[REVIEW] Dead Space 2

Myles Milligan
(Playstation 3, Xbox 360 [Reviewed], PC)

Does this scene make me look too awesome?

In Dead Space 2 you play as engineer, Isaac Clarke, three years after a massacre took place aboard the USG Ishimura. The game begins with Isaac waking up and finding himself on Titan Station, which has been overrun by Necromorphs. Just like in Dead Space, Isaac is forced to battle his way through hordes of deadly Necromorphs in order to complete various point A to point B objectives. In this aspect the game is paced very well, and the amount of action and suspense keeps you drawn in to whatʼs happening. The one drawback is that as the game progresses it starts to fall into a very familiar rhythm, and almost becomes predictable. This was also the case with Dead Space.

Unlike in Dead Space, however, Isaac can talk now. At first this seems quite odd considering Isaac said not a word in the first game, but it absolutely works for the sequel. It gives us more of an understanding of who he is and allows him to grow more as the protagonist. In the beginning we find out that Isaac is suffering from a severe case of dementia. His condition only continues to worsen as he is haunted by hallucinations of his dead girlfriend. Aside from fighting through blood-thirsty Necromorphs, Isaac must also fight to overcome his personal demons from the past. The story for Dead Space 2 is the most interesting and intense Iʼve seen in any game recently. I particularly enjoyed how the game delved more deeply into the fictional religion of Unitology, which holds a substantial significance in the plot.

Aside from the story, the gameplay is more than satisfying. Along with old weapons from the first game, a few more have been added in the sequel. Most notably the “Impaler” gun. This gun can fire a long javelin into enemies, so powerful, that it can pin them onto walls. Familiar powers such as Stasis and Kinesis have been brought back to assist Isaac on his journey. Stasis allows you to slow enemies down making it easier to dismember them, while Kinesis grants you the ability to move inanimate objects and potentially use them as a weapon.  Overall the combat system seems smoother and more functional in this game. Although the improvements to the combat system make you feel more powerful while playing, there is still an essence of desperateness and panic that is held onto from the first game.


Another great improvement to the game has to be Isaacʼs anti gravity suit. Instead of the old method of Zero G movement, which involved pointing to a location and jumping towards it, you can now detach yourself from the surface you are standing on and freely move throughout the weightless environment using thrusters. This allows for easier maneuverability and better exploration. This new feature can be a bit disorienting at times, but you can easily realign yourself with the ground level with the simple click of a button.

That’s it, you’re going for a time out.

Just as you would expect, Dead Space 2 now offers a better variety of Necromorphs which are more intelligent and deadlier then ever before. Two new types of Necromorph that really stand out are The Pack and The Stalker. The Pack is comprised of many small, child-like Necromorphs that resonate a distinct, shrill scream when they attack. Individually The Pack are very weak, but it’s the speed at which they can overwhelm you with their numbers that truly makes them a frightening force. Much like The Pack, The Stalker will ambush in groups. However, where these two Necromorphs differ is that The Stalker is more selective about when it attacks. Calling for support, evading when pursued, and even poking it’s head out from around corners are just some of the mind games that The Stalker plays on you before it picks the right moment to strike with devastating force.

Out of all the things that this game has to offer the level design is the greatest. The levels have been masterfully crafted with explicit attention to detail. The campaign will take you on a wild adventure throughout the Sprawl while fighting to survive in places like a Unitologist church, transit stations, mining tunnels, government laboratories, and even a childrenʼs day care centre. The game also offers gigantic, open zero-gravity maps, which are excellent for exploring. Many of the levels are drenched in an eerie darkness, which adds to the terrifying atmosphere of the game.


My only reservation with the level design is that there is almost too much darkness that you canʼt always enjoy the fine detail in the environment. In addition to the game’s design, itʼs worth acknowledging the sound mixing as well. Every sound effect in this game sounds amazing, and exactly how you would imagine it. From every weapon blast, to every shrieking Necromorph, itʼs an audible delight! The combination of superior level design and sound mixing only serves to better immerse you within this creepy, spaced-out world.

What was originally missing from the first game has now been added to the sequel. An online multiplayer takes on a fun new way to continue playing after youʼve completed the single-player campaign. Similar to Left 4 Deadʼs approach to online gaming, Dead Space 2 pits humans versus Necromorphs in an all out battle for survival. Each team has four players. The objective for the humans is to complete various tasks, depending upon which map theyʼre playing, within the provided time limit. While playing as a human, players have all the abilities they would if they were playing Isaac in the campaign.


Opposition players can choose between four Necromorphs to play as, and their objective is simple. Stop the humans at all costs! While playing as a Necromorph, players have special abilities based on the Necromorph they control. The gameplay highly promotes the use of strategy to achieve your objectives, and teamwork is an invaluable asset if you expect to succeed. The multiplayer also offers a leveling-up system which resembles that of Call of Dutyʼs. Players can accumulate points after playing a match, which will eventually lead to unlocking special items, abilities, and suits. At times the combat can feel a little clumsy and the objectives repetitive, but itʼs the intense battles and the frantic struggle to stay alive that makes the multiplayer so much fun.

Oh, you did not just puke all over my brand new suit!

In almost every way possible, Dead Space 2 is better than itʼs predecessor. Rather than making drastic changes, subtle tweaks are made to its gameplay with absolutely no expense to the game itself. The story is captivating, and as it progressed I found myself on the edge of my seat, grasping my controller in sheer exhilaration. By the end, I feverishly asked myself: “So when does the next one come out?” Honestly, the good people over at Visceral Games should be high five-ing each other for pumping out another classic.  As a fan of the survival-horror genre, this game truly is a milestone among the other great titles. If you haven’t done so already, play this game!