Thread: [Review] Dead Space

EDIT 2: NOTE that this review is focused on the PC version of the game.

I'll keep this one shorter.

What do ya'll think about it? I suppose there's not much to say; it's mostly linear gameplay with no multiplayer, though the atmospheric elements of the game beef up the relatively simple and shallow plot (as they do in any good horror movie).

The gameplay is pretty interesting. Having to sever limbs makes shots a little more on the strategic side and fits well with the horror theme. It also fits in well with the weapons types, which though they may not be quite as numerous as in some contemporary shooters, are also individually not as flexible as in other shooters due to the varied configuration of your opponents' limbs. Note also that you are only able to equip 4 weapons at a time, making your weapons selection require a bit of pre-planning and strategy as well (note that this limitation is probably mainly to make the game more suitable for consoles).

Also, am I wrong when I say that the pace of combat is at times a bit slower than that in other shooters? That's not a bad thing; it just lends a different overall feel to combat. That, coupled with the slower rate of enemies encounters, give the game a more strategic feel I think than some other FPSs.

Some cons are easy to list. First of all, there is probably little replay value here. The story is linear, with missions serving as nothing more than mileposts in the single undeviating story arc. The only extras that would merit an extra play through are the difficulty settings, finding extra free power nodes which are used to upgrade equipment, and trying different weapons selections. I don't know how long the primary story takes to play through.

Secondly, the PC version of the game is obviously a simple remapping of a console's controller keys to the keyboard, with the mouse taking the place of an analog stick. The controls still feel pretty damn slick, but somethings don't work as smoothly they would with a console control pad. For example, it's awkward to access the inventory and using the arrow keys to select, requiring you to either move your hand off the mouse or the ASDW keys to move.

So all in all, this is the game equivalent of a horror movie. It has great atmosphere and really draws the player in, but there is otherwise little narrative depth. The gameplay elements are focused and well-developed, and though they aren't chock full of innovation do add enough novelty to attract FPSers familiar with games in the genre.

EDIT: So much for keeping this short