Xbox 360 Fanboy

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

We've already posted the audio of our interview with Peter Molyneux, but we know not everyone is down with spoken word. As such, we've transcribed the entire interview for your reading pleasure. In this massive interview, Molyneux discusses Fable 2 co-op (he thinks Live co-op is a great idea by the way), the possibility of versus multiplayer (which is also a good idea according to Molyneux), and we even manage to squeeze in questions about Microsoft's new XNA initiative and the ill-fated BC. Find the lengthy and informative interview after the break.

Don't ask us how we did it, but we managed to corner Peter Molyneux at GDC this year. We subsequently tied him to a chair and forced him to answer our questions about Fable 2. No, no, of course we didn't do that. Peter Molyneux is, in fact, an entirely amiable man -- perhaps too amiable -- and was happy to answer our questions. We learn a few details about Fable 2's newly announced co-op features, the Xbox Live Arcade tie-in, and we even wedge in a question about the ill-fated BC. We've posted the audio from the interview below. The audio will also be delivered to subscribers of the Xbox 360 Fancast. Feel free to download the MP3 using the "Read" link as well. Finally, if you can't be bothered to listen to things -- we know how important you are -- stay tuned for the transcription coming later this week.

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

During their conference at GDC08, Microsoft announced new and exciting details for its upcoming role-playing game Fable 2. Firstly, Lionhead boss Peter Molyneux detailed plans to bring the Fable 2 experience to Xbox Live Arcade. Developer Carbonated Games will be working with Lionhead to release an Arcade preview of Fable 2 which will allow players to dive into the world, pre-release, and earn money to be used in the retail version of the game. Earning money, a very important element of Fable 2, will the the essence of the Fable 2 XBLA release. The XBLA title will allow players to experience the universe by participating in mini-games, like a cross between Roulette and Craps shown at the conference, that will allow players to earn money that can be transferred to your character when the retail game ships.

Secondly, and more importantly, a dynamic cooperative mode was announced. The dynamic coop mode allows a friend to join your experience at any time. Unfortunately the infamous dog mechanic will not be available for player two, but the drop in and drop out coop gameplay is a first for the series and promises exciting possibilities. No date was announced for the release of Fable 2, but we were told the XBLA release will hit weeks before the final product.

Update: For clarification, co-op play has only been announced for local play and not over Xbox Live hence the reason we never mention Xbox Live in the story pertaining to the co-op mode. If the drop in and drop out description above led you to assume it was via Xbox Live we apologize for getting your hopes up.

In a partially published interview with next-gen.biz, Peter Molyneux, spoke about the Black and White team, their current project, and the tech behind it. Turns out the team has been busy, and Peter describes the team's progress in his usual superlative way, saying that the game the team is in production with (currently unannounced) has AI reactions "as close to revolutionary as anything I have ever seen." Which does of course bode well, though we all remember the Fable 1 debacle, and are taking everything Peter says here with a (few) grain(s) of salt. As long as the focus remains realistic and fun the game could be great, and with Microsoft hopefully keeping Lionhead from getting off-track, here's to hoping we see this IP sooner rather than later.

The remainder of the interview is embargoed until Wednesday, come back then and we'll update you with the rest of the game's news.

[Via Next-Gen.biz]

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]

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.