Soundtrack Central The best classic game music and more

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Angela Jan 25, 2011 (edited Jan 26, 2011)

I came in late with the first Dead Space, but I'm glad I muscled through it before the sequel hit today.  I even went to the midnight launch last night, knowing full well I wouldn't be able to play the game until the following night.  (At the very least, I was able to full install the two-disc game on my 360.)  Now, as the mood-setting dusk approaches, I'm finally afforded the opportunity to tear into some Necromorphs.  Yes, it's time to get my FREAK on.

I'm three chapters in, and so far the game's making a great first impression.  The core gameplay and controls remain about the same, though there were some minor button function swaps that threw me for a loop.  (The menu HUD, for example, was moved from the "Y" button to Select, and quick health replenish was switched from "X" to "B".)  Isaac himself feels a touch more nimble now.  He strafes quicker, and the curb stomp feels much less restrained.  Remaining as tactile as ever, you're now allowed to do multiple stomps in rapid succession, at last making it a viable attack maneuver that can get you out of a tight pinch.   Other mechanics are handled with more finesse too; the manual reload for weapons feels faster, and I haven't even done a single Node upgrade to any of them yet.

Graphics and atmosphere remain as top notch as ever.  Not to give anything away, but the first hour alone made me jump in genuine fright at least three or four times; one of them gave me a particularly awful start.  Like the first game, you've GOT to play this on a great sound system.  I also have my critical eye turned toward the game's framerate, but I'm happy to report that it's as rock solid as the first.  Even with several more Necromorphs attacking you at once, it rarely ever dips.

Still warming up to the fact that Isaac now has a voice.  I haven't gotten far enough past the "Where the hell am I?!" phases of his dialogue to render judgment on him as a character just yet, but at least he has the decency to not crack wise in between gameplay sections.

So far, so good.  There's the feeling that Visceral Games has taken what was already a very polished product with the first Dead Space, and given it an extra layer of sheen.

Amazingu Jan 25, 2011

I just reached the second disc yesterday, and I'm loving the alien-blasting Christ out of it.
It's been about a year since I played the original, and my memory is a bit foggy, but was telekynesis such a well-integrated part of gameplay before?
I can recall it being used for simple puzzles, but here you get to throw skewers around and even use detached limbs to perforate other Necromorphs. Was that in the original? It's awesome in any case.
I also love how you can just blow windows out for some quick cleaning. It's nice that they give you much more ways of dealing with enemies (allowing you to save ammo) this time round.

I'm not liking Isaac very much though. His voice and dialogue are of no particular interest, and he's just your average grumpy bald space marine. The grumpy part is perfectly understandable of course, and some of his hallucinations will send shivers down your spine, it's just that the guy himself doesn't seem particularly likeable, but I have that issue with most bald space marines.

The game itself kicks utter ass though; I loved Chapter 2 in particular, and the end of Chapter 5 is fan-f*cking-tastic. As Angie (and pretty much everyone who's played the game) said: make sure you have a decent sound system. I'm using a very nice set of Surround Headphones, and the game is making sure I'll be deaf in 3 years, but at least I'll have enjoyed the ride big_smile

Some criticism: be it the X or B button, I HATE having a quick heal function on one of the face buttons, especially on a button that I have come to associate with melee attacks (let alone cancelling out of menus) in other games. I can't be the only one who's wasted health packs like this, can I!?

Also, some areas are shamelessly reused. And I'm not even talking about back-tracking, I'm talking just several rooms in the game with exactly the same layout, which feels lazy.

Still, a truly amazing, ass-kicking game so far.
2011 is off to a great start!

McCall Jan 26, 2011 (edited Sep 10, 2012)

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Jay Jan 26, 2011

I have just finished the first one and absolutely loved it. Wasn't sure when I started if I'd go all the way through, what with it being a bit nasty and miserable and all, but the game had me completely hooked. And everything it did, it did brilliantly. I was incredibly impressed.

I'm not sure now whether to go straight into the sequel or wait for a while to have a break between them. How is the variety in the locations compared with the original? Is it much different? I felt they got a great amount of variety from what was quite a limited location in the first but, by close to the end, I did feel it was almost at the limit. Almost needed more variety. But not yet.

Does the sequel take place in pretty similar locations? If so, I might just wait a little while.

McCall Jan 26, 2011 (edited Sep 10, 2012)

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Ashley Winchester Jan 26, 2011

The TV spot for this is definately amusing: "Your mom is gonna hate this..."

Angela Jan 27, 2011 (edited Jan 27, 2011)

Just made it up to Chapter 5.  Two of my primary complaints from the first Dead Space were addressed here:

1) First, it appears that enemies can now follow you through doors.  That definitely ramps up the tension quite a bit.

2) They've included a handy 'Restart from the last checkpoint' system.  Again, like the first Dead Space and RE4, this is the sort of game that lends itself well to the 'perfect run' mentality.  I've used the feature a number of times since I didn't like the way I handled certain areas.

I'd just noticed they did away with the 3D map screen, but as compensation, they included the ability to shift through location markers for Objective, Save Points, Shops, and Benches.  Fluidly streamlined, that.

I've gotta hand it to the developers for keeping to the element of surprise.  At one part, a Necromorph came crashing through a closet wall at me.  I died shortly after, and started from the last checkpoint.  When I got up to that specific part again, I had my gun at the ready for the inevitable burst out.  Well, wouldn't you know it, they actually SWITCHED UP the location of the surprise attack to the closet just adjacent to the other one.  Sneaky sons of bitches.... very well played. big_smile

And holy shit at the new ..... velociraptor-esque Stalker enemies.  Gotta love the name of the Achievement you earn after taking down the first pack, too. wink

Amazingu Jan 27, 2011

Angela wrote:

2) They've included a handy 'Restart from the last checkpoint' system.  Again, like the first Dead Space and RE4, this is the sort of game that lends itself well to the 'perfect run' mentality.  I've used the feature a number of times since I didn't like the way I handled certain areas.

God, I've been abusing the f*ck out of that. Checkpoints are extremely numerous so as soon as something doesn't go my way: Restart!

I hear it's not available on higher difficulty levels though.

I've gotta hand it to the developers for keeping to the element of surprise.

I had a similar experience. At some point there was a Necromorph waiting for me inside an elevator (that was a nasty surprise), so I got severely mauled, and upon retrying and readying myself, it was completely gone, only to appear after getting OUT of the elevator.

Bastards.

McCall Jan 27, 2011 (edited Sep 10, 2012)

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Wanderer Jan 28, 2011

Aww... they got rid of the 3D map? I'm playing through the first game right now and that thing has saved my ass a few times (even when it's confusing to make out).

Angela Jan 28, 2011

Amazingu wrote:

I hear it's not available on higher difficulty levels though.

Out of curiosity, what difficulty level is everyone playing on?  I decided to start out on Normal, and I've noticed that ammo is a little harder to come by than the first Dead Space's Normal setting.  I guess they want to emphasize the new 'strategic dismemberment by fallen limbs' mechanic.

Also, what is everyone's current mainstay weapons?  I've been sticking to the Plasma Cutter/Line Gun combo just like the first game, but I'm thinking I may have to expand my repertoire.  At the very least, the Pulse Gun seems like a good choice to use against one-shot enemies like The Pack and the bug-like Crawlers.   

McCall wrote:

"Much Ado About Necromorphs". "It Had to be Unitology". smile I love the composer's sense of humor.

Graves clearly subscribes to the Michael Giacchino brand of track naming. wink

Wanderer wrote:

Aww... they got rid of the 3D map? I'm playing through the first game right now and that thing has saved my ass a few times (even when it's confusing to make out).

Believe me, with the more user-friendly location marker, you won't miss it.

McCall Jan 28, 2011 (edited Sep 10, 2012)

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Jay Jan 28, 2011

I could barely make sense of the map in the original. Seemed too crowded in 3D. But most levels had a fairly simple layout (paths off were usually just a room or two) and it had the light beam whenever I got totally confused.

Currently playing the iOS Dead Space. It's not awful. It looks great and sounds great (surprisingly creepy with headphones). The control really takes away from the fun though.

Angela Jan 28, 2011

Jay wrote:

I could barely make sense of the map in the original. Seemed too crowded in 3D. But most levels had a fairly simple layout (paths off were usually just a room or two) and it had the light beam whenever I got totally confused.

Yep, that light beam is essentially the location marker.  Now you can switch them on the fly to either the default Objective, or to the nearest Save Point, Shop, or upgrade Bench.  Each one even has a designated beam color: blue, green, red, and purple respectively.

Jay Jan 28, 2011

That's a great idea. Sounds really handy.

Amazingu Jan 28, 2011

Angela wrote:

Out of curiosity, what difficulty level is everyone playing on?  I decided to start out on Normal, and I've noticed that ammo is a little harder to come by than the first Dead Space's Normal setting.  I guess they want to emphasize the new 'strategic dismemberment by fallen limbs' mechanic.

Also, what is everyone's current mainstay weapons?  I've been sticking to the Plasma Cutter/Line Gun combo just like the first game, but I'm thinking I may have to expand my repertoire.  At the very least, the Pulse Gun seems like a good choice to use against one-shot enemies like The Pack and the bug-like Crawlers.

I'm playing on Normal.
Actually, since the first game kicked my ass so hard, I started playing on Casual, but then I noticed the game lets you switch difficulties on the fly, so I restarted on Normal, and I'll keep Casual for when things get too hard for me to handle (hasn't happened so far yet, and I'm at Chapter 9 now).
I actually have the feeling I'm earning more ammo than in the first game, but maybe I'm just getting better at actually hitting stuff.

As for mainstay weapons: same as the first game: Plasma Cutter, Line Gun and Pulse Rifle. Haven't found a 4th weapon I'm comfortable with yet though. The Pulse Rifle is INSANELY useful, not only for the smaller, crawlier enemies, but for basically stopping most Necromorphs in their tracks.

I use the Line Gun like I'd use a Shotgun in most other shooters. Whip it out when attacked by strong enemies and large groups of enemies.

Amazingu Feb 1, 2011

So how's everyone coming along?

I finally wrapped the game up yesterday, after a very enjoyable I-don't-know-how-many hours (that counter doesn't seem to be accurate), and I would be surprised if this doesn't end up in my Top 10 of 2011 (although it would be nice if I could get to play 10 games that are even better this year).

I found the ending slightly generic and disappointing, although I like how they fleshed out Isaac's personal problems in the latter half of the game.
And, also, the last 2 chapters can go to Hell as far as I'm concerned. That was just too stressful to be fun. I decided to just run from everything at that point.

Angela Feb 2, 2011

Just finished the game myself; ten hours according to the in-game clock, exactly an hour less than the original.  The sequel felt better paced overall.  Pretty much agree with Amazingu's assessment; it's an awesome game straight up until those bullshit final two chapters.  I was so close to knocking down the difficulty to Casual during that last bum rush/chase sequence, but relented; I just had to use every single Statis and Health Pack in my inventory, is all.  Also, who's bright idea was it to have the ..... Regenerator in the same room as a hacking sequence?  As someone who never upgraded her RIG's statis modules once, this was a pretty tough scrape in terms of getting that right combination of 'stay down' timing and luck induced hassle-free hacking.  In any case, I'm definitely looking forward to jumping right into New Game+.  I ended up with a boatload of Power Nodes (like about fifteen), which I guess I'll front load onto a bunch of my mainstay weapons for my Survivalist run.

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Some observations:

Great fan service with ..... the return to the Ishimura.  I got a sweet 'welcome back to Shadow Moses in MGS4' vibe.  Loved that fake-out when you enter the first Quarantine chamber.  I'm sure that everybody who's played through the first game was ready for a fight, but then..... "Quarantine complete!" smile

No laser cannon 'defend the ship's hull' shooting sequences this time around.  Thank god.

The Pukers have got to be one of the most annoying enemies in video game history.

Conversely, the Exploders earn the award for voices most accurately forged out of Hell.  The Cyst are also capable of making some freakishly disturbing noises; made me stop dead in my tracks every time, looking to set them all off before taking another step.

Chloe, I mean, Ellie (seriously, that is totally Uncharted 2's Chloe in all but name)..... I'm glad she made it out okay.  Thought for sure she was a goner during her encounter with Stross.  "You owe me an eye, you bastard!" was one of my most favorite lines in the game.

This is a small, intangible nitpick, but I was disappointed they couldn't get Iyari Limon to reprise her role as Nicole in the game.  The same for whoever the voice actress who did.... the original Ishimura's computer voice was.

Not to state the obvious, but the graphics and art design in this game is stunning.  The lighting, especially, is spectacular; this is like the video game counterpart of a Roger Deakens cinematography-helmed film.

Amazingu Feb 2, 2011 (edited Feb 2, 2011)

Angela wrote:

The Pukers have got to be one of the most annoying enemies in video game history.

Oh my God, THIS.

The reach (and accuracy!) on those f*ckers is ridiculous.

Angela wrote:

Chloe, I mean, Ellie (seriously, that is totally Uncharted 2's Chloe in all but name)..... I'm glad she made it out okay.  Thought for sure she was a goner during her encounter with Stross.  "You owe me an eye, you bastard!" was one of my most favorite lines in the game.

Yeah, the old "hot latin chick with British accent" is kinda being overused a bit at the moment.

That whole part of the storyline was really kinda dumb though.
I mean, Isaac has been pleading to keep Stross alive for the ENTIRE game, only to jam an ice pick through his skull as soon as he meets him. Note also how Isaac is so amazingly helpful as to TAKE HIS HELMET OFF when assaulted with the aforementioned weapon. Seriously, the whole Ellie-Stross-Eye surgery part of the story was complete BS.

I'm personally not gonna bother to play through again, simply because I don't think my nerves can handle any higher difficulty levels, and because I still have a huge backlog to get rid of.

McCall Feb 2, 2011 (edited Sep 10, 2012)

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Amazingu Feb 3, 2011

Alright, I'll hand you that helmet thing, although I still think they could've made that a bit clearer.

As for the other point: from a story point of view, I found it a huge anti-climax that this guy who is obviously insane has been kept alive for the whole game, only to be IMMEDIATELY stabbed down as soon as you find him, without even talking. It just seemed like a cop-out to me, like he was just there to stab someone's eye out at some point.

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