Jul 21, 2010

As a huge fan of the first Dead Space, a true survival horror gem, I’ve been concerned about the sequel. From the few videos released so far — Isaac jumping through a runaway space train, or getting shot at by a space helicopter, or being launched into zero gravity to fight a grotesque monster — Dead Space 2 looks cool and visceral, but very much like an action shooter. Where are all the scares?

Playing Dead Space 2 for the first time at a recent EA event, it took just a few moments to get re-acclimated to the familiar controls. Clutching the plasma cutter (my weapon of choice in the first game), I was dismembering my Necromorph nemeses in no time; only interrupted by some cheap scares along the way — like some creepy creatures suddenly spawning behind me. This certainly felt like a Dead Space game.

Many fans of the first game wouldn’t mind a sequel that’s simply “more Dead Space,” and, in many ways, that’s exactly what I was playing. I noticed some some subtle changes and improvements, of course. For example, Isaac’s “stomp” attack can now be used repeatedly, allowing him to vent his rage over and over again — a great way to conserve ammo too! There are new weapons as well, including a pole-launcher that can pin enemies to walls.

Gallery: Dead Space 2 (7/21/10)