In DEAD SPACE no one can hear you scream...

I didn’t see anything particularly new as I ploughed my way through the marauding aliens that infest the USG Ishimura. I did see elements of Bioshock, Half Life 2, Prey and Doom intertwined into the Dead Space canvas and while these weren’t subtly hidden they seamlessly became part of Dead Space’s fabric feeling as fresh as they did when you first encountered them.

So, to say Dead Space is ground breaking would be a lie but to call it a copy of these games is an injustice of equal measure. With it’s many virtues Dead Space is one of this years surprise successes. It’s so well constructed and polished that you cannot fail to be impressed.

You play as Isaac Clarke, an Interstellar Engineer, and you’ve been assigned to a team that have been sent to investigate a distress call from the deep space vessel the USG Ishimura. Once you arrive at the Ishimura you really won’t have much time to worry about repairing anything before you and your colleagues are attacked by gruesome looking aliens. Thankfully you’re not unarmed. In fact Isaac’s weapons are inspired. Using the tools of his trade - flame thrower, a levitating buzz saw, the plasma cutter, ore cutter, force gun, contact Beam and a Space Marine’s Pulse Rifle, which is effective but far less interesting to use, you’re options for disposing of the alien hoard are plentiful. All the weapons work exceptionally well and you can level them up which is key to aiding your progress. It is impossible to level up all you weapons fully in one play through which I found a little bit annoying. It’s ok if you’re going to play though the game again but with so many great games to get through at the moment is anyone going to have the time?

Dead Space looks utterly stunning. The USG Ishimura is beautifully crafted and believable. The interior of the ship varies considerably and the lighting is always first rate and is used to create some extremely eerie spaces. Animation is fluid and in the looks department the aliens would break mirrors faster than Man Widdicombe, (Thanks Captain) but only just. The aliens actually don’t vary that much throughout the game but despite their ugly similarities despatching them never gets boring. This is thanks to Isaac’s weapons as I mentioned above and also the facts that to stop the aliens quickly requires a sharp eye and lots of shooting off limbs.

If only Dead Space had included some choices. A couple of points where the game forced you to make a decision that would impact in someway on Isaac’s fight for survival thereby effecting the ultimate outcome of the story. Then Dead Space would have stood shoulder to shoulder with some of the best games of the year.

Dead Space is a quality FPS title. It is a simple, spectacular and gut-wrenching experience. It impresses with Isaac’s every step. It’s graphics, sound, suspense and action create a tangible atmosphere and the game never does the same thing over and over to the point of frustration.

If it wasn’t for the lure of Fable II, Fallout 3, Gears 2, Mirrors Edge …. and … and …. I would play through Dead Space again. Maybe I will at some point.

Did I mention that Dead Space will make you jump? It will. I was warned and I still had to peel myself off the ceiling on more than one occasion.

There are things equally frightening on the Gameov3r FORUM. There are things that are far, far smellier too.