Final Thoughts: Dead Space 2

I've had the opportunity to finish Dead Space 2 and I must say it is already a contender for Game of the Year, in my opinion. The first few months of the year each have pretty big releases, and Dead Space 2 has certainly got me excited for the other titles. If Dead Space 2 is any indication of the gaming year, then it is definitely time to rejoice! Anyway, I'm sure myself, Smitty, and El Capitano will be talking all of these games closer to their release dates (MvC3 most definitely), so let's move on with Dead Space 2.



I've already spoken much about the good things Dead Space has to offer in the First Hour and Retrospective articles I've already written (You should check those out!). However, there are a couple of minor things that can be improved on. I'm nitpicking, but it's a review; I gotta find something bad to talk about, right? While Issac and other characters look great, some of the effects, like blood and weapon effects, are a little blocky. Also, the voice overs didn't 100% sync up. Minor fixes, and both can be easily forgiven. One slightly bigger potential hindrance is that the Marker was the main antagonist in the game again. With both of them taken care of, I would like to see a shift in focus in the event of another sequel.

Ok, on with the good!

The pacing of the game is superb. In the first one, you could kind of predict when Necros were going to jump at you. Certain areas had vents and windows placed in such a way that could easily be spotted. Also, there were a lot of sequences where you would be locked in a room fighting off enemies for a set amount of time until the power came back on. While those things still happen, they have been much better utilized. I found myself breaking out windows and creeping down hallways thinking I was going to be attacked. I would walk into what I thought was a safe house and be bombarded. Enemies would jump out of doors I would open, and I would go almost an entire chapter (out of 15) without shooting at an enemy. The chapters vary in length from about 10-15 minutes, to over an hour, and you don't just walk corroded corridors the whole game. There are a plethora of different environments, and you even get to visit one of Issac's favorite places from the first game. All in all, I would say that the game makes 8-10 hours feel like nothing, but also does not at all feel rushed.

There are a lot of story surprises, and one part in particular made me cringe (moreso than the rest of the game!) There are well-built characters, outside of one of the antagonists who doesn't really last that long, and the ending in itself was a surprise (or lack thereof). There is definitely a lot of room for a sequel, but it'll be interesting to see in what direction they take it with the way the story ended. Also, the interactions Issac has with the environments and with Nicole, his dead girlfriend, have a VERY Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem feel to it. As an aside, I fully endorse that game. If you have a Gamecube or Wii, there is no reason why you shouldn't have played that game. Do it, do it NOW.

The game features excellent replay value. After you complete the game, you gain the option for a new game plus, shoving Issac back into the fray in any difficulty minus Hard Core, with everything he finished the game with. This gives you a chance to play the game at a slightly more relaxed pace (I still jumped a lot). Also gives you a chance to experiment with the other weapon types and gain some of the games harder achievements. Then, there's the every-menacing Hard Core Mode. In this mode, ammo and money are scarce, you start from scratch, and you can only save the game THREE TIMES. THREE. TIMES. This rekindles the fear-inducing, frantic feeling. A real challenge for those willing to take it. But, the reward is a sweet one: The Hand Cannon (See my post about it for a video!) Then, there's the multiplayer. While nothing special, it is a solid attempt at a multiplayer mode that gives you a little extra bang for your buck. You can level, which grants you unlockables. Maybe it could be beefed up in future installments, but it's a nice little bonus for those wanting more Dead Space. And with DLC announced, Dead Space fans will be kept busy for a while.

All-in-all, I would recommend Dead Space 2 to anyone who's a fan of action, survival, and horror games. IF you loved RE4, you're going to love this. If you enjoy Gears of War, you'll probably enjoy this. With variety in enemies and weapons, wrapped around a well-written story with a great main character, Dead Space 2 will be showing up on Game of the Year lists for you. Happy dismemberment!