Dead Space 2 | B

In 2008, Dead Space was credited for bringing the survival horror genre to a futuristic, science fiction setting. In Dead Space 2, players will once again assume the role of space engineer Isaac Clarke, who is thrust into another conflict with the virus-like alien species known as necromorphs.

The game begins with Isaac waking up aboard the Sprawl, a massive city built on one of Saturn's moons. Clarke has no recollection of the past several years. Dead Space 2 deals with Isaac's internal struggle, as he now suffers from dementia and visions of his dead girlfriend. Isaac is tasked with finding a being known as the Maker, which controls the visions. The story sounds interesting, but it is slowed down due to the repetitive single player missions, almost all of which are some variation of "go to this location and do this task."

One of the major selling points of the Dead Space games was the idea that they are supposed to create a genuinely terrifying experience. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Initially, players may find the occasional necromorph ambush surprising, but it eventually becomes routine and predictable. There seems to be a heavier focus on action than in the first game, which means that Dead Space 2 lacks the feelings of desperation and helplessness that make a game scary.

Dead Space 2 feels more like a third person action/shooter game than a survival horror one. With that in mind, the action is very fun. Combat revolves around the player using a wide array of weapons to disremember the alien necromorphs. The weapons themselves are wonderfully varied and unique. Players can further improve their arsenals through the use of upgrade benches, conveniently located across the Sprawl. In addition, Dead Space 2 offers a "New Game +" mode in which players can carry over their weapons and upgrades into a new play-through. This is a nice addition that adds a little bit of replay value.

Multiplayer is a new addition to Dead Space 2, but it is unfortunately very plain and forgettable. Games pit humans against necromorphs in objective-based scenarios. It uses a typical level-up system but is slow paced and doesn't quite feel as detailed as the single player.

In the end, Dead Space 2 has its shortcomings. It feels more like an action game than a survival horror game, but it does the action sequences well, and that is what is ultimately makes it a solid game.