Mature Gaming » visceral

Dead Space 2 – Reviewed (360, PS3)

gazzara — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:00:36 +0000

It’s been a couple of years since the emergence of critically acclaimed Sci-Fi, survival horror, Dead Space appearing on the shelves in 2008.

Taking a risk on new IP during an economic crisis paid dividends for this title as the game’s quality in production and design propelled Dead Space to the heady heights of one of the top games of the year and stamped its name as one of the defining titles in the genre.

So, leaping forward to 2011, you could forgive the sequel for treading the same path and not deviating from the tried and tested genius of its predecessor. For all the greatness and scares that Dead Space provided, Dead Space 2 could have quite easily replicated the same format and again produced something spectacular but predictable. But not so, Visceral Games were aware that Dead Space 2 needed to be taken to the next level and the results are absolutely stunning.

Dead Space 2 takes place on The Sprawl. a massive city attached to one of Saturn’s moons, Titan. Issac awakes three years after the original episode, strapped to a gurny and is forced to plot his way through yet another Necromorph outbreak. The plot, some may say, reads just like a lazy follow on to the original but this is not so. After an initial chapter of unveiling the base to this story and grabbing the basic weaponry and armour used in the original, Visceral Games has created a narrative that enhances the core story lines of the original to give more depth to the game as you chop, shoot and bash Necromorphs into bloody lumps as well as traverse narrow and claustrophobic corridors and interact in a more living and breathing spacial environment. The change in pace alone enhances the narrative no end with huge set pieces to immerse yourself in through to the tense and slow building shocks that made the first game so successful.

Isaac’s lonely journey in the first Dead Space has now evolved into a meeting and interaction of characters that have believable associations and stories of their own, making Dead Space 2 a more personal game this time around which effects you more emotionally as you hear the screams of horror surround you in glorious 5.1 to aid in the building of tension.

A heady mix of strategy and ammo conservation will never turn Dead Space 2 into a run and gun type of game. The ability to survive on wit and planning brings a certain atmosphere to your game as you find intriguing ways of fending off various Necromorphs with weaponry old and new, including one of my faves, the Javelin gun. Whether it be a tight corridor or a more open area to play in, there are more jumps and scares here than diving with the sharks in a meat suit. The upgrade system is still there and collecting power nodes will allow you to add schematics to your weaponry as you build up bigger and better damage as well as reloading speeds amongst other things.

Talking of Necromorphs, apart from the ones shown in the original there are new species too and all come at you in a different way with an AI that provides enough difficulty in their approach that not only do survival instincts kick in but the strategies involved takes this follow up to a whole new level. Some are slow in approach, some powerful, some will flank, some will vomit, some will explode if you get too close. All have their own brand of terror attached, all look gruesome in the looks department and some downright sphincter twitching scary.

Graphically too, Dead Space 2 has had an upgrade. The area that you journey through are well lit in the right places to provide an eerie environment with enough leeway for the games’ graphic artists to stamp a personal design on the world that Isaac inhabits. During your story you will visit more open areas like churches, a nursery and gym that have set pieces and combat that will scare you shitless. Having this sort of open style play along with confined elements allow you to explore a lot more and opens up the gameplay. Many a time you will set a waypoint only to peel off to explore areas that catch your eye and sometimes to terrifying results.

Movement of Necromorphs have been stunningly animated and some of the death scenes will be viewed as barbaric as well as horrific as the level of detail that has been included in Dead Space 2 will provide sickening moments of body parts flying around. This is simply one of the most beautiful looking games I have seen in a while.

The control system has also had a little overhaul. The movement of Isaac, the combat, aiming and fluidity of how it is all controlled is a definite upgrade from the original. Another testimony to what Visceral Games wanted to achieve to provide the most immersive experience that a third person survival horror could give. In layman’s terms, Visceral Games with Dead Space 2 is the new benchmark for the genre and something that may be hard to beat for quite a while.

Everyone knows that Dead Space was famed for its single player experience but Visceral have also added a multiplayer element to proceedings. Based over 5 maps and a couple of game modes that basically break down into a humans vs monsters affair, the multiplayer seems to be placed there to add a little more meat to an already heavy game. Although their are some nice ideas and something that can be expanded upon in time, the multiplayer does run the risk of dying an early death as this slow burning affair may take a while for gamers to catch on to its appeal.

Overall, Dead Space 2 is one of the most immersive, terrifying and downright disgusting games I have ever experienced. The game has been designed to leave you on the edge of your seat, nerves shredded, heart pounding and palms sweaty wondering if you can stomach a second playthrough. I do not frighten that easy but with a Turtle Beach headset Dolby headset on turned up high I can honestly say that I crapped my pants on many an occasion. If you have the balls you will keep coming back for more, the game is that good but as usual, tougher difficulties will provide you with less ammo and supplies to drive you insane as another necromorph smashes through a door at the most unexpected time.

For Dead Space fans, this is a must buy. For anyone that has never experienced a survival horror, then you need to buy this just to understand how fear can present itself in a narrative that is so well paced it could stand up well to some of the best horror stories. Now, with this review said and done, I now need to go and change my pants ……..

EA and Visceral deliver Dead Space 2 to critical acclaim

gazzara — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 14:47:56 +0000

The psychological thrill of deep space rises to an electrifying new level as Visceral Games today announced the internationally-acclaimed action horror game Dead Space 2 is now available at retail stores in North America and on January 28 in Europe.

This highly-anticipated sequel has been heralded as one of the top games of 2011 by New York Times’ Seth Schiesel and has received 25 scores of 90+ from top gaming outlets such as Official Xbox Magazine, Playstation: The Official Magazine and Game Informer. PlayStation: The Official Magazine said that “’Dead Space 2’ surpasses the original in every capacity,” while IGN calls it “a new gold standard” and Game Informer declares the game “a monster of a sequel, offering bigger scares and more excitement.”

Visceral Games also announced today Dead Space 2: Severed, an all-new digital download pack that extends the Dead Space 2 story with the addition of two standalone chapters in the single-player game. Dead Space 2: Severed will see the return of Gabe Weller and Lexine Murdock, the two main characters from the award-winning 2009 game, Dead Space Extraction. In Dead Space 2: Severed, the story of Weller and Lexine runs parallel to Isaac’s blood-curdling adventure in Dead Space 2, but this time players will take on the role of Gabe Weller. Working as a Sprawl Security Guard, Weller has to fight against his own onslaught of Necromorphs, as he attempts to get both him and Lexine to safety. Dead Space 2: Severed will be coming soon for purchase on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network.

“After years of anticipation we’re thrilled to unveil the next series of events in the Dead Space universe” said Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producer at Visceral Games. “In creating Dead Space 2, we listened very closely to the community’s feedback and created a deeper, more intriguing, more terrifying sequel. With excitement guaranteed to keep people on the edge of their seats, players will not only experience all-new environments, weapons and Zero-G controls but they’ll also experience the other side of the battle when they play as Necromorphs for the first time in multiplayer. We cannot wait to hear what fans think about this next chapter in the ever-evolving Dead Space saga!”

Dead Space 2 pushes the limits of action, horror and terror. After mysteriously awaking in a sprawling, massive city anchored to one of Saturn’s moons, hero Isaac Clarke again finds himself thrust into the middle of a relentless Necromorph outbreak. Surrounded by the screeching cries of undead monsters and the haunting drum of echoing noises, Isaac plots a course through The Sprawl. Dead Space 2 is noted by critics worldwide for delivering an epic terror experience that takes players on an explosive thrill ride filled with intense action and spine-tingling scares through deep space.

We have been gripping our pads tightly over the last few days and you can expect our review to go live soon.

Issac Clarke comes to Dragon Age II

gazzara — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:09:02 +0000

When you’re done dismembering necromorphs, don’t forget to take the fight into Dragon Age II.

Visceral Games and BioWare are working together to bring two of the year’s most highly anticipated action/adventure games together. Gamers who purchase the year’s first blockbuster entertainment release, Dead Space 2, can bring the terror to the sequel to 2009’s RPG of the Year, Dragon Age II with the exclusive “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armor set.

Modelled after Isaac Clarke’s signature rig, the “Ser Isaac of Clarke” armor set can be activated with a one-time use, non-transferable code found in Xbox 360 and PC versions of Dead Space 2, including body armor, boots, gauntlets and a helm, all of which carry extra benefits for you to take on your rise from warrior to legend in Dragon Age II. PS3 owners can visit www.DragonAge.com or look at the insert insideDragon Age II for detailed instructions on unlocking the Ser Isaac Armor in the PlayStation 3 version of Dragon Age II.

In Dragon Age II, the chilling tales of Ser Isaac of Clarke are a favorite of bards performing in the wee hours of the night. In dank taverns throughout the land, these horror-filled stories captivate listeners and bring nightmares to those faint of heart.

Ser Isaac of Clarke’s Armor includes:

Isaac’s Armor
- Heavy Armor
- Contains a rune slot
- Increases armor
- Requires high dexterity and cunning
Isaac’s Boots
- Increases armor
- Requires high dexterity and cunning
Isaac’s Gauntlets
- Increases armor
- Requires high dexterity and cunning
Isaac’s Helm
- Contains a rune slot
- Increases armor
- Critical damage factor
- Requires high dexterity and cunning

Dead Space 2 will be available on Jan. 28, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and the PC. Dragon Age II will be available across the same platforms on March 11, 2011. Visit www.DragonAge.com for more details and info on this special cross promotion.

Mature-gaming has been enveloped into Dead Space 2′s sphincter twitching storyline for the last couple of days. Look out for our review coming soon.

Dead Space 2 Outbreak trailer

gazzara — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 11:14:45 +0000

With the build up to the release of Dead Space 2 nearly complete, EA and Visceral Games have released a new multiplayer trailer for your viewing pleasure.

Producer Scott Probst describes the different classes you can play and tactics that you’ll use to stop the Sprawl Security Squad from completing their goals.

Dead Space 2 will be available on 1/25/2011 in the US and 1/28/2011 in Europe.

Dead Space 2 launch trailer arrives

gazzara — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 15:29:18 +0000

EA and Visceral Games have today released the launch trailer to hotly anticipated follow up to sci-fi horror Dead Space.

Dead Space 2 is ready for release on January 28th where you’ll get the chance to send Isaac through one of the most intense campaigns yet.

Dead Space 2 developer diary – Evolution of Isaac

gazzara — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:42:00 +0000

EA and Visceral Games have released a second developer diary interviewing Dead Space 2 Art Director, Ian Milham.

In this video Ian discusses the evolution of Isaac and creating for the horror genre.

Dead Space 2 developer diary – multiplayer

gazzara — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:30:20 +0000

EA and Visceral games have released a developer diary that focusses on the multiplayer component of the game.

An interview with Art Director, Ian Milham talks you through the diary and explains some of the finer points.

Dead Space 2: Lullaby trailer

gazzara — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 12:55:10 +0000

We all know how the original Dead Space lullaby trailer sent fear through the strongest of gamers. Well, EA have released a new one for Dead Space 2.

Bringing a very eerie rendition of ring a ring o roses and mixing it with Dead Space 2 gameplay, Visceral Games and EA have captured the feel of the horror survival game again.

Dead Space 2 is due for release in January, 2011 on 360, PS3 and PC.

Dead Space 2 multiplayer trailer

gazzara — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:26:09 +0000

EA and Visceral have today released a new teaser trailer for Dead Space 2 showing off the multiplayer part of the game.

The original Dead Space was campaign only and because all of the attention was focussed on it, Dead Space made for an enthralling game. We just hope that Dead Space 2′s multiplayer is not just bolted on ala Bioshock 2 and has the success of the original.

EA announces Dead Space 2 Ignition

gazzara — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:29:22 +0000

Hours before engineer Isaac Clarke begins his adventure on “The Sprawl” in Dead Space 2 a Necromorph outbreak occurs – but how did the events unfold?

Players will witness the horror first-hand when Visceral Games, an EA studio, releases Dead Space Ignition, an all-new downloadable game that takes place on the Sprawl and challenges players to survive the initial Necromorph outbreak. Dead Space Ignition will be available in Autumn 2010 on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network.

“Dead Space Ignition is the first of many exciting game extensions we have planned for the launch of Dead Space 2,” said Steve Papoutsis, Executive Producer on the Dead Space franchise. “The interactive comic-style game will give Dead Space fans a unique perspective on the events leading up to Dead Space 2, and will also introduce the storyline to a brand-new audience of gamers.”

Dead Space Ignition combines an interactive comic-style story with three unique hacking mini games; Hardware Crack, Trace Route and System Override. Each game offers a fun and satisfying arcade experience that will challenge players with puzzles and twitch gameplay. Dead Space Ignition features a unique “Choose Your Own Adventure” type narrative, allowing players to survive the horrific Necromorph outbreak in multiple ways. The game offers four unique endings and upon completion of each one, players will be rewarded with unlocks including an exclusive suit, all of which can be used by Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2 when the game releases on Jan 25, 2011.

Dead Space Ignition is written by Antony Johnston, the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of comics, graphic novels, video games and books including Wasteland, and Daredevil. Antony makes his return to the Dead Space universe after creating the six-book Dead Space comic series in 2008. In Dead Space Ignition, Antony uses his horror story-telling expertise to introduce new characters and craft new plot twists for this intriguing prequel.

Dead Space 2 recently won various prestigious awards at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, including ‘Best Action/Adventure Game’ from top media outlets including Game Informer, GameSpot, GameSpy and Machinima.com. Dead Space 2 also won GameSpot’s highly-coveted ‘Best Xbox 360 Game’ award.

In Dead Space 2, engineer Isaac Clarke makes his return in a blood-curdling new adventure on an all-new space installation known as “The Sprawl.” The lone survivor of a horrific alien infestation, Isaac finds himself confronting a catastrophic new nightmare. Battling dementia, Isaac will do whatever it takes to save himself and dominate the relentless enemy onslaughts. Equipped with a new arsenal of tools to dismember the necromorphs, Isaac faces the challenge head-on. Players will see Isaac fight bigger, scarier and more epic battles that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Dead Space 2 will be available on Jan. 25, 2011 for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. Dead Space Ignition will be available in Autumn 2010 on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and the PlayStation Network and is being co-developed by Sumo Digital.