Dead Space 2. Gamer Review.

If there's any good game out there that makes me stop after playing a level or two, then its name would be called Dead Space. I remember the horrors the first Dead Space brought to me as I played each chapter, each area, each corridor, each necromorph down to the exact detail using my trusty walkthrough. Yes, I admit, I probably won't be able to get myself to go through one chapter without a guide. My poor poor wits and heart. Dead Space 2 is the sequel to the cliffhanger ending the original closed its curtains with, and it continues three years after the events of Dead Space 1. You find our ever so unlucky Engineer and protagonist, Isaac Clarke, inside The Sprawl, one gigantic space station whose interiors vastly differs from the mostly ship interiors of the first game. Of course, you don't have Dead Space 2 without some flesh eating, limb dicing, stuff straight out of nightmares pals of yours, the necromorphs. So, definitely, something goes awry in The Sprawl leading to the sci-fi psychological horror survival game we all love to hate yet love at the same time. If the story interests you, I suggest you watch the animated immediate prequel of Dead Space 2, Dead Space: Aftermath.

The plot is simple, but the execution is nerve wracking. All you need to do is to simply destroy your best friend, The Marker, which reanimates the dead bodies into your BFFs (only they don't know that). That simple goal is augmented with various characters and obstacles which add more substance and points of interest to the story. You'll meet equally psychotic people and distrustful allies, not to mention your dead creepy girlfriend comes back to haunt the demented engineer, along the way that will help pave the general twists and turns of Isaac's ordeals. Generally, speaking, I am quite satisfied with how the plot turned out in the end.

Visuals are definitely an upgrade from its predecessor. The setting and execution of how poor lighting plays with our nerves definitely adds to the edge of horror. As you roam around the sprawl in various locations, You will encounter places that are ten times as scarier than normal when placed in the atmosphere of Dead Space lighting and execution. Think churches, kindergarten, cargo holds, and ___ _________ well, I won't spoil that last one. I was pretty shocked (and horrified) when I realized the next chapter was going to be held there. As much as the visuals add to the experience, I honestly think Dead Space's sound execution is the mastermind behind all of the intense moments of terror. I simply find myself turning the volume low enough just to hear the music turn into an ominous psychological tune that brings you on the edge for something that'll make you pump adrenaline like a madman. Simply said, Dead Space 2 is just as frightening as the original - which was also helluva lot frightening during its time. AH, good times.

Gameplay is basically the same as the original. They just added newer and more importantly (or not) creepier necromorphs, new guns which I didn't bother using because I was bent on upgrading my Plasma Cutter, the trademark and original gun from the first game, since it is tried and tested and proven to handle most if not all situations. What?? I like sticking to the status quo in horror survival games where money and resources are at a premium. They added new gameplay mechanics which weren't in the original game, like zero-G suit jets, vent crawling, and more puzzles to play with. Other than that, it's basically the slice and dice game we all grew to love and hate back then in the original Dead Space. Old formula still works apparently.

What sucks (or does not suck) in the PC version is that the various DLC campaigns aren't available as they're only marketed to the console versions. WTF. Seriously, you console people are holding progression and development of gaming as a whole. Get modern GPUs already, sheesh. Apparently, since money is floating around the consoles, potential is wasted and PC users suffer because of such. Bah.

If you're an adrenaline junkie who loves gore, an intriguing story line, and being a pussy at the same time (like me..WAIT I DON'T LOVE BEING A PUSSY), then definitely, Dead Space 2 is a must play! DEAD SPACE 3, I'M READY FOR YOU! (Come out many years from now, please, not so soon.)

Rating: 9/10