When it comes to this years games, I haven't been overhyping myself. I tend to read the majority of Gamespots previews and news, but I don't bother too much to look at images, trailers or gameplay footage until it is close to the release date, if I bother at all. Dead Space is one of those games that sounds like it will be pretty good based on those previews.

Maybe I missed the memo, but I was surprised by something that arrived in a dealer kit today (I've repeated this info multiple times but in the interest of making sure everyone understands what I'm talking about, I own a video store); there is a prequel animated full length movie titled Dead Space : Downfall. Maybe this was mentioned somewhere in the news and I missed it.

The synopsis in the kit;

Dead Space is a feature length sci-fi/horror animated movie based on the much anticipated Electronic Arts video set for release Halloween 2008. Dead Space will serve as a prequel to the game and will take adult animated horror to a whole new level. The movie gives the needed back-story to fully appreciate the game and includes storyline embedded game secrets.

Well... some of that sounds like toss, but I guess they are supposed to hype themselves. Take adult animated horror to a whole new level? I'm going to guess the Japanese are already doing it. Needed back-story? You mean EA aren't going to give me enough back story to enjoy the game if I don't watch this DVD first? Embedded game secrets? What the hell does that mean?

Here's the greatest part. The kit has a listing for extras that is formatted thusly;
2 exclusive "cheat codes" (essential to the game)

Elsewhere in the kit it says the included cheats codes are 'integral' to the game. Someone please fire the marketing department. Marketing stupidity aside, I'm looking forward to giving it a watch. The great part is, it looks like one of the screener discs the company sent has this on it. I won't be able to watch it over the next couple of nights, but I'll let you know what I think once I've seen it. Release date is October 31st worldwide to coincide with the game.

EDIT : Turns out only the trailer was on the disc. Looks OK, but not spectacular. 'Crucial backstory', eh? After watching it, I can't help but feel that watching this DVD first will take away some of the mystery from the game.