Yesterday at Leipzig, Sega took the wraps off The House of the Dead: OVERKILL, a new “pulp-horror reinvention of the classic SEGA light-gun shooter franchise.”

Created by Headstrong Games, The House of the Dead: OVERKILL promises to be “jam-packed with arcade style shooting, over-the-top gore and a whole lot of zombies!” The game is a prequel to previous House of the Dead titles so will take gamers back to the beginning of this series and uncover the secrets behind the House of the Dead when it is released exclusively on the Wii in early 2009.

According to Sega, the game will get a new retro look taking audiences back to horror movies from the 70’s and 80’s. It will feature “distinctive graphics, sound and attitude that will add to its horror status” but will also stay true to its original game play. Special Agent G (fresh out of the academy) and Detective Washington team up to investigate a series of mysterious disappearances in Bayou City, Louisiana – unaware that zombies await them in the streets and swamps.

Use the Wii Remote to fight off zombies, whether that be hand-to-hand combat or using the trusty shotgun. Players will be able to use “Slow-Mofo Time” to get in the perfect head-shot ot “Evil Eye” to send environments up in flames. The game will also feature a co-op mode where two players can take on the zombies together.

If you are a House of the Dead fan you won’t want to miss the debut trailer, but if you have a nervous disposition you might want to give this one a skip!

“We wanted to do something really different with The House of the Dead: OVERKILL,” commented Bradley Crooks, Studio Head at Headstrong Games. “With SEGA we’ve been able to create a fresh look for the franchise. I think you’ll agree it’s like nothing you’ve seen before on Wii.”

“Paying homage to the pulp horror comics and films that inspired generations of gore fans, The House of the Dead: OVERKILL will expose gamers to a brand-new fleshy rollercoaster ride of revolting dismemberment,” commented Gary Knight, European Marketing Director at SEGA Europe. “This is the hardcore Wii title you’ve been waiting for.”

For more information check out the game’s official website.