If you’ve learned anything from Visceral Games’ excellent Dead Space, it’s probably that you should think twice before digging up mysterious alien artefacts. However, if you’re determined to pursue this course, Dead Space recommends that you keep a set of mining equipment with you at all times. I realise that this probably sounds farfetched, but these tools will be perfectly suited to any and all challenges you happen to encounter.

If the debut trailer for Rochard is any guide, developer Recoil Games has been paying close attention to these suggestions. This sci-fi themed 2D action game casts you in the role of John Rochard, a simple asteroid miner forced to rely on the tools of your trade to overcome hoards of vicious enemies. The violence seems to have something to do with the recent discovery of (you guessed it) a mysterious alien artefact.

You’ll also be hammering enemies and solving puzzles with the aid of a gravity manipulation device, a feature presumably added to ensure that the Dead Space comparison is absolutely unavoidable. In going with a cartoon aesthetic and humorous script, Recoil has at least ensured that Rochard will be markedly different in tone.

This Sony published PSN exclusive is due for release in autumn.