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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Godus Kickstarter concludes at £526K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/godus-kickstarter-concludes-at-526k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/godus-kickstarter-concludes-at-526k/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/21/godus-kickstarter-concludes-at-526k/#comments Project Godus working prototype hopefully up by tomorrowPeter Molyneux's 22cans studio has completed its Kickstarter for Godus with £526,563 ($852K) in funding, from 17,184 backers. The game, which is a spiritual successor to Molyneux's Populous, reached its Kickstarter goal of £450,000 two days ago.

If you'd like to check out some prototypes for Godus, 22cans gave an overview earlier this week, following up with a multiplayer video. The game will be out when Molyneux says it's out.

JoystiqGodus Kickstarter concludes at £526K originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cans22CansgoduskickstartermolyneuxpcPeter-MolyneuxFri, 21 Dec 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux's Project Godus reaches Kickstarter goal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/molyneuxs-project-godus-reaches-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/molyneuxs-project-godus-reaches-kickstarter-goal/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/19/molyneuxs-project-godus-reaches-kickstarter-goal/#comments Project Godus working prototype hopefully up by tomorrow
Peter Molyneux's studio 22cans has reached its £450,000 ($730K) Kickstarter goal for Godus, a spiritual successor to Molyneux's classic game Populous. The Project Godus Kickstarter reached its goal with a little under two days to go.

The studio has been a PR kick the past couple of days, summoning a pair of prototype videos that helped drive donations for the game's final days on the crowdsourcing site. The first gave a basic overview, while this morning's showed off the prototype for Godus' multiplayer.

JoystiqMolyneux's Project Godus reaches Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cans22CansgodusmolyneuxpcPeter-MolyneuxWed, 19 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[We can't tell if Molydeux is doing the work for Molyneux, or it's the other way around]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/we-cant-tell-if-molydeux-is-doing-the-work-for-molyneux-or-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/we-cant-tell-if-molydeux-is-doing-the-work-for-molyneux-or-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/18/we-cant-tell-if-molydeux-is-doing-the-work-for-molyneux-or-it/#comments
Molydeux parodies Molyneux with insane Curiosity trailer

Peter Molyneux's first experimental title with 22 Cans is Curiosity, a potentially million-player title that has people chip away at a cube until one person hits the final piece and uncovers the ultimate secret inside. Peter Molydeux, a digital parody of Molyneux, has created a trailer for Curiosity using a few exaggerated quotes (and some not so hyperbolic).

"It will make the God Particle seem smaller than an atom," Molydeux (correctly) states. Molyneux has described Curiosity as something that "is so valuable, and so life-changingly important."

Molydeux's trailer posits that this discovery is "about to change life as we know it" and "it will be covered in the media for all eternity," while Molyneux has previously said "It's so amazing I think it will appear on news reports."

In response to Molydeux's trailer, Molyneux has offered a few hints as to Curiosity's secret, tweeting that he thinks the parody "is truly amazing. It's not a message, it's not an advert, it's not a job. I am loath to give more clues."

Curiosity will support microtransactions, with items ranging from $0.50 to $50,000. The game will be launched on August 22 for iOS, Android and PC.

JoystiqWe can't tell if Molydeux is doing the work for Molyneux, or it's the other way around originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-CansandroidcuriosityiosipadiphonemobileMolydeuxmolyneuxparodypcpeter-molydeuxPeter-MolyneuxWed, 18 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Microsoft was a 'creative padded cell;' 22 Cans will see his 'best' game ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/molyneux-microsoft-was-a-creative-padded-cell-22-cans-will-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/molyneux-microsoft-was-a-creative-padded-cell-22-cans-will-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/molyneux-microsoft-was-a-creative-padded-cell-22-cans-will-s/#comments ImagePeter Molyneux, creator of Fable and famously parodied developer, left Microsoft and Lionhead Studios last month to establish 22 Cans, a brand new development house. 22 Cans marks Molyneux's fifth studio founding, but there's something different about this one, he told Develop:

"I believe it has all led me to this point. I believe the greatest game I've ever made is still ahead of me."

Molyneux is adamant that he is building something special with 22 Cans, in both the structure of the company and the games it will produce. So far he has co-founder and former Lionhead programmer Dimitri Mavrikakis, data miner Paul Knight and IT director Tim Rance on board, but Molyneux is looking to have 22 people total from various industries, including architects, veterans, fresh faces and people who know nothing about the video game world.

These people will help Molyneux make his "best" game ever; a game he couldn't create while at Microsoft. "I was in a creative padded cell," Molyneux said. "Microsoft was so safe. Microsoft was so nice. You're so supported. Everything I did couldn't hurt me, both creatively and physically. The danger was long gone. I had this huge desire to make something truly special, and I felt like I was being suffocated creatively a little bit."

Continue reading Molyneux: Microsoft was a 'creative padded cell;' 22 Cans will see his 'best' game ever

JoystiqMolyneux: Microsoft was a 'creative padded cell;' 22 Cans will see his 'best' game ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>22-Cansbest-game-everFablefable-the-journeyLionhead-StudiosmicrosoftmobilemolyneuxnintendopcPeter-Molyneuxplaystationps3wiixboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[What Would Molydeux? game jam expands; list of what would Molymake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/what-would-molydeux-game-jam-expands-list-of-what-would-molyma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/what-would-molydeux-game-jam-expands-list-of-what-would-molyma/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/what-would-molydeux-game-jam-expands-list-of-what-would-molyma/#comments "What Would Peter Molyduex, if he were here right now? We bet he'd kick an a..." and we'll let your twisted little minds fill in the rest of those lyrics. The What Would Molydeux? game jam has turned from a two-city semi-satirical proposition into a 16-city, truly international game jam, running from March 30-April 1.

What Would Molydeux? has developers choose a premise from any of @petermolydeux's brilliant and/or strange game propositions, and create it in 48 hours. It is important to note that Peter Molydeux is not Peter Molyneux, creator of Fable and former Lionhead Studios mastermind, but Molydeux does do a wonderful impression.

Molydeux is hopeful these proposals will see creation during the game jam, but anything from his Twitter is up for grabs. What Would Molydeux? begins at 7 p.m. local time around the world on Friday, March 30.

JoystiqWhat Would Molydeux? game jam expands; list of what would Molymake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-jamMolydeuxmolyneuxpcpeter-molydeuxPeter-MolyneuxWhat-Would-MolydeuxTue, 20 Mar 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal: How Dimitri met Milo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/project-natal-how-dimitri-met-milo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/project-natal-how-dimitri-met-milo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/14/project-natal-how-dimitri-met-milo/#comments
In a March 2008 interview with GamersGlobal, renowned designer Peter Molyneux divulged few details on "Dimitri," an "experimental thing" which he claimed was given life by a mysterious discovery. "And then it moved from that experiment to a moment in time that happened six months ago when a discovery was made, and this discovery has been so exciting that it has lead to Lionhead focusing on it and sculpting a game around that," he said at the time. "I think that discovery is so significant ... This discovery has lead us to start a game and that game will be on the front cover of Nature magazines and Science magazines."

According to Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer, the discovery was actually "the right platform for an ambitious software idea" -- namely Project Natal, Microsoft's forthcoming motion control system for the Xbox 360. "Peter [Molyneux] and I saw the first [Natal] prototype about 2 years ago," Spencer recently told Develop. "He focused on what people want to do in this environment, and that's where a project of Lionhead's, called Dimitri, become Milo - the team's previous idea took on a whole new lease of life with Natal."

Now that we've become acquainted with "Dimitri" in his new, boyish form, we can lay the old codeword to rest and attempt to discern the reality within Molyneux's enthusiastic words. Though we're undecided on Milo's future as a Popular Mechanics cover model, we're fairly confident he'll wind up on Game Informer sooner or later. Shall we file this under Molyknew or Molyno?

JoystiqProject Natal: How Dimitri met Milo originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dimitriMicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosmilomolyneuxnatalpeter-molyneuxphil-spencerproject-natalXbox-360Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare happy to have Molyneux raising its profile]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/rare-happy-to-have-molyneux-raising-its-profile/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/rare-happy-to-have-molyneux-raising-its-profile/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/30/rare-happy-to-have-molyneux-raising-its-profile/#comments
"Once we were bought up by Microsoft obviously things have changed within the top ranks and stuff. And I think over the last few years maybe the awareness of Rare has dropped." That's according to Steve McFarlane, art director for the studio responsible for such titles as, umm ... hang on, we're just checking Wikipedia here.

Won't take a moment.

Banjo-Kazooie, Perfect Dark, Viva Piñata and GoldenEye, it says here. Anyway, according to an interview with OXM, Rare's counting on some revitalized recognition, courtesy of new(ish) Microsoft Games Studios Europe director, Peter Molyneux. "And the idea of Pete coming in and being this new face of Rare it's a great thing for us. It's really just to get us out there a bit more," McFarlane said. Pete's a real pal, having similarly expressed a desire to foster an improved identity for Rare just a few weeks ago.

With a hit game and solid promotion, there's no reason the spotlight can't fall back on Rare, even inside Microsoft. We're fairly confident you've all heard of standouts like Lionhead and walkouts like Bungie.

JoystiqRare happy to have Molyneux raising its profile originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooieMicrosoftmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxrarerecognitionXbox-360Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux would like to see Rare have an identity]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/molyneux-would-like-to-see-rare-have-an-identity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/molyneux-would-like-to-see-rare-have-an-identity/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/15/molyneux-would-like-to-see-rare-have-an-identity/#comments
Microsoft's European Creative Director Peter Molyneux would like to help fellow UK developer Rare gain an identity. Speaking with GI.biz during E3, the outspoken Lionhead Studios head says he was "totally blown away" by the talent at Rare and he wants to "help them get well known." Not that the studio isn't already known -- for better or worse over the last half decade -- having developed Perfect Dark Zero, Viva Pinata and Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts.

It's not exactly clear what Molyneux will do to help Rare gain an identity. Overall, Rare has been a disappointment ever since Microsoft bought it for $375 million back in 2002, never achieving the greatness it had while developing titles for Nintendo like Perfect Dark, Donkey Kong 64 and GoldenEye.

JoystiqMolyneux would like to see Rare have an identity originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxrareXbox-360Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Fable destroyed developer lives, Fable II not so much]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/molyneux-fable-destroyed-developers-lives-fable-ii-not-so-muc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/molyneux-fable-destroyed-developers-lives-fable-ii-not-so-muc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/molyneux-fable-destroyed-developers-lives-fable-ii-not-so-muc/#comments
The original Fable was a home wrecker, according to Lionhead guru Peter Molyneux. The developer with the buttery British voice tells Develop that the first Fable "just burnt people's lives" and "destroyed the team." He says the excessively long work hours ruined marriages, and that the studio just can't do that anymore.

Molyneux is happy to report that Fable II wasn't such a demon -- well, not until the "very, very end," when it consumed weekends (which is pretty standard). He states that, for the most part, the studio was empty on Sundays. We'd ask how he knows that, but we feel the answer involves him sadly sitting alone in the office over the weekends. Poor, poor Peter.

JoystiqMolyneux: Fable destroyed developer lives, Fable II not so much originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfablefable-2LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGTue, 17 Mar 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Gaming in 2009 'looking a bit dry']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-gaming-in-2009-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-gaming-in-2009-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-gaming-in-2009-looking-a-bit-dry/#commentsFiled under: ,

Being brutally honest, Lionhead Studios' own Peter Molyneux gave BBC his industry predictions for 2009 and, truthfully, isn't really all that excited.

"Next year [2009], well, it's all looking a bit dry," admitted Peter Molyneux, adding that "all the triple A titles came out this Christmas." Continuing his lack of 2009 optimism rant, Molyneux mentioned that "there is stuff in 2010 we can look forward to, off the top of my head I cannot think of anything next year that really excites me." Well sir, with the utmost respect, we do not agree.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqMolyneux: Gaming in 2009 'looking a bit dry' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyenuxMon, 05 Jan 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: 2009 release calender 'all looking a bit dry']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/molyneux-2009-release-calender-all-looking-a-bit-dry/#commentsFiled under: ,


We're less than a week into the new year, and already some people are casting doubting glances at the industry. And by some people, we mean Lionhead's Peter Molyneux, who recently told the BBC that 2009's upcoming slate of game releases is "all looking a bit dry." The face behind our favorite game of 2008 also spoke out against current retail prices, predicting "a lot of price pressure put on games" in the future. Good thing, as we need to buy something to wash all of this down.

Noted Molyneux, "All the triple A titles came out this Christmas and while there is stuff in 2010 we can look forward to, off the top of my head I cannot think of anything next year that really excites me." Of the things that get him going, one is likely to be his next "super secret" project, a game that he teased "might" be revealed next year. Dmitri, is that you?

JoystiqMolyneux: 2009 release calender 'all looking a bit dry' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionbbcfable-2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGMon, 05 Jan 2009 11:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Sir Molyneux set to deliver keynote at GDC '09]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/sir-molyneux-set-to-deliver-keynote-at-gdc-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/sir-molyneux-set-to-deliver-keynote-at-gdc-09/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/17/sir-molyneux-set-to-deliver-keynote-at-gdc-09/#commentsFiled under: ,


The 2009 Game Developers Conference that's set to take place from March 23rd through the 27th at the Moscone Center in San Francisco is going to kick off with a KABOOM! That KABOOM will originate from one Peter Molyneux, Lionhead Studios' big cheese who'll be keynoting the conference during a session called "Lionhead Experiments Revealed."

Molyneux's keynote will be followed up with various learning sessions throughout the week, including sessions by developers from Harmonix, Ubisoft, Bungie, Epic and more. Remember too that last year's GDC brought us an official Gears of War 2 reveal, so it would be a fair assumption to believe Microsoft has some gaming goodies planned.

JoystiqSir Molyneux set to deliver keynote at GDC '09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2fable-iigdcgdc-09lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxWed, 17 Dec 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux & Co. still hyping: 'Big' Fable 2 announcement next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/molyneux-and-co-still-hyping-big-fable-2-announcement-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/molyneux-and-co-still-hyping-big-fable-2-announcement-next-wee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/molyneux-and-co-still-hyping-big-fable-2-announcement-next-wee/#commentsFiled under:

Oh, Lionhead. The Fable 2 publisher, no stranger to hyping its products (with both good and bad results), is at it again. A posting on the developer's website reveals, "We've got some news [emphasis theirs] for all Fable II fans next week, dare I even say it's quite a big announcement? Yes of course I dare say it's a big announcement regarding Fable II, next week!"

We're not quite sure why they felt the need to make "Good" its own image file for emphasis, but it looks like we'll find out soon enough. "," we say, "

JoystiqMolyneux & Co. still hyping: 'Big' Fable 2 announcement next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfablefable-2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nega-review: Fable II]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/nega-review-fable-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/nega-review-fable-ii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/23/nega-review-fable-ii/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"While Fable 2 is now 'all grown up,' its new scale and gameplay elements expose some key issues that other RPGs of this scope have spent years ironing out." (9) "There are almost constant niggling annoyances that persist from the very second the disc enters the drive." (5)

"Fable II is short and easy, and the plot is mostly boring." (3) "Running through the core missions from start to finish would only take a handful of hours." (6) "You can race through the main storyline in around a dozen hours or so." (7) "There's not an incredibly large amount of content to go through, and it feels like Fable II pads the play experience by requiring you to venture multiple times through the same areas at different times throughout your journey to collect everything there is to find." (6)

"The story carries little weight" (2) with a "typical medieval revenge plot" (8) that's "slightly boring and sort of incoherent." (3) "The lack of meaningful character interaction and development is the reason the story often falls flat. ... Because the citizens of Albion are pretty one dimensional, it's difficult to get really attached to any of them. (2) "The simple combat and predictable story make the early moments feel slight." (2) and "the final boss fight is anticlimactic." (3) "If you're buying the game for the main plot, you're going to be disappointed." (3)

Continue reading Nega-review: Fable II

JoystiqNega-review: Fable II originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosmolyneuxnegareviewRPGXbox-360Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview -- Fable 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/metareview-fable-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/metareview-fable-2-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/21/metareview-fable-2-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We don't know if it was Microsoft's leash on designer Peter Molyneux or if Lionhead Studios finally focused its talent after a decade in existence, but Fable II apparently delivers a solid, enchanting action-RPG experience. X3F has a glowing non-numerical review covering many of the game's big picture concepts without getting into nitty-gritty (possibly spoiler) territory. Our great take away from reading other site's reviews is that Peter Molyneux was apparently spot on when he gave the game a "9 out of 10," saying it's the "best, most complete game" he's done.
  • Eurogamer (100/100): "Inclusive and often thought-provoking, this is a daring portrait of a game-world with all the failure cut out, and it's hard not to love a game that loves you so much in return. Fable II will charm you, thrill you, and leave you very, very happy."
  • CVG (92/100): "It's still not the revolutionary piece of software Mr. M lauded it to be, but Fable II finally sees Lionhead's original concept realised, and all round it's clearly the developer's best game to date. Well done Peter, you finally did it."
  • GameSpy (90/100): "Fable II presents you with difficult, meaningful decisions that shape the development of the world around you. You'll experience life from a young age and see your character grow up to become a powerful force in Albion. Whether or not you become a force for good or for evil is completely up to you. We thoroughly enjoyed Fable II, and heartily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good role-playing game"
  • IGN (88/100): "The past four years were well spent by Lionhead. Fable II has a great combat system, some excellent atmosphere, a smart experience system, and lots to do. It's only when you start exploring the social aspects that things take a downturn. The expressions system is too goofy for the more serious tone of Fable II and almost every interaction feels artificial. The sandbox elements aren't nearly as enjoyable as the adventure aspects."
  • Gamespot (85/100): "It's hard not to get sucked into Fable II. The world is so charming and your choices so profound, that it's easy to look past the game's shortcomings. The punishment for death is pointless and the story carries little weight, but the experience is still immensely rewarding. ... Your emotional attachment to your virtual dog will be real, making you reliant upon his companionship as you trek through these lands. In a game about choices, the wisest one you can make is to play the game."

JoystiqMetareview -- Fable 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2fable-2-pub-gameslionheadLionhead-StudiosmetareviewmetareviewsMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Fable 1's moral choices were 'rubbish']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/molyneux-fable-1s-moral-choices-were-rubbish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/molyneux-fable-1s-moral-choices-were-rubbish/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/molyneux-fable-1s-moral-choices-were-rubbish/#commentsFiled under: ,

This past May, during Microsoft's Spring Event, Chris "cool dude" Paladino from the Gamerscore Blog had a chance to sit down and interview the man behind Fable 2, Peter Molyneux.

During the video interview, Molyneux admits that the moral choices a player made in the original Fable and how they affected the world was complete "rubbish." According to Molyneux, we can expect more than moral choices simply affecting one's appearance, Fable 2's moral choices will change your pet's looks, the community, how people react to you and the scenarios you'll be introduced to.

Also, when Molyneux was questioned whether or not he played Fable as good or evil, he responded "when I have bad days, people in my games suffer." We never would have expected our Peter to be such a torturing man, interesting.

JoystiqMolyneux: Fable 1's moral choices were 'rubbish' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxWed, 08 Oct 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Fable II online co-op patch may make launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/molyneux-fable-ii-online-co-op-patch-may-make-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/molyneux-fable-ii-online-co-op-patch-may-make-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/molyneux-fable-ii-online-co-op-patch-may-make-launch/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lionhead CEO Peter Molyneux is saying that Fable 2's online co-op could be available on launch day. Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog announced over the weekend that the feature would not be available at launch, but should be auto-patched in later, hopefully within a week.

Speaking at a video game festival in Paris yesterday, Molyneux allegedly said that Fable 2 would include online co-op at launch, though clarified today that he could not confirm the timing, saying the team had an "ambition" for a day one patch. Having that wiggle room of a week would probably be best for Lionhead, but we're happy to take the online patch at launch too.

JoystiqMolyneux: Fable II online co-op patch may make launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionco-opfable-2gamerscore-bloggamerscoreblogLionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux okay with Fable 2 defining his legacy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/molyneux-okay-with-fable-2-defining-his-legacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/molyneux-okay-with-fable-2-defining-his-legacy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/molyneux-okay-with-fable-2-defining-his-legacy/#commentsFiled under: ,


After Fable 2 went gold and having some time to reflect, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux is so happy with the final product, that he's comfortable with having Fable 2 being the game that defines his "position in the industry."

"At the end of the day you can stand up in front of people and wave your arms, but unless you actually create a product, you don't deserve that attention," Molyneux told GamesIndustry.biz saying that Fable 2 "should define my position in the industry, and if it's not good, that says something about me. And if it is good, that also says something about me. I'm incredibly proud of Fable and with what the team has managed to do with it."

Awww shucks, Mr. Molyneux is not only happy with the final product Fable 2 has turned out to be, but he also isn't giving us any excuses to why it wasn't his ideal vision. We can't wait to give it a go and make our determination of Molyneux's worth. How exciting!

JoystiqMolyneux okay with Fable 2 defining his legacy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxThu, 25 Sep 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Next project is 'very different' and 'ridiculously ambitious']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/molyneux-next-project-is-very-different-and-ridiculously-amb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/molyneux-next-project-is-very-different-and-ridiculously-amb/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/molyneux-next-project-is-very-different-and-ridiculously-amb/#commentsFiled under: ,


With Fable 2 officially going gold a few days ago, we figured Peter Molyneux and the Lionhead crew would need to find a new project to work on. Surprisingly though, they are already working on a new project, they have been for a while now and according to Molyneux, it's going to be "ridiculously ambitious."

This new Lionhead project information comes way of GamesIndustry.biz who had a chance to chat with Molyneux to discuss what's next for his team. "We've actually been working on another project now for a while, and obviously it's ridiculously ambitious, but it's ridiculously ambitious in a very simple way," Molyneux revealed admitting that it's "different to what you might think Lionhead would do." How intriguing, no?

Just don't get too excited yet, because Molyneux made it known that he hasn't talked about the new project to anyone (how very un-Molyneux) and that the earliest we'd hear a peep out of the Lionhead pack would be sometime next year.

JoystiqMolyneux: Next project is 'very different' and 'ridiculously ambitious' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxWed, 24 Sep 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2 goes gold, now seeks platinum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fable-2-goes-gold-now-seeks-platinum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fable-2-goes-gold-now-seeks-platinum/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/fable-2-goes-gold-now-seeks-platinum/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Lionhead Studios announced earlier today that Fable II has gone gold, which means that everything appears to be on track for a release Oct. 21 in NA, Oct. 24 in Europe.

To celebrate, the Lionhead team went to the pub last night and got a little tipsy. No word yet if anyone cheated at any games -- or if it was all part of Molyneux's master plan.

[Thanks, Rooshma]

JoystiqFable 2 goes gold, now seeks platinum originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Pub Games 'glitch' intentional, with consequences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/molyneux-pub-games-glitch-intentional-with-consequences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/molyneux-pub-games-glitch-intentional-with-consequences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/16/molyneux-pub-games-glitch-intentional-with-consequences/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While we're sure you've already constructed your Scrooge McDuck-esque pool of golden, nefariously-obtained Fable II Pub Games earnings, Peter Molyneux might be preparing to pull off the biggest gamer prank since the anti-Spore Rick Roll.

According to a quick blurb in IGN's Fable II preview, "Just be warned. Molyneux has said that the cheat was no accident and that those who used it to earn their money will be in for a surprise." Something tells us that "surprise" isn't being filthy rich in-game. Is he bluffing? We'll find out soon enough when our sea of coins is quickly drained from under us. Fable 2 is due out October 21.

Need more Fable 2? We can't blame you. Check out our hands-on with the first three hours of the game, as well as our interview with Peter Molyneux, in which he talks about his game, Too Human and Lionhead's "shocking" secret project.

JoystiqMolyneux: Pub Games 'glitch' intentional, with consequences originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Carbonated-GamesCardcheatingexploitFable-2-Pub-GamesLionheadLionhead-StudiosMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyeuxprankPub-GamespunkdPuzzleXBLAXboxXbox-360Tue, 16 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux gives Fable II '9 out of 10']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/molyneux-gives-fable-ii-a-9-out-of-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/molyneux-gives-fable-ii-a-9-out-of-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/molyneux-gives-fable-ii-a-9-out-of-10/#commentsFiled under: ,


When asked if he'd fulfilled his vision for Fable II, Peter Molyneux gave the title "9 out of 10," reports CVG. The developer explained that it's the "best, most complete game" he's done, expressing his happiness with how the game looks and plays.

Molyneux supports his excitement over Fable II by acknowledging his mistakes from the past. He explains that Black & White, The Movies, and "pretty much every game [he's] ever done," had interesting features tossed in without looking at what the final experience would be like. After more than a decade-long streak of making "brilliant but flawed" games, we'll be happy if Molyneux can finally shed that image with his latest work.

JoystiqMolyneux gives Fable II '9 out of 10' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfable-2LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux talks three new Fables and a secret project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/molyneux-talks-three-new-fables-and-a-secret-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/molyneux-talks-three-new-fables-and-a-secret-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/29/molyneux-talks-three-new-fables-and-a-secret-project/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lionhead's head lion Peter Molyneux recently said in an interview with GameTrailers that it took three years to make Fable 2. We note this because in the same interview, he also talks about doing three more Fable games. "We've got plans for Fable 3, 4 and 5 actually," he said. "It's a big story arc and if you play Fable II you'll recognize things from Fable 1." Extrapolating on Fable 2's development time, expect to see the series continue in 2011, 2014 and 2017, respectively.

Additionally, Molyneux said that Lionhead is working on another, secret project that was the "kind of the result of an experiment that went incredibly well." He then went on to say that he likes projects that are challenging and made references to the sports genre, which may or may not indicate we'll see a fantasy RPG based on Brockian Ultra Cricket.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqMolyneux talks three new Fables and a secret project originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionfablefable-2fable-3fable-4fable-5lionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Tue, 29 Jul 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux: Three more Fable games planned]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/molyneux-three-more-fable-games-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/molyneux-three-more-fable-games-planned/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/28/molyneux-three-more-fable-games-planned/#commentsFiled under:

In Gametrailers.com's latest interview with Fable 2 head master Peter Molyneux, we used our ninja-ears (yes, ninja-terming body parts is allowed under the ninja-naming rulebook) and actually picked up on a Fable franchise fact. At around the 5:10 mark (video after the break), Molyneux talks about his intent for the Fable franchise going forward saying that "we got plans for Fable three, four and five" and that "it's actually a big story arc." With the average turnaround time to develop a Fable game being around the eight year mark, our kids' kids will be playing Fable games for decades to come.

Continue reading Molyneux: Three more Fable games planned

JoystiqMolyneux: Three more Fable games planned originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxMon, 28 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lionhead refuses to comment on Molyneux's Fable 2 Oct. release hint]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/lionhead-refuses-to-comment-on-molyneuxs-fable-2-oct-release-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/lionhead-refuses-to-comment-on-molyneuxs-fable-2-oct-release-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/lionhead-refuses-to-comment-on-molyneuxs-fable-2-oct-release-h/#commentsFiled under:

At the very beginning of Lionhead's latest Fable 2 Video Diary 6, Mr. Peter Molyneux can be seen sitting at his desk with pen and paper in hand, circling boxing-in the word "October" on a piece of paper. We actually spotted Molyneux's mysterious October hint yesterday when we posted the video diary, but now we're even more suspicious about its meaning after Lionhead refused to comment on the video or the October date when Eurogamer asked for more details. An official October Fable 2 release date? An elaborate trick by the Lionhead crew? Or does Molyneux simply utilize the stress relieving technique of writing down one's favorite month and boxing it in with a pen? You be the judge.

JoystiqLionhead refuses to comment on Molyneux's Fable 2 Oct. release hint originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fable-2lionheadlionhead-studiosmolyneuxWed, 25 Jun 2008 16:45:00 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[Molyneux boasts about his post-Fable 2 project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/molyneux-boasts-about-his-post-fable-2-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/molyneux-boasts-about-his-post-fable-2-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/molyneux-boasts-about-his-post-fable-2-project/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mad scientist extraordinaire Peter Molyneux has made a great discovery! In an interview with GamersGlobal, the Fable 2 designer talked about an AI-focused experiment codenamed Dmitri. The experiment became a game six months ago after "a discovery was made." Said Molyneux, "I think that discovery is so significant... This discovery has lead us to start a game and that game will be on the front cover of Nature magazines and Science magazines." That's assuming the AI project doesn't develop self-awareness and kill us all.

As for a release date, Molyneux said it would come out when "trees still [have] leaves, but with a brownish tint." Though our first thought is September, we've gone ahead and sent to Microsoft a picture of the official Joystiq elm tree spray-painted with the proper color in the hopes of an early review copy.

JoystiqMolyneux boasts about his post-Fable 2 project originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionaiaritificial-intelligencedmitrifable-2LionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSMicrosoft-Game-StudiosmolyneuxPCpeter-molyneuxRPGXbox-360Mon, 10 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 2, Alan Wake and more confirmed for 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/fable-2-alan-wake-and-more-confirmed-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/fable-2-alan-wake-and-more-confirmed-for-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/fable-2-alan-wake-and-more-confirmed-for-2008/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Microsoft Games chief Don Mattrick has confirmed (or, in some cases, reaffirmed) via a memo a handful of exclusive titles to arrive on Xbox 360 in 2008. The list of assuredly not canceled titles include Halo Wars, Too Human, Fable 2, Alan Wake, Splinter Cell: Conviction and "several exciting yet-to-be-announced titles."

Following the list of 2008 exclusives, Mattrick continues to say that "Xbox 360 will be home to the next versions of great franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Resident Evil ... Madden and FIFA." We're not sure if he meant to imply Resident Evil 5 is due out this year, but it's certainly a suspicious line. Other than this year, no schedule was given as to the release of these titles, although we now get a sense of what Microsoft feels will keep gamers happy in this post-Halo 3 world.

JoystiqFable 2, Alan Wake and more confirmed for 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Actionalan-wakealanwakefablefable-2grand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4gta4halo-warslionheadLionhead-StudiosMGSmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosmolyneuxpeter-molyneuxresident-evilresident-evil-5RPGsplinter-cellSplinter-Cell-Convictiontoo-humanXbox-360Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Heroes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/22/ds-daily-heroes/#commentsFiled under:

No, we're not talking about the heroes you might be thinking of. We're talking about the heroes behind the heroes. The names and faces that make our games come alive. The visionaries, if you will.

Yesterday's unveiling of a release date and the official website for Flower, Sun and Rain inspired a chat amongst the staff about the game's creator, Goichi Suda. You see, around these parts, we simply can't get enough of Suda's work: the wildly imaginative concepts, that inimitable visual style. Hand on heart, Suda's mere involvement in a project means a sale to this blogger is more than likely. We only wish others felt the same way.

But what about you, reader? Is there a particular development guru you look up to? Are you more about Sakaguchi or Shiggy, Molyneux or Mizuguchi? And do you ever purchase a game solely because they played a part in its creation?

JoystiqDS Daily: Heroes originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdsdmiyamotomizuguchimolyneuxsakaguchisudaSat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:00 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[Molyneux: Xbox Live 'far more impactful' than Wii waggle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/molyneux-xbox-live-far-more-impactful-than-wii-waggle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/molyneux-xbox-live-far-more-impactful-than-wii-waggle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/molyneux-xbox-live-far-more-impactful-than-wii-waggle/#commentsFiled under: ,

mwahahahaDuring an otherwise pedestrian interview, Peter Molyneux opened that big mouth again, this time putting the burden of another potential overstatement squarely on Microsoft's shoulders. The Fable man has predicted that Xbox Live "will ultimately be far more impactful on video games in the long term than something like the Wii controller."

Molyneux isn't alone, but his view goes against the current (but possibly transitory) trend, which sees Wii demand reaching nothing short of phenomenon. Though, in practice, Wii is still an inconsistent technology; whereas Xbox Live is a stable and consistently growing platform that has changed the way publishers and developers create and deliver game content, and is inspiring competitors, namely Sony, to launch their own grand social networks for the console market. Is Molyneux dead on?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqMolyneux: Xbox Live 'far more impactful' than Wii waggle originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MolyneuxPeterMolyneuxWiiXbox-360XboxLiveThu, 06 Sep 2007 11:58:00 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[Molyneux heavily alludes to co-op in Fable 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/molyneux-heavily-alludes-to-co-op-in-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/molyneux-heavily-alludes-to-co-op-in-fable-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/molyneux-heavily-alludes-to-co-op-in-fable-2/#commentsFiled under: ,

We hope that Peter Molyneux isn't up to his old tricks with Fable 2 of saying too much and then having to take it all back. Last evening, during a special session, he reshowed Fable 2 again to a small group. He fully admitted, "[Fable] was a little bit sh*t." It looks like Molyneux is really trying to make this game good and Fable 2 will be his redemption for the promises made in the original.

Molyneux added that there will be achievements for purchasing half the houses in a town and becoming the mayor ... there will also be an achievement for purchasing every house in the game (we hope he's exaggerating about it taking 1000 hours). He also strongly implied that co-op will be part of the experience. "I love multiplayer and I love co-op," he said. We have Crackdown for the precedent that this is possible. Now the real question is if the visiting player will be able to steal your spouse, burn down your house and purchase half your city thus usurping your mayorship. Hey, we're just excited about being able to play a pregnant female warrior -- Molyneux says there will not be a birthing minigame.

JoystiqMolyneux heavily alludes to co-op in Fable 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e307fablemolyneuxXbox-360Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Molyneux talks death in Fable 2, regrets Black and White 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-talks-death-in-fable-2-regrets-black-and-white-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-talks-death-in-fable-2-regrets-black-and-white-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/21/molyneux-talks-death-in-fable-2-regrets-black-and-white-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

According to Peter Molyneux, death in Fable 2 will be different than what we've seen in any other game. Fan website Loinhead (not a typo) recently landed an interview with Molyneux and they had a little chat about Fable 2, Black and White 2 and exposition ruining immersion.

Right off the bat the Black and White 2 issues get taken care of. Molyneux admits the problems are a "list" and although there is plenty of blame to go around, ultimately they were "forced to finish the game." The money just ran out. He says if he could go back and do it again, they'd have started from scratch instead of looking back on Black and White, using that code as a jumping off point, and building from there. Molyneux says, "I wish we could go back to the start of the development ... start with a blank sheet of paper and plan it better."

But that's the past, Molyneux says that one of the big announcements coming up about Fable 2 involves death (although Molyneux gives it proper dramatic fashion in the video after the break). He says that death isn't handled well in most games, "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." World of Warcraft has the death run, Prey turned death into a minigame ... we'll just have to see how Fable 2 handles the life hereafter. Wonder if the dog goes through the same issue when he dies, or maybe the dog fetches you from the afterlife?

[Via Xbox360Fanboy]

Continue reading Molyneux talks death in Fable 2, regrets Black and White 2

JoystiqMolyneux talks death in Fable 2, regrets Black and White 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2007 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black and whitefableinterviewmolyneuxXbox-360Mon, 21 May 2007 20:30:00 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[Molyneux becomes French knight, farts in our general direction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/molyneux-becomes-french-knight-farts-in-our-general-direction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/molyneux-becomes-french-knight-farts-in-our-general-direction/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/05/molyneux-becomes-french-knight-farts-in-our-general-direction/#commentsFiled under: ,

Peter Molyneux, responsible for such mixed blessings as Fable, Black and White, and The Movies, has received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et de Lettres award from the French government, just like Mario mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto did last year. The award makes both gentlemen honorary French knights. No word on whether they get to prance about in suits of armor, but we'll keep you posted.

JoystiqMolyneux becomes French knight, farts in our general direction originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>knightmiyamotomolyneuxThu, 05 Apr 2007 15:54:00 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[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 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[Molyneux would've loved to work with the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/molyneux-wouldve-loved-to-work-with-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/molyneux-wouldve-loved-to-work-with-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/molyneux-wouldve-loved-to-work-with-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

During an interview with Computer and Video Games, Lionhead Studios head and Fable creator Peter Molyneux took a chance to speak his mind regarding the Wii when questioned. The entirety of the interview is mainly based on Peter's work in the development field and his time at Microsoft, but he does take the opportunity to express his interest in Nintendo's console:

CVG: Is the Wii something, under different circumstances, you'd like to explore?

Molyneux: I'd love to play around with it. You know, it's a pure design challenge and the biggest change you can make in a designer's life is changing the controller and not thinking about 'oh we're not going to put this on the X button and that on the A button' - but having to do a complete re-think is quite an exciting challenge and something I would've loved to have got my teeth into, yes.

JoystiqMolyneux would've loved to work with the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lionheadmicrosoftmolyneuxnintendonintendowiipeterpetermolyneuxwiiThu, 02 Nov 2006 16:00:00 EST