Excellent Survival horror Game

User Rating: 10 | Dead Space (2008) PC
By arashyt | Review Date:
The interface of Dead Space does not feature a traditional head-up display. Instead, all information is relayed to the player via holographic projections and the features on the suit and the weapons themselves. For example, a small display on the weapon shows an ammo count; also, the 'health meter' that indicates Isaac's condition is integrated into the spine of Isaac's armor. Via floating holograms projected in front of Isaac, the player can check the current objectives and the 3D map, or access the inventory screen to manage items. Meanwhile, however, the game still progresses through time, and the player is always in danger of being attacked. The only menus in which the game is not still in progress are the pause and save menus. The player can still be attacked when using the store or upgrade bench, meaning there are effectively no "safe" points.

Combat in Dead Space becomes complicated when Necromorph do not simply "die" after receiving a certain number of gun rounds. In fact, depending on how they are wounded, Necromorph can adopt new stances and tactics, even sprouting new limbs or giving birth in the process. To defeat the Necromorph, Isaac must use "strategic dismemberment", the methodical severance of specific limbs or sections of the Necromorph.

In keeping with Isaac's profession as an engineer rather than a soldier, the weapons in Dead Space are mostly improvised from mining tools such as a plasma cutter, rotary saw, a hydrazine torch used as a flamethrower, and a force cannon emitting powerful shock waves. However, a triple-barreled automatic military rifle is also available. All weapons feature a unique secondary-fire mode; for example, the plasma cutter can be rotated 90 degrees for an optimal angle, and the flamethrower can set fire traps. Like in many survival-horror video games, the player must scavenge for ammunition and other various items, which are found throughout the ship or dropped by Necromorph when killed. Automated stores throughout the ship can be accessed to buy and sell items or store them for later use. Also, the player can use work benches and spend "power nodes" to upgrade Isaac's suit and weapons.

Other than weapons, Isaac is also equipped with other tools to help him survive, solve puzzles, and combat enemies more effectively. These are all contained in his suit, the RIG. Stasis can be used in the game to slow down enemies and objects temporarily, and a kinesis module allows Isaac to pick up and throw items. Dead Space also features zero gravity and decompressed environments, and Isaac can navigate through them using his pressurized suit and magnetic boots. Isaac will eventually suffocate while in a vacuum or a toxic environment as his suit can only contain a limited amount of air, so the player is forced to proceed quickly when in these situations. Also, Isaac can jump from platform to platform in weightless environments. Some levels even lead out onto the surface of the ship's hull. Floating debris presents a hazard, however, and Isaac can lose his footing and simply float off into space.

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