Clearly picking-up on the popular 'vibe' generated by such hits as True Crime, and Mafia, Acclaim have today unveiled a couple of new crime-obsessed titles which will form an integral part of their E3 showing. The first title in question is Interview with a Made Man, a console game on course for release in winter 2005.

Made Man is being developed by Acclaim in-house, and is reportedly based on real-world events. In-game players assume the role of Joey Verola as he ventures into the underworld as a newly initiated member of an organised crime family, and will follow his progress as he rises-up the hierarchy to become - you've guessed it - a 'made man'.

Interview with a Made Man will be shown behind closed doors to select media at E3, and has been created in conjunction with expert and author David Fisher, writer of ten Mafia-centred novels, whose expertise in the field is internationally renown. Authentic missions are promised, including assassinations, numbers running and inter-family wars, whilst over 25 weapons of varying calibre will be placed in Joey's murderous hands.

A unique combat system will also allow Joey to make use of many surrounding objects, pool cues and the like, whilst disarming techniques and the ability to use 'human shields' will also be available. A 60s, 70s and 80s soundtrack will bring the atmosphere to life, with a little help from the cinematic camera work touted.

"Interview with a Made Man is the first instalment in an epic, high-action trilogy that will deliver the most authentic Mafia-based video game experience ever created," commented the publisher's Ben Fischbach. "Working with David Fisher allows us to leverage his expertise and gain exclusive access into the real world of the Mafia, from racketeering and assassinations to the ultimate goal of becoming a Made Man."

Stunt men have been used in pre-production and high quality animation is promised, alongside diverse, rich and interactive environs, not to mention realistic physics. More on this little beauty as we get it.

Not that 'Interview with..' is everything, oh no, for Acclaim has also announced The Last Job today, another crime caper due out on consoles in Spring 2005. This time, players will be given the opportunity to engage in some high-tech and high-risk heists as leader of a gang of highly skilled criminal masterminds, each boasting unique skills and abilities vital to the varying 'jobs' on offer.

"The Last Job is an exciting new Acclaim brand that captures the drama, thrill and mystique of committing the type of high-priced crimes that have been the subject of popular feature films," enthused Acclaim's Marc Metis. "The Last Job promises to be a title with truly breakthrough gameplay elements."

Acclaim Cheltenham are in charge of this which will also be shown behind closed doors at E3 from tomorrow. More as we get it.

By Luke Guttridge