Fable II

If there were a list of Rules for Videogames, the #1 rule would have to be, “Always make cutscenes skippable.” But the number two rule may very well be, “Don't play games based on movies.” It's a truth that's been self-evident rarely without exception ever since ET stunk up the Atari 2600.

But Rule #2's been in for some revision lately, as GoldenEye-shaped aberrations and Butcher Bay-escaping anomalies defy the “movie games are crap” truism. Maybe the way to make a non-terrible adaptation is to hold off until you're sure you have a classic property on your hands. Given movie games’ review history, the simple act of getting them to a stage where people say they’re “well-executed” or “worth the price” is a pretty big step...

When Lionhead Studios' Peter Molyneux talks, people listen. His enthusiasm for games and RPGs is infectious, making it easy to get excited when Molyneux is talking up an upcoming Fable game. The designer's zeal for promoting his latest projects has gotten him in trouble at times, earning him a reputation as an exaggerator, a teller of tall tales who makes promises that his games can't keep. But even though every Fable game developed under his lead has received overwhelmingly positive reviews and was well received, Molyneux always seems more than willing to speak candidly and critically about his titles' shortcomings. That's what we admire about him. And that's why we thought we'd pit Molyneux against his toughest critic of all: himself. So join us on a trip through time as we remember the joys of optimistic pre-release excitement, tempered by sharp post-release apologies and regrets...

Ah, multiplayer, a beautiful synergy of technology and human interaction. A healthy, jovial, life-affirming way of enjoying the company of your fellow man. Sometimes, anyway. At other times, not so much. Not so much at all. We were recently reminded of this by the Kane & Lynch 2 demo, whose Undercover Cop and Fragile Alliance modes proved with no margin for error what solid gold, conniving swine multiplayer games can so easily turn us into.

You see some games just seem to want you to be a bastard to your friends. Whether competetive or co-op, whether by mean-spirited mechanics or by simply offering just enough tools and temptation to ruin someone's day, certain multiplayer modes positively live to cause griefing and fights. And frankly, they're hilarious and we love them for it. So here are some of the most bastardly.

Videogames are not suited to subtlety or nuance. As a result, most attempts at portraying sex in videogames come off as awkward, silly or downright pathetic. From these clumsily oversimplified depictions of physical intimacy come some of the best sex advice this side of 8th grade Health class. Your real-world sex life can benefit dramatically by understanding these simple concepts culled from years of gaming experience...

Peter Molyneux is one of gaming’s most famous designers, the boss of Lionhead studios, and Microsoft’s European Creative Director. Last month we presented a snippet of our chat with him at Microsoft’s February showcase. Now, finally, here’s the rest of the meeting of minds, almost entirely unabridged. Only almost, mind you – because Pete sure can talk...

Robert Culp died on Wednesday. You might not immediately recognise his name, but you'll certainly recognise his work. His brilliant performance in Half-Life 2 brought the multi-layered malice of Dr. Breen to stunning life, and aside from his work in Valve's groundbreaking FPS, he was a long-serving and well-loved veteran of TV and film. Good man. Good work. He'll be missed.

And being reminded of his work got us thinking about other occasions that celebrity acting talent  has added a lot to a game. It certainly doesn't always work out, but when it does, the right blend of actor and material can be mesmerising to behold. Here are some of our current favourites.

Listen up for our views on the ApocalyPS3, the Infinity Ward/Activision set-to and how to scam mindless cashiers at a DIY outlet

Gallus gallus domesticus. The humble chicken. Scratcher of dirt. Layer of eggs. Clucker of clucks. As if the indignity of intensive farming and being perched at the wrong end of the Kentucky Fried food chain isn't enough, this stoic, domesticated fowl now finds itself the most hated, ridiculed and victimised animal in video games.

This cruel turn of events - the story of which we are charting in this article - has to be seen as

Like comic books and movies, videogames tend to present an exaggerated representation of men and women. Dudes are typically muscle-bound meatheads with powerful jaw lines and a thorough understanding of all forms of combat, while women generally have back-breaking chests and dress like strippers regardless of their profession.

We recently took issue with the claim that “gaming has not yet had its Citizen Kane”. As you can see, we managed to find 25 games that qualified for that title – and you had plenty more suggestions besides.

We’d have had no trouble whipping up a counter-list of dismal flops.