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Rumor: Fable 2 ships May 30
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]
Fable 2 achievement philosophy unlocked
The Fable 2 development blog has posted the philosophy behind the achievements that will be available in their upcoming RPG. There are two primary points that probably stand out above the rest. First of all, there will be no secret achievements. None. The reasoning behind this, somewhat surprisingly, is that games with secret achievements sell fewer copies. Go figure. Second, the developers live by the philosophy that achievements should not be about grinding. In other words, don't expect to get achievements for killing X amount of monster X. Instead, combat achievements, for example, will be based on doing "cool stuff." We're already hoping for some sandbox achievements à la Crackdown. Then again, we seem to recall Peter Molyneux mentioning a grind-tastic achievement for owning everything in the entire game, so we'll see.There will also be collection achievements, though Lionhead claims they shouldn't be repetitive but should instead inspire players to explore the world more fully. Morality achievements are planned as well, though Lionhead says that these achievements shouldn't keep gamers from playing the way they want to play, which is something Lionhead felt was missing from the morality achievements in Mass Effect. Of course, simple story achievements will be in the game as well, but frankly, we're probably most excited for the "stupid" achievements. Lionhead isn't gabbing about what exactly these are, but we've got a feeling virtual flatulence will be involved.[Via 360Sync]
Holy Hobbes! New Fable 2 renders
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]%Gallery-3398%
Fable 2, Alan Wake and more confirmed for 2008
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.
1UP talks turkey games
What better way to spend Thanksgiving than talking about turkeys? And by turkeys, of course, 1UP's referring to those massively-hyped titles that ultimately fizzled.We can't say we agree with all of the choices presented, though 1UP's criteria suggests that the games featured aren't necessarily "bad," but that all of them "fell short of expectations."Still, given the sheer number of games out there, there are bound to be bigger, badder turkeys hiding in the bushes. Any more main-course nominees?
Lionhead wants your insults for Fable 2
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]
Fable 2, Alan Wake, Too Human, Halo Wars not cancelled either [update 1]
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?
Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2
Official Xbox Magazine has the scoop on the Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update, and you better believe it's a doozy. UK-based CVG reports that the December 2 update will allow 360 owners to download and play Microsoft-published Xbox 1 games on their 360s. Let's say that one more time: come December 2, you will be able to download full, original Xbox games to the Xbox 360. The initial list of available games includes Fable, Indigo Prophecy, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex, Burnout 3, and, of course, Halo: Combat Evolved. Games will cost approximately 1200 Microsoft Points, or $15 USD. Microsoft plans on re-releasing as many Xbox 1 titles as possible through Marketplace. Look out, Virtual Console. Update: The CVG source has been removed, but Eurogamer has posted a similar report, dating the update for December 4th.
Molyneux on games as art: "Of course they are."
Speaking to gamesindustry.biz, Peter Molyneux had some strong words for the ongoing games as art debate. When asked whether or not he considered games as art, Molyneux replied simply, "Of course they are." Elaborating on his point, Molyneux noted, "If art is described as something which promotes a reaction in you and lets you glimpse something that's more than reality - then yes, of course they're an art form." Naturally, one would expect a game designer to espouse such an opinion, but Molyneux does so with no doubt at all. When asked about games based on movies that sell more copies than more artistic games, Molyneux cites it as an example of an alarming trend in game design. Molyneux says that games are starting to lose their "Wow!" and that the industry needs to regain its sense of wonder. Of course, Molyneux hopes Fable 2 will accomplish this, noting that it isn't simply a big sequel with more of the same. "The point is," said Molyneux, "we can still do things that amaze people, and that's a fantastic position to be in." Indeed.
Third Fable 2 video diary available
Lionhead Studios released a new Fable 2 video diary today, the third in the series, and it's available for download off their website or via the XBLM. The new video diary takes a behind the scenes look at the Fable 2 Central Technology Group, their role within the game's dev team and what they do to help make the sequel be game of the year quality. Not only do they talk the tech talk, but they also show off their Lionhead party skills and celebrate their 10th anniversary with a little costume party. Silly costumes, interesting commentary and British accents await your download, so go already and get the third Fable 2 video diary ASAP.
Fable 2 aims to compete with movies, TV
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?
Fable 2 Video Diary 2 now on XBLM
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.
X3F hands-on: Fable 2's musical combat
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.
Molyneux heavily alludes to co-op in Fable 2
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.
Molyneux: no death in Fable 2, but scars
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.
First Fable 2 video diary now available
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?%Gallery-3398%
Molyneux talks death in Fable 2, regrets Black and White 2
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]
Molyneux hints at next big Fable 2 announcement
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.
New Fable 2 art is dark and spooky
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]
Lionhead announces video diaries
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.
