"Isaac, what the hell are you doing?" Just one of the memorable, and very relevant quotes from this game.
As you've probably read in every single review on this game ever written, you play as engineer/moron Isaac Clarke. He is sent on a repair mission for a giant space drill called the USG Ishimura. Obviously, the actual reason he is going is because his girlfriend is on that ship. Suddenly, something goes wrong! (Surprise, surprise) The ship Isaac and his crew are on is struck by an asteroid, and must perform an emergency landing within the Ishimura. Also, there seems to be an unusual infection on board or something; but that's beside the point. As you begin your journey, you see a cute critter, which later becomes known as a necrophile... err, necromorph. Isaac soon realizes the critter isn't quite as cute as he thought (Probably because it is killing his crew mates; but that's just my guess). Sadly, he won't be able to take it home and keep it as a pet. Surprisingly, more things go wrong! (Which is a recurring theme in each chapter) The engines are off-line, and such. Isaac must find a way to escape.
Not always does the fighting take place on solid ground. Every once in a while you will enter a zero-gravity area, in which the only thing holding you down is your special boots or something. Locating enemies in these areas can be a difficult task, because although they may be audible, they are not always visible.
Ever playing a game, and end up running around for hours trying to figure out what the hell you are supposed to be doing? You won't have that problem with Dead Space, because simply clicking the right stick will show you your path (Although this technique is never taught to you in the game).
The horror aspect of the game is there in spirit, but not enough to actually be scary. Which is good; because you can spend hours playing this game without freaking out, and throwing your controller; damaging a perfectly good television.
Another thing that really struck me while playing this game was the voice acting. Dead Space is accompanied by some of the finest talent I've heard in a video game. As well as the near complete lack of clichéd dialogue; besides constantly hearing phrases like "Now we can be together" from one of the characters. Dead Space provides a great script and magnificent cast to create a more realistic feel.
Not only do you follow the story of Isaac; but picking up audio/video logs lets you hear or see the adventures of other characters throughout the game. I don't know how many times I felt like shouting "yes!" after hearing "this is Temple".
Of course, the "Review Deck" (AKA tile) of this review is relevant. Many of Isaac's actions are questionable. Example: trapping himself behind a bunch of bunk beds in a necromorph infested space drill isn't exactly the greatest idea, is it? Well, he does it anyway. Congratulations, Isaac Clarke; you are an idiot. But we can't really expect him to use his brain in a situation like this. I probably would've done the same thing.
Aside from a compelling story, great aesthetics, voice acting, realistic characters; well, everything about this game is great. The only problem I had was the somewhat confusing ending. I look forward to any sequels in the future, which will hopefully feature Isaac Clarke as the protagonist again.