User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1472 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. Jan 26, 2011
    10
    This game has an amazing single-player campaign. It's a good length, too(8-10 hours). One of the things I love the most is that Isaac actually talks through most of the game this time unlike his former silent protagonist self in the original Dead Space. ciuchina82 was obviously smoking something because he gave a bad review while also rating it a 10. For action and horror fans alike, IThis game has an amazing single-player campaign. It's a good length, too(8-10 hours). One of the things I love the most is that Isaac actually talks through most of the game this time unlike his former silent protagonist self in the original Dead Space. ciuchina82 was obviously smoking something because he gave a bad review while also rating it a 10. For action and horror fans alike, I recommend you play this. It's one of the best games I've played in a while. Expand
  2. Nov 20, 2011
    10
    Well I just invested 13 straight hours of my life playing this and had a wonderful time. They did a great job with this game! The environments are awesome. The story is predictable but very good. The voice acting and sound effects are excellent. The mechanics worked great (i.e. the mouse without issue - hurray). I really like that the movement of the main character is dampened - thatWell I just invested 13 straight hours of my life playing this and had a wonderful time. They did a great job with this game! The environments are awesome. The story is predictable but very good. The voice acting and sound effects are excellent. The mechanics worked great (i.e. the mouse without issue - hurray). I really like that the movement of the main character is dampened - that way you cannot just run and gun. You actually have to think, be careful, and it provides for the unpredictability or fear factor. There where even times when a scene was going on I thought I was supposed to watch and ended up dying (ironic). Overall I think Dead Space is one of the most enjoyable and fun franchises out there!!! Expand
  3. Feb 12, 2011
    10
    Even after hours of obvious tricks and monsters jumping on your face, Dead Space 2 can shock you until the very end. Graphics are smooth and game is really well optimized, which makes gameplay enjoyable without hiccups or long loading screens. Sound is perfect for a horror game, music cues for battles really pump up adrenaline and spooky ambient sounds while roaming around are keeping youEven after hours of obvious tricks and monsters jumping on your face, Dead Space 2 can shock you until the very end. Graphics are smooth and game is really well optimized, which makes gameplay enjoyable without hiccups or long loading screens. Sound is perfect for a horror game, music cues for battles really pump up adrenaline and spooky ambient sounds while roaming around are keeping you at the edge of the seat. This game was one of the few released recently that didn't get boring after first few encounters with enemies, it's always fun obliterating monsters. RPG elements make it even more interesting. Ending was one of the best I've seen and makes it a perfect conclusion for the series. A word of warning though - game is extremely violent (and not only to monsters), so if you are easily offended by the look of gore you shouldn't buy it without watching trailers or playing demo. Expand
  4. Feb 7, 2011
    10
    The one thing I praise the most about this game is that it runs very well on my computer, yes, it still uses directx9, but nevertheless it shows us that directx9 is still very capable of producing very good graphical effects when used correctly. As for me I won't have to upgrade my computer anytime soon, and this game proves my point. The other thing I appreciate is that the wirelessThe one thing I praise the most about this game is that it runs very well on my computer, yes, it still uses directx9, but nevertheless it shows us that directx9 is still very capable of producing very good graphical effects when used correctly. As for me I won't have to upgrade my computer anytime soon, and this game proves my point. The other thing I appreciate is that the wireless xbox360 controller works 100%, including full rumble effects for the game, and the controller buttons show within the game, so If you have one of those I would recommend it over a keyboard (but I don't know, if you're a hardcore PC gamer you may prefer the keyboard, its your choice anyway). I also recommend you hook up your PC to an HDTV using HDMI cable, I can because my ATI card has HDMI out...and with that wireless Xbox360 controller whoooha, you're in for a spin (I have a Samsung 55'' 1080p). The only thing I can say about the gameplay right now, since I just started the game is mention the part about the health and ammo...I am constantly running out of them, and therefore it is very difficult to get past certain parts without them, It is also difficult to find them ( especially health). Also the very slow reloading is bad, because when a swarm of necromorphs attack you and you try to reload, they kill you before you can reload. Thus you have to be running away from them while reloading, for them to give you time to reload, this is bad with the faster necromorphs, and when they pop out of nowhere all of a sudden. It is a fun game, it's just kind of difficult, they should have added more health and ammo in certain places. Expand
  5. Apr 27, 2013
    10
    Some games give its sequel demanding expectations to meet, and Dead Space is certainly one of them. In Dead Space 2, the gameplay feels much smoother and the controls are more responsive than in its prequel. Isaac Clarke has an entire wardrobe of engineering suits now, each having unique bonuses and advantages in combat. Old weapons are modified and the new weapons bring more excitementSome games give its sequel demanding expectations to meet, and Dead Space is certainly one of them. In Dead Space 2, the gameplay feels much smoother and the controls are more responsive than in its prequel. Isaac Clarke has an entire wardrobe of engineering suits now, each having unique bonuses and advantages in combat. Old weapons are modified and the new weapons bring more excitement into combat. Some of the new enemies will swarm you in a pack, some will charge at you, and some are just overwhelmingly massive, but all present a fun challenge. What really amazes me is that Dead Space 2 still managed to maintain an incredible story. You’ll truly despise some of the characters, but also pray that others survive the necromorph massacre. The graphics are gorgeous and sometimes breathtaking when venturing in space around Saturn. If you enjoyed Dead Space 1, then this is a no-brainer. Expand
  6. Jan 25, 2011
    10
    Very bad game: no innovation at all, retrograde graphics and awful textures (if you have a >21' LCD display you will dramatically realize about that!), predictable sound effects, repeated elements, already seen gameplay, very uncomfortable controls ...I warmly suggest you to avoid this game
  7. Feb 14, 2011
    10
    I got say I've playing games for more than 15 years now and just a few games placed me and are enjoyable, this one makes me to play and play all day long. Excellent graphics, great sound that will make you feel fear, it's pretty much a good combination of other games like Bioshock, FEAR, MassEffect in my opinion, but a well done game.
  8. Feb 15, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Game is Amazing, nice engine, nice Graphics, perfect sound and History.
    100% Recommended =D I am fan of Dead Space Game. Visceral Games Studios. Congratulations.
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  9. Feb 19, 2011
    10
    Words can not describe how I feel about this game. There are very very few games that I believe are worth the $60 price tag that most have when they come out. This one is worth every last penny. Before it came out I was skeptical thinking it looked like a rehash of DS1 but it wasn't. Visceral delivered with the best horror game I've played so far. Isaac's inner struggle is something thatWords can not describe how I feel about this game. There are very very few games that I believe are worth the $60 price tag that most have when they come out. This one is worth every last penny. Before it came out I was skeptical thinking it looked like a rehash of DS1 but it wasn't. Visceral delivered with the best horror game I've played so far. Isaac's inner struggle is something that thorough the game you wonder is what I'm seeing in his head or is it standing in front of me. The game keeps you on the edge of your seat from the very first moment until after the credits have finished and rewards you with an amazing after completion main screen. It is like playing a 20 hour movie with cut scenes that blend seamlessly with game play. I found myself just floating a few times realizing control of Clarke had been given back to me.

    All of the last hour of the game your jaw will keep dropping more and more until it falls off when you enter the after credit cinematic. From DS1 they fixed or I should rather say improved the game play mechanics more than I could have hoped for. This is a game I think everyone should play and if this is what we start 2011 with then it is going to be an amazing year. I'm holding my breath until DS3 is announced and will preorder it as soon as I can on STEAM. I do not see how anyone can give this any less than a 10 or at least a 9. It has become one of the best games I've played to date only thing I wish they had done is add tessellation and DX11 support. But I'm sure DS3 will have that. So I say good luck and save you ammo and health you're in for one hell of a crawl through the Sprawl.
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  10. Mar 10, 2011
    10
    The game is just awesome all round, definitely lived up to the hype.. Dead Space is the kings at what they do.. I wanna rate 10/10!

    First off the graphics are great, the story is solid, the sound and music is soo great adds so much depth to the overall experience. This is a really solid game, and there are so many more suits than the first one.. It's really a toss up to personal
    The game is just awesome all round, definitely lived up to the hype.. Dead Space is the kings at what they do.. I wanna rate 10/10!

    First off the graphics are great, the story is solid, the sound and music is soo great adds so much depth to the overall experience. This is a really solid game, and there are so many more suits than the first one.. It's really a toss up to personal preference to which I prefer, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this.. the way the game ends, there might be a part 3? Let's just hope they don't ruin the great streak they have!
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  11. Mar 20, 2011
    10
    When I started playing DS 2, I got the feeling that this might be an attempt to use the franchise to promote the sequel, because graphics were sub-par even with everything on, the textures were just too blurry, the overall feel was just somewhat off. But then, half an hour later i adapted and was able to enjoy the game. Great storytelling with a few twists, nice cut-scenes. True, thisWhen I started playing DS 2, I got the feeling that this might be an attempt to use the franchise to promote the sequel, because graphics were sub-par even with everything on, the textures were just too blurry, the overall feel was just somewhat off. But then, half an hour later i adapted and was able to enjoy the game. Great storytelling with a few twists, nice cut-scenes. True, this might not be as scary, or as polished, or as hard as the first part, though I died more times to the "environment" or in cut-scenes. Nice ending too, if you liked the first, most probably should try this out too. Expand
  12. Mar 14, 2011
    10
    Game was very comprehensive in terms of single player .The story will leave you thirsting for more. Also, they implemented some cool moments that will seriously surprise the player and even scare them at times. Visuals are great, textures are top notch. Sound is amazing, and the suits never get old. Yet, the negative about this game is its short campaign.
  13. Mar 16, 2011
    10
    This is the first review I've ever written. I felt compelled to put on the record how amazing this game was. Aside from having completely engrossing plot and universe, the atmosphere and mechanics of the game were dead on. My adrenaline was pumping almost constantly, and I'm not the easily startled type. Weapons and melee were fun and useful. Monsters were frightening in appearance andThis is the first review I've ever written. I felt compelled to put on the record how amazing this game was. Aside from having completely engrossing plot and universe, the atmosphere and mechanics of the game were dead on. My adrenaline was pumping almost constantly, and I'm not the easily startled type. Weapons and melee were fun and useful. Monsters were frightening in appearance and behavior, and they don't mess around when trying to kill you. The only negative is that towards the end, if you only used the same guns, it could get very repetitive. But thats why there like 10 weapons, mix it up! Overall, A+. If you liked resident evil or silent hill, then you'll love this one. Expand
  14. Mar 30, 2011
    10
    Dead Space 2 is better than its predecessor. I think the missions are more compelling and intriguing. It might be a little scarier but the atmosphere is still there and for me that's enough. I think the balance between action and horror is very good.
  15. May 15, 2012
    10
    Epic CAMPAIGN BUT LIMITED MULTIPLAYER
  16. Nov 4, 2012
    10
    Great game. Looks good, controls are good, gunplay is good, and above all the story is excellent. A very worthy sequel to dead space 1. Also the multiplayer is a good bit of fun! Is challenging to start because of the progression system which rewards higher level players giving them better unlocks etc (which is good) but puts a steep learning curve! Overall definitely worth playing,Great game. Looks good, controls are good, gunplay is good, and above all the story is excellent. A very worthy sequel to dead space 1. Also the multiplayer is a good bit of fun! Is challenging to start because of the progression system which rewards higher level players giving them better unlocks etc (which is good) but puts a steep learning curve! Overall definitely worth playing, atmosphere is very creepy and well executed. Definitely worth the $20 current price tag. Expand
  17. Jun 8, 2011
    10
    Thank you Visceral! This game is of the absolutely highest production value. From the incredibly minute details, great PC optimization and well implemented scripting to the camera work which (successfully imo) builds confidence in your character this game keeps you on your toes. There's an overwhelming feeling of destitution in the first few levels I've played. They've borrowed a lotThank you Visceral! This game is of the absolutely highest production value. From the incredibly minute details, great PC optimization and well implemented scripting to the camera work which (successfully imo) builds confidence in your character this game keeps you on your toes. There's an overwhelming feeling of destitution in the first few levels I've played. They've borrowed a lot from Doom 3. I have never played Dead Space 1, but will definitely give it a go through once I finish this game. I'm currently 6 hours in and am absolutely satisfied with the purchase thus far. I will finish it this weekend for sure. Expand
  18. Jun 10, 2011
    10
    I highly recommend this game if you're into the survival-horror genre. Graphics are good, level design rules, and gameplay couldn't be better. However, it just wasn't scary. There were a few moments were I jumped and a few moments where I might've "exclaimed', but I was never really dreading the next room like I did with the previous Dead Space. Reason being the lack of isolation. YouI highly recommend this game if you're into the survival-horror genre. Graphics are good, level design rules, and gameplay couldn't be better. However, it just wasn't scary. There were a few moments were I jumped and a few moments where I might've "exclaimed', but I was never really dreading the next room like I did with the previous Dead Space. Reason being the lack of isolation. You never really feel alone in a structure infested with aliens. Still fun as hell! Expand
  19. Apr 18, 2012
    10
    Dead Space 2 is the best game i have played since the very original DOOM. and i've seen quite a lot of games in all those years.

    the interiors of the space station are insanely detailed and well constructed, the glass window views to space are breathtaking and combined with the super creepy sound effects you'll find yourself 100% in a space sci-fi universe in no time. the game play is
    Dead Space 2 is the best game i have played since the very original DOOM. and i've seen quite a lot of games in all those years.

    the interiors of the space station are insanely detailed and well constructed, the glass window views to space are breathtaking and combined with the super creepy sound effects you'll find yourself 100% in a space sci-fi universe in no time. the game play is constantly kept interesting by offering different game elements (3rd person shooter, puzzle solving, interactive cut scenes,...) and it tells a really great story (which is usually displayed in HUD / holographic video displays in front of the character - no in-game menus that kill the atmosphere!)

    the balancing is great, it always felt "hard enough" and never got boring or repetitive, which is kind of a hard thing to accomplish in these kind of games. the endgame was pretty hard, which perfectly fitted the story (hero struggling to survive), and - no spoilers - the final moments are quite a masterpiece of story-telling.

    can't wait for a sequel!
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  20. Oct 14, 2011
    10
    First one had me bored quite quickly and had aweful mouse movement, this is a complete opposite.

    I'm 4 hours in and still having fun, even though all the monsters jump at you for cheap scare value. Level design is good, the Zero-G sections really let you break free and the "action cinematics" are superb. Detailed and well-animated. I know it's not a selling point for a game, but the fact
    First one had me bored quite quickly and had aweful mouse movement, this is a complete opposite.

    I'm 4 hours in and still having fun, even though all the monsters jump at you for cheap scare value. Level design is good, the Zero-G sections really let you break free and the "action cinematics" are superb. Detailed and well-animated. I know it's not a selling point for a game, but the fact that everything is engine-rendered makes it fit together very nicely.
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  21. Aug 12, 2011
    10
    The second part of the game amazed me a little much better than the first one. They've left everything what was good and added a few new tricky situations. Locations are much more unique. I like it.
  22. Nov 1, 2011
    10
    More of the same from the first however if you loved the first you will love this even more. It's a slightly expanded and more improved upon game that carries out the story and furthers the meanings within. Though it's still a bit lacking in the story department i had to give it a ten. What a ride!
  23. Nov 11, 2011
    10
    Dead Space 2 is truly one of the best game I've played and could not leave alone. It's atmosphere keeps it terrifying while the orchestral sounds makes some scenes very intense. Also, it's a bag of fun with clever jumps and bloody gore! The voice acting was very good, graphics were astonishing, and hate me when I say this but better than the first. One thing I would say is that theDead Space 2 is truly one of the best game I've played and could not leave alone. It's atmosphere keeps it terrifying while the orchestral sounds makes some scenes very intense. Also, it's a bag of fun with clever jumps and bloody gore! The voice acting was very good, graphics were astonishing, and hate me when I say this but better than the first. One thing I would say is that the multiplayer could have been better and ore interesting. Expand
  24. Apr 22, 2012
    10
    Enchanting game. I never liked too much 'tension' and horror. Yet with this game I felt tension all the time and I just couldn't stop playing. Wonderfull experience with an interesting story.
  25. Feb 18, 2012
    10
    Dead Space 1 and 2 are the best examples of interactive horror.....Resident Evil 5 was an embarrassment, frankly, in both tone and content, but this franchise, and this game, in particular nail the wonderful feeling of tension that great games can achieve. The first Dead Space introduced a limited number of well-designed encounters, with a few weapons to balance your progression. DS2 is aDead Space 1 and 2 are the best examples of interactive horror.....Resident Evil 5 was an embarrassment, frankly, in both tone and content, but this franchise, and this game, in particular nail the wonderful feeling of tension that great games can achieve. The first Dead Space introduced a limited number of well-designed encounters, with a few weapons to balance your progression. DS2 is a tougher game, but is also more modular, with greater variance in player agency in the campaign. Some of the most visceral reactions I had to this game were simply the empowerment one feels after upgrading a weapon (For me, the Javelin gun was hands-down the most powerful with the alt-fire) and feeling untouchable........I do have to bring up the misguided attempt at quick-time sequences/scripted sequences. At times, the game reminds me of Contra or Gradius, with rote memorization rearing its ugly head. This is one of my least favorite trends in narrative gaming at the moment...so, please Visceral, CEASE AND DESIST with any all encounters (Everyone who has played knows of the few I speak of) that are essentially a shooting gallery. Trust your sound design. Trust that we are unnerved by the anticipation of a fair fight by the fantastic lighting and signature noises emitted. (The raptors are a great example of a fair but still challenging/thrilling fight) And trust how unfun it is learn a certain monster closet and perfect it until the choreography is correct.......Games are not formulas, they are a combination of ingredients to be cooked with. Here's hoping Dead Space 3 is even more delicious. Expand
  26. Mar 6, 2012
    10
    The second installment in the Dead Space video game series is Incredible to say the least! The game is atmospheric, intriguing, consistent, immersive and with a spicy story to go along with the sublime graphics the Visceral engine provides to make this game set the standard across the board, on how video games should be made, played and experienced. A priceless gem that will leave its markThe second installment in the Dead Space video game series is Incredible to say the least! The game is atmospheric, intriguing, consistent, immersive and with a spicy story to go along with the sublime graphics the Visceral engine provides to make this game set the standard across the board, on how video games should be made, played and experienced. A priceless gem that will leave its mark in history as one of the best video game sequels of all time. Expand
  27. Mar 29, 2012
    10
    This title completely blew me away. As a gamer I am immediately skeptical of any single player game- the AI are always lacking and replay is typically low. I gave Dead Space a chance and I fell in love with it immediately after earning the plasma cutter. This game reminds me a lot of titles from Valve - plot is readily available but most fulfilling to users who explore the game and collectThis title completely blew me away. As a gamer I am immediately skeptical of any single player game- the AI are always lacking and replay is typically low. I gave Dead Space a chance and I fell in love with it immediately after earning the plasma cutter. This game reminds me a lot of titles from Valve - plot is readily available but most fulfilling to users who explore the game and collect and read items. The backstory is great, this series has a great horror plot that is easy to embrace and understand, while at the same time approaching horror with an equal sci-fi element.
    Gameplay is fantastic. One of my biggest criticisms is how the weapons are not balanced - some weapons are meaningful the entire game and others are underpowered and never see a chance to shine. Graphics are great- lighting and shaders have been excellent on my PC (I do have a good PC). Audio is excellent, theres a lot of ambient sounds, zombie effects are diverse, and I love how the weapon effects scale up with how you upgrade them.
    Comparing PC to 360... the controls on PC (mouse + keyboard) are a bit hard to get used to. I personally use the 360 controller on my PC and it plays wonderfully. Graphics on the PC are superior, and overall I enjoy it more. There is a bug with full screen graphics, but I was able to work around this by playing in windowed mode with my gameplay resolution maxed. I give this game a 10/10. The replay is great, the overall presentation is excellent. Multiplayer is actually worthwhile, (unusual for a single player game) and I just love this game. Personal opinions aside, this game could potentially receive a 9/10 from me but I love sci-fi and this game truly captures the spirit of the genre.
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  28. Aug 6, 2021
    10
    It's genuinely amazing how well Dead Space 2 holds up as a video game!
    after 10 years the game feels just as fresh, just as creative, and just as innovative and well designed.
    It's insane coming back to this and feeling just as positive, just as addicted to the gameplay and narrative. Where third-person action games have become the norm, where the setting is ruled by open-world
    It's genuinely amazing how well Dead Space 2 holds up as a video game!
    after 10 years the game feels just as fresh, just as creative, and just as innovative and well designed.
    It's insane coming back to this and feeling just as positive, just as addicted to the gameplay and narrative.
    Where third-person action games have become the norm, where the setting is ruled by open-world time-wasters. it's incredibly refreshing coming back to Dead Space and being immersed right back into its the strange and violent universe.

    Highly recommend playing this. Sincerely my favorite third-person horror game. Nothing has really managed to capture the originality and creativity within the horror genre such as this game. These game's dont need remakes, they need remasters/and a sequals.
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  29. Jul 25, 2012
    10
    I played through dead space right before playing this game. This series sets me wonderfully on edge. I'm anxiously awaiting dead space 3, probably the only thing I'll ask for my birthday next year. Controls improved over previous dead space. excellent pacing. I thought a few times, oh **** if something jumps out now I'm going to have a heart attack ... lol awesome.
  30. Nov 13, 2012
    10
    Dead Space 2 is a worthy successor to Dead Space 1. More enemies, more guns, more stories (Isaac becoming a character is a plus!), more hatred for the Unitologists- the only downside is that you don't actually get to fight the religious zealots themselves. This game is intense, gruesome, and overall incredible. It's got lots of replayability in trying out different weapons on higher difficulties.
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 28
  2. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Mar 24, 2011
    88
    With this sequel, Visceral Games has masterfully expanded on the first Dead Space. They've revved up the series with tougher guns, a bigger setting, and online multiplayer, but kept the spirit and, most importantly, the scares of the original in tact.
  2. PC Games (Russia)
    Mar 21, 2011
    90
    An absolute blockbuster that makes the superb original look like a B-movie. [Mar 2011, p.87]
  3. PC Format
    Mar 18, 2011
    86
    It's just a huge shame that it's not as terrifying as it should be. [Apr 2011, p.98]