DEAD ALERT; Wii version of PS3 and 360 hit has taken it to a whole new level.

DEAD SPACE EXTRACTION **** Wii

DEAD Space on 360 and PS3 was one of last year's best games. Its fusion of survival horror and sci-fi was a masterstroke, creating a highly atmospheric and playable game.

When it was announced a new Dead Space title was to be released onWii, many people scoffed. After all, how could the original's sharp visuals be recreated on Nintendo's console? Well, developerVisceral Studios have done it - and with style.

Extraction is a prequel to the original game, and rather than a free-roaming adventure, it is an on-rails shooter. But with its slow pace and focus on narrative, Dead Space Extraction at times resembles an interactive story.

While it's not essential to have played the first game, it helps, as you'll revisit some familiar areas and have a better understanding of exactly what's going on.

The game follows the plight of four colonists as they try to escape AegisVII following the discovery of an ancient alien artifact.

At every turn the party are faced with slavering, mentally disturbed humans and the spindly-limbed aliens - the Necromorphs.

The group blast off, heading for the apparent safety of the hulking planet-cracker vessel, the USG Ishimura - where the original game was set.

But as anyone who has played Dead Space will tell you, all is not as it seems on board the ship.

TheWii's controls are used to good effect throughout the adventure, with theWiimote used to aim, fire and grab items, while the analogue stick is used to flick through weapons on the fly.

Shaking theWiimote in dark areas recharges a fluorescent glow worm, essential for lighting your way through the dreadfilled sections of the doomed Ishimura.

The game's slow pace gives the player time to savour the impressive visuals, while the story - seen through the eyes of several characters - ticks along nicely.

Text and audio logs are also scattered around the decks of the Ishimura, which adds to the wonderful creepy atmosphere.

The stasis tool returns to the fold, allowing you to slow enemies in their tracks.

All the weapons from the original return, including the excellent franchise flame-thrower. To beef up your arsenal, armour and weapon upgrades are dished out after every chapter.

Dead Space Extraction is a polished slice of gaming action, with multiple difficulty levels, unlockable challenge scenarios, a welcome two-player option and some great visuals.

It's the most fun I've had on Wii for months.