Dead Space 2 prequel out this autumn

EA has announced Dead Space Ignition, a downloadable Dead Space 2 prequel coming to Xbox LIVE Marketplace and PSN this autumn.

Hours before engineer Isaac Clarke begins his adventure on The Sprawl in Dead Space 2 a Necromorph outbreak occurs, but how did the events unfold? Players will witness the horror first-hand in 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 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 promises a fun and satisfying arcade experience that will “challenge players with puzzles and twitch gameplay”.

The downloadable prequel will also feature a Choose Your Own Adventure type narrative, allowing players to survive the 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 to be used in Dead Space 2.

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 previously created the six-book Dead Space comic series in 2008.

Dead Space 2 will be available on January 28 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Dead Space Ignition is being co-developed by Sumo Digital and will be available this autumn.