Dead Space

Firm Footing

The developer also implemented zero-gravity environments which add a nice dimension to the gameplay. When you enter a zero-G environment, a hologram on Isaac's back displays how much oxygen you have remaining. In zero-G you can walk on walls, leap across entire rooms, and shoot enemies floating around in the air. The zero-G areas of the game are mostly puzzle based, with occasional bouts of shooting, and requires you to traverse large areas while keeping a careful watch on your oxygen levels. One memorable scenario in Dead Space that I encountered positioned me on the outside of the ship in the middle of an asteroid storm. It's one of the more difficult challenges in the game, but at the same time it was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively.

That the USG Ishimura itself feels like a character in the game is a testament to the inspired level design. Its architecture is clearly influenced by Gothic cathedrals with flying buttresses, ribbed motifs, and external reinforcements all around. Crash landing on the Ishimura immediately sets the eerie tone for the real horrors that await you.

Dead Space (360)

Spaced Out

There are so many other things about Dead Space that I want to tell you about-the shooting gallery, telekinesis basketball mini-games, the photon laser cannon, the epic boss battles-but ultimately it's a game you have to experience first hand. The only thing I could have asked for from the phenomenal single-player campaign was more modes to play through. On the plus side, there is ample replay value in the single-player campaign thanks to the large number of equipment upgrades but I would have killed for a co-op option or a battle mode where you earn big points for dismembering endless swarms of Necromorphs.

But that's just me wishing for more excuses to play Dead Space. It's easily the best survival horror game since the masterful Resident Evil 4 and it sets the bar high for graphics, sound, and scares in its respective genre. Dead Space is an artistic nightmare clearly designed for survival horror fans by a passionate and dedicated team of like-minded gamers. Just be sure to play it with the lights on...

PROS: Great graphics and sound; huge enemy variety; solid controls; awesome weapons.
CONS: I wish there were additional modes outside of the single-player campaign...
Dead Space (360)
Dead Space (360)

Comments [0]

post a comment

Post a Comment