Dead Space

The game is much greater than the sum of its familiar parts. It's also one of the best shooters so far this year.

89%Game Brain Score

story, gameplay

stability, optimization

91% User Score Based on 22,352 reviews

Critic Score 86%Based on 6 reviews

Platforms

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About

Dead Space is a single player survival shooter game with horror and science fiction themes. It was developed by EA Redwood Shores and was released on January 9, 2009. It received positive reviews from critics and very positive reviews from players.

In Dead Space, players step into the boots of an engineer named Isaac Clarke, fighting Necromorphs, alien creatures that result from human corpses being reanimated. The game is a survival horror experience with a focus on strategic dismemberment of enemies, taking place in zero gravity and claustrophobic environments aboard a derelict spaceship. The narrative is centered around uncovering the grim fate of a lost mining colony and the twisted fate of the crew.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 22,352 reviews

story2k positive mentions

stability390 negative mentions

story
4,504 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
51%
4%
The story of *Dead Space* follows engineer Isaac Clarke as he embarks on a mission to repair the USG Ishimura, a mining ship that has gone silent, only to uncover a horrifying alien infestation and a dark conspiracy involving his missing girlfriend. While the narrative is often described as straightforward and somewhat predictable, it is praised for its immersive atmosphere, engaging twists, and effective use of environmental storytelling through audio and text logs. Overall, the story is compelling enough to keep players invested, despite some criticisms regarding its linearity and reliance on fetch quests.
- “The story is excellent, and you can very much put yourself in the head of Isaac.”
- “The story is fascinating, and the combat is unique.”
- “The story is immersive and the game overall is still very much enjoyable in 2024.”
- “The overarching story is really, really dumb.”
- “Actually the story has potential, the problem is it is not well structured and detailed even if you read the comic books of the game.”
- “The story is obtuse, characters are generally annoying or barely-present, and the enemies are completely predictable and obvious.”
gameplay
2,786 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
54%
4%
The gameplay of *Dead Space* is characterized by its unique "strategic dismemberment" mechanic, where players must target the limbs of necromorphs to effectively defeat them, adding a layer of strategy to combat. While the game features solid mechanics and an engaging atmosphere, some players note that the controls can feel clunky and the gameplay may become repetitive over time. Overall, it combines horror elements with third-person shooter gameplay, making it a standout title in the survival horror genre, despite some dated aspects.
- “There are fun and challenging changes to gameplay, like antigravity and venturing outside.”
- “The strategic dismemberment mechanic adds a unique twist to combat, making every encounter thrilling and terrifying.”
- “The gameplay is engaging and highly complements both the survival horror aspects and the overall tension.”
- “The last leg of the game feels like it doesn’t know what else it can do with the concept from a gameplay perspective and is running the player through the motions.”
- “The controls are very clunky (which I normally would dislike), but in this case I actually think that enhances the gameplay because it adds to the horror/desperation vibe, and Isaac is, well, not exactly born to be a slugger.”
- “The gameplay loop is a third person shooter where you go where characters boss you around to go to, and along the way, mutant zombie critters attack.”
atmosphere
2,598 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
41%
2%
The atmosphere in "Dead Space" is widely praised for its chilling and immersive qualities, effectively blending horror and sci-fi elements to create a sense of dread and isolation. Players frequently highlight the game's exceptional sound design, eerie environments, and the oppressive ambiance of the USG Ishimura, which contribute to a tense and suspenseful experience. Despite some criticisms regarding gameplay mechanics and reliance on jump scares, the overall atmosphere remains a standout feature that captivates and terrifies players throughout their journey.
- “The atmosphere and environmental design created here reminds me why I love survival horror games so much.”
- “The atmosphere is unique and creepy.”
- “The game's horror atmosphere is executed well and it has made me jump quite a few times.”
- “This would've been a great horror game if it didn't abandon its solid atmosphere for predictable jumpscares, annoying backtracking and boring puzzles.”
- “The art direction is iconic, but the game is incapable of maintaining a tense atmosphere.”
- “The game also tries far too hard to scare you with its constant loud screeching noises and excessive gore, coming off as cheesy as a result, destroying what little atmosphere the game had.”
graphics
2,032 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
56%
4%
The graphics of "Dead Space" have received widespread acclaim for their impressive quality, especially considering the game was released in 2008. Many players note that the visuals still hold up well today, with detailed environments and effective lighting contributing to the game's eerie atmosphere. While some textures may appear dated, the overall aesthetic and sound design enhance the immersive experience, making it a standout title in the horror genre.
- “The graphics are nothing short of stunning, with detailed environments and character models that bring the terrifying space setting to life.”
- “The ishimura's haunting and oppressive atmosphere is brilliantly translated through detailed graphics and lighting.”
- “For a 2008 game, it has some good graphics!”
- “The graphics are a bit old, which really detracts from the horror effects, and the jumpscares didn't really surprise me either, except for one in particular that always gets me.”
- “I ran into a game-ending bug after watching about 7 minutes of graphics errors (hair stretching out of frame, a character falling down then immediately going back to standing position, what should be normal looking eyes in the pilot's heads turning red and pupil-less), and jankily played out scripted events.”
- “The game wasn't made with modern hardware in mind, so the better your PC, the more graphical issues you'll have.”
music
624 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
64%
4%
The music in "Dead Space" is often described as chilling and atmospheric, effectively enhancing the game's horror elements through tense soundscapes and eerie compositions. While some players appreciate the soundtrack for its ability to build tension and create a sense of dread, others feel it can be overwhelming or distracting, suggesting that the game is best experienced with the music turned down to fully appreciate the ambient sound design. Overall, the combination of music and sound effects plays a crucial role in immersing players in the terrifying environment of the game.
- “The tension-building sound effects and the chilling music create an unforgettable soundscape.”
- “The music, the famous ominous, frantic violin strings, builds tension and dread.”
- “The music and organic audio blend perfectly with the gothic-cyber-futuristic aspect of the property's unique aesthetic.”
- “The sound design is absolutely top-notch, although the music is often way too busy murdering the orchestra to actually stand out much.”
- “The music is garbage as well, no slowly revving up for a greater effect of fear, just full blast ear rape.”
- “The only real problem with the game is that the soundtrack tries too hard to play catch-up with the game, sounding like the orchestra is being tazed whenever an enemy jumps out.”
stability
426 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
92%
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with many users reporting numerous bugs, glitches, and crashes that significantly hinder gameplay. While some players have found workarounds, such as adjusting V-Sync settings or using mods, the overall consensus is that the PC port is poorly optimized and often unplayable, especially on modern systems. Despite its engaging gameplay and story, the technical issues have led many to recommend avoiding the PC version in favor of console alternatives.
- “With tons of awesome visuals, it always looks and runs great.”
- “This game is a classic and runs great to this day on Windows 10.”
- “The game runs great at 60 fps at high settings even with a laptop GPU (mine is a 940mx GDDR5 VRAM).”
- “This game is a buggy mess and a genuine waste of your time; the console version of Dead Space is considered a masterpiece, but the PC port of the game is nothing more than a dumpster fire.”
- “The bugs in this port are numerous, noticeable, require extensive and annoying troubleshooting, and are often game breaking.”
- “I really do want to love this game, but I keep on getting game-breaking glitches that make it impossible to finish.”
replayability
232 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
4%
The replayability of Dead Space is generally regarded as strong, with features like New Game+ and various difficulty levels encouraging multiple playthroughs. Players appreciate the ability to experiment with different weapons and strategies, although some note that the lack of achievements and limited narrative variation may diminish the incentive for repeated runs. Overall, while opinions vary, many find the game offers a satisfying amount of replay value, particularly for fans of survival horror.
- “In terms of replay value, Dead Space offers a variety of difficulty levels and achievements, encouraging multiple playthroughs to uncover hidden secrets and unlock additional content.”
- “The replayability factor is definitely present, as after finishing the game, you unlock some goodies for a second playthrough as well as impossible difficulty.”
- “This game has stood the test of time; it's very replayable.”
- “Very low replayability.”
- “The only negative thing I have to say about Dead Space is that the replay value plummets about the second time through.”
- “Replay value is very low for me since there's no real reason to go back; you get a new armor and some power nodes after you beat the game once.”
optimization
166 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
42%
35%
The optimization of the PC port of Dead Space has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, and bugs that detract from the experience. While some users managed to achieve smooth gameplay through manual tweaks and fixes, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for modern systems, making it frustrating for many players. Despite its strong narrative and atmosphere, the optimization challenges have led to a generally disappointing reception.
- “From the core loop to the juice of the experience, two aspects rise to the top like cream: the story and the optimization are off the charts.”
- “Dead Space runs smoothly as expected at the highest settings with consistent 60fps.”
- “As well as having tremendous graphics for its time, it is also amazingly optimized, being able to run smoothly on max settings on most rigs, and the sound quality is stunning.”
- “The major issue of this game is the performance, as you need to do a variety of fixes and it's not just as easy as downloading a simple patch like with some other older games.”
- “Absolutely unplayable in its current state, stuttering and load times pushing 3 minutes on an SSD with vsync enabled, dead bodies glitch flying around the screen before you even enter a room with vsync disabled.... great game, terrible port, Steam had one job and they failed.”
- “Unfortunately, though, the PC version of Dead Space is awful; it's plagued by mouse issues, resolution problems, poor performance, awful anti-aliasing, and bad v-sync implementation.”
humor
148 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
1%
The humor in the game is often unintentional, stemming from glitchy physics and absurd enemy animations that can make even the most intense moments feel comical. Players frequently describe the dismemberment mechanics and ragdoll physics as slapstick, leading to situations that are more funny than frightening. While the game aims for horror, many find that its over-the-top elements and humorous glitches create a unique blend of tension and laughter, making it an entertaining experience despite its intended scares.
- “A very stupid horror game that's often more funny than scary.”
- “The central mechanic of having to dismember enemies isn't scary; if anything, it's almost slapstick humor.”
- “The ragdoll physics are kind of funny by today's standards, especially when an NPC kills him/herself and suddenly their body goes from this 'I am a cutscene' state to flopping around like an idiot.”
- “It's like Space Quest, except you're an engineer instead of a janitor, and it's not funny at all.”
grinding
128 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
23%
75%
Many players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly in terms of repetitive tasks, enemy encounters, and inventory management. While some appreciate the tension it adds to the gameplay, others feel it detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration and a sense of monotony. Overall, the grinding can be a significant hurdle, especially in later stages of the game, but it is often balanced by engaging story elements and atmospheric design.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “The game can at times be too grindy in terms of acquiring weapon upgrades.”
- “Games with flat or lackluster endings really disappoint you and leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, nothing worse than grinding a game for 40 hours and getting no reward for your time.”
- “What should be a tense and twitchy fight for survival ends up being a dreary, tedious slog of memorizing where enemies jump out at you so you don't have to restart for the umpteeth time.”
emotional
100 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
92%
8%
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised for its ability to create deep connections with players through a mysterious plot and well-developed characters, often leading to intense feelings of fear, sadness, and empathy. Many players report being emotionally wrung out by the end, with some even crying during pivotal moments, particularly related to the protagonist's journey and personal losses. However, some critiques mention that certain emotional plot points may not resonate as strongly as intended, leading to mixed feelings about the overall emotional impact.
- “The mysterious plot, combined with well-developed characters, adds an emotional layer to the horror, making you genuinely care about the outcome of the unfolding nightmare.”
- “By the game's end, I felt wrung out; my emotions were torn to shreds and I found myself lamenting the fact that I'd never get that emotionally immersed in a game again.”
- “You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you will fall in love with this touching tale.”
- “Boring story, bland characters, and everything was obvious; being an errand boy was also quite boring, barely got scared.”
- “A boring story and hodgepodge of game mechanics, together with the screwed-up controls, just result in zero immersion for me.”
- “A) boring story, repetitive tasks, weak atmosphere.”
monetization
48 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
46%
46%
The monetization model of the game is praised for its lack of microtransactions and additional downloadable content, reflecting a time when games were designed with artistic integrity rather than profit-driven motives. Players appreciate that the original game offers a complete experience without the need for in-game purchases, contrasting sharply with the monetization issues found in Dead Space 3. Overall, the absence of monetization tactics is seen as a significant positive aspect of the game's design.
- “Dead Space includes no purchasable DLC or microtransactions.”
- “This game is an example of how, when done right, titles don't necessarily need to rely on in-game purchases and MMO communities to be a hit.”
- “No microtransactions!”
- “This game was made when games were purely an art form in design, gameplay, and storytelling and not just a soulless cash grab.”
- “A reminder of a time when video games were actually made with love and dedication and not everything was fused with microtransactions and freaking NFTs.”
- “Dead Space 3, underneath all of the mismanagement, microtransactions, and multiplayer has echoes of your masterful maintenance of dread.”
character development
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
50%
21%
Character development in the game has been criticized for being minimal, particularly for the main character, Isaac, who lacks voice acting, resulting in a disconnect from his motivations. While the character designs are praised for their uniqueness and memorability, many reviewers noted that the overall development feels bland and underwhelming, with some characters, like Kendra, receiving little depth. Despite these shortcomings, the game's focus on atmosphere and tension compensates for the lack of character growth, making it still a worthwhile experience.
- “The realistic design of the creatures, retaining elements of the human form that was transformed by the extraterrestrial infection, makes the necromorphs one of the most disturbing character designs you will ever come across in a video game.”
- “The concept of being stranded on a space station far out in space while being hunted down by aliens made of human body parts is what made this title in the series far more superior than its successors.”
- “Character design is good, no one is stereotypical, and each character is decently memorable.”
- “The only faults I had with the game were the inventory system, the lack of character development (i.e., the main character, probably due to the lack of voice acting), and scarcity of ammo, which counteracts itself because thanks to the low amounts of ammo, the tension rises exponentially.”
- “-1 star for poor character development and understanding of character motivation.”
- “Overall, I would give this game a solid 10/10, and the only thing I could complain about is that there is no character development for Isaac (main character) whatsoever, as he doesn't have a voice!”