In a recent announcement, Electronics Arts (EA) said that though ‘Dead Space 2’ is scheduled to hit the markets by early next year, a downloadable prequel of the game will likely be launched before the end of the year.

The prequel – titled Dead Space Ignition - will be available both on Xbox Live Arcade and the PlayStation Network. Apparently, the game will offer up a noticeably different experience than its retail counterpart.

While EA has refrained from disclosing the assets for the Ignition, the official announcement from the company promises an “interactive comic-style story.” Among some of the elements revealed, the forthcoming prequel will comprise three hacking puzzle games and a “Choose Your Own Adventure” storytelling format.

The narrative style of Ignition will unfold four different endings; and players who successfully complete each ending will be able to unlock a different suit for Isaac once Dead Space 2 is released.

Ignition, which will likely be released in the fall, is being developed by Sumo Digital, the renowned developer of the recent Sega All-Stars games.

According to EA, Ignition – the price tag of which is yet to be disclosed, can be described as a game that is like a “comic adventure,” which essentially gives the players an experience of the events that eventually lead up to Dead Space 2.