Electronic Arts announced today the prequel to critically acclaimed Dead Space, entitled Dead Space: Extractions, exclusively for the Nintendo Wii. Set for release in the fall of this year, Extraction will shed light on the events leading up to Issac Clarke’s mission on the USG Ishimura in the original game. The prequel will tell the story of a small party of space colonists desperately trying to escape an infection plaguing the Aegis VII mining colony imbedded in the deepest regions of known space. A new heroine is introduced, and it rapidly becomes clear that protecting her is the key to surviving the horrific infection.

The game is being built from the ground up using the Wii’s customized controls, which should offer a genuinely unique experience that you won’t find on the 360 or PS3. Rather than the over the shoulder, 3rd-person view that the original Dead Space nearly perfected, Extraction will feature a first person perspective, designed entirely around the Wiimote and its motion controls. The game also introduces all new characters, enemies, weapons, enhancements, puzzles, and a completely co-operative campaign. No specific release date has been announced, other than “Autumn 2009.”

Now, I’m all for a prequel or sequel, or both, but why the Wii? Dead Space was so appealing because it was intended for a mature audience, an audience that generally owns a 360, PS3, or PC, not a Wii. I do realize that this is an effort to bring that community of gamers back over to Nintendo, but being apart of this group myself, I’m not exactly thrilled that this prequel is a Wii exclusive. I’m happy with what EA gave me with the original, and don’t exactly want them changing the chemistry so soon. Why not try to repeat the same success with what you know first, rather than trying to innovative? Who’s to say your first endeavor wasn’t a fluke? I hope that their efforts in “building from the ground up” don’t mean “we spent all our time on the motion controls, and we forgot about the plot,” which has happen with plenty of Wii titles. Now, the question is: does this have enough pull to attract new Wii buyers? Or will Dead Space enthusiasts pass on this one?

Perhaps this is all in timing with the Wii release of Resident Evil 5? Hmm…Oh yeah, and checkout the Dead Space: Extraction Announcement Trailer

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