The Games of Christmas '08: GPU Performance Part II

Dead Space

Dead Space is one of the few games in this article that is an original title and not the usual sequel or prequel. Developed by Electronic Arts’ Redwood Shores studio, this is billed as a survival horror action game where you take the role of Isaac Clarke. Isaac is sent in as a part of a team to investigate what they think is a simple mechanical failure aboard a massive mining ship called the Ishimura. Since this is a survival horror game, you probably all know what comes next: human-mutating alien DNA and plenty of gore.


One of the main selling points of this game is the fact that it has a very well-written storyline which is used to drive the main character forward in his quest to repair parts of the Ishimura while slaughtering masses of alien ass. Dead Space also features an interesting concept regarding how you go about killing said alien-mutated humans; dismemberment (chopping off their limbs with a plasma cutter or the like) is the way to go since the enemies’ torsos are usually quite tough.


The point of view taken in Dead Space is quite different from others in the survival horror genre since it forgoes the usual first person shooter approach and turns it into an over-the-shoulder affair. There is also the lack of a full HUD from most shooters since the usual health bar and special ability counter are strategically integrated into the back of your character. The suit’s “backbone” dubs as a health bar while there is a special ability meter on the left shoulder; it is bloody brilliant.


The developers have another little surprise in store for you which may have some of you with sensitive stomachs heaving up your lunch in no time: zero gravity. This brings a whole new full 360° aspect to combat, movement and even sound. Everything in zero-g moves a bit slower than normal, the music becomes muffled and you constantly have to watch your air gauge. The zero-g environments (along with the rest of the graphics) are simply stunning but there is one thing you will have to remember: some of the enemies seem to be suited for the environment and will attack you with blinding speed from literally any angle.