Dead Space - PS3 (From News Shopper)

Dead Space - PS3

12:40pm Monday 17th November 2008

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These days, there is no shortage of games within the survival horror genre. What with the established likes of 'Resident Evil', 'Resistance: Fall of Men' and 'Silent Hill', you would think that most developers wouldn't bother to introduce a new kid onto the block. However, EA have done just that with the rather excellent 'Dead Space'.

The character you play is Isaac Clarke (named after the science fiction writers Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke), an engineer on his way to the stricken mining ship, USG Ishimura. Responding to a distress call sent from the USG Ishimura, he is part of a team of four sent to investigate the call. Upon arriving at the stricken ship, Isaac's shuttle crash lands on the Ishimura flight deck and the crew is attacked by a bunch of mutated hostile creatures called Necromorphs. Isaac gets separated from the rescue team and he then has to spend the rest of the game repairing different areas of the Ishimura, whilst fending off Necromorphs.

'Dead Space' is a third person shooter, with an over the shoulder style much similar to Resident Evil 4. The interface is displayed via a holographic display in front of your character, a unique trick which doesn't disrupt the flow of the game. Through out the game you can collect nodes and credits. With these you can upgrade your weapons and suit, so that you are better protected as you progress to the harder levels. At various stations around the ship, you can equip yourself with various weapons. The decisions that you make here can come back to haunt you, as certain weapons are more effective in certain situations.

The Ishimura has a very claustrophobic feel to it, which really adds some atmospheric tension to the gameplay. It is pretty obvious that the developers took a good look at films like Alien and Event Horizon, when deciding on the look and feel of 'Dead Space', as it does have a very cinematic feel to it. Part of this is helped by the very effective music score. When Necromorphs jump out at you, there is a musical stab which sends shiver done the spine, as you panic to move Isaac to safety.

While most levels are set on the ship, there are a few sections where Isaac has to venture out into areas that have no gravity or air. Despite the wide area, you still feel as if a Necromorph can jump out and attack you – this might have something to do with the fact that you can not turn around quickly, especially if you are flying through space.

The various designs of the Necromorphs are truly chilling. Clearly the concept of some twisted individual who understands the horror genre all too well - they are essentially aliens that combine themselves to the deceased, in a truly grisly manner. Think of the alien in John Carpenter's 'The Thing', but with big claws and a horrific scream.

The controls of 'Dead Space' handle pretty well. Its all pretty standard with games similar to this title, but as stated earlier, there is no quick button to turn around quickly - but I feel that this adds to the atmosphere and tension of the game. A quick tap on the R3 button and Isaac will go into attack mode, needless to say, I spent most of the game prepared for anything. Which is just as well, because when a Necromorph attacks you, it is quite unrelenting and only by pressing the square button at a fast rate, will you be able to fight it off.

One interesting spin of this game, is that where a head shot will instantly disable your opponenent, on this it will achieve nothing. To disable the Necromorphs, you will need to take out their arms and legs, usually achieved with fast and precise aiming.

Graphically, 'Dead Space' looks amazing and as I stated earlier, the developers have really done their homework with achieving that sci fi horror look. There's blood-stained walls, NPC's committing suicide as you walk in rooms, really gruesome stuff. This game is definitely not for the younger audience, nor the weak of heart. Again kudos has to be given to the developers for the haunting and effective music score.

'Dead Space' is a linear based game, so there is a little bit of back peddling here and there, but it doesn't affect the overall gameplay. The cut scenes are also quite good, with some impressive voice work.

All in all, 'Dead Space' is quite an impressive and scary game. EA have done a great job in creating an immersive universe and I wouldn't be surprised if a sequel is on the way. I would definitely recommend getting this one, along with some clean underwear.

Verdict: 9 out of 10

The Good
- Feels very cinematic
- Imaginative creature design
- Effective use of music and sound
- Great graphics

The Bad
- Can't change difficulty once you complete the game
- No mulitplayer/online content

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