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[Become immortalized in the background scenery of Fable 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/become-immortalized-in-the-background-scenery-of-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/become-immortalized-in-the-background-scenery-of-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/become-immortalized-in-the-background-scenery-of-fable-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Don your Victorian regalia, our fanciful readers, and you may earn your place in the annals of gaming history by appearing in Lionhead's much anticipated RPG, Fable 2. Just throw on that ratty old frock coat and strike your most Quixotic pose in front of a camera being operated by a tight-lipped, non-judgmental friend. Save the resulting blackmail image as a Ye Olde JPEG, send it in to Lionhead's art department, and you could serve as a model for one of the many paintings strewn across the interiors of Albion's exotic homes.

It's a neat way to get your mug in what will no doubt be one of this year's blockbuster titles -- though you've only got until next Wednesday to submit your best Pimpernel-esque portrait. We trust you can carve out some time between the big quail hunt and the late night ether frolic to read the rules and regulations before you commit your extravagant visage to film.

Still need insipiration? Look no further than the above image of Joystiq's own Justin McElroy. If there's a man who better embodies the unflappable spirit of a colonial gentleman, we have yet to meet him.

JoystiqBecome immortalized in the background scenery of Fable 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionartcontestfablefable2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiospaintingpimpernelportraitRPGXbox-360Fri, 30 May 2008 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead's Molyneux open to revisiting his past catalog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/lionheads-molyneux-open-to-revisiting-his-past-catalog/#commentsFiled under: ,


Though his vision usually outstrips his games' technical prowess, super developer Peter Molyneux is still responsible for some the most unique gaming experiences ever put to code. He's let us soar through the air on an enchanted rug, mow down civilians in a near-future dystopia, and has even let us play god once or twice.

Unfortunately, after having the distinct 'pleasure' of being absorbed by larger studios on two separate occasions, many of his most memorable creations have since been left to the pages of history. Even so, while Molyneux is currently courting players with his canine-friendly Fable 2, he recently told Shacknews that he's open to revisiting his earlier games, particularly Syndicate.

"I really would love to redo a version of Syndicate," he commented, adding that while he has not been given the go ahead to knock the dust off his past achievements, "one day, I'm sure that opportunity is going to come up and I'd love to do it." Of course, he's said this all before, but we continue to hold out hope. In a world filled with one mundane first-person shooter after the next, we could really use another Magic Carpet.

JoystiqLionhead's Molyneux open to revisiting his past catalog originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionblackandwhitebullfrogfable2lionheadlionhead-studioslionheadstudiosmagic-carpetmagiccarpetMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosmolyneuxpetermolyneuxpopulousRPGsyndicateXbox-360Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heard@GDC: Americans hate nipples]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/heard-gdc-americans-hate-nipples/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/heard-gdc-americans-hate-nipples/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/23/heard-gdc-americans-hate-nipples/#commentsFiled under: ,

"It's something about you Americans and nipples, there's something you hate! If this was Germany, I'd be romping around naked right now."

-Peter Molyneux at his GDC lecture

JoystiqHeard@GDC: Americans hate nipples originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable2GDCgdc08LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiospeter-molyneuxRPGSat, 23 Feb 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Peter Molyneux talks Fable 2 features]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-peter-molyneux-talks-fable-2-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-peter-molyneux-talks-fable-2-features/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-peter-molyneux-talks-fable-2-features/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Want to know why Peter Molyneux's replacing your mini-map with a breadcrumb trail? Whether or not his character has unprotected sex? If same-sex marriage is still on the table? Journey on, dear reader, journey on.

"I'm just going to put the gum on the side of the monitor here. I'll remember to get it."

With that humble beginning, Peter Molyneux took the stage to reveal some features of his RPG adventure, Fable 2.

Continue reading GDC08: Peter Molyneux talks Fable 2 features

JoystiqGDC08: Peter Molyneux talks Fable 2 features originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable2GDCLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiospeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: No gold drops in Fable 2, new co-op details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-no-gold-drops-in-fable-2-new-co-op-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-no-gold-drops-in-fable-2-new-co-op-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-no-gold-drops-in-fable-2-new-co-op-details/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a soon to be published interview with X3F, Fable 2 creator Peter Molyneux revealed some new details concerning Fable 2 co-op and how players will earn money in the game. First and foremost, Molyneux noted that there are no gold drops in Fable 2. In other words, monsters don't drop large bags of cash when they die (which is somewhat more realistic really). Instead, Fable 2 will have players earn money the old fashioned way: working for it. There are a range of jobs available to players such as being a blacksmith, assassin or woodsman. There is also one other job which specifically concerns cooperative play: henchman. Co-op players will become the henchman when they visit the worlds of other players. How exactly a player earns money as a henchman wasn't discussed. It raises some interesting questions such as whether or not the main player will actually have to pay henchmen, for example. Finally, when asked about whether or not male characters will be able to impregnate their female co-op partners, Molyneux noted "it's certainly an interesting idea," adding, "no promises." We hope the feature makes it into the game, because we're dying to have CliffyB's digital baby.

JoystiqGDC08: No gold drops in Fable 2, new co-op details originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable2GDCgdc08lionheadlionhead-studiosMGSmicrosoft-game-studiosRPGXbox-360Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Fable 2 co-op demo gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-fable-2-co-op-demo-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-fable-2-co-op-demo-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/21/gdc08-fable-2-co-op-demo-gameplay/#commentsFiled under:

The always ambitious Lionhead boss, Peter Molyneux, sat down with reporters during GDC08 to outline the Fable 2 co-op experience in greater detail. Peter discusses the differences between men and women, family life and values and the dangers of giving gamers this much control in a universe while strolling through the beautifully lit world around him. It's an interesting video and gets us ludicrously excited for the game that can't ship fast enough. Fable 2 is set for a 2008 release, but specifics about a release have yet to be revealed.

JoystiqGDC08: Fable 2 co-op demo gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesfable-2fable2gdc08gdc08fanboylionhead-studiosmicrosoft-game-studiosPeter-MolyneuxThu, 21 Feb 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Fable 2 ships May 30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/rumor-fable-2-ships-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/rumor-fable-2-ships-may-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/rumor-fable-2-ships-may-30/#commentsFiled under:

According to a listing on the Amazon UK product page for Fable 2, the anticipated sequel to Peter Molyneux's original Xbox-exclusive role-playing game, a date has been set for a spring release. The listing shows Fable 2 will hit store shelves on May 30.

Take this with a giant retailer wants preorders grain of salt, but it could make sense. If Gears of War 2 was to hit in fall of 2008 (Read: naw son!) then Fable 2 could be the game that leads into the fourth quarter push much like Crackdown did in 2007. However, Fable 2 is a big franchise for Microsoft and would most likely ship during the busy holiday season. Also, retailers are sort of keen on picking release dates out of hats.

[Thanks, Rob K]

JoystiqRumor: Fable 2 ships May 30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008-releasesfablefable2lionheadlionhead-studiospeter-molyneuxThu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DICE 08: Shane Kim talks Marvel MMO cancellation, Alan Wake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/dice-08-shane-kim-talks-marvel-mmo-cancellation-alan-wake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/dice-08-shane-kim-talks-marvel-mmo-cancellation-alan-wake/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/dice-08-shane-kim-talks-marvel-mmo-cancellation-alan-wake/#commentsFiled under:


Shane Kim has been getting a lot of coverage at this year's DICE summit, and it's not just because he's got a thousand-watt smile that lights up a room. Microsoft has been pretty cagey about 2008 so far, and it seems like, thanks to Kim's hinting, the first details of a schedule for the year are just starting to solidify. If you want to know where your favorite upcoming title stands, look no further than MTV's comprehensive interview with Kim on all of the company's big 08/09 guns.

Besides hearing about how great Fable 2 is going to be (answer: very) we were especially intrigued by Kim's reluctance to pin down Alan Wake as a 2008 title. Also, though we were disappointed by the cancellation of the Marvel MMO, we have to admit we agree with the reasoning: In short, Microsoft noticed the dozens of subscription-based MMO carcasses that littered the road and decided that, perhaps, advancement was unwise. We heartily concur.

JoystiqDICE 08: Shane Kim talks Marvel MMO cancellation, Alan Wake originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dicedice-08fable2marvel-universe-onlineshane-kimXbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Holy Hobbes! New Fable 2 renders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/holy-hobbes-new-fable-2-renders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/holy-hobbes-new-fable-2-renders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/holy-hobbes-new-fable-2-renders/#commentsFiled under: ,


You've got to love Hobbes, the little gremlin sword-fodder that littered the landscape of the original Fable. As you might expect, the Hobbes are making a return appearance in Fable 2, and Lionhead has released some official renders of how the creatures will appear in the game. Put simply, they look great. The models are super smooth, delectably ugly, and definitely a step ahead of those found in the original Fable. They just make you want to slice their little bellies open, don't they? Yes, they look like the perfect test for one button combat. We've added them to our Fable 2 gallery, along with some screenshots that we seemed to miss during the madness of E3. Check all the shots in the gallery below.

[Via Xboxygen]

JoystiqHoly Hobbes! New Fable 2 renders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable-2fable2lionheadlionhead-studiosmicrosoft-game-studiosWed, 09 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Next Gen compiles best of 2008: GTAIV on top]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/03/next-gen-compiles-best-of-2008-gtaiv-on-top/#commentsFiled under:


Next Generation has put together its own list of the best upcoming games of 2008, a popular thing to do at this time of year. Their list has an interesting twist though: estimated sales numbers. Each game is given a three month sales projection derived by taking sales of previous entries in a franchise (or similar games in the case of new franchises) and tacking on expected sales increases for 2008. Most titles are nestled somewhere in the 300,000 - 900,000 sales range. Undoubtedly though, the one game predicted to blow the competition away is none other than Grand Theft Auto IV, projected to sell between 3.5 and 4 million copies. The only titles close to this number are Fable 2 which could go as high as 1.3 million and Fallout 3 and Halo Wars, both of which could break 1 million. Granted, these are all merely predictions, but we'd say it's a pretty safe bet that Grand Theft Auto IV will be the game to beat in 2008.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqNext Gen compiles best of 2008: GTAIV on top originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008best-of-2008fable-2fable2fallout-3fallout3gtaivhalo-warshalowarsThu, 03 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 insults: you write 'em, Lionhead uses 'em]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/fable-2-insults-you-write-em-lionhead-uses-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/fable-2-insults-you-write-em-lionhead-uses-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/fable-2-insults-you-write-em-lionhead-uses-em/#commentsFiled under: ,


Okay, we might as well face it, we're not going to make it into Fable 2 as an NPC. That honor will go to exceedingly generous and wealthier people than us. How about this then: how would you like your very own title of dishonor to make it into Fable 2? See, in the first game, if you got enough people to hate you, you could "earn" the title of Arseface. Apparently Lionhead finds this title a little boring and wants something more distinctive the second time around. That's where you, the loyal fans, come in. Lionhead has sent out a call on the Fable 2 development blog asking for gamers to submit their insults. The best one, in theory, will make it into Fable 2. We've seen some good ones already -- we're particularly fond of "Phlegmpot" -- but we know you can come up with better. Head on over to the blog and do your best worst.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqFable 2 insults: you write 'em, Lionhead uses 'em originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2fable2lionheadlionhead-studiosmgsmicrosoft-game-studiosThu, 15 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead wants your insults for Fable 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lionhead-wants-your-insults-for-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lionhead-wants-your-insults-for-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/lionhead-wants-your-insults-for-fable-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Fable 2's combat and canines aren't going to be the only next-gen things about the game. Developer Lionhead also wants to replace the tired old "Arseface" insult that villagers yell at the hero when they hate him. They've turned to their community of loyal fans (yes, you!) for a replacement on their official blog.

The comments section is already filling up with soon-to-be-classics, but we're especially fond of "Groin Crab," "Loner McLonelyton" and the puzzling "Big Girls Blouse." Your own personal chance at immortality is just one click away.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqLionhead wants your insults for Fable 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable2lionheadLionhead-StudiospetermolyneuxXbox-360Thu, 15 Nov 2007 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2, Alan Wake, Too Human, Halo Wars not cancelled either [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fable-2-alan-wake-not-cancelled-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fable-2-alan-wake-not-cancelled-either/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/13/fable-2-alan-wake-not-cancelled-either/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EGM's Shane Bettenhausen has caused quite a ruckus as of late by suggesting in the latest 1UP Yours podcast that a high-profile first-party Microsoft game has been canceled. The first game confirmed to be alive was Banjo-Kazooie 3. Now, the developers of Fable 2 and Alan Wake have both chimed in to say their games are also still breathing. We wonder if all Microsoft developers wouldn't benefit from a role call meeting, where attendees are told to simply raise their hands if their project was canned.

Of course, that's assuming any project was canceled at all. Bettenhausen originally said, "a big Microsoft first-party title that has been in the works for a very long time, that people are very excited for, sounds like it's being canceled." That's far from a confirmation, although there may be some merit to a project being in trouble. Bettenhausen responded to the proliferation of his statement in the comments to one of his blog posts (search for "egmshane"), but only to confirm the game in question was neither Alan Wake nor Banjo-Kazooie.

IGN's Matt Casamassina silenced (most) of his critics by providing video footage to prove he did, in fact, play a DS version of Halo. C'mon Bettenhausen, at least give us a riddle or some enigmatic limerick to analyze.

Update: As noted by GameSpot, the developers of Too Human and Halo Wars have also chimed in to say, "It's not our game!"

Read - Is Alan Wake canceled?
Read - Is Fable 2 canceled?

JoystiqFable 2, Alan Wake, Too Human, Halo Wars not cancelled either [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1up1up-yoursActionalan-wakealanwakecancelfablefable2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiospodcastRPGrumorXbox-360Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Bid for a role in Fable 2 at Child's Play dinner auction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/bid-for-a-role-in-fable-2-at-the-childs-play-dinner-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/bid-for-a-role-in-fable-2-at-the-childs-play-dinner-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/07/bid-for-a-role-in-fable-2-at-the-childs-play-dinner-auction/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sure, it's tough to break into video games, but what about actually being a digital, non-breathing, non-playable character part of a virtual world? Unless you're a celebrity, such as Kristen Bell, or an athlete like, uh ... Slash, average humans like us have little or no chance to ever be "Annoying Quest Giver #72" or "Dude I Jacked for Bonus Gold #19." However, there's still hope, thanks to Lionhead Studios and the Child's Play Charity.

At the Child's Play's Fundraiser Dinner Auction, Lionhead Studios will auction off, amongst other things, naming rights for five NPCs in their upcoming title, Fable 2. You could be a shopkeeper, farmer, "important" villager, monk, or quest giver, depending on if you can part with the necessary coinage (think of the children!). And while Joystiq writers can't accept bribes, if you wanted to use your winning bid to name a character in Fable 2 "Dan Dormer," I, errr, we wouldn't mind in the slightest. Now, would you kindly make that happen?

JoystiqBid for a role in Fable 2 at Child's Play dinner auction originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActionChild's-PlayChild'sPlayFable2LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiosMolyneuxRPGXbox-360Wed, 07 Nov 2007 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead Video Diary 3: The Core Technology Group]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/lionhead-video-diary-3-the-core-technology-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/lionhead-video-diary-3-the-core-technology-group/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/09/lionhead-video-diary-3-the-core-technology-group/#commentsFiled under: ,

So, we might have sort of wanted to work at Lionhead Studios before we saw this latest video diary from the company, but now, after seeing the way they rung in their 10th anniversary, we're putting it on our lifelong to-do list, along with "skydiving," "Rocky Mountain climbing" and "going 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu."

After all, this diary focuses on the nerdiest guys at the company, the guys coding the development tools for Fable 2, and even they manage to seem cool. ... Well, as cool as someone who takes two days off to make a Pyramid Head costume can seem. It's all relative, we guess. If you're behind, catch up with part 1 and part 2.

JoystiqLionhead Video Diary 3: The Core Technology Group originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Oct 2007 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable2lionheadLionhead-StudiospetermolyneuxXbox-360Tue, 09 Oct 2007 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 aims to compete with movies, TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fable-2-aims-to-compete-with-movies-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fable-2-aims-to-compete-with-movies-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/21/fable-2-aims-to-compete-with-movies-tv/#commentsFiled under: ,


Peter Molyneux says it all the time. When you play Fable 2, he wants you to really feel something. As Eurogamer reports, Lionhead's staging director Georg Backer, who spoke in Molyneux's stead at GCDC in Europe, wants Fable 2 to be on par with movies and television as an entertainment choice. In order to achieve this end, Lionhead has been employing several techniques used in the movies and television to craft Fable 2. For instance, the company hired a sword master who worked on movies like Gladiator and Troy to help them design the combat. Lionhead has also worked with a film editor to better understand the best way to present the action to the player. Backer noted that realism isn't necessarily what's important. What's important, Backer said, is "that the drama is conveyed on-screen." Achieving such goals in the movies, says Backer, often involves distorting realism in favor of what conveys the proper meaning. "For us," said Backer, "this is a really new thing and we really desperately want to make sure that this drama and emotion gets pushed in games."

A noble goal indeed. Might we suggest the gang at Lionhead take some time to research BioShock while they're at it?

JoystiqFable 2 aims to compete with movies, TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable2lionheadlionheadstudiosmgsmicrosoftgamestudiosTue, 21 Aug 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dear diary: Lionhead video diary talks one-button combat]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/dear-diary-lionhead-video-diary-talks-one-button-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/dear-diary-lionhead-video-diary-talks-one-button-combat/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/31/dear-diary-lionhead-video-diary-talks-one-button-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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 ...

JoystiqDear diary: Lionhead video diary talks one-button combat originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Fable2LionheadLionhead-StudiosXbox-360Tue, 31 Jul 2007 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 Video Diary 2 now on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/fable-2-video-diary-2-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/fable-2-video-diary-2-now-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/fable-2-video-diary-2-now-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,


The latest episode of the Fable 2 video diary is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace (we also have it embedded at the top of this post, courtesy of Gamersyde). The latest episode, as you might expect, focuses on the combat of Fable 2. As you may have read right here on X3F, Fable 2's combat is all pulled from single button presses. Every action performed is based on the context in which it is performed. So, having an enemy up against a wall will produce a different action than, say, sneaking up from behind. The episode also tells us a little bit about how the animators created the combat animations (hint: they played with swords). Fable 2 fans should definitely give the video a look.

JoystiqFable 2 Video Diary 2 now on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fablefable2lionheadstudiosmgsmicrosoftgamestudiosMon, 30 Jul 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shane Kim talks Japan, Peter Jackson, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/shane-kim-talks-japan-peter-jackson-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/shane-kim-talks-japan-peter-jackson-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/shane-kim-talks-japan-peter-jackson-2008/#commentsFiled under:

Speaking to Game Informer, head of Microsoft Game Studios, Shane Kim, has a lot to say about the current state of the Xbox. The main focuses of the interview are Microsoft's 2008 lineup, the 360's performance in Japan, and the Games for Windows brand. Of particular interest is the discussion on games likely to be released in 2008. Microsoft's E3 keynote focused only on 2007. Addressing the question of 2008 and games like Alan Wake, Too Human, and Fable 2, Kim notes that these titles are not "way out in the future" and that Microsoft would not be talking about them if they were. Kim also tantalizingly applied this reasoning to Peter Jackson's Halo project.

Another of the more bizarre moments of the interview occurred during the discussion on Microsoft's performance in Japan. According to Kim, Resident Evil 5 for the Xbox 360 was supposed to be "the big announcement." We're a little puzzled by this -- as was Game Informer -- considering the game was announced for PS3 and 360 just over two years ago. Read the full interview after the jump.

JoystiqShane Kim talks Japan, Peter Jackson, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alanwakefable2gameinformerpeterjacksonresidentevil5shanekimtoohumanTue, 24 Jul 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq impressions: Fable 2 'Combat Testbed']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-fable-2-combat-testbed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-fable-2-combat-testbed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/joystiq-impressions-fable-2-combat-testbed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

fable 2
Peter Molyneux describes Fable 2's combat as "kind of a little bit mad." It's just one blue button; a system that doesn't punish casual gamers (button-mashers), but still satisfies hardcore players. The number of experience points earned in any given skirmish is determined by how skillfully one uses the X-button. Timed button presses, including counters, are worth more than mashing, while incorporating blocking and charge attacks (both accomplished by holding X) will net you even more points to build your hero. The attack button is also context sensitive, as you'll automatically pick up and toss items strewn about the ground if your foes are at a distance, or you'll grab an enemy and shove him into a wall if you're battling in close quarters.

Magic and ranged attacks (mapped to the Y- and B-buttons) will apparently operate in much the same way, but only the X-attack was on display at E3 in Lionhead's "Combat Testbed," a visually-lacking demo not meant to impress, but to arouse curiosity. "I know, it's bloody awful," Molyneux said of the current level of polish, while urging us to focus on more abstract concepts, like the amount of dedication that the development team has put into Fable 2's design. Molyneux is still haunted by his bold claims about the original Fable, lamenting his infamous 'greatest RPG evar' comment, made while Fable was still a rough draft. But the celebrated game designer insists that this -- to be the greatest -- is the goal for Fable 2, he's just not as (publicly) convinced he'll get there.

Gallery: Fable 2

Continue reading Joystiq impressions: Fable 2 'Combat Testbed'

JoystiqJoystiq impressions: Fable 2 'Combat Testbed' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e307fable2impressionslionheadLionhead-StudiosmolyneuxPeterMolyneuxXbox-360Xbox360Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 seafaring nixed, ninjas added?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/fable-2-seafaring-nixed-ninjas-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/fable-2-seafaring-nixed-ninjas-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/14/fable-2-seafaring-nixed-ninjas-added/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Whilst chatting with Peter Molyneux during a lightning fast, round robin interview session (8 tables, 8 Xbox luminaries, 4 minutes each: more at X3F), we learned two surprising things about Fable 2. First of all, we have bad news for all the would-be Fable 2 pirates: seafaring has been cut from the game. Molyneux told us that Lionhead had intended to allow players to become ship captains and sail the ocean blue, but eventually made the decision to cut the concept from the game. According to Molyneux, it's part of his job to cut things out of Fable 2 so that what is left -- the combat, for instance -- is really polished. Molyneux did inform us that the game will still contain pirates though, so that should serve as some consolation. As for the (possibly) good news: since we were on the subject of pirates, we cheekily asked Molyneux if Fable 2 will have ninjas. Molyneux responded, "Ninjas? Well, we aren't saying anything about that. It's funny you should ask that question." Why, Peter? Why is it funny that we should ask that question!? Tell us more!

So then, for those keeping score on Fable 2:

Death -- No
Seafaring -- No
Pirates -- Yes
Ninjas -- Mmmm ... could be.

JoystiqFable 2 seafaring nixed, ninjas added? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsE3e307e307breakingnewsfable2lionheadLionhead-StudioslionheadstudiosmicrosoftgamestudiospetermolyneuxXbox-360Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:35:00 EST<![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[Molyneux: no death in Fable 2, but scars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After sampling the delights of Fable 2 (more on that soon) we had a little chat with Peter Molyneux about death. Specifically, we talked about how death would be treated in Fable 2. Typically, death in video games means loading the previous checkpoint or restarting a given level. According to Molyneux, such will not be the case in Fable 2. Instead, when overpowered and bested by an enemy, players will be left with a permanent reminder of their defeat: a scar. Granted, the scars are cosmetic, but they do affect how NPCs perceive the main character. The idea apparently came to Molyneux after watching Casino Royale, in which James Bond undergoes particularly brutal torture during one scene and finds himself in the arms of a woman during the next. According to Molyneux, "In Hollywood, heroes always win the day." That's all well and good, but what if you don't like the idea of being disfigured? Players will have two choices it seems: don't lose, or you can pay a hefty fee to keep your attackers from scarring you. Molyneux revealed that testers are willing to lay down hefty sums of gold -- 1000, which is enough to buy a hut -- in order to avoid scarring. So there you have it, you won't die in Fable 2 -- even bosses can't kill you, but they leave deeper scars -- but you'll pay a price (one way or another) for failing in combat.

JoystiqMolyneux: no death in Fable 2, but scars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e307fablefable2lionheadlionheadstudiosmgsmicrosoftgamestudiospetermolyneuxThu, 12 Jul 2007 20:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: no death in Fable 2, but scars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/molyneux-no-death-in-fable-2-but-scars/#commentsFiled under: , ,


After sampling the delights of Fable 2 (more on that soon) we had a little chat with Peter Molyneux about death. Specifically, we talked about how death would be treated in Fable 2. Typically, death in video games means loading the previous checkpoint or restarting a given level. According to Molyneux, such will not be the case in Fable 2. Instead, when overpowered and bested by an enemy, players will be left with a permanent reminder of their defeat: a scar.

Granted, the scars are cosmetic, but they do affect how NPCs perceive the main character. The idea apparently came to Molyneux after watching Casino Royale, in which James Bond undergoes particularly brutal torture during one scene and finds himself in the arms of a woman during the next. According to Molyneux, "in Hollywood, heroes always win the day." That's all well and good, but what if you don't like the idea of being disfigured?

Players will have two choices it seems: don't lose, or pay a hefty fee to keep your attackers from scarring you. Molyneux revealed that testers are willing to lay down hefty sums of gold -- 1000, which is enough to buy a hut -- in order to avoid scarring. So there you have it, you won't die in Fable 2 -- even bosses can't kill you, they just leave deeper scars -- but you'll pay a price (one way or another) for failing in combat.

JoystiqMolyneux: no death in Fable 2, but scars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsE3e307e307breakingnewsfable2lionheadLionhead-StudioslionheadstudiosmicrosoftgamestudiospetermolyneuxXbox-360Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:35:00 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[Lionhead talks emotion in new Fable 2 video diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/lionhead-talks-emotion-in-new-video-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/lionhead-talks-emotion-in-new-video-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/24/lionhead-talks-emotion-in-new-video-diary/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've got to be honest, we felt a bit like a really bad blind date watching this first installment in a new series of video diaries from Lionhead about Fable 2. Yes, we're trying to listen to everything you're saying about the difficulty of replicating love in a game, but our brains are just a bit occupied by unbridled lust to pay attention. To put it bluntly, we can't keep our eyes from wandering to your chest 3D engine.

The beauty part is that despite our lecherous behavior, Molyneux still gives it up at the end of the video with just under a minute of slow pans over the revamped Bowerstone Market and Brightwood. Why Lionhead, giving it up on the first date? We haven't even given you 30 boxes of chocolate and flexed 50 times yet. We've got download links below, but you can also get the video on XBL Marketplace.

Download - "Emotions in Action Games" HD 720P
Download - "Emotions in Action Games" High
Stream - "Emotions in Action Games" High

JoystiqLionhead talks emotion in new Fable 2 video diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2007 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diaryfable2lionheadLionhead-StudiosmarketplaceXbox-360xboxliveThu, 24 May 2007 09:58:00 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 dog is the 'totally unexpected' feature?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-dog-is-the-totally-unexpected-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-dog-is-the-totally-unexpected-feature/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/07/fable-2-dog-is-the-totally-unexpected-feature/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

fable 2
French gaming site Xboxygen has posted some pictures of a dog. Not just any dog, but Fable 2's dog. Could this be the "totally unexpected" feature Molyneux teased us about?

[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]

JoystiqFable 2 dog is the 'totally unexpected' feature? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DogFableFable2GDCgdc07LionheadLionhead-StudiosMolyneuxPeterMolyneuxXbox-360Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:55:00 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