3. The Gameplay
During your assassination attempts youll be trying to sneak past guards, known as Tallboys, loping around on mechanical stilts (to elevate them above plague-carrying rats, apparently) and trying to stay out of their field of vision. Youll also be infiltrating a bizarre fancy-dress ball at one point (at least I think theyre costumes) and schmoozing up with the attendees for information on your next target. Obviously this implies that there is a degree of role-playing involved, and that you wont just be isolated in the shadows for the entire length of the game. On the other hand, if you dont want to socialise, then you could just go in magic hand blazing and unsheathed sword raised. Just dont expect the welcoming party to be quite so fond of your appearance. Combat consists of the usual far and close-ranged weapons, and your magic skills can be used to aid stealth tactics, such as being able to view the line of sight of nearby enemies so you can stay firmly out of their way, unless you plan to confront them. The game-play will surely allow for great flexibility when you factor in magic abilities like freezing time, possession, summoning rats to name just a few of the abilities on offer. Add these in conjunction with stealth and physical combat, role-play decision making and reactive A.I. and the possibilities are thrilling. You won't necessarily have to kill all of your assassination targets either, because the game allows events in the narrative to persuade you to consider alternate plans of action. Will you let someone live if they promise to disappear? If you decide to exact mercy then as long as no-one else knows that they're still alive you've done what was necessary.