Dead Space

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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 Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,176 reviews

story1,024 positive mentions

stability195 negative mentions

story
2,252 mentions
45 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of "Dead Space" is a blend of sci-fi horror that follows engineer Isaac Clarke on a mission to repair the USG Ishimura, a mining ship that has gone silent. While the narrative features familiar tropes and predictable twists, it is generally well-executed, engaging players through environmental storytelling and audio logs that reveal the ship's dark past. Despite some criticisms regarding its linearity and fetch-quest nature, many players find the atmosphere, character development, and overall plot compelling enough to keep them invested throughout the game.
- “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 story is obtuse, characters are generally annoying or barely-present, and the enemies are completely predictable and obvious.”
- “The story is generic, but the voice acting is solid.”
- “The story is pretty terrible too.”
gameplay
1,393 mentions
42 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Dead Space" is characterized by its unique mechanics, particularly the strategic dismemberment system that requires players to target limbs rather than heads, adding depth to combat. While the game offers a solid mix of horror and action with engaging puzzles and resource management, some players find the controls clunky and the gameplay repetitive in later stages. Overall, it remains a highly regarded title for its atmospheric design and innovative gameplay, despite some dated mechanics and minor technical issues.
- “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 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.”
- “The gameplay can be a little clunky but, I do think it was intended.”
atmosphere
1,299 mentions
57 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Dead Space" is widely praised for its immersive and chilling qualities, effectively blending horror and sci-fi elements to create a sense of dread and isolation. Players highlight the game's exceptional sound design, eerie environments, and the oppressive ambiance of the USG Ishimura, which keeps them on edge throughout the experience. Many reviews note that the atmosphere is a defining feature of the game, contributing significantly to its status as a classic in the survival horror genre.
- “The atmosphere and environmental design created here reminds me why I love survival horror games so much.”
- “The atmosphere is genuinely incredible!”
- “The game's horror atmosphere is executed well and it has made me jump quite a few times.”
- “The atmosphere is more clinical and isolated.”
- “The atmosphere was boring because you quickly just got used to gore and blood be splattered everywhere and seeing nothing but metal walls, the entire atmosphere just got incredibly tasteless and bland.”
- “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
1,016 mentions
40 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
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. However, some users mention that the graphics can show their age in certain areas, particularly with character models, and that technical issues may arise on modern systems, often requiring adjustments in graphics settings for optimal performance.
- “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 game released in 2008, the game deserves a 10/10 for its plot, game mechanics, graphics, sound, and skill level.”
- “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
312 mentions
32 % positive mentions
64 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a polarizing aspect, with many praising its ability to build tension and enhance the horror atmosphere through chilling soundscapes and effective use of silence. While some find the soundtrack memorable and fitting for the game's eerie setting, others criticize it for being overly dramatic or distracting during gameplay. Overall, the sound design, including ambient noises and music cues, plays a crucial role in immersing players in the terrifying experience, though some recommend playing with the music turned down to fully appreciate the atmospheric elements.
- “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 properties' 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
213 mentions
8 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
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 settings or using mods, the overall consensus is that the PC port is poorly optimized and often unplayable without extensive troubleshooting. Despite its engaging story and gameplay, the technical issues detract from the experience, leading many to recommend avoiding the PC version in favor of console alternatives.
- “It runs great on modern equipment though and has controller support which was nice.”
- “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 nightmare.”
- “The 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.”
replayability
116 mentions
36 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
Overall, "Dead Space" offers a solid replayability experience, primarily through its New Game+ feature, various difficulty levels, and a diverse arsenal of weapons that encourage experimentation. While some players note a decline in replay value after the initial playthrough due to predictability, many appreciate the challenge of higher difficulties and the opportunity to unlock additional content. Despite its age, the game remains engaging for those who enjoy survival horror, with replayability ratings generally ranging from 7 to 8 out of 10.
- “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 is very replayable.”
- “The only negative thing I have to say about Dead Space is that the replay value plummets about the second time through.”
- “Very low replayability.”
- “Not much replay value, however, since once you learn what you will be facing and when and where best to camp difficult spawns, the game will completely lose its horror element and deteriorate into an average sci-fi shooter.”
optimization
83 mentions
23 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
35 % negative mentions
The optimization of the PC port has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, and bugs that require manual fixes. While some users managed to achieve smooth gameplay with proper adjustments, the overall consensus is that the game is poorly optimized for PC, particularly in comparison to its console version. Despite its strong gameplay and atmosphere, the optimization problems detract from the overall experience, making it frustrating for many players.
- “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 seems really well optimized: I didn't experience any trouble, except for one crash to desktop during a cutscene.”
- “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 glitching and flying around the screen before you even enter a room with vsync disabled... great game, terrible port.”
- “This game is completely unoptimized for PC... Electronic Arts again shows how low profile they are, but then again we all knew that!”
humor
74 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-3 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
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 highlight the slapstick nature of dismemberment mechanics and ragdoll effects, which lead to hilarious scenarios that detract from the intended horror atmosphere. Overall, while the game aims for a serious tone, its execution results in a blend of humor and horror that many find entertaining, albeit sometimes at the expense of genuine 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 themselves 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.”
- “The jokes fall flat and feel forced, lacking the charm that makes humor enjoyable.”
- “I expected clever wit, but instead, I got tired clichés that made me cringe.”
grinding
64 mentions
5 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, often feeling overwhelmed by the need to repeatedly shoot enemies and complete mundane tasks. While some appreciate the tension this creates, many reviewers express frustration with the slow controls, enemy spam, and lack of variety in gameplay, leading to a sense of monotony as the game progresses. Overall, while the game has its merits, the grinding can detract from the overall experience, making it feel like a slog at times.
- “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 umpteenth time.”
emotional
50 mentions
92 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players expressing deep connections to the story and characters, often leading to intense feelings of sadness and immersion. The combination of a mysterious plot and well-developed characters evokes genuine empathy, making players care about the outcomes and experience a range of emotions, from fear to heartbreak. However, some critiques mention that certain emotional moments may not resonate as strongly, indicating a mixed reception regarding the depth of emotional engagement.
- “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; I barely got scared.”
- “I recall a sickeningly narrow field of view, frustratingly restrictive range of motion, a boring story, and tedious gameplay.”
- “A boring story and a hodgepodge of game mechanics, together with the screwed-up controls, just result in zero immersion for me.”
monetization
24 mentions
8 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
46 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game is praised for its lack of microtransactions and downloadable content, reflecting a time when games were designed with artistic integrity rather than profit-driven motives. Players appreciate that the game does not rely on in-game purchases, contrasting it with the monetization issues seen in later titles like Dead Space 3. Overall, the absence of ads and microtransactions 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.”
- “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
14 mentions
29 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
Overall, character development in the game is criticized for being minimal, particularly for the main character, Isaac, who lacks voice acting and depth. While the character designs, especially the necromorphs, are praised for their creativity and horror elements, the narrative fails to provide substantial growth or motivation for the characters, leaving them feeling somewhat bland and underdeveloped. Despite this, the game's focus on atmosphere and tension compensates for the shortcomings in character development.
- “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.”
- “Any character development is split between the two bookends on either side of the actual game.”
- “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!”
- “The character development is bland as well.”