The next project from the indie studio responsible for Shank has appeared out of nowhere.  Unlike its frantically paced predecessors, the latest game from Klei Entertainment will reward patience, stealth and (above all) the element of surprise. Mark of the Ninja will see you take on the role of a master assassin. You’ll make your way through a series of stylish 2D challenges that visually recall Durell Software’s Saboteur titles of the 1980s.

While the announcement trailer is brief, it does provide a credible snapshot of what looks to be accessible gameplay, something the stealth genre hasn’t always been known for.

The official site is currently hosting a text based scenario, presumably designed to preview the tactics and tone of the final game. More likely, it will have you reminiscing about Spy Trap, Terror Island and all the other Choose Your Own Adventure novels you devoured in your youth.

Klei Entertainment is aiming to release Mark of the Ninja in winter 2012. It is, by the looks of it, an XBLA exclusive.

SPOILER FREE! Set in a future where humanity shares the galaxies with a multitude of other species, the Mass Effect games have been renowned for meaningful storytelling, deep immersion and engaging gameplay. As the final instalment in a much loved science fiction series, Mass Effect 3 has naturally been the subject of intense speculation. It could even be argued that the level of hype surrounding the game has done more damage than good. Read the rest of this entry »

NanoBITES captures those small but important morsels of gaming information that otherwise might slip between the cracks.

ITEM! Capcom has unveiled ambitious DLC plans for its recently released fantasy action game Asura’s Wrath. Expect to see at least two new story ‘episodes’, along with a 2D fighting arena in which Asura can challenge various Street Fighter combatants.

ITEM! The long anticipated Journey finally has a firm release date. According to developer thatgamecompany, this experimental PSN exclusive will be available for download on Wednesday 14 March.

ITEM! While 2010’s Medal of Honor reboot wasn’t exactly a critical darling, EA and Danger Close are pressing ahead with a further instalment. As reported by OXM, the new game will be known as Medal of Honor: Warfighter.

ITEM! Two of the industry’s most acclaimed developers are on a collision course. As reported by Joystiq, Blizzard has mounted a legal challenge to prevent Valve from securing ownership of the ‘DOTA’ trademark.

ITEM! When it comes to using real guitars to play video games, Rocksmith is generally considered to be the best bet. Still, it’s always nice to have another option and Bandfuse: Rock Legends from Realta Entertainment Group is set to provide just that.

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Presented in glorious alphabetical order, New Media: Retail Roundup is your indispensible checklist of the home console and handheld titles arriving in stores this week. What will you be playing?

MICROSOFT Xbox 360 SSX

NINTENDO Wii Nothing 3DS Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion

SONY PS3 SSX PSV Nothing

VARIOUS PC Star Wars: The Old Republic

New Media: Downloadable Digest is your handy reminder of the downloadable titles released during the past week.

MICROSOFT XBLA Alan Wake’s American Nightmare Games on Demand Warrior’s Orochi

NINTENDO WiiWare Nothing Wii VC Nothing 3DS eShop Dillon’s Rolling Western 3DS VC Nothing DSiWare 3 Heroes: Crystal Soul

SONY PSN Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes * MotorStorm RC * Smash ‘N’ Survive * Quizball Goal Full Games Dead Rising 2: Off The Record * Just Dance 3 * Tom Clancy’s H.A.W.X. 2 PS1 Classics Nothing PS2 Classics Need For Speed Most Wanted * Hawk Superbike Racing * Operation Air Assault * Pacific Air Warriors II * Raceway: Drag & Stock Racing * Snowboard Racer 2 * Sonic Heroes * Steel Dragon Ex * Truck Racing 2 * Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution * Peter Pan: Return To Neverland Minis Knight Fortix 2 * Alien Havoc & Bubble Trubble Bundle * Grip Games Triple Pack * Freeshot Frenzy

VALVE Steam 1000 Amps * Fallen Earth: Free2Play * Pickers * Postal III * Really Big Sky * Realm of the Mad God * Wargame: European Escalation

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