website. Of course, if you're not too picky about fancy res-molutions, you can watch it right here in this post. If you kept track of Fable 2 during GDC, then you won't find too much new information here, although you will get a few cursory glances at the game in development and a high resolution fly-through of some of the environments. Give it a watch and tell us what you think.

Note to Lionhead: let's put more gameplay into the next video diary, hmm?

JoystiqFirst Fable 2 video diary now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudioslive marketplaceLiveMarketplacemarketplacemgsmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosxblmxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 24 May 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux hints at next big Fable 2 announcement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-hints-at-next-big-fable-2-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-hints-at-next-big-fable-2-announcement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-hints-at-next-big-fable-2-announcement/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Super Lionhead Studios fansite Loinhead scored an exclusive interview with the creative mastermind behind Fable 2 Peter Molyneux. And in the interview Molyneux talks a little bit about his past failures (Black and White 2), in-game combat, and hints at one of Fable 2's next big announcements ... death. Molyneux doesn't give any specifics to how death will be incorporated into Fable 2, but goes on to say that in other games when you die "you go back in time twenty minutes to do the same thing over again. That's fine if I'm playing a platformer, not so fine if you're doing an RPG game". So, traditional ways of dealing with death will not be good enough for Fable 2. But we've already known that Lionhead doesn't plan on taking the traditional path with the sequel (dog anyone?).

Check out more of Molyneux's candid discussion in Loinhead's complete video interview posted after the break.

Continue reading Molyneux hints at next big Fable 2 announcement

JoystiqMolyneux hints at next big Fable 2 announcement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmolyneuxpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxMon, 21 May 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fable 2 art is dark and spooky]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-fable-2-art-is-dark-and-spooky/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-fable-2-art-is-dark-and-spooky/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-fable-2-art-is-dark-and-spooky/#commentsFiled under: ,


A new community update for Fable 2 has been deployed, with a handful of new concept sketches to go with it. The art is mostly some different character designs, but it also includes the super spooky image you see above. It makes us think of vampires and werewolves and people with thick accents. The update doesn't contain much in the way of new information. Basically, everything is going according to plan (designers are designing, planners are planning, etc.). The update concludes by letting us know that the Lionhead Video Diary is still on the way. We can't wait. Hit the "read" link for the update.

[Via Xboxygen]

JoystiqNew Fable 2 art is dark and spooky originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studioslionhead timesLionheadStudiosLionheadTimesWed, 09 May 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead announces video diaries]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/lionhead-announces-video-diaries/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/lionhead-announces-video-diaries/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/lionhead-announces-video-diaries/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lionhead Studios, the geniuses behind Fable 2, just released the March edition of their online paper, the Lionhead Times. In this month's edition they talk about the big GDC announcement, what the development team thought, and a recap of everyone's reactions to it. Let's just say Peter Molyneux and that little dog put a lot of stress on the team, but everyone survived. Also, more interesting, is that Lionhead promises to release a monthly(ish) video blog looking at Fable 2's development process, current events, and whatever the heck else they want called the Lionhead Video Diary. They hope to be putting out the first episode in the next few weeks both online and on the XBLM, so watch for it. Make the jump and get your very own copy of the Lionhead Times.

JoystiqLionhead announces video diaries originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosThu, 05 Apr 2007 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's best friendiest video: Fable 2 dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/todays-best-friendiest-video-fable-2-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/todays-best-friendiest-video-fable-2-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/14/todays-best-friendiest-video-fable-2-dog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We previously covered Peter Molyneux's Fable 2 talk at GDC, and now the most-watched video at GameTrailers shows off Fable 2's dog, letting us take a closer look for tonight's video. Molyneux stresses not to scrutinize the graphics and that only the dog is worth looking at in the demo's current state. Overlooking the work left to be done, the dog seems to be well animated and deliver a lot of emotion; hopefully this companion will add more depth to the game.

See the dog demo after the break.

Continue reading Today's best friendiest video: Fable 2 dog

JoystiqToday's best friendiest video: Fable 2 dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dogfable 2Fable2GDCgdc07hottest videoHottestVideopetpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxXbox-360Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A handful of unofficial Fable 2 dog shots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/a-handful-of-unofficial-fable-2-dog-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/a-handful-of-unofficial-fable-2-dog-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/13/a-handful-of-unofficial-fable-2-dog-shots/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sure, we've heard plenty about Fable 2's new dog -- we talk about it at length in the latest Fancast -- but only those of us lucky enough to have been at GDC have actually seen it (outside of a few blurry shots that is). Luckily for us, our friends from GayGamer.net were sitting right next to us at the presentation and bagged a handful of decent shots of the dog in action. They also managed to snap a shot of Bowerstone, the game's central city. As you gaze at all the buildings and shops in the photo, remember that you can buy every single piece of property you see.

Sort of makes the wait for Fable 2 seem even longer doesn't it?

JoystiqA handful of unofficial Fable 2 dog shots originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studioLionheadStudiomicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxTue, 13 Mar 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC: More Fable 2 feature goodness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/12/gdc-more-fable-2-feature-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/12/gdc-more-fable-2-feature-goodness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/12/gdc-more-fable-2-feature-goodness/#commentsFiled under: , ,


As we slowly recover from GDC jet-lag, we thought it would be best to post some of the other features that Peter Molyneux confirmed for Fable 2. After all, a dog can't be the only new feature in Fable 2. There really is quite a bit to consider, so we'll just dole out the info in bite sized bits via a handy bulleted list. Everyone likes lists.
  • Players can pick a male or female hero
  • Players can choose to have protected or unprotected sex (and yes, there are STDs)
  • Female heroes can get pregnant
  • Players can have children
  • The world responds to your "hero-ness"
  • Two new character morphs (besides Good/Evil): cruelty/kindness and wealth/poverty
  • Own every single piece of property
  • Players can become king
Let's look at these more closely.

Continue reading GDC: More Fable 2 feature goodness

JoystiqGDC: More Fable 2 feature goodness originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2GDC-2007gdc07liionhead studioLiionheadStudiolionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmolyneuxpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxMon, 12 Mar 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameTrailer's GDC video wrap-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/gametrailers-gdc-video-wrap-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/gametrailers-gdc-video-wrap-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/10/gametrailers-gdc-video-wrap-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Our 2007 Game Developers Conference has come to an end, we've had a fun ride, but there is still more to see. And the nice folks over at GameTrailers have their GDC section quarantined off and ready to showcase some of the best Xbox 360 media. You can sit back and watch a new Portal video, maybe some Mercenaries 2, a Fable 2 dog demo, or The Darkness. It's every video they have to offer from GDC that is Xbox 360 related. And we definitely recommend watching the Fable 2 dog demo, because it just might make you think differently about this new "revolutionary" feature. GDC may be over, but your video watching has just begun.

JoystiqGameTrailer's GDC video wrap-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2gdcgdc 07GDC-2007Gdc07mercenaries 2Mercenaries2portalthe darknessTheDarknessSat, 10 Mar 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 concept art includes that dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/fable-2-concept-art-includes-that-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/fable-2-concept-art-includes-that-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/fable-2-concept-art-includes-that-dog/#commentsFiled under: ,

Xboxygen posted a few new concept art images from Fable 2, which include that mysterious (yet revolutionary) dog. We now know why Lionhead Studios didn't release these images until after the big announcement, otherwise they'd have spilled the beans on the whole puppy thing and left people wondering "what the heck is that furry thing doing in my Fable 2 artwork?" So, go ahead and take a look, digest the recent Fable 2 news, pet your dog, and come back with a refreshed face and an optimistic outlook on life.

JoystiqFable 2 concept art includes that dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionhead studiosLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxFri, 09 Mar 2007 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary Fable 2 feature is a dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/revolutionary-fable-2-feature-is-a-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/revolutionary-fable-2-feature-is-a-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/revolutionary-fable-2-feature-is-a-dog/#commentsFiled under: , ,


There's a reason Peter Molyneux is smiling in this picture. He was nervous to reveal the "revolutionary" new feature in Fable 2. Several people on his own team told him not to do it. In fairness, it's definitely a risky feature. No one in their right mind would call it revolutionary at first glance. Yes, the intertubes were right: Fable 2's secret new feature is a dog. That's it. So, why is Peter smiling? He's smiling because he just convinced a room full of jaded journalists that a dog is revolutionary. Yup, it's a dog, but believe it or not, you will love it.

Continue reading Revolutionary Fable 2 feature is a dog

JoystiqRevolutionary Fable 2 feature is a dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2gdcGDC-2007gdc07lionheadlionhead studioLionheadStudiomolyneuxpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxThu, 08 Mar 2007 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2: Man's best friend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fable-2-mans-best-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fable-2-mans-best-friend/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/08/fable-2-mans-best-friend/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Though his calm and and exceedingly eloquent manner might suggest a more languid pace, Peter Molyneux wastes little time when raising expectations -- and he knows it. "I'm going to get into trouble for saying this," says the British game designer before launching into his Fable 2 GDC presentation. "If we don't think it's going to be a landmark game, it's going to be bloody pointless to make it." Several moments later, I find myself thinking about what a horribly cruel man he is.

And that's a good thing. You see, one of Fable 2's key features is, well, a dog. Not some sort of magical beast or a disturbing, anthropomorphic St. Bernard. A tail-wagging, ball-chasing, honest-to-goodness dog. Fable's gesture system makes a return here, with petting and cries of scorn eliciting different reactions from the dog. At one point, Peter's on-screen character screams and waves his hands menacingly at the dog, frightening it into a quivering pile of fur. It seems mean, but the press members in the room chuckle appreciatively. Those monsters.

Continue reading Fable 2: Man's best friend

JoystiqFable 2: Man's best friend originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fable 2Fable2GDCGDC07MicrosoftPeter MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxXbox-360Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 is getting a cute puppy dog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-is-getting-a-cute-puppy-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-is-getting-a-cute-puppy-dog/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-is-getting-a-cute-puppy-dog/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The French folks over at Xboygen posted pictures of a new "character" in Fable 2. It's a dog! Your own personal dog to play with, train, and love while exploring the lush green world that Fable offers. In one picture, Peter Molyneux is pointing to our furry little companion and probably explaining how to get your dog to attack on command ... or so that's what we want to believe. And of course these screen grabs beg the question to whether or not this is the big Fable 2 announcement or just one interesting addition to the game. Only time will tell, but we'll find out soon as our very own Richard Mitchell will be getting the complete dish on Fable 2 during his coverage of GDC: 07. Stay tuned.

JoystiqFable 2 is getting a cute puppy dog originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2gdcgdc 07GDC-2007gdc07lionhead studiosLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxWed, 07 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disgusting Valentine from Lionhead Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/disgusting-valentine-from-lionhead-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/disgusting-valentine-from-lionhead-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/14/disgusting-valentine-from-lionhead-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those crafty folk at Lionhead Studios must have taken a break from developing Fable 2. Why, you ask? Because they had time to come up with a nice Valentine for us all to share on this capitalist romantic holiday. It's not any ordinary Valentine either. Oh, no, this one is special. We won't spoil the surprise, save to say that this particular Valentine is unique. Check it out after the break. Don't say we didn't warn you, though.

Continue reading Disgusting Valentine from Lionhead Studios

JoystiqDisgusting Valentine from Lionhead Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Feb 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionhead studiosLionheadStudiosvalentinevalentines dayValentinesDayWed, 14 Feb 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Detailed Fable 2 info coming at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/detailed-fable-2-info-coming-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/detailed-fable-2-info-coming-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/detailed-fable-2-info-coming-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under: ,

This year's Game Developers Conference kicks off in March and it looks like we'll get the insider dish on Lionhead's Fable 2. GWN.com dugg up information on the GDC's conference sessions and found one on Fable 2 hosted by Peter Molyneux. We double checked this information and located a GDC session called "Innovations in Fable 2" hosted by Peter and starting on March 8th. The description says that the "talk will centre around revolutions in Fable 2." and "will examine how key game play elements have been refined and expanded". Will we finally get every last detail on Lionhead's highly anticipated sequel? Will we get to see actual gameplay videos? Will Molyneux start the hype machine and over promise on all levels? We don't have any answers now, but we know that there will be some Fable 2 information coming out of GDC ... how much is still unknown.

[Thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqDetailed Fable 2 info coming at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2game developers conferenceGameDevelopersConferencegdclionheadmicrosoft game studioMicrosoftGameStudiopeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxMon, 12 Feb 2007 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2: own this castle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/fable-2-own-this-castle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/fable-2-own-this-castle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/fable-2-own-this-castle/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wow, even more Fable 2 goodness this month, Lionhead has released the above piece of concept art. Yeah, we know, concept art isn't exactly the most exciting thing in the world, but this particular piece comes with a promise. The Fable 2 team reminds us of three things. One, it's a castle (duh). Two, Fable 2 allows players to own any piece of property. Three, this castle is located in a city -- in other words, this is only part of a larger city. We have to say, that's fargin' awesome. Another point of interest, we're really digging the verticalness of this location. Fable was pretty flat, so it's good to see Fable 2 getting some much needed height.

Hmmm ... maybe you get an achievement for owning this castle? (10 points.)

See also:
Fable scraps: first (crappy) screen shots!
New Fable 2 feature to be revealed at GDC

JoystiqFable 2: own this castle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosTue, 23 Jan 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable scraps: first (crappy) screen shots!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/fable-scraps-first-crappy-screen-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/fable-scraps-first-crappy-screen-shots/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/17/fable-scraps-first-crappy-screen-shots/#commentsFiled under: ,


The latest issue of the Lionhead Times is out, and this month it brings us the first in engine screen shots of Fable 2. As you may have guessed, the shot you see above is not representative of the final game (like at all). Still, Lionhead proclaims to be making lots of progress in development. In fact, the shots released today aren't indicative of the current build, which is apparently looking "beautiful." Still, we would be remiss not to share even the slightest bit of Fable related information. Another new tidbit, water has made it into the game. Not only that, but Lionhead claims that we will be able to do things with this water. Given the piratical nature of the character art released so far, we'd say it's a safe bet you can sail on it. But what other possibilities could there be? Swimming? Deep see diving? Mermaid adventures? We're keeping our fingers crossed for that last one (and we just might hear more about it when Peter Molyneux lectures at GDC). Follow the "read" link for the latest info and a screen shot of the soon to be infamous "crotch cam."

JoystiqFable scraps: first (crappy) screen shots! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxWed, 17 Jan 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux, others join GDC lineup, Fable 'talk' imminent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/molyneux-others-join-gdc-lineup-fable-talk-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/molyneux-others-join-gdc-lineup-fable-talk-imminent/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/molyneux-others-join-gdc-lineup-fable-talk-imminent/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Peter MolyneuxHaving the inside scoop, Gamasutra reports that Peter Molyneux, Killer 7's Goichi Suda, and a team of Final Fantasy XII developers led by Taku Murata are joining the GDC 2007 lineup. Molyneux, well known for his mastery of hype-building (and subsequent apologies), will by lecturing on Fable 2, musing aloud about the brilliant innovations that might or might not make the final cut -- Molyneux promises to reveal "a totally unexpected feature" (we've heard that before).

Teasing aside, Molyneux is one of the most forward-thinking developers in the industry today. He might not always deliver, but he's earned his street cred for being a risk-taker. Molyneux's colorful presence is a key addition to GDC.

Also making appearances during the conference will be Goichi Suda, who will illustrate the experience of working on a small development team (in this case, Grasshopper), along with Taku Murata and other core members of the FFXII team, who will reflect on the lessons learned during the game's development.

JoystiqMolyneux, others join GDC lineup, Fable 'talk' imminent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360FableFable 2Fable2Final FantasyFinal Fantasy XIIFinalFantasyFinalFantasyXiiGameCubeGDCGDC07Goichi SudaGoichiSudaKiller 7Killer7Peter MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxPS2Square-EnixTaku MurataTakuMurataXbox-360Tue, 09 Jan 2007 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fable 2 feature to be revealed at GDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/new-fable-2-feature-to-be-revealed-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/new-fable-2-feature-to-be-revealed-at-gdc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/09/new-fable-2-feature-to-be-revealed-at-gdc/#commentsFiled under:


GDC 07 (Game Developers Conference) is set to begin in March, and speakers are already being announced. Among these scheduled speakers is Peter Molyneux, the man behind Fable and its upcoming sequel, Fable 2. Molyneux will be at the conference to perform a lecture entitled, "Innovations in Fable 2." The lecture will discuss how elements from Fable have been changed and made better for Fable 2. Furthermore, Molyneux promises to reveal a new and "totally unexpected" feature in the game. What could it be? We have no idea, and after the amazing amount of hype built around the first Fable, perhaps its best if we don't get carried away.

Our readers (that's you), on the other hand, can get as carried away as they like. Do you have any ideas for a great new feature in Fable 2?

JoystiqNew Fable 2 feature to be revealed at GDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jan 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2game developers conference 07GameDevelopersConference07gdc 07Gdc07lionheadlionhead studiolionhead studiosLionheadStudioLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxTue, 09 Jan 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Havok to power Fable 2 physics & animation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/havok-to-power-fable-2-physics-and-animation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/havok-to-power-fable-2-physics-and-animation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/havok-to-power-fable-2-physics-and-animation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fable 2Havok announced today that Molyneux and company have licensed Havok Complete for Fable 2. 'Complete' rolls Havok Physics and Havok Animation into one integrated package.

As Molyneux iterated, relying on Havok allows Lionhead developers to focus on the team's lofty aspirations, most-simply defined as dynamic regions, unconditional love, wealth accumulation, constrained combat, and an as of yet undisclosed uber-feature. As with the original Fable, at this stage it's hard to distinguish fantasy from reality (what gameplay elements will and won't make it into Fable 2's final release). But there is now at least one certainty: ragdolls.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqHavok to power Fable 2 physics & animation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnimationFableFable 2Fable2HavokHavok CompleteHavokCompleteLionheadLionhead-StudiosPeter MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxPhysicsRagdollSequelXbox-360Tue, 12 Dec 2006 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2: Havok in the land of Albion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/fable-2-havok-in-the-land-of-albion/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/fable-2-havok-in-the-land-of-albion/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/12/fable-2-havok-in-the-land-of-albion/#commentsFiled under:

IGN reports that Lionhead Studios has adopted the Havok physics engine for use in the upcoming Fable 2. Peter Molyneux, the man behind the Fable series, hopes that Havok will simplify and streamline the development process, allowing designers to bypass physics calculation and instead focus on creating the game world itself. Frankly, we don't really care what sort of physics the game employs as long as it makes it out before 2008.

Hey, Lionhead, how about throwing us some in game footage? We need something to obsess about, and concept art just isn't cutting it anymore.

JoystiqFable 2: Havok in the land of Albion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2havoklionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxTue, 12 Dec 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fable scraps for Thanksgiving]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/new-fable-scraps-for-thanksgiving/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/new-fable-scraps-for-thanksgiving/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/21/new-fable-scraps-for-thanksgiving/#commentsFiled under:


The latest Fable 2 community update went live on Friday -- factoring in the international time change, that's technically next Tuesday -- and we're left with ... not much. Unfortunately, we still have virtually no gameplay details to give you. What we do have is this lovely drawing of a street corner. There are a few tiny details to give. The first of which is that the game looks "stunning." According to the update, the game is leaps and bounds ahead of the teaser trailer that was released at E3. Also, Fable 2 will feature new vertical elements that were absent from Fable. For example, water levels could rise, giving you access to higher areas, or you can jump down a hole to enter a subterranean dungeon. It's a simple idea, but it could add a lot to Fable 2's overall geography -- Fable was pretty flat when you think about it. The only other tidbit revealed is that development is proceeding on schedule, which doesn't help us if we don't have an actual release date with which to gauge Lionhead's progress. Still, this is the last community update this year, so we'll have to take what we can get.

The question is, with only the odd piece of artwork now and again to keep you going, are you still excited for Fable 2?

[Via Xboxygen]

JoystiqNew Fable scraps for Thanksgiving originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxTue, 21 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Fable artwork (arrrrrrrr!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-fable-artwork-arrrrrrrr/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-fable-artwork-arrrrrrrr/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/new-fable-artwork-arrrrrrrr/#commentsFiled under:


Microsoft sent out some new Fable 2 concept art today. You can't tell from this environment sketch, but the characters lead us to believe that Fable 2 will have a very heavy piratical element (and possibly gypsies). The characters practically swing out of the picture (on a chandelier, natch) yelling obscenities and obscure nautical terms. Sure, we haven't seen any actual screenshots yet, but we love the darker, grittier feel than the original. We also relish the idea of sailing the seas and visiting new continents. Hopefully, we'll hear more on the game's development soon. Check out the scurvy ridden character art after the break.

Continue reading New Fable artwork (arrrrrrrr!)

JoystiqNew Fable artwork (arrrrrrrr!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2Fable2lionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosTue, 07 Nov 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 is playable! ... sorta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/fable-2-reaches-milestone-its-playable-sorta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/fable-2-reaches-milestone-its-playable-sorta/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/05/fable-2-reaches-milestone-its-playable-sorta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Xbox 360Word from Lionhead is that Fable 2 has reached the "FP" milestone -- that's dev-speak for "first playable." Don't get too excited, this just means that Microsoft has been sent a few functional areas of the game, so the publisher can be confident its money isn't only being blown on "office refurbishment" and pizza parties.

The FP build also included a never-to-be-released quest, which, according to Lionhead's most recent community update, featured, "a magical potion, some pretty messed-up, dandy-dressed, wizard-types and most importantly such a dramatic outcome of a twisted nature, that it would make Joe Average Jr. freak out." We don't even wanna know ...

JoystiqFable 2 is playable! ... sorta originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FableFable 2Fable2LionheadLionhead StudiosLionhead-StudiosLionheadStudiosPeter MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxXbox-360Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[BIH content, 9/28: big sweaty men edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/bih-content-9-28-big-sweaty-men-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/bih-content-9-28-big-sweaty-men-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/28/bih-content-9-28-big-sweaty-men-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Bringing It Home content train just keeps a' rollin'. Today we are blessed with another demo, Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007. The full list goes a little something like this:

Tony Hawk's Project 8 trailer
Wheelman trailer
Frontlines Fuel of War trailer
X06 Game Montage video
Crossfire trailer
WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2007
Fable 2 theme (150 points)
X06 theme (free)

Also new today, Europe can finally download all Oblivion content packs (insert obligatory horse armor joke here). Oh, and we missed it last night, but there is now a Halo Wars theme (150 points) and picture pack (80 points) available.

JoystiqBIH content, 9/28: big sweaty men edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossfirefable 2Fable2frontlines fuel of warFrontlinesFuelOfWarhalo warsHaloWarsoblivionproject 8Project8smackdown vs rawsmackdown vs raw 2007SmackdownVsRawSmackdownVsRaw2007thp8tony hawktony hawks project 8TonyHawkTonyHawksProject8wheelmanwwe smackdown vs raw 2007WweSmackdownVsRaw2007x06Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft brings TGS and X06 home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/microsoft-brings-tgs-and-x06-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/microsoft-brings-tgs-and-x06-home/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/microsoft-brings-tgs-and-x06-home/#commentsFiled under:

Remember back at E3 when the Halo 3 trailer was available on Marketplace before Microsoft officially unveiled it at the show? That was only part of the barrage of E3 content that was piped directly into our 360s. It made it a cool perk to have the latest and greatest hardware, allowing thousands of 360 owners to get a piece of E3. It looks like Microsoft plans to continue that tradition at this year's Tokyo Game Show and its own X06 (I had to decline a trip to cover the latter, stupid wedding!). TGS coverage will start on September 20th and run through the 24th. X06 will run September the 25th through the 29th. There is a chance that US and European gamers won't see all the TGS coverage, but Japan got most of the E3 coverage so, it's stands to reason this will be the same.

Now we can all look forward to previews of the latest and greatest. Expect more of Blue Dragon, Gears of War, Viva Piñata, Blue Dragon, Fable 2, and Blue Dragon. And, since it's TGS, you'll probably see some Blue Dragon. In all seriousness, we really dug Microsoft's coverage of the last E3 ever, and hopefully this will recapture the same excitement.

[Via Xboxic]

JoystiqMicrosoft brings TGS and X06 home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue dragonBlueDragone3fable 2Fable2gears of warGearsOfWartgstokyo game showTokyoGameShowviva pinataVivaPinatax06Thu, 31 Aug 2006 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The latest Fable scraps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/the-latest-fable-scraps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/the-latest-fable-scraps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/15/the-latest-fable-scraps/#commentsFiled under:


The latest Fable 2 update gives us a few tidbits to enjoy -- namely the solitary piece of concept art above. Of particular interest -- especially to those who were disappointed by Fable's restrictive pathways -- is level designer, Charlton Edward's comments on the game:

"The world definitely is much bigger and it also feels better. There are more things to do within each area and we absolutely have to make them interesting and absorbing. Too many times have I spent playing RPG's set in vast barren wastelands. Fable 2 retains the Fable 1 organic, intimate feel, while giving players tons to explore and discover. We are really trying to pack the world with exploration, interaction and secrets."

While this doesn't necessarily mean the end of Fable's linear paths, it at least promises we'll have more to do on said paths. Anybody have this in their top five most wanted yet?

[Via Xboxygen (watch out, it's in French)]

JoystiqThe latest Fable scraps originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable 2fable twoFable2FableTwolionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxTue, 15 Aug 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Peter Molyneux's orgasmic delight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/peter-molyneuxs-orgasmic-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/peter-molyneuxs-orgasmic-delight/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/14/peter-molyneuxs-orgasmic-delight/#commentsFiled under: ,

Conrad over at Joystiq has posted an interview with Lionhead's Peter Molyneux. There's a lot of good stuff in there and I won't attempt to recount it all. I will, however, relate this little tidbit to whet your appetite:

"You know in those days that's what it was like, I smoked more cigarettes, drunk more and did disastrous things to my body. I was a total introvert, the world outside of what I did on my computer became dim, almost psychotically so. But, there was, and I apologize for using this words, there was this orgasmic delight in physically creating something."

Good stuff. Conrad and Peter talk Fable, Fable 2, Pete's "secret project", and more. Head over to Joystiq and check it out.

JoystiqPeter Molyneux's orgasmic delight originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jul 2006 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conrad quilty-harperConradQuilty-harperfablefable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiospeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxFri, 14 Jul 2006 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A few Fable scraps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/a-few-fable-scraps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/a-few-fable-scraps/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/10/a-few-fable-scraps/#commentsFiled under:


The Lionhead Times has be updated with a few bits of info regarding Fable 2. Most of the info is just general development stuff, but there are a few interesting things to point out. For instance, the story of Fable 2 takes place 500 years after the events of Fable and The Lost Chapters, giving the game a richer history from which to build the story. The story is also planned to be longer than the original, which is definitely good news. Somewhat more cryptic, it's also revealed that the story could take a turn that will "shock" players.

Another little tidbit, the Fable 2 team now has to make "milestone" builds of the game in order to showcase the game's progress to the suits at Microsoft. The upshot of this is that we should get some insight on the game's progress as well. Fable 2 is one of the 360's heavy hitters so, rest assured that we'll keep you posted.

JoystiqA few Fable scraps originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable 2Fable2lionheadlionhead studiosLionheadStudiosmicrosoft game studiosMicrosoftGameStudiosmolyneuxpeter molyneuxPeterMolyneuxMon, 10 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[X06 in sunny Spain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/x06-in-sunny-spain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/x06-in-sunny-spain/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/22/x06-in-sunny-spain/#commentsFiled under: ,


Planet Xbox 360 reports that Microsoft has announced the official date and location for X06, the European Xbox convention. The event will be held September 27th and 28th in Barcelona, Spain, allowing industry members to soak up some sun and an unhealthy dose of Xbox branding.

New invitees to the event include South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland -- Microsoft having announced 360 launches in these countries by the end of 2006.

Regional vice president, Xbox, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Chris Lewis, said this of the event:

"We are really looking forward to X06 in Barcelona and believe this will prove to be an amazing experience for gaming enthusiasts across Europe. We have some exciting announcements to make and even more to show people. X06 will firmly place Xbox 360 as the console of the next generation."

This would be the perfect place for Microsoft to shed some light on its European projects, namely Viva Piñata and Fable 2. Here's hoping.

[Thanks, Matt]

JoystiqX06 in sunny Spain originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonabarcelona spainBarcelonaSpainfablefable 2Fable2lionhead studiosLionheadStudiosrarespainviva pinataVivaPinataxo6Thu, 22 Jun 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux's Fable 2 dance recital at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/lionheads-molyneux-on-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/lionheads-molyneux-on-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/12/lionheads-molyneux-on-fable-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Fable 2 - Peter MolyneuxLionhead Studios founder Peter Molyneux addressed the media at E3 this week, where he discussed his company's acquisition by Microsoft and the highly anticipated Fable 2. Unfortunately, the sequel to one of the Xbox's bestselling games is not quite demo-ready, and Molyneux wasn't exactly forthcoming on development details. Instead, he chose to focus on the importance of emotional engagement in Fable 2, one of the stronger elements in the original game.

Molyneux did hint at the possible inclusion of an Xbox 360's friends list feature for his next action RPG, and is intrigued by Microsoft's new Live Anywhere technology, but again, he confirmed nothing. Throw us a friggin' bone here, Pete! At least we have a pretty trailer to look at.

Lionhead's other games include The Movies and Black & White 2.

See also: Molyneux predicted a Revolution...in '04

JoystiqMolyneux's Fable 2 dance recital at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 May 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3fable 2lionheadLionhead-Studiosmicrosoft game studiospeter molyneuxxbox 360Xbox-360Fri, 12 May 2006 16:00:00 EST