'Watchmen' video game a Warner Bros. film prequel

"Watchmen" is already getting a prequel _ and the film's not out until next year.

Warner Bros. announced Wednesday it will release an episodic downloadable video game developed by Deadline Games that will prequel next year's big-screen adaptation of the "Watchmen" graphic novel pegged to the film's March debut. Another game that will take place following the first game will be released later in 2009 at the same time as the "Watchmen" DVD.

In the games, players will be able to combat foes as the pointy-eared Nite Owl (played by Patrick Wilson in the film) and inkblot mask-wearing Rorschach (Jackie Earle Haley). The mature action-brawler will be released for Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 and Windows PC and will match the visual style of the film, which is being directed by "300" director Zach Snyder.

"Watchmen" is set in an alternate world where superheroes have been outlawed. The landmark graphic novel, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, won a Hugo Award in 1988. The film adaptation is set for release March 6, 2009, and also stars Billy Crudup as Dr. Manhattan, Carla Gugino as Silk Spectre and Jeffrey Dean Morgan as The Comedian.

Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner Inc.