Dead Space 2

Visceral Games have taken the franchise to all new heights with a totally insane single player campaign and an excellent plot to go along with it.

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Dead Space 2 is a sci-fi horror game that follows Isaac Clarke, who awakens on a space station orbiting Saturn, plagued by disturbing visions and a Necromorph outbreak. Armed with improved telekinesis and new tools, Isaac must fight through hordes of reanimated corpses and uncover the mystery of his nightmares. Experience a gripping, suspenseful narrative with full 360-degree movement and strategic dismemberment combat.

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Reviews

93%

Audience ScoreBased on 11,535 reviews

story1,015 positive mentions

stability51 negative mentions

story
2,309 mentions
44 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The story of "Dead Space 2" is widely praised for its engaging narrative that continues the harrowing journey of protagonist Isaac Clarke, delving deeper into his psychological struggles and the lore surrounding the necromorphs and the Marker. While some players feel it lacks the atmospheric horror of the first game, many appreciate the character development, plot twists, and the emotional weight of Isaac's experiences, making it a compelling sequel that enhances the original's storyline. Overall, the game is noted for its strong storytelling, immersive environments, and a blend of action and horror elements that keep players invested throughout.
- “The story is so well thought out, the creativity put into the game is absolutely amazing!”
- “The story is a continuation from the first game and was pretty interesting, there was a weird fixation on eyes though...”
- “The story is spot on with Dead Space 2 and probably the best story of the three.”
- “The story is less about mystery and with only a few uninteresting characters there's not much to pay attention to.”
- “The story itself is nothing special and you are mostly shuffling from trope objective to trope objective, but it was certainly not a bad story and had a lot of environmental storytelling that I appreciated.”
- “The story may fall into some clichés at times, and side missions might not be as well-integrated into the main narrative.”
gameplay
1,375 mentions
38 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in "Dead Space 2" has been widely praised for its improvements over the original, featuring smoother controls, enhanced mechanics, and a more dynamic combat system that includes new weapons and the innovative zero-gravity movement. While it retains the core elements of strategic dismemberment and horror, many players noted a shift towards a more action-oriented experience, which some felt diminished the horror aspect. Overall, the game successfully combines intense action with a gripping narrative, making it a standout sequel in the franchise.
- “The gameplay itself is the perfect blend of tactical combat and puzzle-solving, with the iconic limb-severing mechanics returning in full force.”
- “The gameplay is even more intense and terrifying than before, I believe.”
- “Gameplay improvements shine through in the combat mechanics, introducing new weapons and tools that allow for greater tactical variety.”
- “The worst part about this game is the hacking mechanic.”
- “I liked it, but the linearity and lack of survival horror gameplay mechanics had me losing interest.”
- “The gameplay is virtually identical to the recent ds1 remake and the graphics still hold up well by today's standards.”
graphics
922 mentions
48 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics of "Dead Space 2" have received widespread acclaim for their impressive quality, especially considering the game was released in 2011. Many players note that the visuals still hold up well today, with detailed environments, effective lighting, and a strong aesthetic that enhances the horror experience. While some critiques mention minor graphical glitches and a less atmospheric feel compared to the first game, the overall consensus is that the graphics are a significant improvement over its predecessor, making it a visually stunning title in the horror genre.
- “The graphics are still stunning and a major improvement over the first game.”
- “The graphics hold up extremely well for a 12-year-old game, sound design is amazing, overall horror atmosphere is intense and engaging.”
- “Visually, Dead Space 2 is a standout, boasting impressive graphics that create a beautifully horrifying world filled with grotesque enemies and unsettling environments.”
- “The graphics have a slight improvement from DS1, but it's nothing dramatic.”
- “The graphics are alright, nothing flashy in comparison to some of the new AAA titles that are coming out today, but they work, especially since this game is close to a decade old now.”
- “The graphics were much more detailed while not sluggish at all.”
atmosphere
798 mentions
52 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in "Dead Space 2" is generally praised for its immersive and chilling qualities, though many reviewers note it lacks the oppressive tension of its predecessor, "Dead Space." While the sequel introduces more action and varied environments, it sacrifices some of the claustrophobic horror that defined the first game, leading to a mix of intense moments and jump scares. Overall, the game maintains a strong atmosphere with excellent sound design and visuals, but opinions vary on whether it matches the original's level of dread and immersion.
- “The atmosphere is suffocating and intense.”
- “The game’s atmosphere is off the charts.”
- “The atmosphere, sound effects, and even the graphics are great in spite of the age of this game.”
- “While maintaining these in here, as well; multiplying the amount of enemies, being a far cry from giving that tense atmosphere on Ishimura in the first game and the lack of scarcity of resources annihilate all the horror elements the first game had.”
- “The atmosphere isn't quite there in this one.”
- “The atmosphere is not the same and the enemies are sometimes predictable.”
music
178 mentions
30 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to enhance the atmosphere and tension, particularly in horror moments, while others criticize the combat music for being intrusive and detracting from the gameplay experience. Ambient sounds and eerie compositions effectively contribute to the game's chilling mood, but some players recommend turning off the music to fully appreciate the action and horror elements. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its quality and effectiveness in creating a gripping atmosphere, though opinions vary on its execution during combat scenarios.
- “The music and sound effects amplify this feeling, creating a chilling mood that perfectly complements the horror genre.”
- “The atmosphere truly helps captivate the horror of Dead Space 2: leaving you isolated, constantly looking back and forth, always cautious of vents and using music and sound design such as voices of random dialogue going on in the background every time you slow down or stay still - even when the game has nothing going on it still manages to make you feel paranoid.”
- “The music is well composed, and only adds to the atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack doesn't stand out.”
- “The music sends your anxiety through the roof, which gets in your way of making crucial time-sensitive decisions, adding to the feeling of desperation as you blast, slash, and shoot your way out of tight situations.”
- “The soundtrack loses its mind every time an enemy spawns, ruining any kind of surprise, and refuses to die down until the very last enemy dies, instantly alerting the player to the fact that there's nothing more to worry about.”
replayability
126 mentions
49 % positive mentions
46 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
Overall, "Dead Space 2" is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the variety of weapons, suits, and gameplay modes such as New Game+ and hardcore mode. While some reviewers noted a lack of replay value compared to other franchises like Resident Evil, the game's engaging combat and dynamic environments contribute to its lasting appeal. Despite some criticisms regarding unskippable cutscenes and repetitive elements, many still find it a fun and rewarding experience worth revisiting.
- “Great sequel to the first one, fun and replayable even after all these years.”
- “Very replayable, awesome storyline, and super scary.”
- “The game has a great replay value and even now in late 2020 this game is still one of the best horror/survival games out there.”
- “Overall the heavier focus on combat made the game simply not as good as the original as an experience, though I can see it likely improving the replay value, but I did not go for a new game+ run.”
- “This is especially true of the PC version, which lacks achievements, but even if we disqualify that, Dead Space 2's lack of replay value stands in stark contrast to its inspiration - the Resident Evil series, which is infinitely replayable and has a wealth of content even after beating the campaign.”
- “Dead Space 2 gives more free action playing compared with the first one, unfortunately there is a lot of copy-paste room design, the same enemies with the same spawn pattern, almost empty storyline with too dramatic amateur music, and for sure absolutely no replayability.”
optimization
91 mentions
45 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
11 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization for PC has received mixed reviews, with many praising its smooth performance and graphical fidelity, especially on modern hardware. However, some users reported performance issues, such as stuttering and bugs, particularly on older systems or without proper settings adjustments. While the game generally runs well and offers a good experience, players are advised to tweak settings like V-Sync and frame rate limits for optimal performance.
- “The game has many positive things and very good improvements, very good atmosphere, better graphics, the optimization is very smooth, scenarios, blood, enemies, the protagonist, basically everything.”
- “Game runs smoothly on modern PCs, all you need to do is to disable vsync in game settings and set fps limit through your NVIDIA control panel.”
- “The graphics are pleasant to look at, game runs smoothly, music... was there even music?”
- “Need optimization for newer devices.”
- “Also a variety of graphical bugs and unoptimized render settings.”
- “But why is Dead Space 2008 so buggy, full of glitches, and poorly optimized compared to the 2nd?”
humor
79 mentions
99 % positive mentions
-3 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The humor in "Dead Space 2" is a mixed bag, with players finding amusement in the absurdity of certain situations, character interactions, and glitches, often laughing at moments that are intended to be scary. While some appreciate the dark humor and comedic elements woven into the gameplay, others feel that the humor detracts from the horror atmosphere, leading to a more lighthearted experience than anticipated. Overall, the game balances humor and horror, with many players enjoying the comedic aspects alongside the gruesome action.
- “The jump scares are so perfectly timed, you’ll find yourself laughing afterward just to cover up the fact that you screamed like a toddler in a haunted house.”
- “It's not all doom and gloom though - the game's humor and references to sci-fi classics keep things lively.”
- “I liked Isaac as a silent protagonist, whereas in this one watching him go 'fuck, damnit, shit' when he's stomping a necromorph's face in like his card just got declined at a gas pump just made me laugh throughout the game.”
- “It made finishing the game very, very unfunny.”
- “The jokes fell flat and felt forced throughout the entire experience.”
- “I expected a lot of laughs, but instead, I was left cringing at the attempts at humor.”
stability
63 mentions
17 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
81 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed feedback, with many users reporting various graphical and lighting glitches, as well as occasional crashes and bugs that can disrupt gameplay. While some players have experienced a smooth performance with minimal issues, others have noted significant problems, particularly on PC, leading to a consensus that the game is generally buggy but still enjoyable. Overall, it appears that while the game can run well, players should be prepared for potential technical issues.
- “Not sure how they pulled it off but it looks and runs great.”
- “In this sequel, however, that couldn't be farther from the truth as it looks fantastic, especially compared to the first one. It is a quite good port; the game feels right at home as it controls fluidly, runs buttery smooth, and features almost no glitches or bugs throughout.”
- “Ds2, however, has been bug-free and running beautifully at max settings.”
- “Just be warned of all the bugs and glitches that will actually make your game unplayable.”
- “It starts fine, then freezes and crashes 10 seconds in.”
- “What a garbage game, bugs, glitches, stupid linear repetitive gameplay with no brain.”
grinding
58 mentions
3 % positive mentions
12 % neutral mentions
84 % negative mentions
Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and repetitive, particularly in the later chapters where encounters become monotonous and lack meaningful rewards. Many reviews highlight that the gameplay shifts from a horror experience to a more action-oriented grind, leading to frustration with the sheer number of enemies and the lack of engaging story elements. While some appreciate the improvements in controls and mechanics, the overwhelming grind detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A lot of grinding.”
- “The grinding, isolated, atmospheric horror is replaced with more action-oriented gameplay.”
- “It takes away any aspect of horror and just gets tedious and annoying.”
- “You will frequently find rooms in the game where you just back into a corner and kill 15 or so enemies as they file in, which is both tedious and frustrating.”
emotional
54 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by significant character development, particularly for Isaac, whose journey is marked by trauma, hallucinations, and a deeper narrative that evokes genuine feelings of fear and attachment. Players appreciate the enhanced storytelling and emotional weight, noting that the game successfully engages them through its compelling plot and character interactions, even if some resolutions feel lacking. Overall, the game is praised for its ability to create an emotional rollercoaster, making players feel invested in the characters and their struggles.
- “The storytelling is enhanced by Isaac's character development, with more dialogue that adds emotional depth and context to his harrowing journey.”
- “The story is compelling and even made me emotional at times.”
- “Its well-developed characters, especially Isaac Clarke, contribute to the game's emotional resonance, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and an enduring classic in the survival horror pantheon.”
character development
38 mentions
50 % positive mentions
42 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
Isaac Clarke's character development is a standout feature, transforming him from a silent protagonist into a deeply relatable and emotionally complex survivor, enriched by increased dialogue and backstory. Players appreciate the depth and progression of his character throughout the game, which enhances their investment in the narrative. While some reviews note inconsistencies in character development across the series, the overall consensus highlights it as a significant improvement that adds to the game's horror and storytelling experience.
- “The storytelling is enhanced by Isaac's character development, with more dialogue that adds emotional depth and context to his harrowing journey.”
- “Isaac's character development is a standout feature, transforming him from a silent engineer to a haunted and resilient survivor.”
- “This character development makes Isaac one of the most genuine and relatable characters I've ever played as in a survival horror game, which makes you more invested in the story and is a very welcome change to its predecessor.”
- “The dialogue was one of the primary tools for character development but delivered on this front in a lukewarm way.”
- “It is the exact same game as the first (which was not great), character development does not exist, and everything is horrible.”
- “I felt like DS2 suffered greatly from poor character development.”
monetization
30 mentions
10 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
37 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy in "Dead Space 3" has been widely criticized as exploitative, with many reviewers labeling it a cash grab due to its heavy reliance on microtransactions and DLC. Players express frustration over the impact of these practices on gameplay balance and the overall experience, feeling that the focus on monetization detracts from the game's narrative and quality. The game's release is seen as a turning point for the franchise, marking a shift towards predatory business models that prioritize profit over player satisfaction.
- “This is some solid single player title from the era not yet contaminated with season passes, microtransactions, and other greedy 'innovations'.”
- “You pay for what you get (though this is an EA game, it doesn't have microtransactions, thank god).”
- “It's just fun, no microtransactions, no DLC, just gameplay and solid gameplay at that.”
- “This is a low budget, low effort, action-oriented cash grab that should've been a $20 non-canon DLC released 'just for fun', but EA decided to sell it as a $60 sequel instead.”
- “Far too much irrelevant DLC, loot boxes, microtransactions, and other predatory business practices.”
- “Ever since EA practically murdered the Visceral studio due to meddling with the production of the game, changing the story and shoving in microtransactions, they literally not only botched Dead Space 3 but pretty much show how little they care about the fans of the game.”