AestheticGamer1Dead Space 2 is one of the first big blockbuster titles to come out in 2011, not to mention the first horror game. It hits US shelves (and downloadable services on Steam) today for PS3 and 360, so the question of course raises with people waking up today is how good is Dead Space 2? We ourselves will have our review soon, apparently the demand of Dead Space 2 was greater than the supply, but we’ll be doing a review round-up of the first dozen or so reviews that have popped up on the web we haven’t reported previously. However, we will mention that before today the game has received no lower score than a nine in magazines such as Game Informer. How is the online review front though?
IGN gives Dead Space 2 a 9.0, “Dead Space 2 is an excellent game, and it’s well worth your time and money.”
Gamespot gives Dead Space 2 a 8.5, “…Nonetheless a terrific game, with a campaign that simultaneously leaves you satisfied and eager for more, and intense multiplayer that gives you a great reason to keep coming back to this terrifying universe. Unless you’re just plain chicken, this is a sci-fi horror adventure you definitely want to suit up for.”
Destructoid gives Dead Space 2 a 9.5, “Dead Space 2 is a ludicrously intense, graphically gorgeous, thoroughly atmospheric game that takes everything the first title did and ramps up the absurdity to dangerous levels. It’s cheesy to say that “if you liked the first game, you’ll love the sequel,” but in this case, I think that’s a very fair assessment. Dead Space 2 is Dead Space with the tuning at its finest and the scares at their most delicious. Action horror has reached a new peak with Dead Space 2.”
GiantBomb gives Dead Space 2 a 5/5, “Just like its predecessor, Dead Space 2 doesn’t do anything especially new, it just does everything exceedingly well. EA’s current management set a mandate a few years ago to improve the quality of the company’s internal game development, a directive this game and its predecessor directly resulted from. If the Dead Space franchise is ultimately the only memorable result that effort ever bears, it will still constitute a memorable legacy indeed.”
Just Push Start give Dead Space 2 a 5/5, “A great way to start the new year begins with Dead Space 2. While it’s true that Dead Space 2 plays very similar to the first game, it doesn’t fail however in giving the scary atmosphere that we all are looking for in a survival horror game. From the creepy sounds, to the intense action that players will experience while playing Dead Space 2 is a moment you wouldn’t want to miss. Expect to feel the tension running through your bones as the Necromorphs sneak out behind you and give you a scare that will last you the rest of the year. Overall, Dead Space 2 is a near perfect title for those who are looking for a great start in 2011.”
Game Trailers gives Dead Space 2 a 9/10, “The first couple hours with Dead Space 2 are very familiar, but it’s one of those rare games that just keeps getting better. It’s still a very dreary game that can make long play sessions a challenge, yet there are scores of moments that stick with you for quite some time. The multiplayer is a disappointment, but it’s a much more accessible game that won’t leave fans in a lurch. Pick it up, turn down the lights, turn up the sound, and check your nerves at the door.”
Games Radar gives Dead Space 2 a 9/10, “Keeping almost everything that made the original great while taking suitable steps to amp up the fun, Dead Space 2 will please both the series’ fans and those just starting with this haunting adventure.”
1-Up give Dead Space 2 an A-, “…You have a damn fine game (if you have both a PS3 and the Xbox360, a slight nod to the PS3 version if only because you also get Dead Space: Extraction as a free bonus if your copy is among the initial “Limited Edition” allotment, plus just one disc versus the 360’s two). But this isn’t just a clear, “this game is better than its predecessor,” situation. Take away the interface tweaks and improved mechanics behind how Isaac moves and feels, and examine the overall structure, you don’t have a “good game and then a better game,” you have two different games: a creepy sci-fi horror game with some damn good action versus a damn good sci-fi shooter with some creepy parts.”
Joystiq give Dead Space 2 a 4/5, “In the end, how much you get out of Dead Space 2 is directly proportional to how much you enjoy slicing up Necromorphs (or eviscerating humans in multiplayer). The campaign is designed for multiple plays, with a “new game plus” option allowing Isaac to take his items and upgrades into a new game, even on a new difficulty. There are some decidedly spooky environments and a handful of impressive action sequences (including the occasional quick time event), but the meat of the experience is all the meat, namely the chunks you’ll be blowing off baddies at regular intervals. Dead Space 2 does not stray far from its gross, fleshy roots, but it still manages to provide one of the best action horror experiences available. In short, survival horror fans should definitely suit up.”
Gadget Review gives Dead Space 2 a 4/5, “It’s unfortunate more attention and resources couldn’t have been dedicated to the core package, the single-player experience. Lights OFF, volume UP: Dead Space 2 is a thrilling scripted affair that lasts a fair 8 hours or so, the right amount of time given the various directions in which it departs. As a sequel, it’s missing some of things which made the first game so balanced, but even then Visceral are able to keep you surprised.”
The Star gives Dead Space 2 a 4/4, “The entire game is macabre, ghastly fun. It is exceedingly linear but still has a pretty good story to tell, although the multiplayer mode is pretty basic — your standard death-match. But its single-player campaign features scads of enemies, some brilliant set pieces and enough exhilarating scares to make you think about leaving the lights on while playing.”
Gaming Excellence give Dead Space 2 a 9.3, “In the end, it’s a little hard for Dead Space 2 to live up to the breath of fresh air that was the original game, but it manages to follow the same path exceptionally well. Sure, it’s not as groundbreaking and shocking as the original was upon release, but the sequel is a tighter, more focused, and scarier excursion into the unknown void of space. What else are you waiting for? You’re not scared are you?”
Game Focus says for the game, “For me, Dead Space 2 is the definition of a “if its not broken, don’t fix it” type of game. A sequel that improves upon its predecessor without changing the winning formula, only improving upon it. With the incredible number of highly anticipated games releasing this year, I can’t guarantee this game will be a Game of the Year contender, but it definitely sets itself among the great experiences to be had in calendar 2011. It’s rewarding, unsettling, addictive, shocking, and gory…in other words, a game that your mom would hate.”
Guardian.UK says for the game, “Of course, in gaming the third-person shooter format is a little familiar, but here it’s realised with such quality that it really doesn’t detract. Working outside the genre’s traditions Dead Space 2 succeeds in being both immensely terrifying and action-packed. Do not miss it.”
