Kind of interested in this, but I really don't have any desire to play through the first game unless there is some significant reason to, story or otherwise. 
 
Yeah, pretty simple thread. But, you know. 
 
Video games. 
 

The story kind of doesn't matter, so you can probably have a good time without playing the first. Parts will be confusing without the proper background but whatever. Monsters. Shoot them.

Dead Space 2 has already spoiled the most significant story plot point in the original, so story wise no I wouldn't say so. 

" The story kind of doesn't matter, so you can probably have a good time without playing the first. Parts will be confusing without the proper background but whatever. Monsters. Shoot them. "

In terms of gameplay you can still have some fun with Dead Space I believe, also to compare how much it has improved since then.  Story-wise, you can likely wiki the story or even watch youtube walkthroughs of the game by other players to see the significant moments in motion should you find yourself unable to go through a playthrough of Dead Space.

Well, I guess you must already know this but the first one is still a really good game and it's not too long, can be found cheaply - I guess this close to release you might have to delay playing 2 if you were going to play through 1 so if you can't stand doing that then no, I don't think you're gonna be lost in the story or anything like that. If the expository "last time on Dead Space" style video from the demo is in the final game I don't think there is anything to worry about. But still :( it's a good game! cheap!

With it being my current favorite horror game, I can only recommend you play through it. But as stated before, it's not entirely necessary as Dead Space 2 already spoiled the story in the demo.

Yeah I'd say the story is necessary, there are a few big moments that will probably tie into the sequel, but barring that its just a really good game. Its a better RE5 than RE5 was.

I got a question.
 

The answer to this question is always YES. Dead Space is fucking rad.

Of course...why not? It's also really cheap.
 
Also, it has:

I haven't played the second one yet but I like the idea of seeing Isaac evolve so I would definitely recommend playing the first.
 
Tho come to think of it, it might be kinda neat to play it after playing two - like a prequel.
 
Regardless, I'd totally play the first simply because it was awesome.

" Of course...why not? It's also really cheap.
 
Also, it has:

SPOILER WARNING: Click here to reveal hidden content.

Zero-G basketball

"

I liked the first dead space, and I think it still hods up. I'll be playing through it soon, definitely before I pay DS2.

I have a slightly different question. I tried playing the first one on PC and it didn't really click for me. Brad did mention in his review that the PC's controls were eh for some people. So should I try 1 on a console, or should I just jump into 2?

If you like to play great games then there's no reason not to play Dead Space. 
 
@CrazedMaverick: I played the first in the PC and I enjoyed it a lot. I really don't think you'll notice a big difference by playing the first game again on a console (but, I might be wrong).

You should most certainly play through the first Dead Space!  It was very very good!

Well do you know what I think... 
 

If you mean for story purposes I doubt it, but I recommend it just because its a great game to play.

I don't know why you wouldn't want to play through it. I thought it was great game.

Kind of in the same boat as the OP. So how long is the first game? Is it hard?

It'd be interesting to play Dead Space 2, then go back to the first game, I'm sure it'll hold up just fine. Man... where is my copy? It's been 'in transit' for like 6 hours- what's that? DOORBELL?!

You should play the 1st DS 1st. Cause you won't wanna go back to the 1st after playing the 2nd. Thanks to the controls...

Noo... it was just the dog barking at someone walking a dog. Bummer. 

If you liked Resident Evil 1-3 then you'll love the first game I'd say.

I'd say yes, the game is really really fun, I played through my first time a couple weeks ago and I wanted to slap myself in the face for not playing it earlier.

yes

From all the horror games I've played (in the number of 30+), it is in my second spot. That says something about its quality.  
 
Still I have Resident Evil Remake, Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem, Resident Evil Zero, Cryostasis, Resident Evil 4 Gamecube Edition, and Parasite Eve 2 to add. ^^

It's worth it. As for getting it all in before you play DS2... I'm not sure I could wait...
...Hmm,  an alternative could be for you to just sink an hour or so watching (the excellent) DS: Downfall. It gives the back story of the events leading up to DS so you'll at least have a little something extra to take with you into DS2 after you watch the "last time on DS" vid. Have fun man! Great series...
 
 
p.s. the novel is good too :)

If all you care about is shooting/stomping monsters, first is pretty much the same as the second. You may as well get the first one and play that since it's probably alot cheaper by now. Only reason you may want Dead Space 2 is the multiplayer..

" @Slaker117 said:

" The story kind of doesn't matter, so you can probably have a good time without playing the first. Parts will be confusing without the proper background but whatever. Monsters. Shoot them. "

I disagree. I haven't played the second one yet(it's coming today and I am so damn excited!) but it is my belief that there are a lot of Isac and his girlfriend references and you start with no memories. I think without the first game, the game will just feel like you killing a bunch of monsters. But again, I don't know for sure because I have not played the second game. I think it is gonna be beneficial for you to play the first one. Iit's not like it is hard to go back either. The game still holds up pretty well(I finished it again last year and it was still good). So I will argue play the first one and then the second one. It's not a must but it would be a lot more helpful. "

Play it. It's still pretty good. It just has a slower pace than the new game.

I couldn't find a copy of the original so I just rented 2. 
 
Everyone came away unhappy and with less money.

Dead Space 1 is a awesome game. You should try it.