Dragon Age: Inquisition takes character customisation to new levels

In anticipation of developer BioWare's RPG title Dragon Age: Inquisition, which is slated for a 18 November 2014 cross-platform release, a new video showcasing the advanced levels of character customisation has been released. As with any top tier RPG games, the ability to design one's character is a mini-objective in itself, with BioWare allowing gamers to customise everything from the size of one's nose to the intensity of battle scars.

A carefully designed character should certainly make Dragon Age: Inquisition's gameplay experience all the sweeter when it releases later in the year, not to mention look particularly stunning on next-gen consoles. Check the video below to see what customisation controls BioWare has packed into Dragon Age: Inquisition.

Assassin's Creed Identity is Ubisoft's new exclusive iOS game

With Assassin's Creed Unity only a few weeks away for console gamers, developers Ubisoft has given its mobile gamers something to enjoy, in the form of Assassin's Creed Identity, an exclusive RPG game for iOS users. Completely free to download for iPad and iPhone use, Assassin's Creed Identity is set for an initial rollout in New Zealand and Australia, with other regions to follow next year.

The game takes place during the Italian renaissance, with gamers given the chance to pick and choose their own characters and classes, while carrying out a variety of Assassin's Creed-style missions. This mobile specific release forms part of a larger ecosystem of Assassin's Creed offerings, with Unity for next-gen consoles and PCs added to the mix. Click on the gameplay video to see what Identity has in store for iOS users ahead of its fully fledged worldwide release in early 2015.

The Evil Within's gruesome design explored in gory detail

Bethesda Softworks, the studio behind the latest survival horror game from Shinji Mikami, The Evil Within, has released three new videos detailing the design elements and inspiration for the game. In it, Mikami discusses the horror films that influenced the creation of The Evil Within, along with some cut scenes of gameplay from the frighteningly good game itself.

Set for cross-platform release in a few days time, 11 October to be more precise, The Evil Within should prove the perfect gaming accompaniment to one's Halloween festivities this month. For a better idea of this highly anticipated survival horror, view the behind the scenes videos, or check out our first impression of the game here.

One hour long gameplay video for Bloodborne alpha revealed

If you find yourself with an hour to kill, some left over data to burn or eagerly awaiting From Software's new game, Bloodborne, a one hour long gameplay video (split into multiple parts) for the alpha version of the game has surfaced. Apart from putting a strain on one's bandwidth, the reason for the lengthy gameplay video, stems from the fact only a small number of gamers have been able to alpha test Bloodborne for the PS4.

For a brief overview of the video listed below, its set in the same section of the game as other gameplay videos from From Software in the past. The key difference however, is the access to specific online gaming features, not seen in other videos, with the 'ghosts' of other online players cropping up throughout. This aspect of gameplay does not differ too much from Dark Souls and Dark Souls II (review), two of From Software's other titles.

As far as release dates for Bloodborne are concerned, the game is slated for a North American release on 6 February 2015, exclusive to the PS4, with other regions set to follow shortly thereafter.

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor launches, Season Pass details released

Contrary to popular opinion, you do just walk into Mordor, at least if it is gaming on your mind. This week, not only has Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor launched locally, but a new trailer details what the game’s Season Pass will give players (no, it’s not the One Ring, but it is a lot better than a tricksy riddle).

Highlights include two story missions – The Lord of the Hunt mission and The Bright Lord story mission. The former will offer players the opportunity to earn unique runes as they tame and hunt Mordor’s monsters, while the latter (and the one we are particularly excited about) will enable you to play as the Elven King Celebrimbo. Also enticing will be the Guardians of the Flaming Eye Orc warband mission, which will see you going toe to toe with Sauron's elite Defenders before the Black Gate; and an endless challenge mode. Hit the duo of trailers below to learn more.

New Styx: Master of Shadows trailer skulks into view

Every year there are those games that may not have the renown of a Call of Duty or Uncharted, but still manage to intrigue and flaunt just how unique gaming experiences can be. One case in point is Styx: Master of Shadows, for which a new trailer has just surfaced.

The game will see you playing as the titular goblin whose strengths are found not in wielding the biggest sword, but in sneaking, deceiving and snatching his enemies so stealthily that Sam Fisher would be proud. Along with literally swinging from the rafters and pouncing on unsuspecting guards, Styx can also poison their food and drinking supply, and when in a jam, puke up a clone of himself to distract them.

In case this is the first time the game has appeared on your radar, look behind you, look above you, check your back – and then proceed to cast your eyes below.

PS Plus rates to rise

As much as we hate to be the bearer of bad news, brace yourself: PS4 sales and great games from which to choose are not the only thing on the rise as from this month, so are Playstation Plus’ rates.

More specifically, a 3 month subscription will increase from R145 to R219, while a yearly subscription goes up by 53% from R489 to R749. Granted, considering the fact that PS Plus gives gamers at least two new games on each console every month, it is still very good value (when you factor in that one PS4 game nowadays easily breaches the R700 mark). The price increase will take effect from your next renewal period.

Dreamfall Chapters coming in October

Speaking of gaming gems, here is another: finally, the follow up to The Longest Journey and Dreamfall is nearly upon us, as a new trailer for the game has revealed the release date of the first chapter – the 21^st of this month.

For those who are unfamiliar, the Dreamfall saga was one of those beautifully poetic experiences, which saw its protagonists bridging two worlds – the science-based metropolis Stark and its magical, enchanted counterpart, Arcadia. While Dreamfall: Chapters will apparently wrap up the stories begun in those games, they stressed that it is accessible and approachable for new players as well, and tells a new story.

Take a look at the duo of trailers below, for both the new trailer and a behind the scenes explanation of the game and its development.

Contributions by Robin-Leigh Chetty