Game review: Dead Space 3

Scary stuff in space is nothing new these days and it wasn`t when the original Dead Space by EA hit our consoles in 2008 yet it did have something slightly different than the norm.
Dead Space 3.Dead Space 3.
Dead Space 3.

OK it wasn`t the best around at the time, yet Dead Space did have plenty of challenging gameplay.

2011 saw the release of Dead Space 2 which was mainly the same as the first one with a few tweaks and yes that went down well with the gaming fraternity.

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So now we have Dead Space 3 developed by Visceral Games and to be honest it isn`t that bad.

They have stuck to more or less the same formula as the previous two, and included some more spectacular cut scenes very similar to Call of Duty just to beef it up a bit.

The story is a bit of a long-winded affair so I won`t bore you with the details.

Primarily set on the frozen planet Tau Volatis, the game follows Isaac Clarke and John Carver as they attempt to put an end to the Necromorph threat once and for all.

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Gameplay is the same as it has always been. Dead Space 3 is a basic third person shooter really with some OTT cut scenes. Now, apparently, the new cover system and control system has been improved since the last one, yet I still find movement a bit sluggish and ungainly.

You pick up health and stasis (your ability to slow time down) packs by killing enemies or finding them around the environment.

I love the ability to stomp on your dead enemy and release a health pack or another item. This does come in handy as the bad guys don`t die easily, you have to shoot off their limbs to slow them down and even then they crawl after you that’s where the stomping comes in.

The kinesis module is also a very important element, enabling the player to open doors, lift objects and even dismembered body parts which you can throw at your enemies.

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This is an important ability to master as you will use it on most occasions especially for reaching objects like crates that contain items, and they tend to be scattered everywhere.

Graphics are nicely done, sharp and clean textures and apart from some issues with the movement controls - a solid stable game.

As with the previous two there is plenty of roaming down corridors with assailants appearing randomly just to keep you on your toes.

With more action than the last two this is now more of an action game, so if you like killing things then you’re going to love this.

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Our old friends Necromorphs make a welcome return along with a whole bucket-load of new characters, the Waster standing out as a challenging enemy.

Others include the Nexus, a sort of creepy looking big bug that eats people whole and with a new human enemy Unitologist soldiers we are all set for a good old inter Galactic bloodbath.

The original bench weapon upgrade system from the previous outings has been improved and now we have the weapons bench, a handy area where you can upgrade and create new weapons out of bits and pieces you pick up as you progress.

If you don`t want to build weapons there are plenty of blueprints available which includes ready-made versions of weapons from Dead Space one and two.

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The co-op multiplay element has a simple drop in drop out system with no competitive element available.

You have the option of completing the campaign with a friend online and with the new weapons bench you can share your weapons with your partner, which is a nice option.

You will need an online pass which comes with a new copy of Dead Space 3, so for all you second hand buyers you will have to purchase one if you wish to play this element of the game.

Summary

Dead Space 3 doesn`t really bring anything new to the table apart from more action and more dramatic cut scenes, yet it is an enjoyable game to play. I do think the cut scenes are a bit too long (an option to skip these would have been nice) and I did have some issues with the game mechanics which spoilt it for me.

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At the end of the day Dead Space 3 is one of those games that`s good but not great. There is plenty of action and enemies to dispatch, yet as you get better weapons this no longer becomes a challenge. The online multi-play is adequate yet I wouldn`t pay for a licence to play it.

So if you are into just killing loads of assailants then give this one a go, it`s not overly challenging but it is a fun game to play.

Dead Space 3

Developers: Visceral games

Publishers: EA

Xbox 360®

Playstation 3®

PC

Genre: Horror/Action

Release Date: 8th February 2013

Gameplay: 4/5

Graphics: 4/5

Story: 3/5

Overall: 3.5/5