Severance at end of month

With the arrival of our review copy from Codemasters comes word that their aptly titled fantasy action game "Severance : Blade of Darkness" is due for release on February 23rd. That's severance as in "severance of limbs" not "severance payments", and for the benefit of the American audience the game will simply be known as "Blade of Darkness" on the other side of the pond. No doubt to avoid confusing the poor lawyer-obsessed parents who might accidentally buy a copy of the game for little Johnny thinking that it's some sort of interactive board room drama, despite the big 18+ sticker and axe-wielding maniacs clearly visible on the front of the box. "Won't somebody think of the children?"

Sorry, where was I?

Ah yes. Developed by Spanish company Rebel Act Studios, the game features excessive gore, four characters to choose from, lots of blood and guts (most of which ends up on the walls), a wide range of weapons and shields to use, and of course the all-important ability to remove an enemy's leg and then beat their friends round the head with it. Not surprisingly then Severance comes with a well-earned BBFC 18 certificate, and for the weak of stomach it comes complete with options to switch off the "gore" and "mutilation". Expect an exclusive full review here on EuroGamer within the next couple of weeks.