Dead Space (2008)

Release Date: October 14, 2008

Action, TPP, science fiction, survival horror, horror, Game Pass, EA Play, singleplayer

92%

Steam

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A third-person survival horror action game developed by EA Redwood Shores. The plot of Dead Space is set in the distant future. The main protagonist, Isaac Clark, is given a task of investigating the situation on a mining ship that has just sent a distress signal. Upon arrival, he discovers that the entire crew is dead and the bodies of the dead miners are possessed by a parasitic race of necromorphs.

Plot
Mechanics

Dead Space for PC, X360 and PS3 is a typical survival horror which is an action game where all our activities are focused on keeping the protagonist alive. The action is observed from the third-person perspective. The element that distinguishes Dead Space from the biggest hits of the genre (Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Alone in the Dark, or Fatal Frame series) is the fact that the plot is not set in the present day. The title takes place in a science-fiction setting. It is not a new idea, although the games of a similar atmosphere were scarce and not quite successful (for example, Martian Gothic: Unification).

Plot

The events of Dead Space tell the story of Isaac Clarke and take place in a very distant future. The protagonist is a qualified engineer. The game starts soon after Isaac travels to one of the mining spaceships on the mission of investigating a distress signal which was sent from aboard this vessel.

Upon arrival, the protagonist discovers that the entire crew was murdered and the bodies of the killed miners were taken over by parasitic creatures that represent the aggressive race of Necromorph. Isaac not only has to face the mutated monsters but also to survive and escape the overrun vessel. Dead Space draws inspiration from such movie classics as Event Horizon or Alien to a large extent and offers a very dark atmosphere.

Mechanics

Dead Space for PC, X360 and PS3 is not a mindless shooter that involves only extermination of monsters. The title references other games of the genres to a large extent, trying to, first and foremost, create the atmosphere of terror. The creatures we fight are incredibly powerful which makes every fight prove challenging. At the same time, we explore the subsequent decks of the ship, mainly in search of useful information or items that could help us against the mutated beasts.

Another feature is the rather unusual combat in the state of zero gravity. The graphics of Dead Space present a high quality. The monsters waiting for an occasion to kill Isaac look especially good. The game also does not lack futuristic equipment. Most of the time, we operate in very limited lighting, which intensifies the anxiety while carefully exploring subsequent rooms of the spaceship full of monsters.

Last updated on April 10, 2016

guide

Last Update: February 6, 2009

Dead Space Game Guide & Walkthrough

This guide contain a detailed walkthrough along with locations of key items.

Dead Space Game Guide & Walkthrough

Originals

July 28, 2021

Dead Space Remake is Chance for Great Comeback

None of the announcements made during EA Play intrigued me as much as the news of a Dead Space remake coming. Primarily because it's a chance to bring the brand back to glory and rewrite a few chapters.

Dead Space Remake is Chance for Great Comeback

Videos and Screens

[7:13] Dead Space (2008) Developer Diary #9

[1:31] Dead Space (2008) Ishimura

92%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (21,280)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Atmosphere and Sound Design: Many users praised the game's intense atmosphere, which effectively builds tension and fear. The sound design is frequently highlighted as exceptional, contributing significantly to the horror experience.
Gameplay and Mechanics: The gameplay is described as engaging, with a good variety of weapons (industrial tools rather than traditional firearms) and strategic combat against diverse enemies (Necromorphs). Players appreciated the unique mechanics, such as the gravity gun and the HUD design.
Story and Theme: The narrative, revolving around Isaac Clarke's search for his wife amidst a terrifying alien infestation, is considered compelling and reminiscent of classic sci-fi horror films like *Alien*.
Replayability: Many reviews noted the game's high replay value, with different difficulty levels providing varied experiences.
Visuals and Design: Despite being released in 2008, the game is said to have aged well visually, maintaining strong graphical fidelity and environmental design.

The main cons of the game

Technical Issues: Users reported various technical problems, especially with the game?s port to modern systems, including crashes and input lag. Many recommended using mods to fix these issues.
Repetitive Gameplay: Some players felt that the gameplay became repetitive, especially in the latter parts of the game, with limited enemy variety and dull puzzles.
Difficulty Balance: The "easy" mode was criticized for being too simple, making combat feel unchallenging. Some players suggested that the game felt like it was running out of ideas towards the end.
Control Issues: Several reviews mentioned that the controls felt clunky and were better suited for console play, recommending the use of controller configurations or fixes for a better experience.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Deeper Storytelling: Some players felt that the story lacked depth and detail, with many questions left unanswered, suggesting a need for more structured narrative development.
Improved Puzzles: Puzzles were viewed as weak and overly simplistic, with players desiring more challenging and integrated puzzle mechanics within the gameplay.
Enemy Variety: While the game features a range of enemies, some players wanted a broader variety to keep encounters fresh and engaging throughout the game.
Better Optimization for Modern Systems: Users expressed a desire for better optimization for contemporary hardware, indicating that the game could benefit from a more polished port or remaster.

In conclusion, Dead Space (2008) is celebrated for its atmospheric horror, engaging gameplay, and compelling story, but it also faces criticism for technical issues, repetitive gameplay, and a need for more depth in certain areas.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024

8.4

GAMERS Score

Average score from 7055 votes. 178 players anticipated the game.

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GAMES

in Dead Space Game Series

Game Series

Dead Space Series

Maintained in the climate of survival horror series of action games with a third-person perspective (TPP). The brand is owned by Electronic Arts, and its development is supervised by an in-house studio - Visceral Games, known for such productions as The Lord of the Rings: The Third Age i The God Father: The Game.

7 video games

Dead Space Game Series