Dead Space 2

You have to understand, I'm nearly 65 and the state's shortly going to pay me for just being a nice, old chap! I was raised on the pub version of space invaders - ping! Ping! Ping! Zup, you're dead! I played Dead Space 1 at the easy level and was pretty taken with the graphics in that. I couldn't believe the number of senarios contained in the race to get the marker. The weapons are awesome, as are the beasts that attack. This is a truely wondersome world, grotesque but remarkably imaginative. Dead Space 2 takes this adventure to a new and fearsome level, and I haven't yet scratched the surface! I haven't joined with others on the 'net to beat the ghastly forces, and I'm only on Chapter 9, Normal level! A word of warning, my wife was appalled at the gruesome graghics - the blood, the guts, the realistic dismembering of both friend and foe. But, this is the world of High Definition and beyond the clandestine half-hour to get to the next level ("You're not on that thing again, are you?") I'm unlikely to be influenced too much - old ladies and their handbags are safe with this space warrior! I just wish me and Isaac could take our Line Guns and Pulse Rifles to the Tory party conference!

This limited edition includes not only Dead Space 2 but also Extraction, a Playstation Move game as well.

Firstly, the game itself is beautifully animated which can be seen from the off - the most atmospheric lighting and depth to date. It's also frantic right from the minute you start and full of those jumpy scares which were so effectively used in the first game.

The controls, despite being very similar to the last, feel much smoother and easier to manouver. No more clunky movement for Isaac. Combat is again the same idea - dismember necromorph's limbs to stop the things from coming at you. There are new elements introduced, and use of stasis to slow enemies is a lot more acurate.

The environments are stunning, and a lot more interesting than before with lots of wide open spaces. Every dark, musky corner has been designed to add atmosphere.

The story is new, and without spoiling much, really makes Isaac Clarke earn his place among the industries best protagonists. There are a lot of great games out this year, but this is already a strong contender for game of the year. This polish and attention to detail are rarely seen in games.

There is also an online mode, where you can choose to play as either human or necromorph. It's pretty decent and will definitely add playability value.

Now onto Extraction, a Move based game set before any of the narative from the first game happened. It's very different, plays like a House of the Dead game and feels a bit more like Resident Evil than Dead Space but is actually a fantastic game. I'm having as much fun on this as Dead Space 2 and this is the reason I now own Move.

Controls are responsive and the game instills the same sense of panic the series is so renowned for. Graphically not as much of a treat as the main game, it still looks impressive considering it's a port.

This really is value for money and is shaping up to be the best survival horror series so far - Silent Hill better shape up for it's release later this year.

I have to admit I didn't exactly wet my pants on the Original Dead Space but loved it nonetheless for it's atmospheric and enjoyable Gameplay (played it throughout at least 5 times). So this sequel had a lot to live up to.
And live up it does. Firstly the beginning moments Gameplay-wise are similar. Isaac running away from alien monsters with no weapon, except this time around wearing a straight jacket and having an entire legion of nasties trying to get a bite. And the first items you get are a torch and medipack. It's till near the end of the level you get anything at all that can fire limb dissecting rounds at anything. It all makes the tension more intense from the offset.
Visually it's a real treat. Not only does it look sharper than the original but more varied locations allow a much greater feel of size and scale. My favourite section has to be the unitolgy church, though the nursery section wins most freaky award.
There's also more variety in Gameplay. No longer are bosses simply point and shoot add ons or trams simply a save point between levels but a QTE cinematic bits in their own right.
Overall Dead Space 2 is a great game, and with a full install of the Nintendo Wii classic Extraction (you will need the disk to play it though) this is 2 great games for the price of one!