The downloadable title is a prequel to the upcoming game for HD consoles, with a very retro style to boot.

Dark Void is an upcoming game for HD consoles and PC, centred around a cargo pilot who has crashed into the Bermuda Triangle, been transported into a parallel universe, and teams up with other enslaved humans to defeat some aliens known as Watchers using their own tech (like hoverpacks and jetpacks). Yeah, simple right? Anyway, what’s actually of interest to us is a prequel that has now been announced for DSiWare, called Dark Void Zero.

Developed by Other Ocean, the game will feature an 8-bit 2D graphics set on top of its action gameplay. They haven’t just left the theme there, though. For instance, you have to blow onto your DSi’s microphone to clean the game’s virtual cartridge, NES style. Once this is complete, the cart proceeds to insert itself into the DS’s bottom screen. Cinematics are are also played out through beautiful pixelated stills. Bear McCreary has also made a full set of 8-bit music and sound effects to suit.

You play one of the first members of the resistance, Rusty, who appears in the other version of the game, and who is helped out by the scientist Nikola Tesla. The story basically sees Rusty fight the Watchers and attempt to free the humans from their control over the course of three levels.

The gameplay is a run-and-gun affair with a hint of platforming action. Six different weapons are there for you to find along the way and, yes, you can use jetpacks in the game, too.

We don’t know exactly whether this will be hitting the PAL DSiWare service, let alone the Australian store, but it’s set to release in North America some time in January for 500 Points. In the meantime, check out Gamespot for some more details and videos of the game.