Dead Space (Review)

Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360,Microsoft Windows
Developer: EA Redwood Shores
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release: October 2008

In the dark, on your own, with nothing but a mining tool to save you from what lurks in the shadows of the USG Ishimura. Dead Space is truly one of the most atmospheric games ever created.

I am a little late to the show in reviewing this game now, seen as it has nearly been on shelves for two years. However, I have just finished it and feel that I should spread the word on this supremely impressive game.

As a fan of 3rd person survival horror games; Resident Evil and Silent Hill being my all time favourites, I was intrigued by the style that Dead Space was made in. I am one of those people who feel that a game can either create atmosphere by removing action, or forget it all together. I am not a fan of the newer games in the Resident Evil series because of this exact reason. However, Dead Space manages to maintain a delicate balance on a very thin line.


The game takes place for the most part on a mining vessel named the USG Ishimura. A team were sent out to check up on them and find that there is no radio response and no sign of any lights on board. After crashing your ship into the docking bay, things just get worse as members of your crew are attacked and you end up separated. You are playing as the character Isaac Clarke. With your trusted mining tool at your side you have to run, kill and maim your way through hordes of evil, and eventually find out what the Hell is going on aboard the ship.

The first thing people will notice with Dead Space is that there is absolutely no HUD on screen. All of the elements which usually make up the HUD are placed in plain sight as part of the character. Your health is shown on the character’s back; communications are shown as projections from the characters suit, etc. All of this brilliantly designed to make it look more realistic and involve the player to a degree I have rarely experienced. Minimalist displays are something that many games have used since; a prime example being Split/Second.

Another mechanic touted by this game is the “strategic dismemberment”. This sees the player using his weapons to shoot the limbs off of the enemies in attempts to either slow them down, or even kill them. The beauty of using this technique is that you are rewarded by being able to drop enemies faster. If you choose to ignore this and just blast away, you will find that they are far more difficult to kill.

When I watched the original trailers for Dead Space, I was sceptical as to whether the game would be all action and no story. I was wrong. Despite it not being an Oscar winning piece of fiction, it keeps the player enthralled with the mystery, and allows you to become attached to the character even though he never opens his mouth. I am not entirely sure if it is the story that makes you feel empathy, or the lack of dialogue for your character creating a personal connection with the circumstances.

If you want a game that will scare you, challenge you and keep you occupied with content, then Dead Space is your game! I have no hesitation in saying that it will be worth every penny and you will be on the edge of your seat from the first encounter to the games shocking conclusion.