New Thief launch trailer ahead of 25 February release

A new launch trailer for Thief has been released by developers Square Enix and Eidos Montreal, showcasing the title’s gameplay and also providing a small insight into the origins of Garrett, the main protagonist.

Garrett is a Master Thief, inhabiting a city in throes of an uprising against a corrupt government. Garrett explores the city from the shadows, stalking his prey and dispensing justice as he sees fit.

Thief also has a pretty interesting new feature where players can disable all hints and mapping aids, providing a more challenging environment. From what we can gauge, the gameplay for this title will be a mixture of Assassin’s Creed (Review) and Dishonoured (Review), all filtered through the first-person perspective we’ve come to expect from Thief games.

Set for release next week, 25 February 2014, across the PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC formats, the game is also available for pre-order, with exclusive content, should you wish to get your hands on it as soon as possible.   

Wolfenstein: The New Order signals its readiness with new trailer

Depending on how good your memory is, you may recall Wolfenstein: The New Order from last year; one of those unfortunate titles that was unceremoniously pushed into releasing in 2014.

Now, the reboot of the pedigreed first person shooter is ramping up its profile ahead of its launch in a few months time, with the release of a new trailer.

For those who need a quick refresher, the game poses the nightmarish question: What if the Nazi’s weren’t defeated and instead accomplished their aim of global domination?  Apart from making The Observers in Fringe look like a bunch of boy/girl scouts selling cookies, the Nazis set in motion their terrible cruelty by bombing Mount Rushmore. Worst of all, apparently in this alternate history, the only music allowed in the Nazi regime are songs by wayward pop singers and gratingly arrogant rappers. You can use your imagination that life would not be sunshine and roses, but bleeding ears and frayed tempers, to put it mildly.

Of course you will step into the shoes of the Resistance as B.J Blazkowicz, hoping to ruin the Nazis’ day, week and lives very permanently, and in a way that would win the approval of the Inglourious Basterds.

If you want something a bit more descriptive of what you can expect in the game come the third week of May, don your mask, pick up your guns (or your chainsaw) and head to the trailer below.

Activision confirms new Tony Hawk game

Legendary professional skater, Tony Hawk, detailed plans for the development of a new gaming title on his Sirius XM broadcasted Demolition Radio Show. Hawk simply stated “We’re working on a game”, with one of his co-hosts later replying “It’s a whole suit you have to put on”, probably referencing the motion capture process.

The “we” in question is game developer, Activision, with the company confirming details of a planned Tony Hawk game to IGN earlier in the week. The American game publisher said “Activision can confirm that they have something in the works with Tony Hawk, more info is coming soon." This is pretty exciting news, with the last collaboration between Hawk and Activision taking the form of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD in July 2012.

We only hope the two can capture the same magic of the Underground titles.       

Arkham Origins Blackgate coming to Steam in April

A new trailer for Arkham Origins Blackgate has been released thanks to developers WB Games and Armature Studios. This side-scrolling title was originally released on the Nintendo 3DS and Sony PS Vita handheld platforms, with it now being ported to console units via Steam. This title serves as a mini-game extension to the Arkham Origins title, but will not progress the overall storyline of the Arkham franchise.

Warner Bros confirmed that the title will be making its way to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U and PC, available to download on Steam from 1 April in the US and 2 April in Europe for $20 and £16 respectively.  

Notable inclusions in this title are the appearance of Catwoman (a.k.a Selina Kyle), newly designed batsuits and slick animated cut scenes. The change in gaming perspective for Blackgate does not diminish gameplay, with the game (in the trailer at least) looking as sharp and innovative as its forebearers.   

Titan Invasion falling onto Sony’s consoles

Continuing with a heavy dose of gaming nostalgia, there was also this announcement Titan Invasion will be blasting its way onto Sony’s big three consoles (the PS4, PS3 and like Rodney Dangerfield, the kid that ‘don’t get no respect,’ the PS Vita). Why does this have nostalgic value? Because it is a game that brings to mind two fond words: Space Invaders.

Titan Invasion, at least when it arrives Sony’s systems, will really be two games in one, combining Titan Attacks! And Revenge of the Titans. In case you stuck up your nose at mention of Space Invaders (how could you!), Titan Attackers is a modernised and more advanced version; while Revenge of the Titans will take more of a tower defense flavour.

The best news though is that the game will be cross buy, meaning players will be able to buy it once for the PS3 for example and automatically be able to download it for nothing further on the PS4 and PS Vita. There is no word yet though as regards pricing, although that will likely come closer to the games release closer to the middle of the year.

In the meantime, head down to the duo of gameplay trailers of the titles on PC below to get an inkling of what you can expect.

Contributions by Robin-Leigh Chetty