Things Ain't So Dead In Space
It’s been a little while since we had a jaw dropper from the survival horror genre and I think this is one of the many yet to come. Just for safety reasons you might want to keep that jaw clenched tight since you’re about to witness unnatural severing of many limbs and body parts.
Although the story in Dead Space might not be as fresh and original as some would like, it still manages to provide some excellent storytelling. From the get go you are plunged deep into a world with a thick and tense atmosphere where you must fight for survival on a colossal spaceship know as the USG Ishimura. On the subject of atmosphere, the constant yet seamless soundtrack offers an eerie backdrop to every location you enter adding to the tense air around you. If you haven’t seen the animated comic or animated movie I would highly recommend them, as they provide a great back story.
The gameplay though not revolutionary and possibly repetitive at times, still manages to keep you compelled and eager to progress forward. This is possibly due to the success of the integrated HUD along with natural level and story progression. Progression trough the game wouldn’t be possible if it were not for the abundance of weapons and items. It must be said originality really shines through this section. Only here you will find weapons for “strategic dismemberment” and boy is it satisfying to witness legs being torn at the thighs or even the customary beheading. Now where would weapons be if there were not the enemies to use them on? Dead Space provides a nicely balanced assortment of enemies for you to quench your newly found dismembering thirst, with this said you will not always be overwhelmed with enemies but you will always be wary of what’s around every corner or what could be behind you.
As mentioned by many reviews before me the controls are one of the best I’ve come across in a third person survival horror. Bottom line is they are sharp, responsive, and well balanced which all the more adds to the fun and excitement the game already offers. With that said on a more personal note it wouldn’t have hurt to have a mouse at hand during a number of zero gravity moments.
Finally this game really pulls of some stunning visuals. The graphics provide a nice bonus to your exploration onboard the Ishimura. With no major issues or bugs yet to be seen I can say that this is definitely one of the top pieces of eye candy to be seen this year. Every little detail has been taken care of, and I mean every arm, leg, torso, head… the list goes on. An intricate detail such as a dismembering animation or weapon animation just gives that satisfying feeling and allows you to be immersed deeper into the game.
Result?
Although it doesn’t give that scare factor some may long for it is still an extremely entertaining game. It provides a compelling story, 12-ish hours of tense yet fun gameplay with tight controls, and stunning visuals. What more could you ask for? Why not see if you have that dismembering talent. Stop reading and go get it!
