Dead Space Review (x360) By Sayed Islam Published: 11/17/08 PrintEmail
It is virtually implausible to get lost because there is a blue line that will easily guide Clarke to his next objective (ala Army of Two). Speaking of the Necromorphs, every single one of them is broken down in various categories. The strategy that comes into play here is knowing how to deal with each creature.
If that was not enough, then be prepared to learn that the Necromorphs are fairly precocious. They will implement tactics such as playing dead to provide the illusion of death. In actuality, the Necromorphs are giving the illusion of false security and are ready to pounce on Clarke at any given moment. Another instance of their perceptiveness is how they attack you. For example, the Necromorphs might feel like they are discreetly communicating with each other. These abominations will swarm Clarke from different angles, and there attacks are relentless.
The Necromorphs can range from a mundane humanlike being to a seemingly pregnant Necromorph. Some Necromorphs will hurl hazardous projectiles, and others will literally tear you apart piece by piece. There is even a kamikaze Necromorph that can attack with an explosive device. Up close and personal, these Necromorphs are deadly. When they are shot from afar, they will explode in a dazzling array of gore and eliminate any other Necromorphs in plain sight.
Along with the rudimentary Necromorphs there are miniature bosses equipped with heavy armor. Without giving too much away, the boss battles that will leave many people in awe. Fortunately, each Necromorph will drop credits which are used to upgrade your weapons and gear at work benches.
Why do the Necromorphs have credits, you ask? It is tough to answer that question without spoiling the plot point, so that question will remain unanswered. Gamers will know soon enough. Nonetheless, the work benches are where you can purchase healing items and sell or store certain items for later use. There is a limit to the amount of equipment Clarke can carry so choose wisely.
Another aspect of Dead Space that comes to mind is the absence of a heads up display. Instead of that, there is everything important labeled either on Clarke’s back or near him. The inventory system is presented in a holographic image, and it is simple to navigate. His health is evident by a shimmering blue gauge on the back of Clarke’s suit. Ammunition can be viewed when the weapon is being pointed. Moreover, even the stasis bar is shown on the back of your character.
Your targeting reticule can be altered from horizontal to vertical or vice versa. Some of the weapons that are in the game are plasma guns, buzz saws, a weapon similar to shotgun, flamethrower, and even kinesis. Kinesis is intrinsically like a telekinetic power that lifts certain objects and moves them around. Think of it as the gravity gun in a game like The Orange Box’s Half-Life 2. There are also segments during the gameplay that includes almost oxygen-free zero gravity locations. These areas allow Clarke to use his sophisticated boots to explore the walls and ceiling of a room. It can be disorienting to traverse your way in a zero gravity environment, and this is further exacerbated by the fact that Necromorphs are ubiquitous.
The audio is exceptionally well done, as the shrieks of the Necromorphs will send shivers down the back of your neck. Musically, it does as impressive job of complementing the tone. The voice acting is superb, and there are countless times where listening to the audio chat logs will inject new life into the ambiance.
The visuals are rich and vibrant in detail. Character models are brilliant; Clarke’s suit has a stylish helmet and body armor. Nevertheless, some of the melee combat animations can be flat out hilarious. When you kick something, your character will look inept.
Overall, this game will keep you begging for more after its conclusion. Other game developers should take extensive notes because Dead Space is truly exceptional.
Art Direction 9 The visuals are rich and vibrant in detail. Character models are brilliant; Clarke’s suit has a stylish helmet and body armor. Nevertheless, some of the melee combat animations can be flat out hilarious. When you kick something, your character will look inept.
Audio 9 The audio is exceptionally well done, as the shrieks of the Necromorphs will send shivers down the back of your neck. Musically, it does as impressive job of complementing the tone. Voice acting is superb, and there are countless times where listening to the audio chat logs will inject new life into the ambiance.
Gameplay 9 This game will keep you begging for more after its conclusion. Other game developers should take extensive notes because Dead Space is truly exceptional.
Presentation 9 Dead Space features a plot that lures gamers in straight from the onset, and it never relinquishes that fire until the climactic ending.
Replay Value 9 Although there is no multiplayer in Dead Space, there is an incentive to replay the game because your gear carries over to the next saved game.
