Dead Space (PS3) : Day 1

One look at the cover of this game makes one think this a Resident Evil in space type game. Even the back cover plays up the fact it is a survival horror game in space. Have we seen all the various incarnations of survival horror? Everything these days seems to twist on the proven formula. I had a tough choice to make. I was getting a game as a christmas present to myself. It was between Little Big Planet and Dead Space. I felt like playing something gritty and potentially awesome.

I got home, made dinner and tossed it in the PS3. From the opening cinematic I felt an unfamiliar shiver down my spine. I highly enjoy space based science-fiction titles. At first guess it's like watching a video game version of 2001 and 2010. Two movies I have loved most of my life. My comparison here is saying something, as in normal comparisons it is usually to run down some rip-off.

There is no evil computer here. It does not take long for the story to get rolling and not much longer for the action to kick in. What I like most so far is the deliberate pacing of the story and the learning curve of the controls. I'm not one who likes learning new control schemes involving the R2/L2 buttons. However, while they are important it does not feel un-natural to flip the alternate firing sequence. The mark out moments (make you jump moments) are well timed and never when you suspect. I give kudos to the musical score and composition for creating an atmosphere ripe with subtle terror and mystery.

At the end of Day 1 and almost two chapters, this game is delivering on all counts. Stunning visuals, outstanding score, excellent game play and a so far slow building story. A slow building story doesn't work for every game, but in this case, it's perfect.