Fable-2
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Tech issues delay Fable 2 Knothole DLC into Jan.
Lionhead's first Fable 2 expansion, Knothole Island, was set for release to the Marketplace next Monday, December 22nd. Sadly, that just isn't the case anymore, because "unexpected technical difficulties" have caused its release to delay into late January. According to the official Xbox.com page for the Knothole Island DLC, we're informed (in big red text, no less) that the late January time frame will be the Fable 2 DLC's new release. Exact date, yet to be announced. This delay is further proof of the longstanding rumor that Lionhead has been developing Fable 2 under an ancient Voodoo curse.
Sir Molyneux set to deliver keynote at GDC '09
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.
UK's Telegraph names Fable II best game of 2008
The Daily Telegraph has thrown two pence in with its own "best of" video game round up, naming its top 50 games of 2008. Like X-Play before it, the conservative UK newspaper named Lionhead's Fable 2 as the best game to come along in the last 12 months, romancing the crown out from under near-winners, Fallout 3 and LittleBigPlanet. Other games sitting atop the heap included Rock Band 2, Gears of War 2, Spore, Grand Theft Auto IV and No More Heroes, with Left 4 Dead and Professor Layton rounding the publication's top ten. Check out the rather comprehensive list and let us know if your favorites made the cut.
Edge magazine GOTY '08: LittleBigPlanet
UK-based Edge magazine's latest issue contains the publication's "best of" picks for 2008, and LittleBigPlanet is at the top of the heap. Sony's über-platformer took game of the year honors, edging out runners-up Grand Theft Auto IV and Fable 2. (Fun fact: all three contenders were UK-developed.)LBP creator Media Molecule was recognized as 2008's best developer, while its creation also picked up the highest acclaim for innovation and visual design. (Yes, Halo 3's "best innovation" streak has finally been broken.) Edge also named winners for best audio design (Dead Space), best hardware (Xbox 360), best publisher (Microsoft Game Studios), and best online experience (Left 4 Dead).
Like magic, Fable 2 Knothole achievements appear
In preparation for the Fable 2 Knothole Island DLC's release next Monday, Xbox.com has been updated with a listing of Fable 2's new achievements. All unlocked (of course) through the Knothole DLC. The three achievements tally up to an additional 100 Gamerscore and, for the most part, are targeted towards the story progression. Side note: What's up with Fable 2's use of helping or seeing "another Hero do so" to unlock achievements? A bait tactic to encourage co-op play? The Collector (25GS) - Acquire all the mystery items in The Box of Secrets shop, or see another Hero do so. The Meteorologist (50GS) - Bring all of Knothole Island's weather problems under control, or help another Hero to do so. The Bibliophile (25GS) - Find all the books detailing the history of Knothole Island, or help another Hero to do so. [Thanks, ZEBRA NINER]
Fable 2's 'Knothole Island' DLC coming Dec. 22
The last launch window we'd heard for Lionhead's upcoming DLC expansion for Fable 2 was "mid-December". Naturally, we anticipated that the actual release date would be around the ides of the month -- however, Lionhead recently confirmed that the "Knothole Island" expansion (and ancillary bonus pack) would be landing on the Marketplace on December 22, an entire week after the month's mid-point. Being the fanatic hair-splitters we are, we're tremendously offended by this miscalculation. Not only will we not be purchasing the expansion (which is going for 800/US$10), but we're removing Peter Molyneux as a Facebook friend post-haste.
Fable II Knothole Island DLC arriving Dec. 22
Lionhead has informed Eurogamer that the Fable II DLC entitled "Knothole Island" will be arriving on Xbox Live Marketplace on December 22. Set to debut the same day, Lionhead will also release a patch for Fable II that will allow players that have the DLC to play co-op with those who don't. Naturally, access to the DLC will be blocked during such co-op sessions, so don't go thinking you can play it for free if a friend buys it. The DLC will also include some free goodies, including Assassin's Gloves, a weight loss potion, Knight's Boots, a book (yay?), among other things. The Knothole Island DLC, as previously announced, will cost 800 Microsoft Points.%Gallery-37841%
Tricky Molyneux hints at Fable II digital release
Fearing death at the hands of Microsoft execs, Lionhead's Peter Molyneux refuses to confirm or deny rumor that Fable II will be an Xbox 360 digital download (a la Xbox Originals), but did offer a lil' tease. "I think it would be a great thing for this studio to work on," hinted Molyneux when asked by GamesIndustry.biz about the Fable II digital release rumor, adding "I can't say anything else on it – I would be killed to death." It wouldn't be all that surprising to see Microsoft releasing complete digital downloads of Xbox 360 titles, seeing that they've been open about their willingness to enter the digital release realm. We always knew that the Xbox Originals and (to a lesser extent) the NXE's game install programs to be test runs for digital 360 titles. We welcome Fable II or any other 360 game onto our hard drives as long as Microsoft adds a financial benefit for those choosing digital over disc. Ahem, make 'em cheaper.
X-Play Best of '08 awards Fable II GOTY
Peter Molyneux wins! Well, actually, all of Lionhead Studios wins because according to G4's X-Play, Fable II is their Game of the Year.The sixth annual X-Play Best of 2008 Awards recently concluded with Mr. Molyneux and crew taking home the prestigious GOTY hardware and a few other 360 games walking away with wins as well. Games including Left 4 Dead, Braid and GTAIV. Check the break for a complete breakdown of all of X-Play's Best of '08 winners and ponder why your favorite 360 game (ahem, Gears 2) didn't make the cut.
Peter Molyneux hints at Fable 2 full game download
Could Microsoft be looking to test the waters of full, current-gen game downloads that EA's already swimming in with the disc-less Burnout Paradise on PSN? Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Lionhead's most important head, Peter Molyneux, said he thinks a digital release of Fable 2 – X-Play's GOTY – via Xbox Live "would be a great thing for this studio to work on."But Peter, where's the hint in that? Ah, it was when asked specifically if there are already plans for this to happen that the famed designer said, "I can't say anything else on it – I would be killed to death." Killed. To. Death. So, if it really were happening, he'd risk being killed to ... a fate beyond death?
Fable 2 wins top honors in X-Play's 'Best of 2008'
The moment you've all been anxiously anticipating is finally here! The winners of X-Play's "Best of 2008" awards have finally been announced -- though perhaps a bit prematurely, as Calvin Tucker's Redneck Jamboree won't be hitting store shelves 'til next week. Fable 2 took the gold in the "Game of the Year" category, beating out Gears of War 2, Fallout 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, Grand Theft Auto IV, Left 4 Dead and Resistance 2.X-Play made some solid choices for the winners of other categories -- The World Ends With You took home "Best Handheld Game", Rock Band 2 clinched the "Best Music/Rhythm Game" category, MGS4 won "Best Action/Adventure Game", and Fallout 3 beat out Fable 2 in the "Best RPG" category. So, for those playing along at home, Fable 2 is the best game that came out this year -- but not the best RPG. Can someone whip up a Venn diagram to try and explain this one to us?
Fable 2 design lead departs for Quake Wars dev
Lionhead's headcount is down by one as Fable 2 lead designer, Richard Ham, has left the company to take on the role of creative director at Splash Damage, the UK-based developer of Enemy Territory: Quake Wars. Ham, who has worked on games such as The Movies and the first two Syphon Filter titles on PSone, will head up development of an as-of-yet unrevealed action game for his new employer. In a Q&A on Splash Damage's site, Ham talks about his fondness for the original Syphon Filter, calling it his favorite project he's worked on – and it sounds like he's working on something similar now. Speaking about his new project, he said that "what Splash is doing is so cool, I just couldn't turn down the offer," adding, "In fact, there's a lot in it that's similar to what I wanted to do in Syphon Filter 3, back when it was going to be a PS2 launch title, but that I never got the chance to do. So I couldn't turn down the chance to be involved." So ... Funnel Strainer? [Via develop]
Lionhead 'testing and finalizing' Fable 2 patch
That patch for Fable 2? Lionhead's still on it. In a community forum post, the dev says that the title update designed to exorcise a few naughty bugs from the game is "currently being tested and finalized," although there's still no specific roll-out date.The patch will address a number of issues, but the ones that most players – and there are a lot of Fable 2 players – have been affected by (namely the Monk's Quest and Bowerstone furniture shop glitches) will thankfully be thoroughly nixed. Lionhead says of the Monk's Quest bug: "This will fix the problem if you've already hit it, too." So, for those who haven't already restarted the game to continue past this point in the main quest, you won't have to. Those visiting the furniture store late in the game will also find that there's more to buy there than ... a single book. One of the game's more disturbing "issues" – the ability for your character's children to be marked as targets for assassination – is being dealt with, since assassinating children ... it's not so cool. Nine fixes are detailed in the post, although Lionhead says there are many more less common issues addressed by the patch.
Fable II: New screens of Knothole Island DLC
Click to embiggen Lionhead has released three, and only three, new screenshots of the upcoming Fable II Knothole Island DLC. The screens show off some of the new characters you'll meet as well as some of the new locales to be explored. We're particularly enamored of the snowy mountain seen above. We're not sure what lies at its icy peak, but there is quite obviously a path leading there. It just screams Yeti, doesn't it? Could we at least hope for a snow troll? Check out the screens in the gallery below.The release date for this 800 MS Point DLC has still not been announced.[Via Joystiq]
Fable 2 patch detailed, removes child assassinations
There's a new Fable 2 patch making its way through Microsoft certification and our friends over at Lionhead Studios made a list (and checked it twice) of all the changes, including the removal of child assassinations. Humph. No firm release date for the patch has been announced, but you can glance over the list of Fable 2 patch fixes after the break. The update, for the most part, will be enthusiastically welcomed by gamers, especially those who experienced those evil Abbot and Charlie bugs. Also, due to controversy stemming from folks which are probably pro-children activists, the patch will make it so that your children can no longer be targeted for assassination. Now, you're forced to stick with your lil' rugrats for the long haul.
New screens of Fable 2's 'Knothole Island' DLC
click to embiggen Lionhead has released a handful of new images from its upcoming Fable 2 premium DLC, Knothole Island. In addition to two more shots of the snowy tundra environment, the screenshots offer a free-floating (if they're not going to stop using it, why should we?) glimpse of the new leather-clad biker outfit. It's about as macho as we expected it to be. There's been no update on the release date for the 800/US$10 DLC, which was previously announced as coming in "mid-December."%Gallery-38447%
Microsoft: Black Friday Xbox 360 sales trump PS3 3-to-1
Black Friday, whether you view it as America's most chaotic consumer spending spree or simply as an excuse to shove everyone between you and a $3 toaster, is a critical retail event for console manufacturers. According to Microsoft, the Xbox 360 enjoyed record sales during the frantic shopping period, amounting to an increase of 25% over last year. The company can't resist claiming victory in a battle that doesn't involve the Wii -- the Xbox 360 is said to have outsold the PlayStation 3 by a factor of three.Microsoft also expressed satisfaction with software sales, with Gears of War 2, Fable 2 and Lips (yes, the karaoke game) leading the way. We'll have to wait until November's NPD results are out until we can see just how well each of those titles fared.
Rumor: Fable 2 coming to PC in February
Though the October NPD figures clearly indicate that everyone and their dog have already purchased Peter Molyneux's recently released, much-anticipated action-RPG, we're certain that some of our console-shy readers will be pleased at punch with this recent rumor -- German gaming site Gamona recently dropped some knowledge delivered to them by an unnamed "inside source" at Lionhead, who claimed that Fable 2 would be coming to PCs on February 15, 2009.While we maintain our trademark trepidation when dealing with hearsay, this isn't too outrageous a claim. After all, the original Fable made its way to PCs a year after its initial launch on the Xbox. February does seem a little soon for such a port -- though we wouldn't blame Microsoft for eagerly wanting to continue the harvest of cash money that the game has garnered thus far. We'll let you know when we hear more.
MMOGology: Braindead
You tiredly trudge up the cliff-side path, the rhythmic squish of your soaked boots beating a slow dirge. Cresting the ridge of the trail you see the full moon shining over Bloodstone's harbor where several galleons rot in their moorings. It almost looks like a peaceful town from up above the sweat and fish-soaked stench of the city. You sigh. It's been an exhausting trip dodging banshees and hollow men through the slime of Wraithmarsh. All you can think about is a mug of ale, a warm bed in the inn and perhaps a little company to take your mind off things. Bloodstone is known for its "hospitable" women after all. With a renewed sense of purpose you pat your faithful dog on the head and take the sloping trail down into town. As you reach the outskirts of Bloodstone the rancid smell of a fish merchant's stall nearly slaps your nose off your face. You vainly wave your hand to clear the air."Wot's a matta gov?" the merchant asks, sneering. "Can't 'andle a little fresh fish?""That fish is as fresh as my feet," you reply. The short tempered merchant draws a rusty cutlass and grimaces. Several ruffians milling about sense an impending fight and begin to circle you."If ya don't like it, you and that mangy dog can bugger off!" he responds, kicking your dog in his hinder. Your dog whimpers and sits next to you, tail between his legs. The bolder members of the encircling crowd brandish knives and mock you and your dog. They see a tired traveler and easy pickings. As tired as you are, you can't help but laugh to yourself and shake your head. Your eyes begin to glow a soft white hue. The humid air of Bloodstone begins to crackle. Time to teach these lowlifes a lesson.
Fable II conjures up 1.5 million in sales
Our advice to Peter Molyneux and the team over at Lionhead Studios is to take the day off and pop open some champagne corks, because Fable II's first two weeks of sales are something to celebrate. Microsoft just revealed that 1.5 million copies of Fable II were sold worldwide during its first two weeks at retailers, with nearly 800,000 copies being sold in the U.S. Quite impressive sales figures that we're sure both Lionhead and Microsoft Game Studios are proud of. Now, all we have to wait for is the December release of the Knothole Island DLC to see how well Fable II's DLC sells.
