“Dead Space 2” was officially released in 2011 (same year Skyrim came out) on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Like it’s predecessor, the sequel earned critical acclaim from critics and gamers alike. “Dead Space 3” concluded the series. It’s a shame Electronic Arts (EA for short) didn’t make a fourth game due to the third entry not selling enough copies. This is why we can’t have nice things.
EA is currently developing a Dead Space remake. It’ll be released in late 2022 on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Before the upcoming remake comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on Dead Space 2. My favorite installment of the series.
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to check out my non-spoiler article. A major SPOILER from the first game is listed. If you haven’t played the original, read at your own risk.
Healthy & Sick Aspects
Healthy: Voice Actors all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Graphics still hold up as they brought character models, lighting and environmental locations to life.
Gameplay retains core elements as a third-person survival horror. Your suit of armor displays health on the back, limited oxygen supply, a navigation system, a holographic map, stasis slows down an object or enemy, kinesis let’s you pick up objects, if a sharp blades is around, take advantage by impaling an enemy and don’t forget your handy dandy weapons. Use all your skills solving puzzles.
Set three years after the events of the first game, sole survivor Isaac Clarke wakes up in a space station. Due to coming in contact with an ancient marker linked to the Necromorph epidemic onboard The Ishimura, he suffers from hallucinations of his dead girlfriend Nicole. All heck breaks loose when Necromorphs spread another epidemic. With no other choice, Isaac must fight his way through to cure himself before he loses his sanity and destroy another ancient marker with help from Ellie Langford & Nolan Stross.
This is the first time Isaac is given dialogue and a personality. Slightly improving his character arc.
Sound Effects are cool when it comes to shooting baddies.
Soundtrack will give you goosebumps.
Scare Factor still gives me the heebie jeebies. If you already played the game, an eye surgery sequence made me uncomfortable. I managed to conquer it.
To stay alive, you’re gonna need supplies and ammo. Power Nodes allows you to upgrade your suit, weapons and gain access to special areas. It’s best to fully upgrade your suit and weapons. Before you use a workbench, double check for any sign of Necromorphs.
Once the coast is clear, find a nearby vending machine to resupply your health and ammo. If you save enough money, spend wisely for new weapons and suits.
Necromorphs are the main threat. They pop out from vents, ceilings and roaming in the shadows. Use your guns to cut their arms/legs/tentacles. Be wary, because they don’t take no for an answer. They’re much deadlier than last time taking new grotesque forms.
Unitlolgists, a cult who worship markers, play a key role. I know the name sounds like Scientologists, but EA confirmed they’re not based on them.
New features allow you to hack consoles, crawl through vents and at certain points fly like Iron Man during scripted moments.
As you confirm which suit you want, you get to see an awesome scene with Isaac helmet automatically putting it on.
Audio Logs are scattered all over the space station. They provide more context.
If you die, various kill animations with Isaac are gruesome.
There’s no auto save, look for a save point if you wanna take a break.
The sequel is told in 15 Chapters.
Similar to the first game, the sequel is influenced by the “Alien” series, “Event Horizon, “Resident Evil,” “Silent Hill” & John Carpenter’s “The Thing.”
Nolan Stross factors in. His backstory is explored in the direct-to-video film “Dead Space: Aftermath.”
Once you beat the game, New Game Plus allows you to replay the entire thing retaining all your stuff. Think you’re up for a risky challenge? Be warned, enemies are stronger, supplies and ammo are scarce.
Sick: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving the developers an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Without a doubt, Dead Space 2 surpasses the original. Every single positive aspect I’ve listed, indicates why the sequel is arguably the best in the Dead Space series. If you’re excited to play the upcoming remake of the original, go ahead and replay all three games.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 