We know Dead Space-dev Visceral Games has had its eye on the downloadable space -- along with the rest of EA -- for some time now with the oft-rumored Jack the Ripper title and something else. Well, that something else is Dead Space Ignition, "the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2," says Dead Space franchise exec producer Steve Papoutsis.

From what we can gather from the press release (embedded after the break), Ignition is a "Choose Your Own Adventure," comic-style story with "three unique hacking mini games." Ignition will provide a "unique perspective leading up to Dead Space 2" and fill in new players on all the backstory they need to shoot monsters' limbs off. Depending on which adventure you choose, you'll earn one of four endings (replayability!) and those endings will reward you with in-game trinkets for Dead Space 2, "including an exclusive suit."

Like 2008's Dead Space comic series, Ignition is again tapping comics author Antony Johnson to weave a tale of suspense, horror, mystery and (oh, right) dismemberment! Dead Space Ignition is being co-developed by Visceral Games and Sumo Digital for a Fall 2010 release on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. Considering the promotional nature of the title, we're hoping the asking price is a reasonable one.