Fable 2 arriving in October?

  • By TomM_GScom, GameSpot
  • Posted Jun 24, 2008 3:55 pm PT

Source: The latest Fable 2 developer diary posted to Lionhead Studios' Web site. What we heard: Peter Molyneux has wanted to tell gamers when they can expect his studio's next ambitious Xbox 360 title for quite some time now. Never one to temper the lavish melodrama surrounding his titles, the...

Source: The latest Fable 2 developer diary posted to Lionhead Studios' Web site.

What we heard: Peter Molyneux has wanted to tell gamers when they can expect his studio's next ambitious Xbox 360 title for quite some time now. Never one to temper the lavish melodrama surrounding his titles, the celebrity designer has repeatedly hinted that his open-world fantasy role-playing game Fable 2 will be out this holiday season, saying at different times that gamers can expect to be playing it "when the leaves turn brown," or more specifically, "when the evenings draw in, and it gets a little chilly, but not very chilly at night."

That's helpful information to be sure, but not helpful enough, to say the least, for the highly anticipated follow-up to one of the original Xbox's best-selling titles. Now, Molyneux may have dropped one more hint as to when the world of Fable 2 will open for occupancy, this time not the least bit circumlocutory. Spotted by the gaming-obsessed souls that call the NeoGAF message boards home, the opening scene of the sixth Fable 2 developer diary gives a not-so-subtle hint that the game will appear on Microsoft's platform in October.

As part of the sequence, the camera first focuses on Molyneux speaking on the phone at his desk while scribbling in a notebook. The clip then cuts to a close-up of Molyneux's notebook (pictured), and among the near-illegible scrawl, the designer draws a box around the word "October."

Naturally, October jives perfectly with Molyneux's previous claims--in the fall, just as the leaves are turning due to a dip in the weather. However, several other indicators suggest the video isn't merely a red herring. Namely, a cursory glance at Microsoft Game Studios' holiday lineup reveals a gaping hole in the publisher's October window. Running down the publisher's other Xbox 360 exclusives, Silicon Knights' Too Human hits in August, with Rare's Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise planted in September. The publisher's two other major exclusives--Epic Games' Gears of War 2 and Rare's Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts--are both expected to arrive in November.

Assuming Microsoft returns with last year's strategy of releasing a top-tier Xbox 360 exclusive in every month of the vital holiday shopping season, October is the obvious window for when Fable 2 would surface. However, it should be noted that the game isn't the only announced MGS title that has yet to be given a release window. Though it has been AWOL since 2006, Remedy Entertainment's Alan Wake may be ready for prime time--an announcement that wouldn't be unsuitable for this year's E3 Media and Business Summit.

One other possibility is the yet-to-be officially dated Halo Wars from real-time strategy aficionados Ensemble Games. However, as noted by a recent post on the official Halo Wars Web site, Ensemble isn't even entirely sure the game will be available for hands-on time with the press during this E3, casting some shade of doubt on whether the game will hit its anticipated 2008 release window.

It also bears mentioning that major retailers, who are often given a jump on release dates, are in universal agreement that Fable 2 will surface sometime in October. GameStop's online database lists the game as being released on October 1, while Best Buy has a ship date of October 15 and Amazon projects October 30.

The official story: Microsoft had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Nothing official yet, but looking not bogus.

131 Comments

  • wesle

    Posted Aug 21, 2008 10:52 am PT

    I am a mangaer in a game store. Been there for almost 5 yrs. From what I will say is an educated guess that it should release in October. Nothing else would make sense.

  • feanaro123

    Posted Jul 14, 2008 4:15 pm PT

    My birthday's in october. if this is true, that would be awesome! But like many of u have mentioned, I hope its longer than the first one!

  • SeacorpsePirate

    Posted Jul 11, 2008 8:25 pm PT

    I am going to have to say that Fable 2 will come out in October, consider they said that the Pub Games would come out around a month before and the Pub Games are slated for an end of August release.

  • buckeyz1

    Posted Jul 11, 2008 11:09 am PT

    When I was in the market for a next gen system my choices were the 360 for Fable 2 or the POS3 for GOW3. I think I made the right decision in buying the 360. They have an extensive library with several games with an entertainment value worth it's weight in gold. And while it doesn't have a bluray player built into it, I don't have a tv that displays in 1080, so it was the perfect fit.

  • BatmansProtege

    Posted Jul 4, 2008 7:52 pm PT

    When you look at Microsoft's holiday lineup, it seems pretty reasonable to release FableDeux in October. I just hope I can kill innocent villagers sometime before Christmas

  • Guitarfreak15

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 9:28 am PT

    Despite the fact it's stated for an '08 release doesn't mean it's actually going to happen. Molyneux has post poned games to later years in some of his previous titles like 'black and white 2'. So just because it says '08, doesn't mean anything.

  • Akth8r

    Posted Jul 3, 2008 9:10 am PT

    My birthday is near the realese date dont no wat game to buy Gears 2 or Fable 2. I know ill buy both but its gonna cost me 80 quid. I just hope gears 2 is 4-player split screen Co-op.

  • Fable2alltheway

    Posted Jul 2, 2008 10:08 am PT

    now lets all remember it has been confirmed for a 08 release

  • jamesaphillips

    Posted Jul 1, 2008 7:29 am PT

    im the same...i havent played the first one but this looks soooooooooooooooooooooooo gooooooooooooood.

  • Akth8r

    Posted Jun 29, 2008 2:30 pm PT

    Im Looking forward to this game. i heard the first one was really good but i dont know for sure because i had a ps2 and now i have a 360. i hate fanboys

  • zerodark9

    Posted Jun 29, 2008 2:13 pm PT

    I figured as much. Looking at the line ups for this fall and release dates for the other Fable games (different versions - PC/XBOX and FABLE: TLC). I had figured on it being late Sept. to early Nov. with a very good chance of being in October.

    As to son012189's comment about the waiting till Spring '09, you must also remember that this game has been in development for quite sometime. If I remember correctly Lionheard first started work back in late '04. If that is true then this game has been worked on in someway for almost four years, a long time for a game. The game is also 'finished' as of a few weeks ago (End of May? Not sure, might want to check out the stories on here) and bar a natural disaster is in it's beta development cycle This means that they are working out all the bugs and making sure that every works. So three more months of working out the kinks? Sounds good to me.

    To end this I'd like to say that I can't wait till October (or when the game is released) for I enjoyed the first game even though it fell short of its goals. If Fable 2 does build on the first one, I shall enjoy it to. Though work might be pissed that I'm going to ask the weekend off .

    PS. to lazy to fix the formating here

  • Kman_13ayn_12

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 2:43 pm PT

    lol tell me about it, for about 2 months now ive been checking this site everyday for more fable 2 news, ha i pretty much know every little detail thats been released off by heart. Loved the first fable, this one is going to be B'DASS.

  • jimbo99210

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 10:23 am PT

    i really hope this is true i cant wait for this game!

  • xander4000

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 2:49 am PT

    AHHHHHHH!!! if i keep lukin at fable 2 stuff i swear im gonna blow all my money on an 360!!! Can sum1 at least help me justify having a 360 aswell as a ps3 bar fable 2 and showing off how nerdy i am????

    yeh, to be honest, i had no idea wat fable was untill after i came out, n it changed my life, probs for the worst coz it made me a gaming nerd...

  • dennis8

    Posted Jun 28, 2008 1:08 am PT

    fable was awesome, if not a bit too short. But then again, thats why there are sequels dont let me down m0lyneux

  • havoc694

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 2:18 pm PT

    in my personal opinion, I think peter should take as much time as is needed to make this game a great hit instead of another aplogy. But anyways I peronaly thought the origial fable was a great game, But wouldn't it be great if you could make your own custom tat toos in the game. It seems to me that fable2 is nothing more medievil extension of ones self, and i am a heavily tat too'd indvidual.

  • advandam

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 12:47 pm PT

    fable and halo made me want to buy an xbox and sell my ps2. thats the power off the game. first one was a bit short so more please this time lionhead!!

  • ADJ209

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 10:25 am PT

    This game looks very appealing,
    lets hope it lives up to expectations.
    And please keep the fanboy comments to yourself,
    funny thing is on this article any comment hailing the 360 as 'Da BEST console EVER, MGS4 is RUBBISH PS3 SUCKS' gets like 10 thumbs up..

  • exhxguitarist

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 9:52 am PT

    i need this game!!!!!! im dying on the inside i just want them to release the date so i can reserve it. and son012189, your retarted, look at some forums once in a while, the last thing they've done is rush it

  • dragon247uk

    Posted Jun 27, 2008 5:05 am PT

    son012189 if you cared to check the Lionhead forums often you would realise that this game has been far from rushed. The environment shown to us in the GDC conference and in the video diaries shows that the game itself is extremely detailed. As for polishing and perfecting the game, thats what majority of the developers at the studios have been doing for the past 4-5 months.

  • X-RS

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 10:20 pm PT

    somebodies been playing alotta mgs4

  • ooblah

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 8:21 pm PT

    First of all, Fable 2 is f*%#ing awesome. Secondly, son012189, you sound silly....releasing Fable 2 in 09' would blow big fuzzy balls. But, in your defense, if they waited longer it probably would be a better game...even if only a little bit better. Either way, whenever they release the game I'm absolutely sure it's gonna be dope. OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!

  • son012189

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 7:08 pm PT

    I was hoping they would delay Fable 2 until 2009. This way Lionhead studios has more time to polish and perfect the game. The original Fable was a bit disappointing B cuz Lionhead rushed the project to make sure it came out around the holiday season.

  • MiasmaRising

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 6:32 pm PT

    Sweet!
    My birthday is quite near that release date!
    FABLE 2, HERE I COME!

  • Shishio817

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 5:17 pm PT

    Fable 2 and Fallout 3 at the same time? Man, fall is going to be awesome!

  • jazreal

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 2:44 pm PT

    Man!!! Now all i need is a Time Machine to get there NOW
    This game will DEF make up for any shortcomings(wich i think was just pathetic that Fable 1 was knocked by some due to massive hype and LAZY game reviewing...you know who you are) that Fable 1 may have been to some.......waaaaaah(only game snobish lazy reviewers and haters didnt like Fable 1, cause it was amazing to say the least)

  • zoe256

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 7:52 am PT

    What about in England where it's chilly all year round?

  • cooldude03

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 7:50 am PT

    Fable 2 will not disappoint.

  • snaker49

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 6:47 am PT

    grigjd3 , you are soooo WRONG! Yeah, Morrowind was a great game. But Fable was great. Don't forget that the game was released right about when XBOX was starting to rule. The games graphics on it were fine for the xbox! Fable 2 is goin to be the bomb when it comes out! (I wish it comes out sooner!)

  • FogalsFury

    Posted Jun 26, 2008 5:34 am PT

    i hope it comes out in october, that will keep me busy until christmas comes, and then ill be getting, fallout 3, far cry 2 and star wars the force unleashed

  • SR71halo

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 9:48 pm PT

    I would love for it to come out in October but then again, it would be good if they spent more time on it, polishing the game and all.

  • juliusIII

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 6:03 pm PT

    I think Peter is just jerkin us around for fun. Announce when the hell the game is comin out @ E3 or else ill just assume it wont come out till next year

  • ciaxhieu

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 5:13 pm PT

    this is just too far, that picture was probably set up by peter, i mean hinting is great, getting people all hype up is good but this is just going too far, just tell us the dam release date..

  • S2Ghost

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 3:23 pm PT

    Cannot wait at all, I hope it does release in October

  • TrueSonOfSparda

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 2:43 pm PT

    I might be playing this until the next gen systems come out.

  • peeweeshift

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 1:04 pm PT

    MS has a good lineup of exclusive titles. Fable 2 is one of the best of them. looking forward to becoming rich with the xbl games

  • grigjd3

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 12:57 pm PT

    unsunggates360, I don't know much about the details of the graphical engines and lighting used, but the game looked like Final Fantasy VII at a time when I was seeing (and getting bored by the same old gameplay of) Final Fantasy IX and X. I found the console version of Baldur's Gate to be far more interesting to watch than Fable. I might just be expressing my artistic preference but the game felt horribly out of date to me.

  • ElementalFire

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 12:40 pm PT

    That's not just ANY diary; it's a Moleskine!

  • unsunggates360

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 12:29 pm PT

    "the graphics felt dated"
    Now I can agree with many of the things you wrote grigj3,but fable had some of the most stunning and surreal(mostly due to the extreme utilization of bloom lighting) art styles on the xbox 1,the game pushed the xbox to it's limits!

  • burnit2earnit

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 12:14 pm PT

    this will give me something until gears two comes out

  • xgraderx

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 11:59 am PT

    Its going to be one h3ll of a fall and winter for 360 gamers.

  • certifieddata

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 11:44 am PT

    This game is a huge DO WANT!

  • grigjd3 posted Jun 25, 2008 11:26 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    grigjd3

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 11:26 am PT (hide)

    I didn't really care for Fable. The graphics felt dated, the gameplay seemed weak and the story took way too long to get into. What's more, I was going "back to base" to get a long stream of missions that seemed poorly motivated. Fable's competition was Morrowind and Morrowind was a much better game. You could go anywhere and do anything - you could even break the story line and keep playing. Also, the world felt more reasonable. No searching for silver keys to open chests. About the only thing I found interesting about Fable was the morality system which just didn't seem like enough to keep me playing what would have been a good game in the PS1 era.

  • darkride66

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 10:38 am PT

    I'm very looking forward to this game. Come on, little 360...just hang in there another 6 months or so longer before my 3 year warranty is up and I have a chance to play Gears 2 and Fable 2!
    Does anyone know if Danny Elfman is doing the score again for this game (the movie music guy, not the Megadeth guy)?

  • XanderZane

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 10:33 am PT

    I have to pre-order my copy. That first game was pretty good, but this one should be a whole lot better. Funds are going to be tight from Sept to Dec. With so many must have games for the 360 including Banjo 3, Tales of Vesperia, The Last Remnant, Infinite Undiscovery, Fallout 3, Fable 2 and Gears of Wars 2, I'm also going to be pretty broke by X-Mas.

  • kos1085

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 9:38 am PT

    @unsunggates360. We are hoping they both come out in October but the Fallout 3 date has not been released either. Retailers list the release date for Fallout 3 around October 7 since the publishers said the release will be in Q4 2008. Since GOW2, resistance 2, and WOW expansion releases in November, October seems like a good month for both to release.

  • unsunggates360

    Posted Jun 25, 2008 9:22 am PT

    So Fable 2 is being released in the same month that Fallout 3 is being released?Well.....Looks like I won't be venturing out of my room for a few months come october.

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