Gameloft announces "Backstab" as Xperia Play timed-exclusive

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Gameloft is every charming lady-killer stereotype ever rolled into one Old Spice-scented ball of suave. And so, fittingly, the mobile juggernaut's wandering eye has now flitted over to the newest device on the dance floor, Sony's Xperia Play.

More surprising, however, is the fact that Backstab - at least, at first glance - doesn't appear to be a graduate from Gameloft's School of Narrow Copyright Infringement Avoidance.

According to PocketGamer, Backstab is a free-roaming action-adventure set in the 18th century. For its first month on virtual shelves, it'll only be available on Xperia Play - after which time it'll plunge its knife into other mobile platforms.

The game's big selling point seems to be its "dynamic combat system," which promises counter-attacks and - based on the few available screenshots - looks more than a bit influenced by Assassin's Creed. Its central story conceit (wrongly accused hero!) and lineup of side activities (duels, races) also sound like they're following in Ezio and Altair's light-as-a-feather footsteps, but until we see more, we can't be entirely sure.

For now, Backstab's shooting for a vague "spring" release date, but with the Xperia's launch just around the corner, we wouldn't be surprised if more details popped up soon.