Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

[sfroggy1]

Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Five things the designer hopes to do better for Fable III​

Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable, is famous for enthusiastically overhyping his games to the point that they cannot possibly live up to players' expectations. This is the man who made the simple addition of a dog in Fable II sound like an industry-changing revolution.

So imagine my surprise, when I meet Molyneux for a Fable III demo during E3 last week, and the first thing he says to me is: "Fable II's story was rubbish." He wasn't done. Before the end of our half-hour together, Molyneux had used that same word to trash the maps, menus, visuals, weapons and co-op in his last game as well.

Whether you agree or disagree – I work for a site that scored Fable II a 9 for "Awesome," after all – Peter Molyneux wants us to know that these things will be vastly improved for Fable III. Here are five of his examples…​

Improving the story​

Beyond the significant moral choices they made during the game, most players can't recall the plot of Fable II. When quizzed by Molyneux, I could describe only the broadest of details, and he wasn't insulted. He wasn't even surprised.

If you saw the E3 trailer for Fable III, you already know how this important issue is being addressed. Rather than go on a generic hero's quest, filled with generic fantasy moments, you will now live through two distinctive and dramatic narrative arcs. The first casts you as a people's revolutionary, attempting to overthrow a tyrant who happens to be your brother. After stepping in as ruler, you must then choose how to lead, and how to deal with the threat of a rival nation.​

Improving the menus and maps

Albion is a bright and beautiful land… until you hit the start button. Then the entire screen is replaced by cluttered menus, leading to labyrinthine submenus, full of endless lists and pointless text descriptions. An accessible action-RPG suddenly transforms into a Microsoft Excel sheet.

In Fable III, the menus aren't menus at all, but a full 3D space called Sanctuary that you can wander at your leisure, taking as much time as needed to explore the map, browse your wardrobe, test out weapons and seek advice from your John Cleese-voiced butler. But if you're just looking for a quick health boost, stuff like potions can be mapped to the D-pad to save time.​

Improving the weapons

Speaking of weapons, there sure were a bunch of them in Fable II. The franchise's fans, according to Molyneux, were clamoring for even more in Fable III. But quality was being sacrificed for quantity, and the various swords, guns, axes and crossbows were growing indistinguishable from one another.

In Fable III, your weapons will be completely unique to you, evolving the same way that your hero does. Enjoy killing innocents? Watch as your sword takes on a sinister curve. Finish off enemies with fancy flourishes? Notice how, as time passes, your gun's design becomes more and more ornate. Eventually, your weapons will be so special that the game will give them their own names, tied to your gamertag.​

Improving the visuals

The whole point of playing a Fable game is hero evolution - witnessing his or her transformation based on the specific choices and actions you, as the player, make. Only in Fable II, our characters rarely changed how we wanted or expected them to, and there was no reliable way to predict their final look. Go evil and you'd end up with a giant horned beast, when you might have wanted a slick assassin.

Fable III's hero evolution can be planned to a certain degree. Use a lot of magic and your character's complexion will change. Use a lot of guns and your character will grow taller. Use a lot of swords and your character will grow stronger and bulkier. Mix and match as you see fit.​

Improving the co-op

Inviting a second hero into your version of Albion for quests and adventures seemed like such a promising concept in Fable II. The reality was incredibly disappointing. Visiting players couldn't bring their own customized hero, but had to settle for being a premade male or female "henchman," and their impact was only noticeable if they happened to murder their friends' spouses of children.

In Fable III, however, the second player can be the first player's spouse. The two can have children together, and make decisions about ruling the kingdom together. Or they can split up and explore the same world separately. Best of all, the second player can import their own, unique hero instead of acting as a generic sidekick.

So, are you sold? Do you think Fable III will improve what was wrong with Fable II? Or did you like the Fable formula exactly the way it already was? ​

 

[Zjuggernaut]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Improving the visuals

That looks awesome.

I thought Fable 2 was really good, if he says it's rubbish... Fable 3 must be outstanding.

 

[sfroggy1]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Again I feel like he is starting to over hype his games. Fable II was given 9/10 on average from reviewers. If Fable III is as awesome as he says it is then I will NEVER doubt him again ! lol

And yes, that pic is simply amazing !

 

[Zjuggernaut]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Again I feel like he is starting to over hype his games. Fable II was given 9/10 on average from reviewers. If Fable III is as awesome as he says it is then I will NEVER doubt him again ! lol

And yes, that pic is simply amazing !

If Fable 3 gets at least 9/10 and I love it, I will trust PM with my soul.

 

[White Balverine]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Hm. I always thought that Fable II had improved a lot of good things from the Lost Chapters, but some things that should not have been added were put in. Some of it was messy though, especially toward the end. In summary, the game could have been quite amazing, but became more of a flawed finished design.

Tis' unfortunate, but we'll just have to wait for Fable III.

 

[Lithary]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

He will repeat the same thing about F3 before releasing F4 and all the ''positive'' thing that everyone like now in F3 will be listed as failures...
I wouldn't be surprised if he list morphing weapons among them and says that 100% custom weapons will be in F4 and how much better that is because it gives you bigger freedom

 

[TheLine]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

I most definitely believe Fable 3 will be Better, people are complaining that it looks too much like Fabe 2, So? After what I've seen I believe somewhere deep in my heart that Fable 3 is just as Awesome as PM says it is! I disagree Lithary. The melee, Will, and Skill mechanics are making a return just as they are. And I believe that PM believes that those mechanics were not failures.

 

[ali1238]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

He said the same thing about Fable I. So I will take this with a huge pinch of salt.

 

[Dark Prophit]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

i loved both games, though only minor things i gripe about like no sneak and not enough npc models but it looks like he will come though on majority of his promises... cant wait to be the #1 Weapon maker!!!!

 

[.:fablefan:.]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

i agree with Dark Prophit, the anatomy in Fable 2 was horrible! rly all of the girls were fugly ..i hope that improves and the weapon morphing looks awesome! also i didn't like the dog to much, sure he was helpful but he was very behaved, i mean when you get a dog they're not the sweetest angels you got to teach them the ropes, PM talked a little bout that in some videos, Co op is exactly wat i wanted in fable two finally the other person go off to do something else so they're not forced to do something...
but well have to see, right Mate!

 

[MournfulStorms]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

Looking good...As long as I don't have the same complaints I did for Fable 2, I will love PM and this game.

 

[Aions]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

He said the same thing about Fable I. So I will take this with a huge pinch of salt.

QFT

so true, but i still love fable 1 and 2 alot so w/e

 

[cheezMcNASTY]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

anybody notice how the way he describes hero evolution is identical to fable 2?

 

[Lithary]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

I most definitely believe Fable 3 will be Better, people are complaining that it looks too much like Fabe 2, So? After what I've seen I believe somewhere deep in my heart that Fable 3 is just as Awesome as PM says it is! I disagree Lithary. The melee, Will, and Skill mechanics are making a return just as they are. And I believe that PM believes that those mechanics were not failures.

That's what you think...
PM can say about them whatever he want's later...
And even though I don't say that he will it wouldn't surprise if he does...

 

[Vicious Dice]

Re: Peter Molyneux: Fable II was "rubbish"

I believe he will deliver on his promises this time around or at least most of them. I saw many videos and demos showing actual gameplay, actually showing some of there promises. So...good tidings to all.