Dante’s Inferno demo in Dec.

Visceral Games will release a demo for Dante’s Inferno in December, according to an announcement from the EA studio behind Dead Space. The Gates of Hell demo includes the entire opening level and gives players a taste of what Visceral Games has in store for players when the game is released in the early part of 2010. The Gates of Hell demo will introduce players to the game’s hero, story and action-focused gameplay. The game will trace Dante’s battles from the surface all the way to the Gates of Hell. Look for it in early Dec.

Dante’s Inferno will be released in North America February 9, 2010 and in Europe on February 12, 2010 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and the PlayStation Portable. The Gates of Hell demo will be available on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

Dead Space Extraction in stores this week

Visceral Games announced today that Dead Space Extraction has shipped to retail in Europe and will be shipping in North America on September 29th. Designed exclusively for the Wii, Dead Space Extraction is the first title to ship under Visceral Games’ new studio name. Dead Space Extraction is the prequel to last year’s hit horror action game set on a decrepit space station overrun by alien monstrosities.

The Wii game tells the story of four space colonists trying to escape a mysterious infection of unknown origin. Dead Space Extraction explores the origins of the necromorph invasion that threatens humanity and the universe. At the center of this group is Lexine, an important new heroine being introduced for the first time to the Dead Space storyline. As the crew continues to fight for their lives, it becomes clear that protecting her is their only hope for survival. Luckily, players are armed with an arsenal of weaponry, a control system built for the Wii, and the ability to recruit a friend to play cooperatively, a first for the Dead Space franchise.

Dead Space Extraction is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. The game will be available for MSRP $49.99 on the Wii.

Composer Garry Schyman to score Dante’s Inferno

Visceral Games announced today that award-winning film, television and video game composer Garry Schyman will be creating the score for the third person action adventure game Dante’s Inferno. The renowned composer, who has won many prestigious awards (most recently for his work on BioShock), is creating a dramatic score that sets the tone for Visceral Games’ adaptation of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem.

The orchestral score and chorus were recorded in July at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Metro Voices Singers. The score soundtrack is planned for release in early 2010.

“Literally being asked to score hell was fantastic especially once I saw the surrealistically frightening world that Visceral Games had developed, said Garry Schyman. “I thought long and hard about every piece of music I wrote to create something new, surprising and fitting. It has turned out to be one of the most creative experiences in my career.”

Dante’s Inferno will be available in North America beginning on February 9, 2010 and in Europe on February 12, 2010 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PSP.

New Dante’s Inferno Circle of Hell: Greed

EA passed along word that tomorrow a new “Circle of Hell,” Greed, will be revealed and detailed on the official web site for Dante’s Inferno. EA announced earlier this year that it would unveil a new Circle of Hell at the web site on the 9th of every month. This means a new site theme, all new content, new videos, new downloads and a new interactive feature, debuting on September 9th.

EA also announced a one day sale at GameStop for pre-order customers. For one day only on 09/09/09 (tomorrow) anyone who pre-orders will get $6.66 off any pre-order of Dante’s Inferno. You can take advantage of the pre-order deal by visiting www.gamestop.com.

Dante’s Inferno is being developed by EA’s Visceral Games studio and will be released on PS3, Xbox 360 and PSP.

Dead Space Extraction gold, in stores Sept. 29

EA’s Visceral Games studio passed along word that its latest game, Dead Space Extraction has gone gold and will be in stores nationwide on September 29. Dead Space Extraction, the prequel to last year’s Dead Space, has been designed from the ground up for the Wii to bring the same kind of visceral horror survival experience that its namesake delivered on Xbox 360 and PS3.

Those attending the Penny Arcade Expo that are old enough to play it can check out the game at the EA booth (#432) first hand.

Pre-orders for the game are still available. Participating retailers are offering a special code that unlocks four of the game’s 10 challenge modes that Visceral Games promises will deliver difficult challenges that players can face alone or co-operatively with a friend against the Necromorph horde, competing for high scores and stylish kills. Players who do not pre-order the game must play through each chapter to earn and unlock the challenge modes.

Dead Space Extraction is rated M for Mature by ESRB. For more information about Dead Space Extraction.

Dead Space Extraction debuts at Comic-Con

EA’s Visceral Games and Image Comics have released an all-new comic based on Dead Space Extraction, the prequel to Dead Space for the Wii. The Dead Space Extraction comic reunites renowned illustrator Ben Templesmith and writer Antony Johnston with the game’s dark and mature fiction. This one-time special issue comic follows the successful partnership for last year’s Dead Space comic mini-series. The comic will be on store shelves in September 2009 for SRP $3. A limited edition version of the comic featuring exclusive cover art will be available for the special price of $2 at the EA Comic-con booth (#5123).

Ben Templesmith and Antony Johnston will be at the booth signing the special issues on Thursday 3-4 PM and Friday - Sunday 1-2 PM. Fans of Dead Space will also be able to purchase other Dead Space merchandise such an Isaac Clarke Unitology figurine, iPhone skins, and Dead Space art books. Players will also have the chance to play the game at the EA booth. The Dead Space Extraction development team is participating in the “Art of Making a Horror Video Game” panel on Friday, July 24th at 6 PM in Room 2.

Dante’s Inferno comic book announced

EA’s Visceral Games will collaborate with DC Comics’s WildStorm imprint to develop a comic book mini-series based on Dante’s Inferno, EA’s video game adaptation of part one of “The Divine Comedy.” The comic will make its world debut at Comic-Con International in San Diego from July 23 - 26. Also at the show, Visceral Games and Starz Media will screen the world premiere trailer of the Dante’s Inferno animated feature, which will be released on home entertainment platforms day-and-date with the EA game in 2010. Both of these projects are based on EA’s adaptation of Dante’s epic story from a contemporary perspective.

A special Issue 0 preview edition of the Dante’s Inferno comic will be given away at Comic-Con International 2009 in San Diego this week July 23 - 26 at the EA (Booth #5213) and DC Comics (Booth #1915) booths. The game will also be featured at the Go to Hell With Dante’s Inferno Panel (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 23rd in Room); Dante’s Inferno animated feature trailer preview (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM on Thursday, July 23rd in Room 8); Dante’s Inferno Comic Preview Issue signings (Artist Diego Latorre and writer Christos Gage, DC Comics booth - 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Friday and Saturday); Christos Gage Comic Signing (EA booth on Thursday from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM); and the Dante’s Inferno Limited Edition Lithograph signing (creator Diego Latorre, 750 copies available at the EA Booth Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM). The game will also be playable at the EA booth during the show.