Dead Space Reviews...

[Satki]

Unsurpirisngly, Dead Space has got high scores (88 on metacritic). though I expected it to be getting higher... the main criticism for it is that it's similar to older Horror games, but surely that isn't a downside, what is there that's wrong with being like an older game? an 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it' point of view.
Besides, I haven't really played much in the way of horror games, (RE4 and AVP2 are probably the closest i've played) so surely this criticism is a load of BS.
Anyway, I haven't bought it yet and need convincing... buy, rent or avoid?

 

[hippo24]

Dead space is a fun game, though I have only played it for 6 hrs (im less than half way through on normal), I still found it quite entertaining. This is largely because the game excels at creating a convincing atmosphere, and if nothing else, this was able to draw me in until the last possible moment when I had to get up from my couch. The game is unique in the fact that every design choice is one that is made to make the game's atmosphere that much more convincing. But the real question that must be asked is it worth $60, in my opinion it is, but then again $60 isn't terribly much for me.

Now addressing the claim of older games it does mimic certain aspects of Resident evil, but these are only gameplay mechanics (not plot devices thank god). It also reminds me a tad bit too much of system shock, maybe its because of the whole "abandoned ship" thing, as well as an overall fell that to me felt similar to system shock, But I have not played this game in years so my memory is a bit fussy. Athough it steals certain aspects from horror games, all the horror games it chooses to copy are very good games in general, so Dead space stealing from them may be observed as a good thing. Dead space is a beast all to itself and has enough innovation to make up for any copying it does.

In closing if survival horror isn't your preference, and you can't function without online. Then I would suggest renting it to see if you like it before committing.

 

[DesertHawk]

I've played several hours worth of the game (I'm somewhere in the middle of chapter 2), so I might be able to help you out with your question.

I think fans of either survival horror or shooter/action games will find something to enjoy here. So if you enjoy either of those types of games, then I don't think your "avoid" option really fits in. Now....rent or buy?

I won't go into visuals, sound, and story, while great (so far anyway), I don't feel they ultimately determine the replayability of the game. Given the info so far, I would suggest renting the game. Now, what does the game have to warrant a full purchase? The combination of the combat and the expansive upgrade system is what did it for me.

With several different (and all equally useful) weapons and the stasis/manipulation tools, there is plenty of variety/options in combat. This is made even more diverse with the gibbing system on each of the enemies. the use of 'strategic dismemberment' (SD) is very useful, and most importantly, very fun. What provides utility in a fight (SD), also provides a great visual experience.

The upgrade system is also fairly interesting (again, so far). While receiving a few items here and there that are used for upgrading, you can choose to advance your different pieces of gear. Weapons have branching paths of upgrade, which allows you a bit of freedom in how you want to specialize them. Because the items used for upgrading are somewhat scarce, it forces you to really consider what you need most (more damage?, bigger clips?, more armor?, more health?, etc...)

With those things to consider, It looks to be a game that could stand a few playthroughs. I caution you though, this is really just a first impression. We'll see how the game wraps up.

 

[Dr Spaceman]

If you're not totally convinced, probably a good idea to rent. From what I've read, seems like you can get just about the whole experience in a solid weekend of gaming.

I also read IGN's review and I was a bit surprised it only got an 8.7, the review seemed a bit more positive than that. Even if it is a bit similar to older games, there do appear to be a few interesting and new gameplay elements.

 

[TsunamiWombat]

It probably only got an 8.7 because nobody payed IGN for more. 8.7 is a 9 for people who don't pay.

Conspiracy theories aside, from what I understand the only problems with the game are a certain amount of bactracking, some silly particle effects when air gets sucked out into space, a stomp that sometimes magically destroys things above you and NO quick turn around button.

Sounds pretty damn good if those are the games biggest problems, i'd say. The story and the voice acting were particularly praised (and i'll believe it from listening to the trailer/the animated comics). My only quibble is womens hair looks rather plastic in the future.

 

[axia777]

Reviews? Who trusts any reviews these days? I will wait for Yahtzee to review it I guess, if I wait fort a review at all. It's Meta score was all right. It looks like a great game and I love horror games of all kinds. It is a must buy for me. But then I buy all games used on eBay so what do I care?

 

[The Wooster]

It probably only got an 8.7 because nobody payed IGN for more. 8.7 is a 9 for people who don't pay.

Conspiracy theories aside, from what I understand the only problems with the game are a certain amount of bactracking, some silly particle effects when air gets sucked out into space, a stomp that sometimes magically destroys things above you and NO quick turn around button.

Sounds pretty damn good if those are the games biggest problems, i'd say. The story and the voice acting were particularly praised (and i'll believe it from listening to the trailer/the animated comics). My only quibble is womens hair looks rather plastic in the future.

Didn't notice the bad particle effects. In fact I'd say the whole decompression thing looks and sounds awesome. The muted sound when you're fighting in space is very atmospheric.

As for the stomping. The dude can stomp people's limbs off. It's not suprising the tremors destroy things above him.

 

[wgreer25]

Well I have finally played it, and I love it. I am a horror fan and I would say that this is very similar to RE4 but surpasses it in many ways. RE4 was a good shooter but never really achieved a horror atmosphere. Dead Space does and does with flying colors (or body parts). The visuals are stunning but it is the sound that really gets me going. There are tons of sounds in the floors and ceiling that make you think something could jump out at any time. IMO the sound almost trumps the visuals and the visuals are pretty damn impressive.

Being a horror fan, I have become somewhat desensitezed to the jump out scare so I was looking forward to something that could actually scare me. Condemded did a pretty good job, but doesn't come close to what Dead Space has done so far (about 4 hours in). There was a scene where an enemy was on the ground ahead of me, I knew he was going to pop up and attack, I knew it. I still flinched. Frakin' awesome.

Every aspect of the game is designed to emerse you into it. From the visuals and sound to the simple things like no HUD and that the game is not paused when you look at your invintory screen, all menus are done by a holographic projection in front of you, so you can be attacked while checking your invintory. The lack of sound outside it awesome, just your heartbeat and breath. I think the no quick turn adds to the vulnerabilty feeling and I'm glad they didn't include one.

I love the strategic dismemberment. You have to think about every single shot you make and if an enemy gets right up on top of you, it is hard to stay calm.

The equipment system is very good. I will be playing through more than once to fully upgrade some gear.

In summary, if you are a horror fan, it is a must own. If you liked the RE4 style shooter, it is a rent/own. If you are mildly interested, It is worth a rent just to witness the atmosphere they have created. If you are easily startled and could easily get nightmares from the creepy environment, aviod like the plague. This game is not for panzies.

 

[Fraught]

From the visuals and sound, to the simple things like no HUD and that the game is not paused when you look at your invintory screen, all menus are done by a holographic projection in front of you, so you can be attacked while checking your inventory. The lack of sound outside is awesome, just your heartbeat and breath. I think the no quick turn adds to the vulnerabilty feeling and I'm glad they didn't include one.

And here's one tip for game developers to get extra points to reviews, include a setting which enables you to turn off/on the ability to access the inventory real-time. So that you could choose whether the rest of the game is stopped then, or not.

I would personally like for it to stop, depending on how hard the game is.

 

[wgreer25]

And here's one tip for game developers to get extra points to reviews, include a setting which enables you to turn off/on the ability to access the inventory real-time. So that you could choose whether the rest of the game is stopped then, or not.

I would personally like for it to stop, depending on how hard the game is.

It would be a neet option, but that is against the point. The point is emersion. You have to think before you go into inventory. It is adding to the horror/vulnerability of the main character. If it was a real situation, you wouldn't just ask the bad guys to stay still while you check your back pack. Or better, knowing you can just "pause" and fix something if you get boned. I think it adds greatly to the horror factor. Mostly because it seems that every time I open my invintory screen I hear some little skittering sound in the distance and freakout.

 

[Silent Biohazard Solid]

Dead Space is a solid game, but it lost me on one major aspect: Narrative.
It plays like Bioshock or Metroid Prime. The main character has no speaking parts. The story reveals through text, audio and video logs, and through the character's allies talking to you. But there are no big, cinematic cutscenes, and like I said, no dialogue on the protagonist's behalf. That's the one thing that's gonna keep me from bothering with the sequel if there is one.
All the other things, however, are awesome. The sound design is amazing, the graphics are awesome. And the backstory is good. Gameplay mechanics are very well done, too, they just lost me on the narrative issue.
But if you liked the way the story is told in Bioshock or Metroid Prime, you should like this game.

 

[[HD]Rob Inglis]

I'd recommend renting it.