While it lacks the scares of its predecessors, Dead Space: Extraction is a good journey from beginning to end.
Intriguing Chapter of the "Dead Space" story-line
Characters are interesting
Environments stick well to "Dead Space" formula
Beginning Mission is really engaging
Shooting Mechanics Work Well
Graphics are Decent (Considering it's an upgrade from Wii graphics)
PlayStation Move Works Wonderfully
Cons:
Lacks suspense and scares of "Dead Space 1 & 2"
Fire Effects Look Poor
"Chapters" Feel Disruptive
Ending is Too Abrupt
The Dead Space series has gained a considerably large following ever since the initial release of "Dead Space" back in 2008. Its suspenseful nature, creative story structure, and its surprisingly unforeseen twists made it a classic among gamers everywhere. Oddly enough, Wii-owners wanted their own taste of the sweet nectar that was "Dead Space"; so Visceral games decided to release a "spin off" of the main story-line to tell how everything began, or what we know as "Dead Space: Extraction".
Taking place before the events of "Dead Space", "Extraction" follows the journey of several characters trying to make their way out of the doomed excavating site the Ishimura was a part of. While excavating the Unitoligist's precious "Marker", things began to haywire; involving the deaths of crew members and site diggers alike. With no one safe from the wrath of the "Necromorphs", Detective Nathan McNeill, Gabriel Weller, Lexime Murdoch, and few other characters must find their way out of the Ishimura and to find a safe haven elsewhere.
In a sense, every "Dead Space" fan should pick up this title. While Xbox owners aren't able to get their hands on it, Wii and PS3 owners were thankful enough to receive further excavation into the Dead Space story-line; even if PS3 owners got it 2 years later than Wii owners. My expectations weren't extremely high, I was expecting a good amount of suspense that I felt in "Dead Space 1 & 2". Unfortunately, that suspense comes very little throughout the entire story in "Extraction". Things just aren't as scary without the "tight space" feeling you got from "Extraction"'s predecessors; and putting it in a first person perspective, surprisingly, did very little to add any sense of surprise or horror to the formula. Instead, I just got an arcade shooter in the "Dead Space" universe. However, that's not necessarily that bad of a thing.
Considering that PlayStation Move doesn't have too many titles to boast, Dead Space" Extraction" is one that can be an example of how well Move works. Controls are tight, and the aiming is spot on. You can even see the "Aiming dot" twitch with your own arm shaking from holding the controller. The PlayStation Move Sharpshooter also works really well for this game; proving to be an excellent example of Move's technology.
In addition, "Dead Space: Extraction" does well on its own from the original story arc. The characters are really interesting; especially the events that occurred to Sam Caldwell (whom you play at the beginning). I found myself enjoying the change from third person to first; even with it's on rails shooter aspects. I felt at home playing the game thanks to Visceral's dedication to make the environments as "Dead Space" as possible; succeeding at almost every front. It's a little on the short side, but "Extraction" managed to do enough good for itself before it overstayed its welcome.
This Dead Space world isn't the perfect entry for newcomers; so I find it hard to believe that Wii owners got this first. Those new to the story won't get a lot of the twists Extraction offers because only hardcore fans know them. Since the Wii doesn't have "Dead Space 1 or 2"; Wii owners may be left scratching their heads. Going along with that, I found the ending way too abrupt for its own good. I really didn't understand it and had to look it up online to see exactly what happened. I liked the build up, but it seemed as though they were literally trying to get it over with at the very end. That sort of saddened me. I enjoyed this story everywhere else, but the ending itself needs heavy work. Along with its disappointing ending, "Extraction" has some hitches in terms of its graphical impressions. Admittedly, it's just an upgrade from Wii, but some graphics are so poor I feel as though I'm playing a PS2 title; namely the fire effects from the flamethrower. Visceral did their best to upgrade these effects I'm sure, but this title isn't meant to be a game to show of PS3's hardware. However, I didn't really expect something fantastic in terms of visuals. In fact, some areas I was relatively impressed with. It's not the next "Killzone" or "Uncharted" in terms of graphical design, but I was overall satisfied with the experience I received.
"Dead Space: Extraction", despite its chapters feeling so disruptive and lack of real surprise, is a relatively enjoyable story, and I am very glad I was able to pick up this title along with "Dead Space 2" for my PS3. If you're looking for a good time with friends, multiplayer is available and works well in this title; even if you'll only end up treating it as an arcade shooter. Overall, if you can get past some hitches, "Dead Space: Extraction" is a good title to explore, and one worth owning. It's interesting, engaging, and overall fun. Rest assured, this game is worthy of your attention.
7.5/10 or 3.5/5
BUY (Since it comes with "Dead Space 2" on PS3)