Black Inc. has announced that Ion Assault will be released on Xbox Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft Points later this summer. German developer Coreplay will handle development duties.

The game includes four scenarios, each featuring different types of opponents, bosses and background themes. Players can upgrade their spaceships and enjoy various power-ups including ones that create temporary black holes and increase ship speed.

Instead of conventional weapons, players use the free energy particles in space to fend off waves of aliens. The particles are bundled so players can shoot them at enemy ships and asteroids. Once used the particles are redistributed in space so players can magnetically attract them and use them again. The game will also include various multiplayer modes and online leaderboards.

“Through the dynamic particle and fluid system the player faces a constant challenge.” says Peter Ohlmann, Coreplay Technical Director. “The immense variety of effects, and the scope of the variables, makes Ion Assault a true next-gen game. It would simply not have been technically possible to implement this game concept on older consoles.”

Feast your eyes below on the first screenshots and debut trailer for the game or check out the game’s website for more information at www.ionassault.com.