Peter-Molyneux
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Molyneux: PS3 still waiting on defining title
In a recent interview with gamesindustry.biz, Peter Molyneux, the outspoken creator of Black and White and Fable, gave his opinion of a territory he's relatively unfamiliar with -- the PlayStation 3. Molyneux, whose games have appeared exclusively on PCs and Microsoft's home consoles, explained his position that the PS3 is "still waiting for that definition title that represents the platform", much like Wii Sports has for the Wii, and how he hopes Fable 2 will for the Xbox 360. We'd probably award that honor to a certain ring-shaped shooter, but hey, to each his own.Molyneux tried to smooth the assuredly ruffled feathers of the PS3 camp by stating his belief that LittleBigPlanet, whose development team was founded by former Lionhead Studios employees, could fill that void. He goes on to sing the praises of the texturized platformer, saying that he's "incredibly proud of what they've done," and that "it's just an amazing experience to see how their game has progressed." We wonder if he can maintain his LittleBigEnthusiasm when Fable 2 and LBP compete for top honors on their shared release date of Oct. 21.
Molyneux says PS3 still waiting for 'defining game,' suggests LittleBigPlanet
Peter Molyneux is a name that's familiar to most Xbox gamers; he's the man behind the Fable series and Black & White. With that in mind, it's interesting to hear what he has to say about the PS3, being someone on the outside looking in. "It is always one or two games which define a platform -- it's the same for the Wii, and the PlayStation 2," said Molyneux in an interview with GI.biz. "I think the PlayStation 3 is still waiting for that definition title that represents the platform ..." His statement is by no means hostile, as he goes on to talk about how much he believes LittleBigPlanet will be that platform-defining title for Sony's current black box. "I'm incredibly proud of what they've done, and it's just an amazing experience to see how their game has progressed," he said. "If we want to bring people in who haven't played games before, wherever they are in the world and whatever their cultural background, whatever their sex or age, then we've got to think out of the box and start creating stuff which fascinates those people. I think LBP could be one of those."While it is endearing to hear him eat some humble pie once in a blue moon -- especially when praising a game releasing so close to his own -- we can't help but feel that Metal Gear Solid 4 and Uncharted have been ignored here. Other than that, we'd have to agree with Mr. Molyneux; other titles, while popular with the Sony crowd, don't carry a universal appeal that will draw people towards the hardware. We'll see what becomes of LBP next month.
Three hours with the finished Fable 2
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Three_hours_with_the_finished_version_of_Fable_2'; In keeping with his policy of not talking about his games without something to show, Peter Molyneux brought along the finished version of Fable 2 when he came to San Francisco to speak to US media about the game. He also brought a nice, big HDTV to play it on and a bunch of Microsoft staff. It must have been pretty cramped in his luggage.We were plopped down in front of the fruit of Lionhead's effort, handed a controller and wireless headphones, and set loose to see how far we could adventure before they had to pack it up. It ended up being a solid three hours worth of gameplay, and, as Molyneux remarked when he saw where we'd stopped, was "only scratching the surface" of the full experience.
Joystiq interviews Peter Molyneux on Fable II
Using their incredible powers of persuasion, the crafty kids at Joystiq have landed an interview with Peter Molyneux. They have also, somehow, managed to play Fable II. And now, they want to talk about it. Molyneux is happy to oblige, talking about the game's moral choices and cooperative gameplay. Molyneux also talks about Fable II's combat system and how it promotes a sense of community. The interview covers a few other topics, including Molyneux's opinion of Too Human ("Dennis Dyack is going to come and kill me now.") -- and the original Fable -- "For me, going back to Fable is a terrible experience." Head over to Joystiq for the full interview.
Joystiq Interview: Peter Molyneux on Fable 2, Too Human, and Lionhead's 'shocking' next game
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Exclusive_Peter_Molyneux_Interview'; With the October release of Fable 2 fast approaching, we sat down for a chat with Lionhead founder Peter Molyneux to talk about how his latest game has shaped up. Also, does he still think the first game was all that bad? And what does he really think about a game he's recently found himself associated with, Too Human? It all starts off – as we all do – in childhood ... Playing Fable 2, we noticed that, early on, there seems to be a fair amount of very obvious temptation to do something "good" or "bad."Yes, well, I wanted childhood to contain some fairly easy choices. Once you go through your first real challenge, you'll find that it gets a lot more sophisticated. I want you to just experiment, to just see what happens. What I love is the aspect of, "I wonder if I do this what will happen?" If you do that enough, then you find that the game delivers.%Gallery-4807%
Molyneux gives Fable II '9 out of 10'
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.
Your questions, Peter Molyneux's answers
If you've ever wanted the chance to pick Peter Molyneux's brain without going to the trouble of concocting a brilliant kidnapping scheme, now is your chance. GameDaily has chosen Fable 2 creator Peter Molyneux as its next participant in its 10 Questions series. We're not terribly familiar with the series, but we're guessing that the questionee (that would be Molyneux) will be asked 10 questions by the questioner (GameDaily). The twist here is that the questions will be submitted by gamers just ... like ... you. Head over to GameDaily and submit your questions. Be quick though, as GameDaily will stop accepting questions on August 7.
Molyneux talks three new Fables and a secret project
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]
Molyneux: Three more Fable games planned
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.
Molyneux: 'I feel sorry for Denis Dyack'
Fable frontman Peter Molyneux has raised his metaphorical fist of solidarity, showing support for fellow game designer and Too Human trumpeter Denis Dyack. "I feel sorry for Denis Dyack because you know, I think a few things were said wrong, there was that really unfortunate showing at E3 a few years ago," Molyneux told VideoGamer.com at E3 last week. "Everyone got on the bandwagon of saying things about Too Human. Now I've played it and, you know, it's a good game. It doesn't deserve a lot of that harsh criticism. But as soon as something starts it's very hard to turn the tide and pull it back again." Molyneux, of course, speaks from experience, having survived a similar "avalanche" of negative criticism after the first Fable game was released in 2004 and failed to meet expectations hyped by Molyneux himself. While Molyneux doesn't offer any sage advice for braving the inevitable storm to come (you don't actually have "something" in your back pocket, do you Mr. Dyack?), might we suggest, sir, that you quietly step away from the computer and out into the open air. Take a deep breath. You'll be safe there. Remember, it's not the whole world that's judging you (just a teeny, tiny nugget of web real estate). And besides, just like your pal Peter, you've always got the sequel to make good on empty promises.
Molyneux feels sorry for Dyack and Too Human
Why all the Denis Dyack (stuck) hating? That's the question Fable 2's Peter Molyneux (stuck) seems to have asked himself because recently, in an interview with VideoGamer, Molyneux expressed sorry feelings for Dyack and how he and Too Human have been treated as of late. "I feel sorry for Denis Dyack because you know, I think a few things were said wrong, there was that really unfortunate showing at E3 a few years ago" Molyneux continued, saying that "everyone got on the bandwagon of saying things about Too Human." Peter then threw his support behind Too Human saying that "it's a good game" admitting that "it doesn't deserve a lot of that harsh criticism."A perfect example of how developers have to stick together if they want to survive in the industry. Strength in numbers, friends, strength in numbers.
Molyneux is considering MMO options
If it wasn't for those Microsoft PR wranglers, Peter Molyneux would sing like a blue-jay regarding upcoming Lionhead projects. But that's in a perfect world, darn those PR wranglers. Though, Molyneux isn't gagged completely as Eurogamer found out after probing Molyneux about his interest in MMOs.When asked about his interest in MMOs, Peter Molyneux gestured over to his PR wrangler saying that "there's someone in this room to make sure that I don't say too much about that question", but did confirm his interests in the genre saying that "I have been looking at MMOs". He continued, "I love the interaction, and I'm fascinated by the idea of really feeling secure and cool enough to actually do it." Just then, as juicy Lionhead MMO information was about to roll from his lips, Peter was silenced by his wrangler. If you ask us, a Lionhead developed MMO sounds delicious.
Peter Molyneux considers his MMO options
It certainly seems like everybody wants to make an MMO these days. Whether it's Halo, Knights of the Old Republic, or (maybe) Grand Theft Auto, the single-player developers are turning online as the genre gains popularity. Peter Molyeneux - well-known developer of games like Fable, Black and White, and Populous - has admitted that he and the folks at Lionhead Studios are considering making a massively multiplayer game as well. The admission came in the middle of an interview with the site Eurogamer. Primarily the discussion there centered around the upcoming Fable 2 for the Xbox 360. In the midst of talk of dogs, one-button combat, and trying to avoid hype, interviewer Christian Donlan notes that the game has a number of MMO-like mechanics. There's an extensive co-op mode, for example, which allows you to custom-build a companion character for the 'main player'. Molyenux reponds by pointing to the PR person with them and saying "Well, there's someone in this room to make sure that I don't say too much about that question. I have been looking at MMOs. I love the interaction, and I'm fascinated by the idea of really feeling secure and cool enough to actually do it." When asked point blank if he was considering making a massively multiplayer game, the designer simply responded, "Yes". We'll keep you posted if that one word answer ever expands into something more.
A trio of Fable 2 Molyneux walkthroughs
We realize that not everybody was fortunate enough to attend E3 last week, and therefore, missed out on their first chance to get their hands on some of the expo's much-anticipated titles. This group will have to settle with living vicariously through those lucky enough to actually get some facetime with these upcoming blockbusters -- really, though, who's a better candidate to serve up a slice of secondhand gaming than the notorious creator of one of these aforementioned high profile releases?GameTrailers recently posted three Fable 2 walkthroughs given by the title's ambitious creator, Peter Molyneux. The first of which, posted above, gives a brief demo of the combat, followed by a preview of your hero/antihero's canine companion. In the second and third parts, posted after the break, Molyneux discusses contraception and murder, respectively. We'll be looking forward to getting our hands on this dog training/sexual health/township massacring simulator when it drops in October.
Joystiq E3 hands-on: Fable 2
I should come right out and say that I'm probably not going to be giving you the most objective view on Fable 2. I know, exactly what you wanted to hear, right? I'm sorry in advance, but I'm a big fan of Fable, and that's the viewpoint I'm coming from.To that end, I should open by saying this: If you too are a fan of Fable, you need read no further, though I know you will. Judging from the build I played, it's more of the stuff you love with richer combat and ... well, you're just going to adore it. Promise. But not everybody played Fable. In fact, there are a sad few that played it and didn't even like it. It's for them that I'm soldiering on.%Gallery-4807%
E308: Fable 2 trailer
Finally confirming our long standing suspicion of online co-op, Fable 2 was a major focus for Microsoft during its E3 2008 press conference. The trailer shown, now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace, showcases the storyline that weaves throughout the game. A tale of vengeance where you can choose to seek revenge for the wrongs done to you or rise above and help those in need. Fable 2 is set to hit stores this October.
Fable 2 won't have heads-up display, pre-rendered cut scenes
Heads-up displays? Pre-rendered cut scenes? Those are so 2004. Realistic visual indicators of your character's status and interactive cut scenes are all the rage in the salons, and most trendy developers have included one of these features into their recent blockbuster titles. Lionhead Studios, however, have elected to include both in their upcoming canine-friendly adventure, Fable 2. They're like the Isaac Mizrahi of video game development.This report comes from OXM, who recently got a chance to play a content-complete version of the much-anticipated title. According to them, Lionhead has eschewed the inclusion of the standard action-RPG health and mana/magic/energy bars in favor of a screen uncluttered. They also claim that "non-interactive cinematics take up less than five minutes" of Fable 2, making us wonder if Peter Molyneux is actually the Bizarro World version of Hideo Kojima.
2008 Yearbook: Microsoft Game Studios
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/2008_Yearbook_Microsoft_Game_Studios'; After a solid year for the Xbox 360 in 2007 many thought the system could never showcase the same amount of quality exclusives in a single year.In the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook, we've compiled a list of this year's graduating class with a detailed account of each title's current status and the stories surrounding them.From heartbreaking cancellations, surprise feature announcements and expected sequels, the 2008 MGS Yearbook is filled with fun facts and information on your soon-to-be favorite titles. Also included in the yearbook are special joke awards given to each title that releases in 2008 that poke fun at the details most commonly argued about in the comments.From Ninja Gaiden II to Alan Wake, the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios Yearbook will have something for everyone.Ladies and gentlemen allow us to introduce the 2008 Microsoft Game Studios graduating class ...
See tons of new Fable 2 screens
click to enlarge There's nothing that really makes these new Fable 2 screenshots and concept art from Microsoft's Gamers' Day stand out from others than we've seen, but that doesn't mean they're not a delectable eye treat. We've got 16 new ones and a box shot just below.Sadly, we didn't get what we were really hoping for from the event: A release date more concrete than the nebulous "Holiday 2008" it's currently saddled with. Ah well, there's always E3.%Gallery-22742%
Fable 2 'content complete,' 3 more Fables planned, Danish site reports
Fable 2 is "content complete" with a measly 5,000 bugs to squash before it's completely complete, reports NeoGAF poster "Vinterbird" (aka Mikkel Vinther of Xboxlife.dk). The Danish site published a preview of Lionhead's second try today, based on a visit to the studio's headquarters in Guilford, UK last week. Vinther kindly translated the good parts, highlighting these new details in his post on NeoGAF: Mini-map has been replaced with a "bread crumb trail;" a dynamic golden line on the ground that directs you to a destination (read: medieval GPS) Magic system is divided into focused, single-foe attacks and ranged attacks; attacks can be built up into five levels using various spell combinations Speaking of spells, there'll be just eight (but remember, they can be combined) Every house in the game is up for sale; each house will unlock a sidequest, item or skill Rough estimation: 20-30 times larger than the first Fable [Microsoft says: "a world 10 times the size of the iconic Xbox game"] The gameworld features seasons and dynamic weather Cutscenes are interactive; the d-pad can be used to issue certain gestures that will steer conversations Sex minigame was canned; instead, screen goes dark and moaning ensues (sex can still be unprotected though! Babies, yes; STDs, unconfirmed) Female character was almost canned; almost. And finally: Three more Fable sequels are being planned. (Lionhead is currently wrapping up Fable 2 and focusing on an announced project.) %Gallery-22742%Read - NeoGAF postRead - Xboxlife.dk preview (translation)
