Dead Space™ Review
PROS
- Chilling atmospheric environments.
- High quality audio soundtrack; solid voice-acting.
- Clever combat system; a constant reminder of your fragility.
CONS
- No control customization; invert and sensitivity options required in the least.
- Plays like Dead Space 1 despite being a prequel to Dead Space 2; an odd choice considering the looming release.
VERDICT
For what Dead Space lacks in gameplay details it manages to make up for in sheer stunning production value; a chilling shooter and a good warm-up for the upcoming sequel.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Haters will hate, but Electronic Arts have done a lot in my eyes to show just how progressive they've become in the gaming industry and their latest release of Dead Space for iOS devices only helps to solidify this position. With Dead Space 2 dropping on major consoles and PCs this coming week, iDevice users have an opportunity to play the events leading up to the start of the new title and it's no Sunday picnic.
The controls are limited to only one setup, however much like the original console title the game uses a streamlined interface and setup that's relatively easy to learn. Swiping on the left side performs the obligatory movement, while the right side is set up for aiming and firing. Tapping the screen will place you in a firing stance, tapping the screen again to unleash a round from your equipped weapon and tilting the screen to switch between alternate firing modes. This is important to master as enemies are weak along specific joints and getting the correct angle or using a timely burst fire will save your life.
For those lucky enough to have a fourth gen iDevice, the visuals will blow you away, but the real treat is in the load times that are practically negligible and broadly spaced out. This prevents the tense and horrific mood from being diminished by pointless bouts of waiting and to spice things up the 'tram' sections pit you against a minor swarm of monsters to hide some of the transitions between areas.
The only major disappointment is the game's length, which feels surprisingly short, though only because of how engaging it is. It's a shame that there's no multiplayer (something the sequel is keen to promote), but once you're finished a hard mode is unlocked and players can tackle it with the upgrades they already have (and you'll definitely need it).
Dead Space is a chilling experience that goes well beyond the normal expectations for mobile gaming and should definitely find its way on to any iDevice owned by those who have already enjoyed this horror series.
Screenshots
$4.99
Comments
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This Dead Space game was okay, but it could have been better. I wasn't scared at all, even when wearing headphones.
Maybe if the melee combat wasn't so.. plain... That would have made a difference. There's no suspense of struggle with an enemy trying to eat your face when you can just use your plasma saw to hit them over and over while they stagger with every hit. It didn't really feel like the enemies were really putting up a fight.
So creepy but awesome!
Pretty fucking sweet some of these big games are on sale this week!
Tnx for keeping us in the loop Appspy! <3
wow thnks dude for the reviews , really helpful .. i just bought it and no regrets come to me :D ... keep it up ! but this game is totally creepy ...
does it support 2nd gen ipod touches???
yup it does
Dead Space is a good fit for the iPhone.
Finally made an account here since I read your reviews daily lol. Spot o review. This game is another poster child for iDevices being your one-stop mobile gaming device. And the paltry 291 MB it takes up is icing on the cake. I bought my 4th Gen iPod Touch the morning Infinity Blade came out after years of disappointment with my PSPs and NDSs. I was lucky enough to adopt right at the 'Great App Avalanche Of 2010' lol. And Dead Space is probably my favorite The beauty of iDevices is the fact that I can jump from a game like Dead Space or N.O.V.A. 2 into a game like Angry Birds or Plants Vs Zombies with zero load time and auto-saves. This is the future of gaming, and you sir are the final word on the value of these Apps. I have found your reviews unbelievably accurate, and invaluable in helping me make wade through the ocean that is the App Store. Sorry for the book, I just wanted to thank you for your help, and encourage you to keep up the great work!!
Thanks for the kudos and enjoy the glut of games that came out in the last few months ;) It looks like this year already has some great games lined up, so I can't wait to see how things turn out in another 12 months :D
Thanks for the review! The game looks cool. I for one will not be buying it, tho. $7 is one reason. FPS is another reason. And lastly, while this game really looks awesome for an i-device (as you call them), I don't think it's the right game for a phone ... for me.
Its funny how a lot of times its more the game genre than the actual game that determines whether a game is a good fit for a phone. Just my opinion. I like 'really fun, light hearted, 5 min's is enough at one time' games. And maybe it's just that I don't find games all about running around killing stuff my idea of fun?
That's one of the really fun and interesting things about being a gamer - or more specifically exploring different games across different platforms. It gives you a good chance to work out what does and doesn't work for you personally :) There's no reason to like a game that doesn't fit with your play-habits on the iPhone and I can understand where you're coming from regarding this belief that hardcore games need gore to be legitimate - some games like N+ are hardcore in a way that smashes a lot of other games without the need for gore or killing things :)