Dead Space: Ignition announced for PSN and XBLA, is prequel to DS2

EA's announced Dead Space: Ignition, a prequel to Dead Space 2, for a fall release on PSN and Xbox Live Marketplace.

This was the announcement hinted at by Visceral Games earlier yesterday.

The title is one of many "game extensions" planned before the release of Dead Space 2 next January.

Ignition, according to the press release, "combines an interactive comic-style story with three unique hacking mini games; Hardware Crack, Trace Route and System Override."

"Dead Space Ignition is the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2," said Dead Space franchise executive producer Steve Papoutsis.

Press release is below.

Dead Space 2 releases for PS3, 360 and PC on January 28 in the UK. The game’s limited edition is a PS3 exclusive, and features the Move-supported Dead Space: Extraction.

EA ANNOUNCES DEAD SPACE 2 PREQUEL DOWNLOADABLE ARCADE GAME
Hack Through a Comic Adventure that Reveals the Events Leading up to Dead Space 2
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., – July 7, 2010 – Hours before engineer Isaac Clarke begins his adventure on “The Sprawl” in Dead SpaceTM 2 a Necromorph outbreak occurs – but how did the events unfold? Players will witness the horror first-hand when Visceral GamesTM, an Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) studio releases Dead Space Ignition, an all-new downloadable game that takes place on the Sprawl and challenges players to survive the initial Necromorph outbreak. Dead Space Ignition will be available in Fall 2010 on Xbox LIVETM Marketplace and the PlayStation®Network.

“Dead Space Ignition is the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2,” said Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producer on Dead Space franchise. “The interactive comic-style game will give Dead Space fans a unique perspective on the events leading up to Dead Space 2, but will also introduce the storyline to a brand-new audience of gamers.”

Dead Space Ignition combines an interactive comic-style story with three unique hacking mini games; Hardware Crack, Trace Route and System Override. Each game offers a fun and satisfying arcade experience that will challenge players with puzzles and twitch gameplay. Dead Space Ignition features a unique “Choose Your Own Adventure” type narrative, allowing players to survive the horrific Necromorph outbreak in multiple ways. The game offers four unique endings and upon completion of each one, players will be rewarded with unlocks including an exclusive suit, all of which can be used by Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2 when the game releases on Jan 25, 2011.

Dead Space Ignition is written by Antony Johnston, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of comics, graphic novels, video games and books including Wasteland, and Daredevil. Antony makes his return to the Dead Space universe after creating the six-book Dead Space comic series in 2008. In Dead Space Ignition, Antony uses his horror story-telling expertise to introduce new characters and craft new plot twists for this intriguing prequel.

Dead Space 2 recently won various prestigious awards at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, including ‘Best Action/Adventure Game’ from top media outlets including Game Informer, GameSpot, GameSpy and Machinima.com. Dead Space 2 also won GameSpot’s highly-coveted ‘Best Xbox 360 Game’ award.

In Dead Space 2, engineer Isaac Clarke makes his return in a blood-curdling new adventure on an all-new space installation known as “The Sprawl.” The lone survivor of a horrific alien infestation, Isaac finds himself confronting a catastrophic new nightmare. Battling dementia, Isaac will do whatever it takes to save himself and dominate the relentless enemy onslaughts. Equipped with a new arsenal of tools to dismember the necromorphs, Isaac faces the challenge head-on. Players will see Isaac fight bigger, scarier and more epic battles that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Dead Space 2 will be available on Jan. 25, 2011 for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system and the PC. Dead Space Ignition will be available in Fall 2010 on Xbox LIVETM Marketplace and the PlayStation®Network and is being co-developed by Sumo Digital. For additional information and news, visit www.deadspacegame.com, follow us on twitter www.twitter.com/isaacclarke or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/deadspace.