When it comes to seeing a multi-limbed reanimated Necromorph once again, fans of the excellent dead space The series are the only excited. Well, the crazy Unitologist fans in the game are pro-Necromorph, but that’s another story. dead space Fans like to be in the position to take on these hideous creatures with all the constraints of limited ammo, dark settings, and the fate of the universe at stake.
dead space 3 It picks up a couple of years after the second game, with protagonist Isaac Clark having settled into a lonely life trying to avoid monster-causing markers littering the galaxy. But of course, it wouldn’t be much of a game if Isaac could keep his cool. Instead, we get to see Isaac and the survivors of a doomed expedition to the ice planet Tau Volantis face off against unitologist (marker-worshipping) soldiers, 200-year-old reanimated corpses, giant necromorph beasts, and more. Along the way, ties are tested, the tables are turned, and secrets are revealed, just like in any interesting story.
Visually, the graphics haven’t evolved much since the last entry. As far as the console’s lifespan goes, both the 360 and PlayStation 3 are being retired (perhaps sooner rather than later), so there probably won’t be much left to take advantage of for these two machines. But that’s not to say the game’s swirling snowstorms, zero-gravity space levels, and monster-infested hallways and corridors don’t look impressive. The series has always had a high level of polish, and that look remains.
One of the big changes to the franchise is the ability to build new weapons. This time, instead of finding blueprints for ready-made weapons, Isaac can collect parts to build his own weapons. At first I missed the old way of slowly discovering new weapons to use, but then I started to dive into the deep well of options available. Once I got used to the mechanics, I started having fun experimenting with all the different flamethrower rifles, revolver-javelin pistols, and pulse rifle grenade launchers I could put together.
The other big addition is the ability to have a friend jump into the game for two-player co-op. Although I haven’t tested it myself, I’ve heard it handles well, with the input/output aspect working much better than in other games. Side players can experience the game from the perspective of John Carver, a military man who can team up with Isaac to “end terror,” as the game’s marketing department likes to say.
dead space 3 continue the series’ drive towards more and more action. Even comparing it to dead space 2 (which, in my opinion, struck a great balance between hair-raising tension and fast-paced action), this new game feels more like a conventional shoot-em-up. For fans of the first two entries, dead space 3 it will still take care of all your bloody Necromorph limb-severing wishes. There are even some scares and a lot of tension. But don’t expect it to be the same experience as the first scary game.
Still, if you liked the first two games, you’ll probably enjoy donning engineer Isaac Clark’s RIG suit once again. The controls, visuals, and overall smoothness of the game make it a joy to play. For the most part, I had a lot of fun making my way.
And, if replay value is a concern, the adventure will continue; the game’s developers have already announced a DLC pack, “Awakened,” which will be available for purchase in March for around $10.
dead space 3 is now available on Slackers for PlayStation 3 and XBox 360. Take a look.
