Dead Space Ignition Interview

Dead Space Ignition is a brand new downloadable game coming to PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade in advance of the release of Dead Space 2. In fact, the plotline of the new game will act as a preface for the larger retail release. Plus, several exclusive bonuses will be available in Dead Space 2 to players who have beat the different endings of the downloadable title. Producer Rich Briggs gave us the full story on the project in a recent interview.

When and where is the setting for Dead Space Ignition, particularly in relation to the first and second Dead Space games? How does Ignition connect up to the plots and events of the other games?

Dead Space Ignition is a prologue that takes place on The Sprawl, in the few hours leading up to the beginning of Dead Space 2. You’ll be challenged to survive the initial Necromorph outbreak that sets the stage for the events of Dead Space 2.

Who is the main character? What other characters are involved in the game?

You play as Franco Delille, an Engineer with the Copernican Police Department. His partner Sarah Andarsyn is a field agent who handles the fire power. Franco is a computer specialist, so he relies on Sarah to watch his back while he hacks into various systems.

What is the story setup that players will encounter in Ignition?

Ignition opens with a routine repair assignment, but you’ll quickly learn that things are breaking down all over the Sprawl. As you move from one location to the next, the Necromorph outbreak will become more and more severe.

Next up: The gameplay of Ignition, and how to unlock features in Dead Space 2

Can you describe the gameplay of Ignition? Is it an adventure game? A choose-your-own adventure? Are there action elements?

Dead Space Ignition combines interactive comic storytelling with three unique hacking games. After each story segment, you take control and complete the hack in order to progress. The three games will force you to solve puzzles, use strategy, and exercise your twitch skills in order to succeed. We also have branching paths and optional side quests, so you can choose your course through the game. This will lead to new story, new hacks, and new unlocks in Dead Space 2.

The initial press release described "comic-style story". What does this mean, and in what ways does the game evoke a comic sensibility?

The story is presented using motion comic panels, so it really feels like an interactive comic book. In addition, Antony Johnston wrote the story, and his considerable talent writing comics ensured that it is top-notch.

The earlier press release also describes several mini-games being an important element of gameplay. Can you describe one or more of these in detail?

Hardware Crack is a puzzler where you rotate reflectors in order to align lasers and complete circuits on a grid. System Override turns tower-defense games on their head, and places you on the offensive with four different viruses that you strategically release in order to infect the defending system. Finally, Trace Route is a side-scrolling race against competing electrical signals, where the environment changes in real time and you use power-ups to help your signal or hinder those of the AI. All three are fast-paced arcade experiences that will challenge you in different ways.

How will Dead Space Ignition tie together with Dead Space 2 in terms of gameplay and unlockables?

There are four different endings, and as you complete each one you’ll be rewarded with unlocks in Dead Space 2 for Isaac Clarke to use. This includes an exclusive new suit, since we know that our fans are quite fond of getting new suits for Isaac. By playing Dead Space Ignition, you’ll be able to power-up Isaac before Dead Space 2 ships.
 
When will the game release? On what platforms can we expect to play the game? Have you settled on a price point yet?

Ignition will be available in Fall 2010 on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. We have some very exciting news around the price point that we’ll be talking about in the near future. We are quite sure that fans will be pleased.

How does Ignition stand apart from other downloadable games on the market?

The interactive comic presentation acts as a prologue for Dead Space 2 and gives you insight into what happened on the Sprawl. In addition, the three unique arcade games will challenge you to think, strategize, and flex your twitch skills like a Hacker. Finally, the unlockable elements including an exclusive suit for Isaac Clarke means you will have an edge heading into Dead Space 2. It’s a pretty nice package.