"You've kept me waiting for the last time, Mr. Bus Driver."

Namco Bandai has announced Inversion, a third person shooter from TimeShift developer Saber Interactive. Set in the aftermath of a surprise attack from a mysterious enemy, Inversion challenges you to topple opponents and solve puzzles using a gravity manipulation device known as The Grappler. Destructible environments, including degradable cover, is also being promoted as a key element of the gameplay.

Two player co-op is being fully integrated into the story mode. You’ll be playing as Davis Russell (a cop) or Leo Delgado (a distraught father). Either way, you’ll be heading deep into occupied territory in search Leo’s child. Your enemies are also armed with gravity distortion devices, with several areas of the city resembling M.C. Escher paintings. I think it’s safe to assume that you’ll be ‘acquiring’ the Grappler from a helpful enemy.

Look for Inversion on  Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010.

Before we sign off, Namco Bandai’s director of marketing and public relations, Todd Thorson, deserves a special mention. According to Thorson, “Inversion will turn the shooter genre upside down, literally.” That’s a top shelf pun, right there. It certainly puts my hastily conceived headline to shame. In recognition of Thorson’s achievement, we’ve decided to release a perpetual trophy in his honour.