Hurtling into the spotlight after the success of block-based adventure Thomas Was Alone, developer Mike Bithell now has the inescapably challenging task of the difficult second album. For fans of the aforementioned PSN title, there is seemingly little to fear however, as Bithell’s latest title Volume looks every inch the title we’ve been waiting for.

Zero1Gaming caught up with Mike recently to see how his ambitious new indie title is coming along.

“It’s a stealth game. It’s kind of retro. It’s the game I’ve been designing since I played Metal Gear Solid as a kid.”

One of Volume’s several unique selling points is its pacifistic approach to enemy interaction. Gun-toating Rambo tribute-acts leave now, because this game contains absolutely no killing whatsoever. Such is its commitment to being a genuine stealth game. Bithell explained that this was for a number of reasons, one of which is that, “There’s enough games about guns.” But he cited the most important reason was that:

“When I play stealth games, I often treat them as room clearing…and the problem I have with that is that it changes the way I play stealth games – I don’t feel like sneaking around and hiding, I feel like I’m the predator. I really wanted this game to have a different power relationship.”

Increasing the sense of vulnerability, amplifies the necessity for a stealthy approach. Which plays perfectly into the hands of Volume’s precise design. Fans of Metal Gear Solid will feel right at home here, with a level of reminiscent tension that’s sure to serve your sneakiest of gaming needs.

Talking about the PlayStation 4, Mike also explained how the amount of processing power on offer was hugely helpful in the developmental process, “right now it’s this buffet of power”. Stating that on the new system, there will be, “a lot of bells and whistles” for players to look forward to.

Capitalising on the power of the community, Volume will also allow the contribution of user generated content to keep the game in a state of constant evolution, defined by the player. Ensuring this to be an experience that lasts far being its release date.

Providing an alternative take on a classic tale, Volume brings new light to the story of Robin Hood. Equipped with the original name of Robert Locksley, this protagonist is a petty thief turned hero of the people, when he stumbles across a digital simulator called the volume. Allowing him to broadcast simulations of criminal activity, the digitised wonder gives Locksley the tools to show his crimes to the world in the style of a lets play video.

Boasting an interesting art style combined with a purity of gameplay rarely seen, Volume holds promise in offering a rare style of stealth orientated game play. Further bolstered with the recently added acting talent of Danny Wallace and Charlie McDonnell, the game looks to possess the same brand of dry humour that made Thomas Was Alone so popular. Set to hit the PlayStation network in early 2014, Bithell’s labour of love looks a treat not to be missed.

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