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A quick chat with Bethesda
Bethesda are so well-known for their cult-favourite role-playing games that their status as a publisher is often overlooked. In this GON-exclusive interview, we stole a few minutes with Bethesda's Alistair Hatch to talk about third-party and in-house development, working around the Elder Scrolls behemoth, and whether we'll ever see a re-release of classic NES title Home Alone.

Hey, I've got the pen, I can ask whatever I want
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Fable III officially announced, first details revealed
In the days leading up to Gamescom fans of Peter Molyneux's Lionhead Studios were rewarded for their compulsive checking of the company's website with mysterious teasers. Argentine Marxist Che Guevara, medieval martyr Joan of Arc and Reign of Terror mastermind Maximilien Robespierre all made appearances on the site's front page, along with a suitably pithy quote and an option to express your agreement or disagreement.

The Gamescom countdown let us know we wouldn't be in the dark for very long, but were we ever really in the dark? We all knew it was coming and now, here it is: Fable III.
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Xbox LIVE Summer Update details revealed... sort of
Microsoft are planning big things for the Xbox 360, particularly with regards to Xbox LIVE. They're calling their latest additions, due August 11th, the "Summer Update", which should already tell you everything you need to know about it. If not, take a look outside and tell me if you think it looks very summery - no? Well, perhaps that's because you have the misfortune to not reside in the United States, the locale for which most of the most interesting bits of information are relevant.

Never mind, it makes pretty good reading as a kind of comprehensive wishlist for features we'd like to see hit Australia, and maybe one day we will!
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[E3 2009] Peter Molyneux named Creative Director of Microsoft Game Studios Europe
Following the amazing introduction of Milo at Tuesday night's Microsoft Press Conference, everybody thought Lionhead's Peter Molyneux had nothing left up his sleeve.

They were wrong. The famed designer (Fable, Black & White, The Movies) had one more trick left, which he announced today, at midnight New York time. He'd hinted that he would make a statement that would relate to him personally, rather than any specific project, leading to rumours that he would be retiring from the games industry. These rumours couldn't have been farther from the truth, with the revelation that Peter Molyneux has now been promoted to creative director of European studios at Microsoft Game Studios.
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[E3 2009] Lionhead to give big presentation at E3
Fable 2 developer, Lionhead Studios, plans to make a "big presentation" during the Microsoft press conference at E3 this year. While the nature of the "presentation" hasn't been announced or disclosed yet, what we do know is that it will be a game of sorts, and that the company has remained fairly silent on any further projects following the release of Fable 2.
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Time limited "Game of the Year" Xbox 360 Elite bundle coming soon
For those that have been wanting to pick up an Xbox 360, but have felt that the packages available at retailers are a little bit lacking, Microsoft have announced a new deal for those looking to pick up an Xbox 360 Elite console.

Starting on the 28th of May, at select retailers, a "Game of the Year" bundle including Halo 3, and Fable II, along with a Xbox 360 Elite, will be available for the recommended retail price of just the console, effectively giving new Xbox 360 owners two games for free.
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Fable II enables gamers to See the Future, out now
No need to polish your glasses or pull out the binoculars, if you want to See the Future, the time is now. The latest "game add-on" for Fable II has arrived, bringing with it strange new quests, a vision of your future, and some new dog breeds. Obviously, we're focussing on the important things here, the pack also bringing with it a bunch of new Achievement points for the asking price of 560 MS Points.

The trader Murgo, who specialises in highly unusual, magical items, has returned to Bowerstone, bringing with him objects that will transport you to worlds and quests no Hero has ever faced before (or so they say). Dress up in creature costumes, bring colour back into the world, flex your muscles in the new combat arena and, of course, peek into what awaits you in Albion's distant future.
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Fable II See the Future DLC dated, priced along with multiplayer offer
Some time in the not-so-distant past, Lionhead and Microsoft announced that they had plans to turn their fancy, shiny, and at times, underwhelming RPG, Fable II into a time machine of sorts, allowing gamers to See the Future in exchange for an undefined number of Microsoft Points, and a flux capacitor.

Today, pricing and a release date has been announced for the content, along with a sort of incentive for those who do not have Xbox LIVE Gold Membership at this time, which allows those who've not forked out cash for premium member ship to play Fable II online, free of charge for one weekend only.
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Stephen Fry to return for PSP port of Little Big Planet
British comedian Stephen Fry, well known as an active user of social network site Twitter, has been the first to spill the beans on his involvement in the upcoming PSP port of Little Big Planet.

The beloved actor, well known for starring alongside long-time Footlights partner and House M.D. star Hugh Laurie in classic British comedy series such as A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster, and more recently for major release films like V for Vendetta, first teased his 430,000 odd followers this morning with the following enigmatic tweet:
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Fable 2 - new downloadable content to take players into future
Microsoft and Lionhead have announced new downloadable content for the Xbox 360 exclusive RPG, Fable 2. Creatively entitled, See the Future, the new game-add on will allow heroes to travel through an "action-packed journey" which, at its conclusion, allows heroes to receive the "ultimate reward" - a glimpse into the future of Albion.

Currently scheduled for a release in May this year, the See the Future downloadable content will see players lift curses placed on three "mysterious items" that have fallen into the hands of Murgo the Trader. With new characters, events, artefacts, and more gameplay to be added with See the Future, it seems as though the Fable adventures aren't set to end any time soon.

We've got the first details of the downloadable content to share with you, which outlines Murgo, the new character, two new quests, and The Colosseum.
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[GDC09] Game Developers' Choice Awards - The Winners
Steven recently told us about the Tim Schafer flash game, where you play as Schafer himself, getting ready to host the Game Developers' Choice Awards. While this is a pretty enjoyable little thing in the privacy of your own home, it gets a bit weird when it's splashed up on a big screen at the actual awards ceremony, which is about to be hosted by none other than Tim Schafer.

Earlier this evening, as part of GDC 09, the second half of awards night kicked off in style, with a joke about organ harvesting. While this may have been the first surprise of the evening, it wasn't the last, with fan favourite Braid nominated for a variety of prizes, but then watching LittleBigPlanet scoop the pool.
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Fable 2 gets accolades, third title rumoured
Fable 2 has taken away a prestigious award. At the British Academy of Film and Art Awards last night, the Lionhead developed Xbox 360 exclusive RPG won best Action and Adventure game. While it is a great achievement for Lionhead, the aftermath of the awards ceremony has seen the rumour mill regarding the next game in the Fable franchise begin to churn, with the title presumed to be known as Fable 3 (So incredibly creative, yes?).

The information regarding the probably-inevitable third instalment in the series was revealed by BBC personality, Jonathan Ross, who has been (according to a twitter post) asked to do some voice acting for the game. Following his initial tweet, Ross then confirmed that others had also been asked to provide vocal talent, before finally denying the existence of the title in a third and final post.
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No Fable 2 for PC gamers
Microsoft wants PC Gaming dead. Okay, that’s a harsh blanket statement but if you want to point-and-click your way in Fable 2 and traipse about while testing your virtual morals better put the keyboard and mouse down for a 360 controller. The charming and highly touted sequel is not currently under-going the rumored port to the PC platform. While Fable saw the PC treatment Fable 2 is staying exclusive to the Xbox 360 platform maybe indefinitely.

The disappointing news comes straight from Lion Head’s community Manager, Woody. And comes as a bit of a shock because it was only last week a report swirled the internet where a Lionhead representative stated a PC version of Fable 2 was “likely imminent.” Yesterday, Lionhead’s senior community manager, Sam Van Tilburgh rebuked the comment dashing hopes altogether.
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Fable 2 patch is now available via Xbox LIVE
Last week, we brought you news regarding the upcoming Fable 2 downloadable content, Knothole Island. With the downloadable content due to launch tomorrow (or late this evening), Lionhead Studios have finally released the "child protection patch", which we first heard about in early December last year.

The change list is somewhat brief, with eight key issues having been addressed. In addition, a number of "unspecified fixes" have been implemented which should fix most issues that users have encountered and reported on Lionhead's official forums.
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Fable 2 heroes able to journey to Knothole Island Jan 13th
Lionhead Studios have released a new developer diary which offers insight into the final moments of development on there Xbox 360 action RPG, Fable 2.

The new developer diary also reveals some new details regarding the upcoming downloadable content, Knothole Island, which is currently scheduled for a world-wide release on the 13th of January. In addition to the downloadable content, a free content update will be made available to all owners of Fable 2.
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Xbox 360: The Top 20 LIVE Games of 2008
The end of the year is typically the time for roundups and recaps, summing up the year past - but sometimes, it takes a little while longer to compile all the information, bumping the news to the new year. This is the case with the official Xbox 360 Top 20 LIVE Games of 2008 list, which has just been announced.

We have here the list of both the the Original Xbox and Xbox 360 Top Live Titles (both lists based on unique users), as well as the Top Arcade Titles (based on full versions purchased). Not sure if there's any real surprises here (hello, Halo), but it is interesting to note the number of demos in the list that are not accompanied by the full game.
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2008 - a year in review
What will you remember 2008 for, in terms of gaming?

We asked some of the game admins and network staff to find out their thoughts, but here's a quick recap of the past 12 months, to refresh your memory.

Non-games dominated this year's charts, with Wii Fit rewarding gamers for standing still. As a country, we were still fans of the music game genre too, finally getting our hands on Rock Band, which seemed to have been pushed onto shelves by the release of Guitar Hero: World Tour a week later. Who knows, the full-band version may even have healed some hurt caused by the "interesting" yet awkward Guitar Hero: On Tour release for DS. There was a new Call of Duty to heed, a new Bond to meet, Marcus and Dom were back, and independent developers twisted our brains with Braid and our rhythm skills with Audiosurf. Red Alert was back, and we revisited the Midnight Club. We also saw the release of the "Three Fs" - Far Cry 2, Fable 2, and Fallout 3, meaning many gamers were a bit strapped for cash by the end of the year.
...and, who could forget? 2008 is the year we met Sackboy!
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The Games on Net 2008 Awards
As we watch 2008 log off and 2009 jump into gear, we are looking back at some of our highlights for all the fantastic games released this year. It wasn't easy and with so many big titles and great games coming out there was much debate in the Newsbot den as to what game should take out the Games on Net 2008 Awards.

What will be labelled the top games in the consoles? Which was our favourite PC hit? What other awards do we have to give out? All will be explained inside as we round up the year by letting you guys know what we did and didn't like.
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Fable 2: Child protection patch not far off
From what I hear, the Fable 2 developer team is still hard at work on the patch they promised us a while ago. Rather than just going through and fixing the things they want to work on, apparently Lionhead Studios actually listen to real feedback, paying attention to the issues that have been popping up via email or through their forums.

While the patch will fix the frustrating Charlie and Abbott bugs, one of the more interesting changes sees assassins no longer choosing your child as a good target. If you'd been hoping that someone would dispose of your spawn - looks like it won't be that easy!
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Fable II takes gamers to Knothole Island with new DLC
Been playing Fable II? You're not alone - it's officially the fastest-selling RPG on the Xbox 360! If you've put it down for a while, you should probably pick it up again next month, with Lionhead Studios today announcing the first premium downloadable content for the game, Knothole Island.

Knothole is a remote island - and it's dying. The once-lush vegetation, the golden sands - they're all now covered with snow, people are freezing and treasures are buried. They need a hero - someone who can face the trials of the three shrines - so that the sunshine can return.
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Xbox 360 gets a price drop for Christmas
Just in time for Christmas, Microsoft have today announced that they're slashing the price of the Xbox 360 in Australia - to a base price of AU$299 (RRP) - less than half the price of its hi-definition rival, the PlayStation 3. This is the second major price drop in less than six months - and comes just before the launch of "the new Xbox experience", the overhauled downloadable interface due next week.

To further sweeten the deal, for a limited time, every Xbox console sold will come with complimentary games, if you buy it from the right place. While the Pro and Elite both come bundled with LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda, the Arcade doesn't miss out, happily packaged up with SEGA Superstars Tennis and five Live Arcade titles.
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Weekly Digest - 28/10/2008
Each week, we collate the most popular stories that we published over the past seven days, plus a line-up of the most downloaded files added in the same time frame. That way, in case you missed something, you can catch up in one helpful little spot, every Monday morning.

Much like our "Monday" Screens, the digest is a little bit late this week, due to unforeseen circumstances. First person shooters appeared to be popular this week, with Call of Duty: World at War's beta information proving to be the most popular, followed by our review of S.T.A.L.K.E.R Clear Sky, and our discussion with Far Cry 2 lead designer Clint Hocking and producer Louis-Pierre Pharand.
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Fable 2 co-op patch will be downloadable upon release
Some time ago, we reported that Fable 2 would not ship with the ability for gamers to play the much desired co-op mode. It was speculated that this functionality would be released as a patch upon release, but there was no confirmation as to when the patch would eventuate.

Microsoft have announced that Lionhead have finished work on the patch that will allow the implementation of co-op play for Fable 2. The patch will be downloadable through the Xbox LIVE service as gamers load up their Xbox 360 with Fable 2. The patch will be available worldwide, and free of charge.
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Fable 2 Out very soon, new trailer to celebrate
In anticipation of the release of Fable 2, developers Lionhead Studios have unveiled a new trailer which serves a final tease ahead of the release of the game next week.

The trailer shows off some more in-game action, scenery, along with some amusing narration. While the title will be available in (most parts) of the world on the 21st of October, you'll be able to pick it up locally on the 23rd, just five days away!
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New Xbox Experience to arrive November 19th
At E3 2008, Microsoft released an open letter to members of the Xbox LIVE online community. In it, a large number of features were detailed, which are set to enhance the "Xbox Experience". While no date was set for these changes, Xbox 360 owners will remember the recent maintenance that was carried out about a fortnight ago.

Today, at the Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft have announced that the new "Xbox Experience" will be available on Thursday, November the 19th. Which is, amusingly enough, a Wendesday in Australia. The new "Xbox Experience" will introduce three key new features, along with a number of technical enhancements.
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Fable 2 - New developer diary sees audio detailed
Lionhead have released a new developer diary for Fable 2, with the diary focusing on the production of music and other audio components of the game. The video details the participation of the Slovak National Orchestra in the production of the game's score, and some inside information from the audio gurus working on Fable 2.

Though some of you raised concerns in regards to the lack of co-op upon the release of Fable 2 yesterday, Lionhead have noted that it will be implemented as a downloadable update in the weeks following the retail release of the game.
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Fable 2 will not have co-op on launch, collector's edition crippled
Peter Molyneux has a bit of a reputation in the gaming industry. His bright side: having fantastic visions for games and new and exciting ideas. His dark side: often failing to translate these as they were outlined to gamers. Even the highly anticipated Fable 2 can't seem to escape this curse, with reports circulating the Internet regarding the crippling of some of Fable 2's expected features.

The first (and dare I say most disapointing) exclusion is the fact that Fable 2 will not ship with multiplayer co-op implemented. The second of these surrounds the collector's edition of Fable 2, which due to "supply chain issues" would have many of its goodies excluded. We've got details on both, which are likely to make those expecting Fable 2 to lead some sort of gaming revolution a little bitter.
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Gears of War 2 - Meet the 'bad-ass' Horde in new trailer
The second half of this year is proving very big for new installments in renowned game franchises. Gears of War 2 is but one of the games that will be vying for the attention of Xbox 360 owners alongside Fable 2 and Fallout 3. While each of these is in a different style, there is no doubt some overlap in terms of appeal between the titles.

Cliff Bleszinski has claimed that Gears of War 2 promises to be "more bad-ass" than its predecessor, and while these sentiments could be considered questionable according to our recent preview, the new trailer we've got our hands on discusses the use of the term "bad-ass". It also sports a few sneak peeks at combat and the locust horde Delta Team are tasked with battling once more.
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Rumor: Slimmed down Xbox 360 to debut in 2009
Says who? Word on the street is Microsoft India, supposedly. The rumor is that at an official event executives announced a slim version of the Xbox 360 would launch sometime next year.

Oh, it gets better. Other so called announcements from the event indicate the region will get their hands on Fallout 3, Fable 2, and Gears of War 2 a week before their respective worldwide launches. Microsoft India will supposedly also introduce a new 20GB Xbox 360 console packaged with Viva Piñata and Forza Motorsport 2 for Rs.14,990 (approx AUS$385).
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Fable 2 now gold, out in Australia 23rd October
Lionhead Studios have just announced that development on the highly anticipated Fable 2 is complete. The gold master disc has been produced, and the game is currently in the process of being mass produced for the market.

As the vision of legendary game designer, Peter Molyneux, Fable 2 will boast a vastly expanded world over the original title. With the game now gold, everything is now set in motion for a smooth worldwide release, with the title available in the US on the 21st of October. Australian audiences will be able to grab the title on the 23rd of October.
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Gears of War 2 - An arsenal unveiled in new trailer
Epic Games, renowned fer their work on the Unreal series have recently "reinvented" themselves with the Gears o' War franchise. With the original title given a high seat o' honour amongst Xbox 360 sailors, fans o' the series be havin' been patiently waitin' fer the second instalment, the creatively named Gears o' War 2.

Today, our treasure maps have led us t' a new trailer depictin' many o' the implements o' destruction available in the upcomin' sequel. Insights be also given int' revised chainsaw fights, which be deemed some sort o' spectacle akin t' a good ol' fashioned dance between men, with a cutlass or two, and o' course th' occasi'nal death.
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The Warp Pipe - 14/09/08
2008 has been a little different from the standard industry year, in that we’ve seen a lot of major titles released outside of the holiday shopping season. Mario Kart Wii, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Grand Theft Auto IV and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots were all released in the first half of the year. One would think that that might make for a less than stellar holiday line up, but the game publishers of the world (bar Nintendo) are inclined to prove otherwise.

Over the next two weeks (due to the sheer number of releases), The Warp Pipe will be boldly predicting the quality of new games in the next quarter.
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Fable 2: A new trailer begins an adventure
Fable 2. If there is another game that is as eagerly anticipated on the Xbox 360, then I (like many others), must be living in a cave. From the mind of industry legend, Peter Molyneux, Fable 2 will present the player with a larger game world, enhanced graphics and a number of other improvements over the original, released in 2004.

Today - we've got a treat for those awaiting the title, in the form of a new trailer. There is not much I can say about the trailer, other than the fact that it makes me considerably more interested in the title than what I was prior. So what is all the fuss about?
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Fable II: Play the Pub Games, Check out the Collector's Edition
At this year's Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced a special pre-game for players planning on picking up Fable II - and they're finally here!

By downloading and playing these "Pub Games" via Xbox LIVE, you can earn in-game gold, which you can then carry over into the full action role-playing game Fable II, giving you a head start in the game, and the ability to buy weapons, clothing, dog tricks, houses and more.
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The Warp Pipe - 20/07/08
So the 2008 E3 Media and Business Summit has wrapped up. Bitter fanboys are sure to have run out of tears, at least temporarily, while tired journalists are no doubt catching up on some much needed sleep. I have no doubt that many of you have long lists of games you're now salivating over even more than before – better start putting those pennies aside. On the other hand, those of us on the reviewing side of things are currently wondering how on Earth we're going to manage to cover all of the fourth quarter's games without going insane.

This week, we'll reflect on the events that transpired during the three manufacturer press conferences and discuss our thoughts and any potential ramifications, and we'll also look at a few of the best games that were on show.
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Fable 2 Developer Diary - And a Suggestion of a release date?
It has been a long while since Peter Molyneux has worked on something as big as Fable 2. The sequel to his much acclaimed Fable, everything about the title promises to be bigger and better, along with being more complex and customisable.

Set five hundred years after the original game, Fable 2 will enrichen the cause and effect gameplay dynamic touched upon by the original. With a larger game world, enhanced graphics and a new combat system, Fable 2 promises to be yet another RPG to look out for this year.

With many rumours flying about regarding a release date this year, the momentum of the game's development seems to be quite high. Today, we've got our hands on a developer diary that discusses at length many of the considerations that have gone into the game's artwork, along with some amusing existential commentary.
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Good Game - Season 4, Ep 10 Preview
We're proud to announce that Good Game took home 2 trophies from the IT Journo awards (the Lizzies), winning not only Best Multimedia Title but also the Gold Lizzie for Best Title! It was highly unusual for a non-print title to win, fantastic for the ABC and even more fantastic for Aussie gaming journalism, in general, to be so recognised. Congrats also to PC Powerplay who took home Best Gaming Title, and Seamus Byrne, winner of Best Gaming Journalist.

There's still a show to do - and coming up in Episode 10 of Good Game:
An interview with Peter Molyneux, a wrapup of the best Free Games, a look at Command & Conquer: Kane's Wrath, and Lux checks out Violence in Games.
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GDC08: Microsoft Keynote Highlights - Fable 2, Ninja Gaiden II, Too Human
In addition to the big announcement, there were also some other gems tucked away in Microsoft's keynote presentation at GDC this year. According to them, 2008 will be a landmark year for games and online entertainment on the Xbox 360 platform, featuring all sorts of highlights.

Peter Molyneux from Lionhead Studios showed off some exciting new features for the upcoming Fable 2, Tomonobu Itagaki demonstrated some game-sharing features from Ninja Gaiden II, and renowned Canadian developer Silicon Knights were showcased for their work on epic action title Too Human - all due out on Xbox 360 later this year!
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GDC08: Gears of War 2 Officially Announced
Marcus Fenix is back, bringing Delta Squad with him for another battle against the nightmare Locust Horde...

...that's right, today at Game Developers Conference in San Francisco, Microsoft officially announced something we could all see coming - Gears of War 2. Rev your chainsaws, this one's headed straight to the Xbox 360 this November.

In a dramatic close to Microsoft's keynote address, held earlier this morning Adelaide time, Cliff Bleszinski from Epic Games (probably better known as Cliffy B) announced that the epic saga will continue as an Xbox 360 exclusive later this year, and promises to take high-def visuals to "a whole new level". The highly-anticipated sequel to the 2006 blockbuster, which has sold more than 4.5 million copies since release, will continue to illustrate humanity's struggle to live, while fighting the horrific Locust Horde.
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E3: Fable 2
We have some new details of Fable 2 which includes some screenshots as well. Of course, Fable 2 is developed by legendary developer Peter Molyneux and his Lionhead Studios. The game is currently scheduled to be released only on Xbox 360.
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Xbox 360 - Now Bigger and Better
Despite the fact we in Australia haven't heard anything about when (or even if!) we're getting the new Xbox 360 Elite, the new 120GB hard drive has gone on sale today around the country. Simply hand over AU$229 (RRP) and you can take it home with you!

Sure, it's a bit pricey, but when you compare it to the fact that Americans are currently spending US$179 for the same thing - and that an Australian 20GB drive is still retailing here for AU$169 - it's not too bad.

...but what do you get for your money?
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Molyneux Receives French Honour
The French certainly do like their video games and they are more than prepared to honour video game makers. Peter Molyneux, the creator of Lionhead Studios, and the man responsible for creating legendary games Populous, Syndicate, Powermonger, Black and White and, of course, Fable has received The Knighthood in the Order of Arts of Letters from the French government. Expect to see new games by Sir Pete very soon.
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