Of all the games from GamesCom'09 Singularity stood out as one of the eye openers simply because we'd foolishly not paid so much attention to it previous to the event. However, having seen and played the game have more positive vibes about a game which could be described as a Bioshock clone if there ever was one. Now considering the high accolades Bioshock has received, being classed in the same group is surely a good thing and not detracting from the game's own merits. So, looking at Singularity, what is the game all about. It's not just secret Russian bases and super time manipulation powers but something a lot more engaging at its heart.

Singularity tells the story of an investigative US co-pilot sent in to recon an Island off the Russian coastline, an island that has been taken off all maps and is being kept well and truly under wraps by the Russian government. Why? Well that's answered very simply, as the island is host to a number of experiments with a new energy resource called E99. This resource could change the balance of power during the game's cross between the cold war in the 1950s and the present day in 2010. As you'd expect the US recon plane is shot down, or crash lands on the island and like the good US soldier you are, your duty take precedence as you discover the horrors of the enclosed island which threatens the rest of the world as the E99 energy spreads.

Right off the bat we going to say the similarities between this game and Bioshock are shockingly uncanny, the crash landing the powers and the general ambience created. However, the game does swap between the 50s and present time rather than being stuck in on time period, also the manipulation of time separates the game from its peers. Sure we've had numerous games that have employed the use of time powers, but none that seem as refreshing and co-ordinated with the gameplay as what we've seen here.

At it's heart you've got the usual mix of puzzle solving and exploration combined with the first person shooting action, and it's here where the game comes into its own. Looking at how this works, you are granted the Time Manipulation Device or TMD as it is referred to. This enables the player to then start causing havoc with inanimate objects and the living to solve puzzles and create some intriguing combat situations. For example, you are able to age objects or revert them back to their original states, so if you imagine a metal walkway with enemies on top using it as a sniper position, you can age the walkway and watch it collapse, taking out any enemies using it. On another side, you could then revert it back to its original state and use it yourself. The same can be said for various bits of cover during shoot-outs. See an enemy hiding, simply age the cover take out the enemy, then revert it back so you can use the cover yourself. These examples merely scratch the surface of what you can do, and be assured there are plenty of moments where you can use the TMD to your advantage. You can actually age your enemies, and to a degree revert them, but don't get any ideas about screaming babies as this was an area thought about by Raven, but not practical for getting the game age rated as you can imagine. So in this case, reverted enemies become distractions and attack anyone close by to them including former comrades. Handy if things are getting on top.

We weren't shown many of the weapons as Raven are keeping those under wraps for now, but other than an assault rifle and the TMD itself, we were allowed to let rip with the E99 revolver which allows you to direct the flight path of bullets in real time. A neat weapon for those dug in troops, but remembering the diversity of the TMD which allows you to dissolve cover in real time means you've got lots of scope for tackling situations. Melting away the riot shields from enemies before capping them in the head with the revolver being one of them.

Playing the game felt very smooth with some solid combat, the controls easy to master and the TMD intuitive to use. The puzzle element looks like offering some taxing moments which should help immerse the player deeper into the murky world and when you combine this with the thriller like story and you've potentially got an awesome game on your hands. We were told that the game offers long chapters rather than short sections, with some lasting well over an hour. The island is full of mysteries and no doubt lots of extras to discover for those looking beneath the surface and beyond the outer layer of the storyline. There's certainly a lot to get excited for with this game and after playing and seeing it in action feel like it's our duty to let you guys keep the game well and truly on the radar for when it releases next year.

We don't think it's trying to outdo Bioshock, or even pay homage to it, but merely sharing some similarities which is natural considering how many shooters there are on Xbox 360. With more time to add additional ideas, some more spit and polish, Singularity has the chance to be a very cool and appreciated game when it releases next year. Keep those eyes peeled as more media is released up to the launch day.