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. pots555
    Sep 15, 2010
    10
    I think that the atmosphere in this game does it all. The sound effects are simply amazing and the enemies never stop to surprise me when I am playing. The graphics are really well done and I often found myself completly "in character" because of this. Everything is top notch! I cannot wait for the sequel.
  2. PaulD
    Aug 20, 2009
    10
    This game has tremendous entertainment value. The level designs are creative and visually engaging, especially when you consider that most occur on a big spaceship. The 'baddies' are grotesque and frightening at times, but the real fun lies in tearing them to pieces with an array of upgradable weapons.
  3. ChrisH
    Oct 19, 2008
    10
    A real contender for Game of the Year awards in 2008, Dead Space is a magnificent new IP from publisher Electronic Arts that both frightens and delights. The graphics and audio are top notch, with incredible attention to detail and solid voice acting. The story may be pretty standard as far as sci-fi horror is concerned (think Event Horizon and Aliens), but it's presented well and A real contender for Game of the Year awards in 2008, Dead Space is a magnificent new IP from publisher Electronic Arts that both frightens and delights. The graphics and audio are top notch, with incredible attention to detail and solid voice acting. The story may be pretty standard as far as sci-fi horror is concerned (think Event Horizon and Aliens), but it's presented well and never detracts from the gameplay. This game is incredible immersive, eschewing the standard HUD interface in most 1st and 3rd person games for health and ammo meters believably placed on the character's suit and guns themselves. It took about 13 hours to beat, but it's a really great ride and I'm glad I dropped the $60 price of admission, which is more than I can say for a lot of games. I can't wait to see more entries in the series!… Expand
  4. JamieG.
    Oct 24, 2008
    10
    a brilliant, terrifying experience. It may have borrowed most of it's ideas from others, but I borrowed from the best, and may be the most complete horror experience on any format.
  5. JoshV.
    Oct 25, 2008
    10
    This is the best survival horror game ever made. There is only one thing I didn't like in this game, the fact the Isaac never says anything. That's forgivable though. if you like sound, or visuals, this is the game for you. if you like games, this is the game for you. if you are human, this is the game for you. Buy it, support it, and pray for a sequel.
  6. ddarn
    May 22, 2011
    9
    I picked this up recently as it was deeply discounted,being an xbox 360 popular game.Once I started playing it,I couldn't put it down as it was a very entertaining game with nice weapons to use.I can't wait to pick up #2 now.
  7. 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).
  8. thevoid23
    Jun 11, 2011
    10
    Dead Space is a much needed breath of fresh air to the survival horror genre. There is hardly anything this game didn't do right. The graphics are on par with the best in the industry and do a very good job creating a dark, mysterious, and all around scary atmosphere. The sound is done very well and further enhances the atmosphere. The controls are the best out of any third person shooterDead Space is a much needed breath of fresh air to the survival horror genre. There is hardly anything this game didn't do right. The graphics are on par with the best in the industry and do a very good job creating a dark, mysterious, and all around scary atmosphere. The sound is done very well and further enhances the atmosphere. The controls are the best out of any third person shooter I have ever played. Lastly, the story is pretty solid, as long as you pay attention to it. I see a lot of reviews that criticize this game for lacking in story, which I simply do not understand. The game is full of logs and audio diaries that tell perfectly how everything came to be. Simply put, this game is spectacular. Frankly, I don't understand how anyone could say otherwise, but I guess it is just a matter of opinion. This game actually exceeded my expectations and definitely deserves a 10/10.… Expand
  9. xXRenTyrellXx
    Sep 21, 2011
    10
    "Game of the Year"-2008
    A game I can't say enough about to express my love for it. I'll try to make this simple. Dead Space is one of the greatest game ever made! It's the best and scariest horror game you'll ever play. No game brings bigger chills and scares then Dead Space. The story line is great, and very intense. Voice acting is amazing. The game play is great, and just the way it    "Game of the Year"-2008
    A game I can't say enough about to express my love for it. I'll try to make this simple. Dead Space is one of the greatest game ever made! It's the best and scariest horror game you'll ever play. No game brings bigger chills and scares then Dead Space. The story line is great, and very intense. Voice acting is amazing. The game play is great, and just the way it should be. Like I said, there's not enough I can say to express my love for this game. I'll leave you with this-Dead Space deserves your attention, and hopefully, you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  10. ozamiprime117
    Nov 15, 2011
    10
    This is the definition of Fear....there no another word to described it....silenti hill and resident evil can say "Good Bay". Please, if you like (well this its a contradiction) to enjoy a game but suffer at the same time this is the best choice: Dark Corners...Monster sounds in every level....Scary Babys....an the ghostly feelling of being watched by the evil itself. Friendly Advice: goThis is the definition of Fear....there no another word to described it....silenti hill and resident evil can say "Good Bay". Please, if you like (well this its a contradiction) to enjoy a game but suffer at the same time this is the best choice: Dark Corners...Monster sounds in every level....Scary Babys....an the ghostly feelling of being watched by the evil itself. Friendly Advice: go to the bathroom before to play it!!!!!… Expand
  11. potatoes351
    Aug 15, 2012
    8
    Atmosphere is everything in horror games, Dead Space has plenty of it. Even though the game never offers any real scares, only fleeting shocks that pass in a second the game has a great story and gameplay mechanics. You are Isaac Clarke, a CEC Engineer sent to repair the mining vessel USG Ishimura after its communications went down. Once aboard you find that a routine patch job is not asAtmosphere is everything in horror games, Dead Space has plenty of it. Even though the game never offers any real scares, only fleeting shocks that pass in a second the game has a great story and gameplay mechanics. You are Isaac Clarke, a CEC Engineer sent to repair the mining vessel USG Ishimura after its communications went down. Once aboard you find that a routine patch job is not as simple as it seems, with an alien parasite loose on the ship that turns all corpses into zombie aliens its your job to repair the ship to send out a distress signal and escape with your life. It is an action horror game NOT a survival horror as it is commonly misconceived and a damn good one at that.… Expand
  12. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    The new king of survival horror. Like playing in an alien movie. One of the best gaming experiences ever made. The atmosphere in this game is superb and the game will scare the **** out of you and keep you on edge. The boss fights are amazing.
  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. JayG
    Feb 3, 2009
    9
    Dead Space is such a clever and unique title. The game takes the behind the shoulder angle like Resident Evil 4 and even improves on it by having your HUD on the character, life, slowmotion, and ammo gauges. The graphics and gameplay are perfect, recomended for anyone who like RE4 or survivor horror games.
  15. EndymionU.
    Nov 10, 2008
    9
    This game is a great experience for anyone anticipating the next Resident Evil installment. In fact, this could be dubbed EA's attempt at "Resident Evil in Space". Lacking much of anime stylings of the RE series (such as very identifiable characters), EA has done a good job recreating the experience. Another thing to note is their attention to scaring the player regularly. The latter This game is a great experience for anyone anticipating the next Resident Evil installment. In fact, this could be dubbed EA's attempt at "Resident Evil in Space". Lacking much of anime stylings of the RE series (such as very identifiable characters), EA has done a good job recreating the experience. Another thing to note is their attention to scaring the player regularly. The latter quarter of the game seems to loose this benefit, as the majority of their tactics have been used and they prefer to throw more and more enemies at you instead, and also suffers from a very typical, easy, and boring final boss. However, the game is overall worth a playthrough, especially for those who like the the mechanics of the RE series.… Expand
  16. HagenM.
    Jan 7, 2009
    9
    This game takes everything the RE4 did gameplay wise, nearly perfects it, then adds in the most frightening game ever created. This is the only game I have ever been to afraid of to play it at certain hours of the night. The amazing sound design and the most frightening things I have ever seen, the Necromorphs, saw to that. The story starts out slow but then draws you in as you begin to This game takes everything the RE4 did gameplay wise, nearly perfects it, then adds in the most frightening game ever created. This is the only game I have ever been to afraid of to play it at certain hours of the night. The amazing sound design and the most frightening things I have ever seen, the Necromorphs, saw to that. The story starts out slow but then draws you in as you begin to feel that you are Isaac Clarke. Throw in a completely unexpected twist and you will fall in love with this story. The gameplay as said, capitolizes on RE4's over the shoulder style, but adds in a completely new design mechanic, Strategic Dismemberment. With SD, you must aim at certain areas of certain Necro's bodies. This game also brings and eeries sense of hopelesness, as you search for more ammo when you seem to be running out and must flee from oncoming necro's. Nothing else get's your heart pumping like Dead Space.… Expand
  17. PeteB
    May 3, 2009
    9
    Dead Space-where no one can hear you scream.... Dead Space puts you in the shoes of Isaac Clark, an engineer sent to fix communications on a mining ship. But he finds no one on board and soon finds out the horrific truth--an anceint alien species has been released on the ship. Graphics-9/10 very good light effects and great graphics will have you on the edge of your seat(and soiling your Dead Space-where no one can hear you scream.... Dead Space puts you in the shoes of Isaac Clark, an engineer sent to fix communications on a mining ship. But he finds no one on board and soon finds out the horrific truth--an anceint alien species has been released on the ship. Graphics-9/10 very good light effects and great graphics will have you on the edge of your seat(and soiling your pants). Story-10/10 brilliant! full of twists and turns that make a great game even greater I dont want to spoil anything though! Audio-10/10 music adds a lot to the atmosphere, voice acting and gun sounds are spot on and Necromorphs sound as scary as hell! Gameplay-8/10 Controls may take a while to get used to and the map and inventory are crap to be honest but once you get used to them they fit in great with the game. The worst part is that it can get repetitive near the end. Overall-9/10 horror fans will love it and it is worth at least a rental for any gamer trust me-it wont let you down.… Expand
  18. Komino
    Nov 20, 2008
    9
    Great creepy atmosphere with outstanding attention to detail, the game oozes polish. Utterly enjoyable, a perfect length and visually top notch. Highly recommended.
  19. OlliK.
    Dec 10, 2008
    9
    Dead Space is a so-called survival horror third-person shooter developed by EA Redwood Shores. The game takes place in a mining out-post, the USG Ishimura, which is the biggest space station devised by humans to satisfy the material needs of earth. When contact with the installation is lost, a group of engineers is sent to see the problem solved. They find themselves stuck in the middle Dead Space is a so-called survival horror third-person shooter developed by EA Redwood Shores. The game takes place in a mining out-post, the USG Ishimura, which is the biggest space station devised by humans to satisfy the material needs of earth. When contact with the installation is lost, a group of engineers is sent to see the problem solved. They find themselves stuck in the middle of a nightmare, after their shuttle crash-lands on the space station. There's a lot of good things to say about the game. The atmosphere is oppressive and keeps the player on their toes and expecting something to happen at all times. This is achieved by (technically up-to-date) appropriate graphics that include skilled use of lights (or lack thereof), terrifying traces of past struggle, good map designs with rather contrasty tones and subdued colors. Still better, however, is the use of sounds that constantly make you turn around and look over your shoulders. Playing Dead Space home alone, lights off, is no mere trifle. It's a scary game. The weapons are relatively original and balanced; the more powerful weapons are useful in some battles, but by no means make the more basic ones obsolete. In fact, I used almost exclusively the two least exotic ones through-out the campaign. The capacity to improve your weapons and other equipment with what are called power nodes adds a nice touch, and since there is only a limited amount of them, forces you to focus on a few weapons and plan ahead. Also, your inventory is not bottomless, again forcing you to pick over the things you want to carry. Kudos Redwood Shores. The combat is enjoyable. The shooting feels like it should, not the Halo-esque smoke and mirrors, flashy ray guns with little kick (or need for brain-use), but sounding and feeling like actual gun-fights. Furthermore, what the developers call … Expand
  20. [Anonymous]
    Oct 29, 2008
    10
    "They made this game not as if it were the anchor of some new franchise, but as though they might never get to make another one. It was humbly constructed." -Tycho Brahe That just about says it all. It manages to be awesome, internally complete and, at the same time, not full of itself. More games should be this good. I'm tempted to buy an extra copy or two just to send EA a message "They made this game not as if it were the anchor of some new franchise, but as though they might never get to make another one. It was humbly constructed." -Tycho Brahe That just about says it all. It manages to be awesome, internally complete and, at the same time, not full of itself. More games should be this good. I'm tempted to buy an extra copy or two just to send EA a message to stop making sports games.… Expand
  21. AlisonW.
    Jan 9, 2009
    10
    A psychologically sickening story and grusome visual effects added with epic audio, scary lights, and total immursion makes Dead Space one of the most horrifying and terrifying games ever. It puts you on the edge of your seat with suspense and tension, then makes you fall off when the monsters come. If you like blood and guts and violence, buy this game. If you like good programming and a A psychologically sickening story and grusome visual effects added with epic audio, scary lights, and total immursion makes Dead Space one of the most horrifying and terrifying games ever. It puts you on the edge of your seat with suspense and tension, then makes you fall off when the monsters come. If you like blood and guts and violence, buy this game. If you like good programming and a spine-tingling soundtrack, buy this game. If you like a chilling story and a gripping plot, BUY THIS GAME!… Expand
  22. FenjenH.
    Feb 16, 2009
    10
    This is THE best single player game I've ever played. If you get used to the game it's not that scary anymore but still it's really fun. I'ts the first (single-player) game ever that I played again after beating it. I really can't wait till Death Space 2.

    10 out of 10 because you can't choose 9.5 (it still has some minor flaws)
  23. DaveB
    Apr 6, 2009
    9
    Dead Space was a rough ride from start to finish, in an exceptionally good way. The graphics are stunning and the soundtrack flawless, and the tension created almost made me want to stop playing the game. The storyline is good, if not a bit similar to Doom 3, and I felt a huge drive to finish the game to find out what was going on! The maps, if not very linear, were excellently made with Dead Space was a rough ride from start to finish, in an exceptionally good way. The graphics are stunning and the soundtrack flawless, and the tension created almost made me want to stop playing the game. The storyline is good, if not a bit similar to Doom 3, and I felt a huge drive to finish the game to find out what was going on! The maps, if not very linear, were excellently made with the anti-gravity and limb shooting a unique touch. Very scary and almost a relief to finish but I will definitely be giving it a second go on impossible mode.… Expand
  24. Sasha
    Jun 24, 2009
    10
    One of the best games i have ever played and my favorite single player survival horror game ever!(L4D is fav multi-plyr). the game could have been longer though. i beat it in 10.5 hours, but i roam around and look for things. this game had amazing atmosphere and lighting, and the guns were great, even though the ripper could have been a little stronger. i almost sh** my self so many times One of the best games i have ever played and my favorite single player survival horror game ever!(L4D is fav multi-plyr). the game could have been longer though. i beat it in 10.5 hours, but i roam around and look for things. this game had amazing atmosphere and lighting, and the guns were great, even though the ripper could have been a little stronger. i almost sh** my self so many times it wasn't even funny. the end of the game was incredible. *no spoilers* the last boss was epic, it was like the kinda boss you would expect from Gears. and the last thing u see before the game ends freaked me out so much i had to call it my favorite game ending ever! also, the story was great too and there was a plot twist no one will see coming. Here's waiting for Dead Space 2!… Expand
  25. SteveL.
    Oct 10, 2008
    10
    I love this game.
  26. MackA.
    Nov 30, 2008
    10
    This game rocks! It has the 3rd person camera and combat formula of Resident Evil 4, but expands on it. You can customize your weapons even better than RE4 and it's full of scares and cinematic story twists. Even after I beat the game, I went back for more because after completing it, you get military grade armor, 50k credits, 10 power nodes, and even more! This game is my absolute This game rocks! It has the 3rd person camera and combat formula of Resident Evil 4, but expands on it. You can customize your weapons even better than RE4 and it's full of scares and cinematic story twists. Even after I beat the game, I went back for more because after completing it, you get military grade armor, 50k credits, 10 power nodes, and even more! This game is my absolute favorite horror game.… Expand
  27. SteveP
    Oct 15, 2008
    9
    I have not played the full game, so this comment is based on the first four hours of play i have experienced. I just wanted to say that this game, so far, is absolutely brilliant. To get the most common criticisms out of the way, yes, the plot is pretty thin. Yes, the theme is 'revisited' alien sci-fi-horror , and yes, it is aparently a short game. Now the rest of it ? Freaking I have not played the full game, so this comment is based on the first four hours of play i have experienced. I just wanted to say that this game, so far, is absolutely brilliant. To get the most common criticisms out of the way, yes, the plot is pretty thin. Yes, the theme is 'revisited' alien sci-fi-horror , and yes, it is aparently a short game. Now the rest of it ? Freaking gold, man, gold. Its polished, its beautiful, its a little scary, but most of all its fun. Stomping the crap out of aliens that startled me has YET to get old, and i doubt it will. I'd vote this a 10 if i'd actually finished it, but for now, a solid, solid 9.… Expand
  28. DougH
    Oct 16, 2008
    10
    This game is the first really outstanding title I've played this fall. The combat is top-notch, the atmosphere is scary as hell, and the sometimes mundane tasks never seem to get in the way of the action.
  29. DaveM.
    Oct 16, 2008
    9
    One of the most frightening games I've ever played! I don't scare easily and this game had me jumping. Art design and sound design are absolutely superb. Levels are fun to play and the action and suspense is constant. This game is a refreshing change from all of the androgynous titles that have been released lately. This amazing game has kicked off the gaming season with a bang! One of the most frightening games I've ever played! I don't scare easily and this game had me jumping. Art design and sound design are absolutely superb. Levels are fun to play and the action and suspense is constant. This game is a refreshing change from all of the androgynous titles that have been released lately. This amazing game has kicked off the gaming season with a bang! A must buy, I guarantee it.… Expand
  30. MarkN.
    Oct 17, 2008
    9
    I honestly had low expectations going into this game. I expected a survival horror game that tries to borrow from the strengths of games such as Resident Evil, Gears of War, Doom while including plots twists of Aliens and the Thing. Just basicly taking the good of gaming and cinema and trying to mesh it all together. This game simply stands on its own. It's rather amazing. This game I honestly had low expectations going into this game. I expected a survival horror game that tries to borrow from the strengths of games such as Resident Evil, Gears of War, Doom while including plots twists of Aliens and the Thing. Just basicly taking the good of gaming and cinema and trying to mesh it all together. This game simply stands on its own. It's rather amazing. This game is truly horrifying. Be prepared to utter some colorful panic phrases at least through the first half of the game. At a certain point.. Call it getting used to the controls.. call it getting used to the horror... but you almost become like a bad arse rambo zombie alien killing machine. The weapon selection/upgrade provides no end in variation on how to dispatch the baddies. I found myself switching up weapons... Not only for strategy sake.. but out of pure fun. This game also requires you to really think. Unlike Doom 3 where you run through picking up weapons.. blowing everything away.. You actually have to THINK about what weapons you use.. how much ammo you carry... How many health packs... If you are overconfident in one way or another (thinking you will blast through it being armed to the teeth without needing extra health or stasis.. You'll find yourself in a bad spot. Balancing everything out.. BASED ON YOUR strengths is what works. I don't think any two gamers will approach this game with the same exact strategy... and that's what's great. THere are no tricks here... No simple right strategy... No sure fire upgrade plan... You just do what works.. I admit that all this game could have included was just a little bit of humor.. Perhaps a wise cracking Isaac.. Not fearless.. but perhaps disquising fear with a tough bravado... Because that's exactly what you'll be trying to do as you progress... Relish in the kick arse moments where you fling a zombie alien across the room and take down another with your flametrhower.... clear the room... feel empowered.. make some jokes.. then be scared to death to enter the next.… 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

All reviews »
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]
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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