Previews// Turning Point: Fall of Liberty

Later in the demonstration, Carson has to keep his wits about him and evade Nazis in the night, avoiding spotlights from airships, and trying not to be spotted by marching units. One of the ways you can be resourceful is to hide behind totalled cars in the street for cover and smack the enemy in the chops after running towards him. Melee moves in the game are really likened to intense street brawling by Senior Producer David Brickley: “It’s not about this one guy going in guns blazing like Rambo… Carson is just a normal guy and you have to use methods that a guy like him would use in tight situations. Would you shoot enemies or would you fight them hand-to-hand? Carson’s skills in combat are very much down to you rather than the character”.

There are many situations that Carson will get himself into as well. From the looks of the demonstration we were shown you’ll be shooting parachuting Nazis as you’re going down an outside elevator shaft, shimmying along the edges of buildings and taking refuge in dilapidated train stations. Brickley mentioned that they had thought about using a free, open world to explore and finish levels your own way, but that would have detracted from the experience. “We want to tell a very specific story with Turning Point, and having an open world wouldn’t allow you to see the entire game.”

I wasn't given hands-on material, but judging from what I saw Spark has to be applauded for its original take on the World War II style of shooters. Beyond that I'm not sure if it looks to play like many FPS games before it, but there are some great graphical touches and features that grab our interest. Particularly the weapons you’ll use, and other items and aspects that might play on the ‘alternate reality’ theme. Because the Nazis would have improved their technology following their stranglehold on Britain and the rest of Europe in this alternative universe, you’ll be discovering a lot of original guns that will reflect this. I personally can’t wait to see more of these weapons and what they do.

Allen provided some teasers to some more of the story as players unfold the mystery of the invasion, announcing “a more sinister plot at hand” and hinting at “how people use symbols to associate with power”. Perhaps most challenging of all, Carson will have to venture into London, where the Nazi regime is an understood way of life for many British people. “I wanted to make it feel like this is a world that really could have been, by including memorable locations such as Tower Bridge. We’re ultimately trying to present what I feel is fresh and has its own distinct style.”

Well after almost passing on the idea the day before, my ears well and truly pricked to hear more on this interesting concept, and to learn whether the game-play supports the unique storyline. Before I left the Cabinet, I felt it was only right to ask Allen about the power of history as a tool for learning.

“I just love studying history and think that the actions of our predecessors can teach us so much – video games these days can teach players about the past by putting them in the shoes of famous people or on the frontlines. We shouldn’t lose our past, and you know, it’s a real shame that the schools are going to be dropping such a charismatic leader and figure in history. But I guess if the schools aren’t going to teach kids about this stuff then that’s where we can come in!”

Turning Point is released on PlayStation3, XBOX 360 and PC in 2008. SPOnG will keep you up to date with future details.