Peter Molyneux is keen to offer EA's developers advice should the publisher remake Bullfrog classic Syndicate for modern consoles.
As founder of Bullfrog, Molyneux was heavily involved in the creation of the 1993 sci-fi title, as well as other much-loved Bullfrog games from the period including Theme Park and Magic Carpet. However, EA still owns the IP to all Bullfrog titles despite shutting down the UK studio in 2004.
Rumours abound that EA may be revisiting some of those titles for modern day remakes - most particularly Syndicate - but nothing has been confirmed by the publisher.
When questioned about whether he was happy about the idea that Syndicate or other Bullfrog games could be remade by EA, Molyneux told us:
"Yes, of course. It's a great feeling to see something you've created still have life or meaning. But my first thought is: 'I wish I could just spend a day with them saying what I thought was really special about Syndicate, or another title for that matter.'
"They're smart people and I'm sure they'll work it out. But it's like a parent watching their kid grow up and do something with their life - you still want to be a little bit involved. There's been a Populous DS. That was okay, it didn't do brilliantly. Again, I wish I had ten minutes with them at the start.
He added; "Of the three, Syndicate would be the one I'd loved to be involved with. I'm actually not a huge fan of remakes, only because I think there's too many other ideas to work on. I don't think as Fable 2 and 3 as being 'sequels'. We change so much stuff - Fable 1 was a corridor-based game, so you can see the progression."
When CVG asked Microsoft Studios boss Molyneux if he'd honestly be happy to visit EA for a day in person and offer advice on a Syndicate remake, he replied: "Yeah, sure."
If EA people are reading, Peter can be reached at Lionhead Studios on +44 (0) 1483 401000.
Comments
12 comments so far...
Imaduck on 28 Mar '11 said:
Dungeon Keeper and Populous plox!
Moribundman on 28 Mar '11 said:
Yay! Syndicate Redux - now with added dog!
starvinbull on 28 Mar '11 said:
Molyneux has made a lot of great games. But none for the last 15 years or so, he needs to change something up because after Bullfrog, his team haven't really delivered. You'd think the move to M$ would have been a dream for someone with his talents but the best game so far is Fable 2 which by anyones standards is so so.
poot_evans on 28 Mar '11 said:
I loved the amiga version of this game. I tried playing it a bit on a console version - but it didn't have the same feel. I love the fact Syndicate is getting some love, but I'm a little sceptical as to what it will turn out like. Why can't consoles let you use a mouse - It's ridiculous how many types of other peripherals we are flogged = Plastic Guitars, drums, dj decks, microphones, cameras, etc, etc.... but not something as simple as a mouse. CRAZY!
Moribundman on 28 Mar '11 said:
I'm sure if PM is on board they'll come up with a clever Kinect system.
Kinect/Move should be utilised for some RTS type games in a similar way to the Wiimote for point and click adventure controls. Works nicely.
r0zm4n on 28 Mar '11 said:
Tim?
have you been stirring again?
sonic_uk on 28 Mar '11 said:
Oh please no. The game would end up disappointing in the most hideous way possible from all his broken promises. Just let EA make it, and please make it as good as the originals.
anytime on 28 Mar '11 said:
The stuff that he creates intellectually will be defined by where he is on his life journey. I find it very hard to believe he is the same person. Would it be possible for him to go back to the way he was in bullfrog creatively? would he even want to? so that the public could once again be in awe at his work. Only he would know that one.
Or it could be as technology has progressed he has found it increasingly difficult to get his vision across. If you where to show fable 3 to him when he was in his bullfrog days then i wonder what he would say.
TheBusterMan on 28 Mar '11 said:
@poot_evans.I know where your coming from mate.I too couldn't get enough of the Amiga version.I was excited when Syndicate Wars came to the PS1,but when I played it...Oh dear.If done right this would be great.The PS3 and Xbox 360 both have USB,and a cheap mouse can be had for under a fiver.I remember XCOM UFO:Enemy Unknown on the PS1 that had mouse control.A remake of that would be nice too.What happened to Microprose.They still around?
TOKEN on 28 Mar '11 said:
Shush pete
gmcb007 on 28 Mar '11 said:
Err sorta on-topic but when was the 'reborn game' being announced again. Was it the May edition of OXM?
Paul_Boland2 on 29 Mar '11 said:
BRING BACK DUNGEON KEEPER!!!!!!!!!!!