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First on Zealot difficulty using only the plasma cutter (12hrs 5min to complete)
and second on Casual using the entire DS2 arsenal ( 6hrs 45min to complete)
I just finished my second playthrough of Dead Space 2 and I’m reeling from the ride. I was skeptical that a sequel could live up to the intensity of the original Dead Space but I’m delighted to report that Dead Space 2 does not disappoint. The game looks absolutely phenomenal, plays fantastic, has out of this world audio and features what I consider to be the best HUD in the business. In short, Dead Space 2 is nothing but WIN!
It took only seconds after taking control of a confused Isaac Clarke before I was reduced to little more than a bloody pulp on the floor. This set the pace for the next 12hrs of gameplay in Dead Space 2 where your either fast & precise, or your dead. The necromorphs are back – and they are pissed.
Gameplay is still very much “rip ‘em to shreds before they do it to you” though Isaac is a bit more adept at the job this time around. Dismembering your enemies is key, something Isaac jokes about with a quick “I’ve had lots of practice” as he gears up for getting down. You are more agile this time around (even in zero-G) and your telekenisis ability packs more of a punch, but aside from that the combat remains in line with what got you through the first incident aboard the USS Ishimura.
Like the original, the difficulty level you choose will greatly dictate the experience you get out of Dead Space 2. If you are a survival horror enthusiast like me, you MUST play on ZEALOT difficulty. Items & ammo are terrifyingly scarce, the enemies are ferocious and the tension will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
SURVIVALIST & NORMAL difficulties are suited for those looking for more of a straight up action game, while CASUAL is meant for those longing for a leisurely stroll along a necromporh infected Sprawl. Choose your difficulty accordingly but I highly recommend Zealot to get the biggest bang for your buck. There is also a Hard-Core mode which unlocks after your first completion, but I’ll let you find out about that horrors of that one yourself.
Regardless of the difficulty level you choose, one of the biggest changes you’ll find in Dead Space 2 is with the main character himself. Isaac Clarke has undergone a transformation from that of a deaf, mute, lackey in the original to a full blown personality wrestling with his inner demons. In fact, the story of Dead Space 2 falls heavily upon Mr. Clarke’s shoulders revolving around both his internal & external struggles. It was a nice change from how the character was portrayed in the original, even if I didn’t fully comprehend the story.
The events of Dead Space 2 are easy enough to follow and punctuated with a cast of unique characters but while I had a good grasp on WHAT was happening I was a little fuzzy on the HOW & WHY. The bottom line however is that that everyone wants a piece of you as Isaac Clarke, with most preferring their piece ‘well-done’ if you catch my drift.
Something I got to experience in Dead Space 2 that I missed out on in the original was playing the game with surround sound. I used my Turtle Beach X41 headset and HOLY SH!T what a difference it made. Don’t get me wrong, even without surround sound the audio is still impressive, but with it turned on things are elevated to an entirely new & disturbing level.
Ambient noises taunt you every step of the way with a mixture of both mundane and horrific sounds. Even the absence of sound that happens when you step into the vacuum of space is amazing. The sound design in Dead Space 2 is so exceptional that I almost had a heart attack from a damn alarm clock.
One last incredible thing Dead Space 2 did was play on my own terrifying memories from the original. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else so I’ll just say there was a location in Dead Space 2 that I was absolutely petrified to set foot in. I’m sure those that played the original game as well will know exactly what I am talking about. This personal connection is reason enough to not skip the original before setting out with the sequel.
I could go on and on gushing about this game, but chances are you’ve stopped reading already. Bottom line is Dead Space 2 is incredible, not to be missed and already a strong contender for GAME OF THE YEAR. It’s not Call of Duty, or Halo – so it’s not going to please everyone but if tension & terror are adjectives that intrigue you then it’s definitely worth checking out.
I give it two dismembered thumbs up – and I eagerly await the upcoming DLC.
oh yeah, forgot to mention this game also has multiplayer. I have yet to check that out though.