"Busy morning of updates today on Xbox Live as we not only saw the release of a system update that adds USB storage support but the opening up of the Blur multiplayer to everyone on Xbox Live as well. But the updates don't stop there as we also get Fable II and Kung Fu Panda added to the Games on Demand service."

This week only, Amazon.com is again offering "Buy 2 Xbox 360 Games, Get 1 Free" promotion. There's more than 35 Xbox 360 games eligible for this promotion including Fallout 3, Soul Caliber IV, Fable II Platinum Hits, Halo 3, Street Fighter IV, Ninja Gaiden II, Grand Theft Auto IV, Oblivion IV and many others.

"For a limited time, you'll get three Xbox 360 Platinum Hits for the price of two. Offer valid February 7, 2010 through February 13, 2010, or while supplies last, when shipped and sold by Amazon.com. Limit one free Platinum Hit per household. To qualify, check out with three of the Xbox 360 Platinum Hits listed below in your cart. The price of the third qualifying Platinum Hit of equal or lesser value will be discounted during check out."

"The latest Xtival event – Microsoft’s Xbox LIVE celebration designed to entice Xbox 360 newcomers with a glimpse of the special initiatives available to Xbox LIVE Gold Subscribers – is sent to commence this coming weekend, November 27th to November 29th 2009. Microsoft have begun detailing the attractions that will take place over the seventy-two hours of celebrations, in which all Xbox LIVE members will have their subscription upgraded to a Gold Subscription for the duration of the event."

Unleash your inner fanboy with Xbox 360 inspired Zune HD Originals. Custom backgrounds, colors and everything else you need to make your new Zune HD match your favorite Xbox 360 games.

Newly confirmed is a Game of the Year Edition of Fable II, which will arrive September 18 for Europeans. No stateside date is known yet, but the game will be packed with all DLC and retail for an unfortunate €64.99/£39.99 (~$65 USD), about $30 more than the Gears of War 2 pack revealed the other day.

"Is Lionhead working on Fable III? In some capacity, almost definitely. Considering the success of Fable II, not developing a third game in the series would be throwing money away. But we didn't expect this kind of Fable III "confirmation."

So who's mentioning Fable III now? The New York Times, which is typically not wrong about much. More specifically, the Times "Weddings/Celebrations" section is talking about the next Fable game. Yes, Fable III is being mentioned alongside the announcemen..."

"Welcome to the weekly round-up of DLC content expected to hit Xbox LIVE in the week ahead. We have tried our best of compile all the planned updates into one, so if we forgot any, please forgive us. Not much is being released this week, but Fable II fans should be happy at least."

Fable II fans have probably been looking to this since GDC 2009. The second DLC, titled "See the Future," has been announced for a May 12 release, and if the new Lionhead Video Diary episode is any indication, the DLC looks complete and we shouldn't see any delays at this point.

Return to Albion with your dog to save the little people from some new threat, change your dog's breed, buy cool stuff from Murdo, learn a bit more about Theresa's past, yadda yadda. Some more details at the sour...

"One of the best features Fable II had going for it was the inclusion of man's best friend. Rain or shine, healthy or limping, your trusty dog would follow you anywhere you went in the world of Albion. Whether you were a paragon of virtue or a lousy roustabout prone to carrying on extramarital affairs in the local Gypsy camp and charging exorbitant prices for pies, your pup was always there to help sniff out hidden treasure and provide constant companionship. Now the world of Fable pet ownersh..."

"Ruffian Games have put out a final call for developers to join their merry band on a journey to make awesome games. Having established their studio in 2009 Ruffian's recruitment drive is near an end and the places remaining are few."

"Finally we’d like to address a question that comes up a lot;

“Will there be any more DLC for Fable II?”.

The answer is quite simple;

“Yes”.

The team here in Guildford is working on some new content right now! More information will be shared in the coming weeks."

A post over on WhatIfGaming on Saturday said they received a message from Fable II devs Lionhead stating a PC version would be "likely imminent" due to its success on the Xbox 360. Well, just six hours ago Lionhead "Community Dude" Woody responded as such:

"There has also been an update to Tales of Albion with the addition of Knothole Island. You can now find it on the Albion map in Today's Travels.

- The Ritual/Monk’s Quest – Fixed the issue with the Abbott becoming unresponsive if you leave Oakfield before he finishes talking. This will fix the problem if you’ve already hit it, too.

- Rescuing Charlie/Rescue My Baby – after rescuing Charlie, you can now able to interact with objects

- Guild Cave chest – resolves any issues with previ..."

"Lionhead Studios confirmed today that the upcoming Downloadable Content for Fable II, Knothole Island, will be released on XboxLIVE! Marketplace on January 13th, 2009."

"So here we are, on the 3rd January 2009, the tenth day of Christmas. Yes, Christmas seems like a long time ago now, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of bargains to be had in those January sales – and that’s exactly what The Twelve Games of Christmas is here for! A feature series running every day of the twelve days of Christmas, in The Twelve Games of Christmas Electronic Theatre runs through the greatest achievers in the videogaming year of 2008, month-by-month. Today being th..."

X-Play has a video up detailing the best games of 2008. Sure, it ain't over yet, but it seems like the best of it done with. Oddly, Fable II wins game of the year, but is beaten by Fallout 3 for RPG of the year. Huh?

Other categories include Best Handheld Game, Best Action/Adventure Game, and Best Music/Rhythm Game.

"Lionhead Studios have reported they have a Title Update for Fable II currently undergoing testing and waiting for finalisation, and have stated that everything is “coming along nicely” on the developer’s community website.

Alongside the revelation was a list of bugs which the Title Update will address, including..."

"Lionhead Studios promised a big announcement this week for its Fable II, and they have delivered with the news that they are working on a DLC pack called 'Knothole Island', which will feature the new island locale as well as six new weapons, dozens of new potions, and a lot more.

The DLC pack will be released sometime in December and will have these key features:

  • Embark on 3 unique quests set in 3 unique dungeons.
  • Unravel the mystical secrets of the resurrection shrine.
  • Try on a whole ne...
"

Last week, Lionhead teased Fable fans with a big announcement relating to Fable II that would be announced this week. Unfortunately, it has been delayed and will be shown off next week, but don't worry, Lionhead didn't leave you empty-handed! Check out the Fable II theme in celebration of the NXE.

"Microsoft has sent out the codes enabling your Limited Edition content for Fable II today. Boxes of the LE version of Fable II were shipped off without the content codes due to some miscellaneous error, adding to the pre-existing feeling that consumers were being 'ripped-off', considering the LE had already been stripped of multiple goodies prior to shipping..."

Evidently the current ratings system just isn't good enough for the very outspoken anti-video game Senator Hillary Clinton (D).

A more or less comprehensive summary will also be posted on the ESRB website to accompany the usual rating found on the box.

Parents are then instructed to visit the website to read the exhaustive description also.


While it doesn't require much extra effort, it still feels unnecessary.

Check out the summary they provide for Fable II after the jump to se...

"...the letdowns of the first Fable are considered water under-the-bridge. The game, despite failing to live-up to the complexity that had been promised, was considered to be a worthwhile adventure through a pleasantly constructed world, nonetheless. And so, with Fable II, Lionhead Studios have been given the chance to expand this world; to create a believable Albion for the player to create peace, or wreak havoc. And throughout all of the adventures within, there’s no denying that Molyneux an..."

"Anticipation has been the death of many a game. The marketing machine is switched on too early and the developers invariably fail to live up to the heights that the PR men claim. It was 18 months ago when I first heard of Fable 2 and being such a huge fan of the original I decided that I would take the plunge and grab a shiny new Xbox 360 in preparation for its launch."

Well it seems like those who spent the extra money on the Fable 2 Limited Collector's Edition (like myself) just got ripped off. Many people probably heard that some copies were shipped without their DLC voucher card that allows you to download The Hall of the Dead dungeon, The Wreckager Legendary Cutlass Weapon, and the Spartan armor. So Microsoft's fix for this problem is to Email you the missing code. But with no way of telling the different editions apart anyone with a Live account can no...

Whether accidental or not, retail store chain K-Mart are getting heavy punishment for leaking copies of Fable 2 early. Not only are Microsoft demanding a $10 000 fine (small change really) the stores are now banned from selling Gears of War 2 for the first two weeks of its release, which will surely hurt them and greatly benefit there competitors.

Over at the Cinema Make-up School in LA, the web series titled 'Monster Makeover' lets you watch some talented artists turn people into horrible creatures that are found in video games. In the first video, they are using Left 4 Dead.

After each episode is put up, everyone has a chance to enter the 'Spine-Tingling' Sweepstakes, which gives you a prize package that includes an Elite version of the 360.

Looks like Microsoft is just in time for Halloween.

"“Some things slip through the net during development, especially when a game is the size and scope of Fable II,” the studio explained. “Again, we can only apologize for this issue, but we are doing our best.”"

Rodney Gray was caught with hundreds of copies of Fable 2, Gears of War 2, and other unreleased DVDs/Games worth estimated over $100k.

As an employee for Technicolor - his company was responsible for the packaging, storage, and distribution of Xbox 360 Game discs and cases.

The games and DVDs were for resale on the black market.

GameDaily is a video gaming site like any other from a casual view. Reviews, news and editorials all delivering information to the gaming community. However some recent shoddy reviews have left the staff in a sticky point indeed. In a recent a Socom: Confrontation review the game had a number of points raised against it, most notably a lack of quick weapon change and the inability to set a timer on a game. However a player of the game has come forth and attacked Robert Workman's facts. Having...

"PC
Backyard NFL Football '09, Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp, Bully Scholarship Edition, Dead Space, Deer Hunter Tournament, Europa Universalis III Collection, Far Cry 2, NBA 2K9, NHL 09

PS2
Backyard NFL Football '09, Barbie Horse Adventures: Riding Camp, Disney Sing It, Disney Sing It Microphone Bundle, The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon, Monopoly, The Naked Brothers Band: The Video Game, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows - Amazing Allies Edition, SpongeBob SquarePants Featuring Ni..."

"It seems some lucky Australians managed to pick up Fable 2 today (still a week from release) from various Kmart stores around the country. Reminiscent of the fiasco surrounding Mass Effect, this leak could lead to the complete lifting of the recommended street date for the sale of Fable 2, currently scheduled for a 23rd October release."

A crossover between Lionhead and Bungie bears strange fruits. Available with the Limited Edition version of Fable 2, you can don your very own set of MJOLNIR Spartan armor, complete with a plasma sword and go chop up some Brutes...whoops I mean bandits.

It was announced a couple of days ago that Fable 2 would not include a co-op mode at release. However, good news everyone, it seems that the developers have managed to squeeze it into the game, in time for the release on October 21st.

Be sure to also take a look at four new screenshots below.

Between openly saying what's flawed about his game and giving it a personal review score, Fable II creator Peter Molyneux is a bit of an odd bird. Well, review copies have been sent out, and he's attached a little note to them with a certain special request of journalists. Read it in the quote, and some more interesting bits at the source, if you like. Bless you, Molyneux!

Lets hope that you didn't pre-order the Fable 2 Collector's Edition with the dream of playing with the Hobbe figure, obtaining the "Fate" cards, and having that shiny premium box, because they are being removed from the package. The good news it the loss of the extras also means a price cut.

Courtesy of blog Wii @ Everyday comes the scans from the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu for this week, with new game announcements and more images of those known upcoming games.

Games featured:

  • [WII] Klonoa ~door to phantomile~
    • Release Date: 12/4/2008, 4800 yen
    • Published and Developed by Namco Bandai
    • Remake of PSX version
    • Cel-shaded Graphics
    • Controlled by Wiimote on its side
  • [WII] Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga
    • 2009 Release
    • Published by Marvelous
    • Action RPG
    • Wi-Fi Multiplayer
  • [WII] Monster ...

"I know you're all eagerly awaiting Fable II's release on October 21, as am I. Hell, I used the image for my personal Gamercard on here a couple of weeks ago and it wasn't because I was "asked" to.

We just got word that while we will be able to play the single player and local co-op on day one, they are still making tweaks to the online co-op. Don't worry, it is definitely still coming. Seriously, as a gamer I'm glad they're taking the time to make it right instead of just rushing it out th..."

Lionhead’s Fable II is done and has entered the manufacturing process, according to a quote from Peter Molyneux to Videogaming247.

Molyneux states:

“It is [done] as of 7pm last night…We are now officially gold. It’s released to manufacturing. Fable is absolutely finished and done and dusted.”

It has been revealed that the cheat/glitch to acquire more gold by some crafty button-mashing in Fable 2: Pub Games was actually placed there intentionally. However - gamers who have cheated the system can expect to have "a surprise waiting for them" when the load the actual game later in October after its release.

My guess is they will automatically start with a few points towards dark/evil - but if that's the sacrifice for a bit of extra gold, its worth it in my book.

Peter Molyneux, the boss of Lionhead, talks about Fable II's flaws. He says the game has not so great lip syncing, the animation can be a bit dodgy, and the player's dog gets a bit fractured sometimes, to list a few things.

However, he is very proud of the game, and has previously rated it 9/10.

Sam Van Tilburgh, the senior community manager for the Lionhead official forums, has been there ever since the release of Fable and is about to experience rabid fans' opinions about Fable II.

You might think his job is easy, but when everyone starts getting their grubby hands on the game and start complaining on the boards, things can get out of hands, partly because of the vocal Fable fans.

"The folks at Xbox 360 Achievements have discovered the complete list of achievements for Fable 2.

The Paragon -15g

Reach 100% Good or Evil.


The New Hero -50g

Defeat your first great opponent.

The Whippersnapper -25g

Collect 5 gold pieces during the Hero's childhood


The Pooch Pamperer -5g

Play fetch with your dog.


The Archaeologist -5g

Dig up something your dog has discovered


The Dog trainer -5g

teach your dog a trick.


The Persuader -5g

..."

In order to make money in Fable 2, you're going to have to do a variety of different jobs. After you get the money, you'll be able to gamble it, either making more or blowing it all away in Fable 2 Pub Games.

Fable 2 Pub Games will be a "tie-in" with the Xbox Live Arcade and will open August 13th, the same date Bionic Commando Rearmed comes out. It will cost 800 MS Points, which is $10. You can also get it from retailers if you pre-order Fable 2.

The highly anticipated RPG-game titled Fable II has finally been confirmed by Microsoft with a fall release date of October 21st in North America with the UK getting it three days later on the 24th.

If you don't already know the plot of Fable II from playing Fable, you're a young man traveling in a fantasy world and you will be able to choose if you're going to turn out good or bad. You will also be able to choose to play as boy or a girl, as well as having a loyal pet with you.

"When asked if his thoughts have been on MMOs recently, Fable 2's outspoken creative director gestured to his PR minder and said "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," he added. "I love the interaction, and I'm fascinated by the idea of really feeling secure and cool enough to actually do it."

When asked specifically if he had thought about making an MMO and about what a Lionhead MMO would look like, ..."

Kotaku has revealed what will be in the Fable 2 Collector's Edition once it releases and it will contain a Hobbe figure, more in-game content, a documentary which shows the making of Fable 2, and a trial Live account. The Collector's Edition will cost $80.

"Following a bit of detective work, Gamespot has reported that Fable 2 is likely to be released in October this year. In a developer diary posted on the Lionehead Studios website, designer Peter Molyneux can be seen scrawling 'October' in a notebook. This follows his earlier comments stating Fable 2 would be released "when the leaves turn brown...when the evenings draw in, and it gets a little chilly, but not very chilly at night.”"

"Lionhead is giving you the opportunity to be in Fable 2, but like with most of these wonderful contests, there will be some work involved! To put it simply, you’ll need to dress up and pose like a hero of Albion would, take a picture, and send it into Lionhead. If you win, you’ll be featured in the paintings that adorn the walls of the most luxurious residences in Fable 2.

Go to the source for more information."

Microsoft to release possibly the noisiest, most graphically impressive batch of games — but 'Halo Wars' is nowhere to be found.


Six publishers showcased more than 40 new titles for Microsofts Xbox 360 in San Fransisco and Los Angeles, Gears of War 2 being in the presentation, as well as Fable 2.

However, Halo Wars, a real-time strategy game said to have been released late 2008 had not been confirmed, which means Gears 2 will be the biggest Xbox 360 game this year.

"That screenshot that you can see over on the right is the latest from Fable 2, Lionhead's RPG sequel.

Advertisement:
It's a graveyard, with gravestones, and eldritch mist hovering above the ground. We want our mummies.

There's a lot riding on Fable 2, and anything less that an RPG revolution will be met with huge disappointment.

But the latest demo didn't just hint at massive features, it actually showed them occurring in-game. It's got us sold - Fable 2's going to rewrite the boo..."

A three part video of the co-op feature in Fable 2. It seems you'll be able to import characters who will retain gold, renown, and experience from what they do during the co-op session.

Pt. 1


Pt. 2



Pt. 3


Also Molyneux plays a female character!

The award-winning Fable arrived exclusively on the Xbox back in 2004 to much acclaim and not a little head shaking from gamers who felt cheated by the lack of some of the game's much publicised features.

Creator Lionhead Studios is looking to address those disappointments with the upcoming Fable 2 on the Xbox 360.

"Peter Molyneux OBE must be at the stage in his career where he thinks he’s earned enough respect from his peers to be in a position where he can take a jibe at them and they'll not retaliate because, y'know, he has been around forever and he is responsible for the likes of Theme Park and The Movies. However, GamerSquad isn't sure many will take his most recent comments too lightly.

"It's amazing for a role playing game, because most role playing games are s**t! Oblivion was a great game, b..."

"Are you the kind of gamer who leaves titles half-finished? If so, you officially irritate Lionhead chief Peter Molyneux, who says he "hates" how only a small percentage of people complete games.

With this pet peeve in mind, Molyneux today unveiled a dastardly plot to make sure that everybody who buys Lionhead’s Fable 2 on the Xbox 360 goes on to finish it."

"The fact that this year's E3 video game conference was supposed to be a lower-budget affair than years past was a point seemingly lost on Microsoft, which rented out an entire (big, nice, fancy, expensive) hotel in Santa Monica to show off its wares. While the entire lineup consisted of more than a dozen titles spanning both Xbox 360 and PC, three in particular caught our eye: 'Fable 2,' 'Mass Effect' and 'Halo 3.'

'Fable 2'
The earliest along of the lot was 'Fable 2,' from gaming legend ..."

The first Fable was a damn good RPG, with lovable features that we never saw before it's release. It's major flaw, however, was that it was one of the shortest RPG's ever made. It had about 10-15 hours, minusing the other kinds activities you'd choose to do at the side. This game looks promising as it's previous one, and all I really ask for is a longer experience.

The video goes through the gameplay, as well as some actions with the 360 controller. Click Launch Player to view it on a larg...

"Being a hero or heroine, fighting, questing, and adventuring are central to Fable. With the upcoming release of Fable 2, you'll be one step closer to fulfilling your dreams of being good or evil, getting married or remaining single, and finding out what it means to experience unconditional love in the world of Fable.

Each installment of the video diaries will walk you through the development process and will answer questions fans have been dying to know such as, "What is the deal with the ..."