The first time I completed Dead Space 2, I was focussed primarily on the change of pace from its slower, survival-horror roots into an action title that streamlined some of the first game's weaker moments. It was not until later that I replayed it for a stronger understanding of the game's lore and depth behind Unitology, the fictional religion that contextualizes Isaac's story fighting the Necromorphs.
While I do not follow any particular religion, I understand and appreciate religion's higher-reaching capabilities for people to find strength and answers. The original Dead Space drew definite lines from Unitology to the very real Scientology, a religion of much controversy and debate. Some argue that Visceral Studios were making allusions to Scientology through Unitology to comment on many of their tenets.
Without spoiling major details for those who haven't played, the higher ranking members of Unitology suppress their hidden agenda from their followers in order to achieve their true beliefs regarding the Marker and causing Convergence. But why preach false histories and events while secretly guiding believers to a gruesome fate?
Religion has often been the result of many wars (past and present) and countless deaths for the cause of few. While the references to Scientology can't be ignored, I feel as though the purpose of Unitology is not a smear campaign against any specific religion, but a deeper commentary on how key people can abuse powers of persuasion and believe for personal gain. While the mask of strength and faith help bring people to convert to Christianity, Islam, or even Scientology, it is not a myth that the greed of one or two people can bring about great conspiracies exploiting the masses. I suppose Dead Space 2 was not only a case of struggle against physical demons, but could also be argued that Isaac was fighting to find the truth for himself, and thus find the strength to cleanse the memory of his significant other.
Despite personal turmoil and resistance from those who sought to uphold the faiths of Unitology, Isaac Clarke wanted to purify himself from the growing threat of the Marker, even without being completely sure the Marker could do anything to save him. in a way, that's what faith is all about.
See you in the next level,
Gray