Dead Space

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1039 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 929 out of 1039
  2. Mixed: 67 out of 1039
  3. Negative: 43 out of 1039
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  1. Sceptic
    Sep 8, 2011
    9
    Atmospheric.Immersive.Chilling...A leading light in the dying Survival Horror genre and the best since Resident Evil 4.Investigate a crippled starship then crap yourself while cleverly dismembering a horde of diabolical creatures.Best played in the dark with surround sound.Alone.
  2. wastelander75
    Apr 1, 2011
    9
    Scary as hell and worth every last cent. Atmospheric, claustrophobic, and that sense of "the unknown menace" around every corner made it hold its own. A new classic horror-survival franchise for years to come (here's hoping at least).
  3. KingNothing94
    Dec 15, 2011
    9
    Dead Space is a fantastic game. The atmosphere it evokes when you are slowly walking down a dark corridor is intense, dramatic and completely immersive.
    If I were to describe this game in a sentence it would be: "Resident Evil 4 in space with even more thrills"
    Resident Evil 4 is one of my favourite games of all time so that is high praise indeed coming from me. The developers have managed    Dead Space is a fantastic game. The atmosphere it evokes when you are slowly walking down a dark corridor is intense, dramatic and completely immersive.
    If I were to describe this game in a sentence it would be: "Resident Evil 4 in space with even more thrills"
    Resident Evil 4 is one of my favourite games of all time so that is high praise indeed coming from me.
    The developers have managed to create quite a promising game universe within only two games which is impressive given the amount of time Dead Space has been around compared to other franchises.
    They have managed to create likeable characters, a gripping story that haunts you even after playing and have evoked a sense of never being safe in-game. The player can be walking towards a door that leads to a supposedly "safe" zone, hear an ominous sound in the walls and have an enemy burst from the vent next to them. It is hard to describe the atmosphere this game evokes. It's chilling, to say the least and I definitely recommend playing this game with some sort of surround system, be it headphones or speakers.
    The gameplay is a fluid blend of Resident Evil 4's over-the-shoulder perspective and that of a big budget action game. While some have said this detracts from the "survival-horror" element of the game, I argue that these people have not tackled it on the hardest difficulty, where even the responsiveness of the controls do not help. This game is definitely one of my favourite games ever and I can't resist another revisit at least once a year.    … Expand
  4. Kingjulian
    May 18, 2013
    9
    Dead Space is a masterpiece of atmosphere and aesthetics. It is quite possibly my favorite game ever made, even though it isn't without its blemishes. The levels can be a tad repetitive and one has to admit that there is hardly an original idea in the whole plot, but as a pure "gaming experience," Dead Space is completely exceptional.
    I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to game    Dead Space is a masterpiece of atmosphere and aesthetics. It is quite possibly my favorite game ever made, even though it isn't without its blemishes. The levels can be a tad repetitive and one has to admit that there is hardly an original idea in the whole plot, but as a pure "gaming experience," Dead Space is completely exceptional.
    I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to game design, being one of those guys who scoffs at jerky character animations, poor UI's, clumsy mechanics and boring color palettes. Games are all about tone and feel for me. I have friends that are in it primarily for the story, and while I also care about narrative, if a game doesn't FEEL right I simply can't get into it.
    Dead Space is an absolute marvel when it comes to these factors. Everything just works. The no-HUD approach was a stroke of genius back in 2008, even though it seems that most games have adopted the cleaner, HUD-less approach since then. The thing that sets Dead Space apart is that EVERYTHING is in-game in real time. All of the menus and items in the game are shown as holograms within the game universe, and one must always take the possibility of an attack from behind into account when looking at the inventory. One of my best memories from Dead Space was when I decided to look at the in-game store to stock up on ammo and health when out of nowhere I was jerked away from the menu to find that my head was being torn off by a Necromorph. This kind of thing happens, and it all makes the game feel clean, elegant and immersive without being over-simplified.
    Dead Space also sports some of the most incredible sound design you will ever hear in a game. The soundtrack is completely interactive, and simply stopping and taking a moment to listen to your surroundings is a truly eerie experience. The whole ship comes alive with creaks and moans, and then out of nowhere a scuttling noise can be heard coming from the air vents up above and distant shrieks start to ring through the corridors. The consistently excellent sound design is the number one contributor to the unrelenting tension that Dead Space exudes. There is no rest to be had in Dead Space. The game demands attention and vigilance at every turn, and the game, while being incredibly enjoyable, is never a comfortable experience.
    Dead Space is also incredibly good looking for being a five-year old game, and it handles excellently. Shadows suffer from some serious blockiness at points, but other than those anomalies, the game totally holds up to modern graphical standards (for consoles, that is). Lighting effects are gorgeous, character models are detailed and interesting, environments are convincingly rendered and all of the sci-fi technology behaves with a true sense of function, weight and believability. The animations in the game are slick and organic as well. As for mechanics, Dead Space gets top marks here as well. Isaac Clarke's every-man nature is emphasized by his slower movement. He's no space-marine (thank God), and the developers have intentionally withheld the ability to adjust look sensitivity. This actually compounds the sense of claustrophobia and powerlessness in the game and never becomes frustrating.
    All in all, Dead Space is an incredible experience that you probably will not forget. Even five years after its release this game is still feels vibrant, fresh, and intensely engrossing. Pick it up and play it if you haven't already because this is one of the finest examples of modern gaming.    … Expand
  5. ijy101
    Jul 10, 2011
    9
    While it doesn't make for the best survival horror game and has zero pacing it makes an excellent action horror game with a good plot and very good combat plus great boss fights makes this a must play of our generation.
  6. DeadshotCRYSIS
    Oct 13, 2011
    9
    It's really rare to get a game which makes you jump out of your seat SEVERAL of times. I constantly found myself doing this. This game holds one of the most atmospheric environments ever seen in a video game and is a truly remarkable game with a great story tied up to it.
  7. TheRedZombie
    Nov 22, 2011
    9
    This game scared the S*** out of me! That is a statement I have never used to describe a video game. Granted the scares were mainly of the "make you jump" kind rather than the "building tension" type, but I couldn't help but be impressed with the entire game. The graphics and sound are top notch. The gameplay is smooth and unique. The story is engrossing as well as the voice acting (evenThis game scared the S*** out of me! That is a statement I have never used to describe a video game. Granted the scares were mainly of the "make you jump" kind rather than the "building tension" type, but I couldn't help but be impressed with the entire game. The graphics and sound are top notch. The gameplay is smooth and unique. The story is engrossing as well as the voice acting (even though our hero never says a word). I found myself waiting for a time when I could play this game without distraction, with the light out and the surround sound turned on. This game is a must buy for all those survival horror fans, or just someone who is looking for a good scare. I can't wait to play the sequel.… Expand
  8. Emme
    May 1, 2012
    9
    Dead Space, as a survival horror sci fi game, is what You would call the next, more casual iteration of a scenario that System Shock 2 has greatly established: tight atmosphere, mutated enemies, quasi-religious story background, a voice that guides You...only this time with next gen graphics, less RPG and puzzles and much more engaging combat. Not only are Visceral Games undenieableDead Space, as a survival horror sci fi game, is what You would call the next, more casual iteration of a scenario that System Shock 2 has greatly established: tight atmosphere, mutated enemies, quasi-religious story background, a voice that guides You...only this time with next gen graphics, less RPG and puzzles and much more engaging combat. Not only are Visceral Games undenieable masters of their craft as storytellers and directors, they also show a splendid talent for lighting, timing and texture. This game doesnt get old, instead it binds You to Your controller and doesn't let You go.… Expand
  9. PrimalHunter70
    Jan 27, 2012
    9
    Dead Space is a perfect horror game. It blends elements from System Shock 2 with references to other great films and games. It is thick with atmosphere and emotion, and is very good at surprising the player with it's surprisingly good storyline. The gameplay is fun and frantic, as you race to dismember the attacking Necromorphs. This game is excellent, and is worth a look next time you areDead Space is a perfect horror game. It blends elements from System Shock 2 with references to other great films and games. It is thick with atmosphere and emotion, and is very good at surprising the player with it's surprisingly good storyline. The gameplay is fun and frantic, as you race to dismember the attacking Necromorphs. This game is excellent, and is worth a look next time you are stuck for something to play!… Expand
  10. Sakai
    Jan 20, 2013
    9
    The real survival horror in the 7th generation. Not expecting much from this game, but turned out to be one of the best Xbox 360 games. Sublime atmosphere
  11. ZacOfTheZombies
    Apr 13, 2012
    9
    A frightful experience on par with the 1980's The Thing movie. Every corner that must be turned is a potential death or waiting horror. Everything from enemy design to music adds to a atmosphere that keeps you holding your breath for safety, something you may never find. The only bad part, something that happens to plague many horror games, is that subsequent playthroughs loose their fearA frightful experience on par with the 1980's The Thing movie. Every corner that must be turned is a potential death or waiting horror. Everything from enemy design to music adds to a atmosphere that keeps you holding your breath for safety, something you may never find. The only bad part, something that happens to plague many horror games, is that subsequent playthroughs loose their fear as enemy placement and spawns are set and easily remembered. Despite that, it seems that any time Dead Space is mentioned , someone, somewhere will have the urge to sit down and fight for survival.… Expand
  12. LilD
    Nov 3, 2013
    9
    Is Dead Space a horror game with action, adventure, and 3rd Person Shooter elements or is it mainly a 3rd Person Shooter with the aforementioned elements? This identity crisis actually gives this game an extra edge just as you have no idea what is happening on this ship. Everything is constantly in question and you only have only yourself and your handy upgradeable weapons to rely on.Is Dead Space a horror game with action, adventure, and 3rd Person Shooter elements or is it mainly a 3rd Person Shooter with the aforementioned elements? This identity crisis actually gives this game an extra edge just as you have no idea what is happening on this ship. Everything is constantly in question and you only have only yourself and your handy upgradeable weapons to rely on. Dead Space delivers exactly what the feeling would be like on a giant derelict ship. The atmosphere is what makes this game stand out. It isn't overly creepy, but keeps you on edge. It does perfectly what movies can't do and that is immerse you in that environment where you could be that person that blatantly walks into the death trap. Tread lightly and keep your plasma cutter pointed forward. There are plenty of save points and the game never becomes overly difficult. The story unfolds at a clean pace and the upgradeable armor/weapons allow for steady progress. The story never feels too long and the story isn't marred with long cutscenes like most games nowadays. I am not a big fan of the horror genre, but this game was the real deal.… Expand
  13. eyeball002
    Apr 2, 2013
    9
    All right, you probably came here looking for decent survival horror game, correct? well, you're looking right at it. Very ambitious launch of franchise by infamous EA, despite having very few development time, it stands out as crown jewel of not only horror game fans, but shooter game fans in general. However, you should realize this game isn't really scary at all, but it does doAll right, you probably came here looking for decent survival horror game, correct? well, you're looking right at it. Very ambitious launch of franchise by infamous EA, despite having very few development time, it stands out as crown jewel of not only horror game fans, but shooter game fans in general. However, you should realize this game isn't really scary at all, but it does do fantastic job on unleashing so-called "cheap scare" in right moment, so if you aren't scared by this, it sure will keep you unsettled. That's for sure. Atmosphere of game is very well created thanks for the great sound effects, and the combat is very challenging, as you're forced to do "strategical dismembering" as you're chased by very well distinguished enemies, and trying to aim enemy's limb in intense situation does require great amount of focus. However, game loses its value after first playthrough. You probably got over with all the horror moment and got familiar with it, you probably remember which vent enemies blasted through, and you probably have well-upgraded killing machine at your disposal, and this is moment where game just becomes survival game. However, this game still is pretty good at being TPS zombie shoot-em-up, and harder difficulties really force you to conserve your ammunition, so there are a lot of strategy involved in this game. Even though it has low replay value, many will enjoy playing this game over and over again despite some flaws. So, don't hesitate to pass this game if you're familiar with horror games or TPS games in general. This game will not disappoint you.… Expand
  14. Erimud
    Feb 28, 2013
    9
    I cant believe this game flew under my radar. It reminds me of resident evil 4-- its a horror survival game with over the shoulder shooting, several upgradable items, skills and suits.
  15. Vanpire73
    Jun 26, 2014
    9
    I like scary stuff, and this is the scariest game I personally played. Give me a daunting atmosphere, isolation and looming dread. Give it to me! I don't want no coop buddy. I don't need no blockbuster action movie music in the background. And I certainly want the cheesy unnecessary dialogue kept to a bare minimum. Dead Space did all that for me. I thank it for that. If you plan onI like scary stuff, and this is the scariest game I personally played. Give me a daunting atmosphere, isolation and looming dread. Give it to me! I don't want no coop buddy. I don't need no blockbuster action movie music in the background. And I certainly want the cheesy unnecessary dialogue kept to a bare minimum. Dead Space did all that for me. I thank it for that. If you plan on only playing one of the series to check it out, this is the one. 2 is alright and 3 got a heavy dose of the new age Resident Evil treatment.… Expand
  16. Azel
    Jan 16, 2013
    9
    I was really surprised by this game, considering who it is made by. But it is definitely solid, and is a real competitor for RE4. Heavy on the shooting side, but it is still very atmospheric. Story is simple but engaging - you are shipwrecked in space, and there are parasitic aliens taking over the remains of your crew! Oh no! But they are also breeding and trying to alter theI was really surprised by this game, considering who it is made by. But it is definitely solid, and is a real competitor for RE4. Heavy on the shooting side, but it is still very atmospheric. Story is simple but engaging - you are shipwrecked in space, and there are parasitic aliens taking over the remains of your crew! Oh no! But they are also breeding and trying to alter the atmosphere within the ship to suit themselves. It's up to you, as the engineer, to survive and fix various parts of the ship whilst fighting for your life. Great elements include having to shoot the limbs off enemies, rather than go for head shots, a brilliant holographic menu system (everything is in-game, there are no menu screens. Even your inventory is handled on screen, and when people contact you, a hologram of them is rendered in front of your character, to talk to them), a variety of interesting weapons and abilities to upgrade including telekenisis and stasis (grabbing and throwing stuff, and slowing down enemies), and also there are some great atmosphere touches like parts of the game where you have to go into damaged areas of the ship which have no air, and therefore your hearing is diminished, and your own heart beat and breathing is pretty much all you hear, besides ominous thuds. Most of the time the game is awesome, and feels rewarding and satisfying as you collect loot from around the place, and sell what you don't need at the stores within the game. Some of the boss battles are not very interesting - which is standard in these kinds of games unfortunately. Also, the game suffers from the same problem as all survivals - either you do well and then the game is just too easy as you are overflowing with ammo, health and money. Or, you are not doing so well, in which case you struggle for ammo, heatlh and / or money, and then you have to reload from a check point. Not sure how games can fix this issue. Luckily for me I found the game slightly on the easy side - but still found it good fun. By the end of your first run, you will not have unlocked and upgraded everything, so you can start your game+ and shred some enemies with your powered-up stuff, and continue your upgrading.… Expand
  17. houyi111
    May 7, 2013
    9
    the scariest game i ever played. have to take a break between each chapter, hell, sometime i just hope the game can end quickly so i don't need to be so thrilled to do a new level.. As a new IP game, the level design is well-done and engaging. you are in a spaceship, you feel suffocated yet in each level the surrounding is different. i love this game in a terrifying way. If you havethe scariest game i ever played. have to take a break between each chapter, hell, sometime i just hope the game can end quickly so i don't need to be so thrilled to do a new level.. As a new IP game, the level design is well-done and engaging. you are in a spaceship, you feel suffocated yet in each level the surrounding is different. i love this game in a terrifying way. If you have friends who never played video game that much, make them to play the first 20 minutes, they will pale and tell you, 'well, i don't want to (meaning, i am too afraid to) play this game'..… Expand
  18. grenadeh
    Apr 10, 2013
    9
    Dead Space is a masterpiece that can satisfy both real survival horror fans and RE4 players alike. Visceral absolutely nailed the environmental design in this game, down to the last detail. The sound design is wonderful, and the smallest enemy will make the most frightening of sounds. All of the zero-gravity and zero-oxygen sequences are brilliant, making it harder to hear, and harder toDead Space is a masterpiece that can satisfy both real survival horror fans and RE4 players alike. Visceral absolutely nailed the environmental design in this game, down to the last detail. The sound design is wonderful, and the smallest enemy will make the most frightening of sounds. All of the zero-gravity and zero-oxygen sequences are brilliant, making it harder to hear, and harder to survive lulling you into a false sense of security just to scare or concern you even more than you already were. The story is solid and while not incredibly original, is very well done and does not subtract from the gameplay. When I played DS1 I had the brightness in game turned down very very low, as the instructions say. This game will seriously mess with you if you have your brightness that low on a nice LED television.
    Unfortunately there is something that keeps the game from being a 10, which is also one of the things that made it work, but I have to hold it against the game because it is an actual factor. The ready availability of shops, ammo, and money to upgrade weapons and equipment with makes the game progressively easier and more care-free until you are no longer scared or worried about anything. It detracts from the horror environment and Visceral understood this in DS3 when they made a hardcore mode. Though that holds it back, Dead Space is still one of the best games I've ever played.    … Expand
  19. Melson97
    Apr 14, 2013
    9
    Dead Space is the most terrifying horror game I have ever played! The sound effects and atmosphere as well as the scenarios being played out complete it for me! It also had other cool mechanics like shooting limbs off strategically for a variety of different enemy's. The boss fights were also heart pumping with the scary music and the atmosphere surrounding you. The characters are awesome,Dead Space is the most terrifying horror game I have ever played! The sound effects and atmosphere as well as the scenarios being played out complete it for me! It also had other cool mechanics like shooting limbs off strategically for a variety of different enemy's. The boss fights were also heart pumping with the scary music and the atmosphere surrounding you. The characters are awesome, although dumb, it puts you on the edge of your seat because a scary scene is obviously about to play out, when the characters are like 'duh, nothing will be behind this door' and end up getting killed. This game also has a lot of blood and some gruesome scenes that will bring joy to gore hounds such as myself.

    Melson97    … Expand
  20. twos
    Dec 25, 2013
    9
    Just a flat out excellent game, the scariest game I am yet to play, with beautiful graphics excellent sound, a solid third person shooter mechanic with a nice twist in what classifies as a 'critical' hit. This game was truly exciting every step of the way, the only thing that kept me from giving this game a 10 was that I was not 100 percent engaged in the story-line with which other gamesJust a flat out excellent game, the scariest game I am yet to play, with beautiful graphics excellent sound, a solid third person shooter mechanic with a nice twist in what classifies as a 'critical' hit. This game was truly exciting every step of the way, the only thing that kept me from giving this game a 10 was that I was not 100 percent engaged in the story-line with which other games which are not so smooth have often managed to suck me in. 9.5/10… Expand
  21. JustBenjy7
    Jul 20, 2013
    9
    Never have I encountered a game that has moments as nerve-racking as Dead Space. Its a game more than capable of making you panic and fire half a magazine of precious ammunition into a corpse. The atmosphere does a lot for this; whenever I play, even wit a lot of ammo, powerful weapons, and a high-lever RIG, and a full stasis meter... I'm still constantly on edge.

    The enemy encounters    Never have I encountered a game that has moments as nerve-racking as Dead Space. Its a game more than capable of making you panic and fire half a magazine of precious ammunition into a corpse. The atmosphere does a lot for this; whenever I play, even wit a lot of ammo, powerful weapons, and a high-lever RIG, and a full stasis meter... I'm still constantly on edge.

    The enemy encounters do a lot to contribute to being constantly on-edge. Sometimes, you see them coming at you, sometimes you see them as you go around a corner, or through a door, and sometimes... sometimes, you think you see one. These are by far the worst time, when you catch a glimpse of one, or you see a shadow, because you look, and there's nothing there. Are you seeing things, or are you about to be attacked? The feeling of uncertainty is incredible, you could be attacked at any time, while progressing.

    The story is great, and has only a handful of predictable moments, and there are plenty of twists and turns. Chapters are quite well structured, and the ability to fully explore the levels can be very helpful for scavenging items./

    Overall, a hugely enjoyable, well executed experience, and thoroughly deserving of a 9/10.

    Just remember, aim for the limbs.... and for goodness sake, STOMP EVERYTHING, EVER.    … Expand
  22. MoroseTroll
    Jul 7, 2014
    9
    Dead Space 1 is definitely the best game in its series. It's as scary as hell (if you know what I mean, although it's not as scary as System Shock 2), it has nice sound, and quality visuals. Also, there two unique features I absolutely do love (and I hope you will, too) in this game: zero-gravity and vacuum.
    Alas, the protagonist doesn't say anything along the game, whereas other people    Dead Space 1 is definitely the best game in its series. It's as scary as hell (if you know what I mean, although it's not as scary as System Shock 2), it has nice sound, and quality visuals. Also, there two unique features I absolutely do love (and I hope you will, too) in this game: zero-gravity and vacuum.
    Alas, the protagonist doesn't say anything along the game, whereas other people constantly say "Go there, make that," etc. Well, this is not the first game with a dumb hero, so I'm fine with that.
    Bottom line: if you love horror-action games, you should try this one.    … Expand
  23. Digipunk-X
    Sep 13, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Probably the greatest game of previous gen. Last time Silent Hill 1 made me this scared of a game as dead space. I finished it like 5 times on PC an another 3 times on the 360. The only reason I am not giving it a 10/10 because there is no new game+ where you can start the game all over on a harder difficulty with the gear you achieved, only on the same difficulty.… Expand
  24. MalX
    Jun 9, 2018
    9
    So Good, so gooooooood. Ahead of its time. Till to this day anyone picking this game up will not regret it, dirt cheap 10 years later.
  25. Gerard51MX
    Jun 22, 2016
    9
    no habia seguido mucho de este juego hasta que salio la tercera parte, cierto dia fui a la tienda de videojuegos buscando algo nuevo y el empleado me recomendo un bundle de dead space con las dos primeras partes... segui su recomendacion algo indeciso y espere un par de semanas para jugarlo pues no me convencia del todo, pero una vez que lo inicie en forma... no pare hasta sacar todos losno habia seguido mucho de este juego hasta que salio la tercera parte, cierto dia fui a la tienda de videojuegos buscando algo nuevo y el empleado me recomendo un bundle de dead space con las dos primeras partes... segui su recomendacion algo indeciso y espere un par de semanas para jugarlo pues no me convencia del todo, pero una vez que lo inicie en forma... no pare hasta sacar todos los logros y el 100% del juego. M encanto, no puedo decir menos, lo jugabaen la noche y con luces apagadas porque queria adentrarme en la aventura de isaac, no me decepciono. Buenas graficas, musica creada para ambientar a la perfeccion, aunque en los ultimos niveles la musica cede un poco y extrañas la emocion de los primeros niveles, los controles son buenos, el reto es bastante bueno, la historia no es la mejor pero cum ple su cometido. Muy recomendado para casi cualquier usuario, si quieres darte un buen susto, sentirte desesperado y solo en una nave en la que no sabes si tienes entrente un enemigo, un cadaver o solo la oscuridad esto es lo tuyo, no te lo pierdas… Expand
  26. frederik1478
    Aug 17, 2021
    9
    An amazing game who is only fault it is kind of easy at the end, I really like this game I have played it for so many years now but it always has the same problem that the endgame gets kind of toothless, the game most unique quality is the you have to cut enemies lims to kill dem , and effect that Scientology is the main villain in this game is just awesome, this is one of the bestAn amazing game who is only fault it is kind of easy at the end, I really like this game I have played it for so many years now but it always has the same problem that the endgame gets kind of toothless, the game most unique quality is the you have to cut enemies lims to kill dem , and effect that Scientology is the main villain in this game is just awesome, this is one of the best horror games ever created you have played… Expand
  27. BlakDak666
    Jun 28, 2017
    9
    Dead Space is a great game that still has me convinced that it takes ideas from Resident Evil 4, apply a mixture of Alien and Ben Carpenter's The Thing, and you have a very unsettling and terrifying survival horror game. The Ishimura is a huge ship packed to the brim with monsters and creatures that make tension all the more noted. Seeing Isaac swing his tools to knockback targets andDead Space is a great game that still has me convinced that it takes ideas from Resident Evil 4, apply a mixture of Alien and Ben Carpenter's The Thing, and you have a very unsettling and terrifying survival horror game. The Ishimura is a huge ship packed to the brim with monsters and creatures that make tension all the more noted. Seeing Isaac swing his tools to knockback targets and stomp floor level enemies while grunting the whole way is really great, and using the dismemberment concept is very clever even if it makes the game easier on newer playthroughs. Of course if you want a challenge, you can always start on higher difficulties like Impossible and Hard mode.

    The HUD system is very creative and in some ways outstanding because it allows better immersion and realism to Isaac's condition when the player looks at his spine RIG for health, his stasis battery on his back too, his inventory in a hologram projection from his body and a ammo counter shown only on the weapon when he aims it. It makes the immersion flow really well. Adding to that virtually no cutscenes or loading times aside from booting up the game or a new chapter, and the game plays so well and consistent that I never felt bogged down. Isaac isn't a fast guy (he's wearing a space suit obviously) but to hear his heartbeat and grunt as he moves around is really genius to make the player feel like him, like we are in his shoes when things go to hell.

    The atmosphere nails it. I very rarely found any part of Dead Space lacking. The ship's different areas and levels might have seemed mundane and realistically plain, but adding the grotesque alien tissue, blood, corpses and weird cult like symbols everywhere (esp in the final chapter) and you get a unnerving experience. The no oxygen space sequences are very memorable not so much for the objectives, but just the fact that it felt so real and like how sound in space would work. The shadow and lighting (at its time) was unmatched by game prior to, and I'd wager it was visually one of the best looking games of that decade (2000-2010).

    The combat and upgrade system was definitely good. I like the dismembering of limbs and seeing a ripper saw through a Necromorph limb really feels great. The grapple breaks and death scenes are vicious and outstanding in terms of horror and even tend to go on longer than you would like to watch it for.

    The story was okay with Isaac and his team crashing on a ship and desperate to get out when they learn first hand of the alien creatures on board. Lots of fetching and ordering on poor Isaac, which I consider an issue and con of the game, but what sold me was the loads of logs and audio recordings that detailed the mystery of the infection and colony outbreaks like one big conspiracy. Dead Space's world just felt so unknown and dangerous, playing on the concept of what we humans would want to see is out there in space should we ever leave orbit. It's not the first game or medium to do this, but the fact it made the alien threat far more sinister when tying ideas of Unitology into the mix and you get interesting theories that 2 and 3 would later answer (for better or worse).

    Dead Space to me is well done and excellent horror game that stole my heart for its world and mechanics. The only issues I have is the lack of other npcs having any real actions along side Isaac which instead is just serving as plot vehicles whenever Isaac completes an objective or acquires a new item. The bosses are a mixed bag; the Hunter is a very great fight that mixes the dismemberment mechanic and invincibility to make fights even more desperate whenever players are in a tough spot, but the Leviathan fight was pretty lame and could be hard for players struggling with resources, where unlike the Hunter players could at least shoot off a leg and run away and conserve ammo. The Hive Mind's first phase is pretty good, with a unique time limit event of which Isaac must shoot its weak spots while dangling thousands of feet up by its tentacles before he is eaten alive. The second part begins to fall apart though, as it only just repeats the same attacks and exposes its chest for damage. The shooting sequences like the asteroid and alien jamming comms also lack but its more in terms of fairness and luck than skill. Issues aside, it's a game still worth playing and I highly recommend it. Out of the trilogy, the original soars above its brothers as a testament to sci-fi horror games done right.    … Expand
  28. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Jan 15, 2023
    9
    A survival horror masterpiece. I would rank this one up with the GameCube remake of "Resident Evil". Gameplay is like a mix of "Resident Evil 4" and "Bioshock". It's terrifying and suspenseful. Movie fans will see the influence of "Alien", "The Thing" and "Event Horizon". If you've never played "Dead Space" before, then do so on the Xbox. It has a better framerate, a higher resolution andA survival horror masterpiece. I would rank this one up with the GameCube remake of "Resident Evil". Gameplay is like a mix of "Resident Evil 4" and "Bioshock". It's terrifying and suspenseful. Movie fans will see the influence of "Alien", "The Thing" and "Event Horizon". If you've never played "Dead Space" before, then do so on the Xbox. It has a better framerate, a higher resolution and more colors than the PS3 version. I would rate it with a 9.2 out of 10.… Expand
  29. YASIFAIZI
    Feb 16, 2018
    9
    Such a great mix of action and horror. this is one of the best horror, sci fi, action, shooter game for along time
    its has great graphic, awesome game-play, good story, satisfying ending and many more.
    every at least try this once at a live time.
  30. MarsCorialanus
    Oct 27, 2017
    9
    I played this ages ago, but in honour of Visceral's demise I feel I should add my two cents. I first saw game-play for this game on TV with Geoff Keighley on GT TV on Spike. I was intrigued, but didn't know how great the game would be in the end. I figured I'd give it a try. What followed was 2-3 days ( I had school to go to) of horror, tense heart pounding action, atmosphericI played this ages ago, but in honour of Visceral's demise I feel I should add my two cents. I first saw game-play for this game on TV with Geoff Keighley on GT TV on Spike. I was intrigued, but didn't know how great the game would be in the end. I figured I'd give it a try. What followed was 2-3 days ( I had school to go to) of horror, tense heart pounding action, atmospheric exploration, and just over all an incredible experience I've never had the pleasure of again. The sequels are not as compelling and feel cheapened a bit, but this first entry... it was phenomenal. A true classic that will forever live in the annals of Vidja Gams.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

11
#11 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
8
#8 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
7
#7 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 79 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 79
  3. Negative: 0 out of 79
  1. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    91
    The very fact that we wish Dead Space included more of its original features and less content pulled from the last generation's greatest game speaks volumes for the quality on show. [Issue # 71]
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  2. IGN
    87
    Call it science fiction survival horror, but Dead Space does the genre proud with an engaging story; action that's tense, fast-paced and extremely violent; as well as atmospheric qualities that will get under your skin and make you jump.
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  3. GamePro
    100
    It's easily the best survival horror game since the masterful "Resident Evil 4" and it sets the bar high for graphics, sound, and scares in its respective genre. Dead Space is an artistic nightmare clearly designed for survival horror fans by a passionate and dedicated team of like-minded gamers. Just be sure to play it with the lights on.
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