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Dead Space Extraction

Dead space extraction is a Wii-exclusive sequel to popular FPS adventure thriller Dead Space heading for a TV near you in Q4 2009. 

The events of Dead Space Extraction take place before those of Dead Space (Released PS3, Xbox and PC October 2008) and set the scene through which the original protagonist Isaac Clarke will play through the first game aboard the infested USG Ishimura.  This places the action before, during and immediately after the “discovery” and creation of the Necromorphs following the removal of the Red Marker.  Dead Space fans will hope that Extraction will be “more of the same”, although given the change of platform, there's certainly no certainty.  From the screenshots we have above, I don't think the graphics will compare favourably, but then we wouldn't expect them to.  Regardless of how good it looks, it's nice to see an adult, mature, gamer's game released for the Wii.

Looking at the game features we can expect locations, enemies, weapons and concept to be updated and modified, though understandably and reasonably similar to those of the original.  Dismemberment, zero gravity, stasis, and kinesis will all return, as hopefully will the attention to detail, quality of story and chilling, scary effects, lighting and game play.  The remote will be used as a point-aim-shoot device, while twisting it will activate the secondary mode.  I can definitely see that the motion sensing abilities of the remote could improve some elements of the game, particularly Kinesis and Zero Gravity, the latter of which I felt was a weaker element of the first game. So too if the Remote Control Disc Ripper weapon returns, using this with the remote should be good.  Also to make an appearance is a cooperative multiplayer function, reported to be drop-in-drop-out such as found in the Gears of War franchise. 

The story will focus on a handful of colonists on the USG Ishimura as they struggle to repel and survive the infection as events move towards to arrival of Isaac and co in Dead Space.  It is likely to be the case that the protection and survival of a new female protagonist will be vital to the story and progression of the game.  One of the most interesting potential aspects for me, from a storyline point of view, will be the adventures and apparent demise of the new protagonist who, as she doesn't make an appearance in the original Dead Space, we can presume must make some kind of departure during this prequel.

I have recently picked up the original Dead Space pre owned and is one of the surprises of the year for me because of the overall quality and enjoyability of the game.  While a full review will at some point be online, for now suffice to say that I was very impressed and Dead Space Extraction is now on my radar as a definite Q4 game purchase.  The original wasn't a huge game (completion time around 10 hours) so for experienced gamers both Dead Space and Dead Space Extraction may be a renter not a buyer.

For those who have completed the game (if you haven't skip the rest of this paragraph) you will remember the end shows Isaac safely ensconced on an escape pod only to be greeted by an infested child.  Given that the Wii release of Extraction is a prequel, there must be a sequel in the works to continue the main storyline which was left thoroughly open.  Let's face it, not to be harsh to the little white box that sits under everyone's TV, but the guys at EA and Visceral Games, may want to keep Isaac and the future of the storyline for the more powerful machines, while taking advantage of a cross platform spin off for Extraction.

The European release date is set for October 2nd, a few days after the US release on the 29th September, so it looks like this dark, scary thriller of game is set to brighten up our Autumn evenings fairly soon!  In the mean time check out the Dead Space Extraction screenshots and details above, buy new batteries or get your remote charged and get ready to be scared once more!