Dead Space 2 is fantastic follow-up to its predecessor, but has flaws such as a bad multiplayer mode and short story.
The main storyline is about 14-16 hours long, give or take.
GRAPHICS: Really nice graphics and textures, better than the first game's. No more pixellation after coming in from space (thank God). The lighting is just beautiful and bright, as Dead Space has always been known for its fantastic lighting effects. Character models look better this time around, and the Necromorphs look scarier. And the panoramic views of the once-bustling Sprawl look amazing.
GAMEPLAY: Gorier and more creative than the first game, that's for sure. Missions still involve Isaac running around getting stuff though! I understand he's an engineer and all, but the "get this, get that" missions get really boring quickly. However, the backtracking has been reduced so that's good. Like in the first game, Isaac must kill hordes of Necromorphs in different ways, whether it be dismembering their limbs or impaling them with their own arms and claws via telekinesis. Telekenis and stasis have both been improved, and each power feels smoother and more efficient. Isaac can also fly around with full body movement while in Zero-G, unlike in the first game, where you had to jump from Point A to Point B. Isaac can also hack computers and doors (adds to the engineering experience), as well as crawl through vents to get somewhere. Isaac can also gain credits to buy new weapons, med packs, and armor, and can upgrade his equipment at benches. The only con I would say is the lack of horror. The first game had a very dark, gritty feel to it as you explored a derelict mining ship. I feel like this game focused slightly more on action, and lacked the scary feel the first game had.
AUDIO/SOUNDTRACK: Amazing sound effects and voiceacting as usual. Everything from the pitter patter on a metal floor to the sound of steam rushing out of a pipe sounds fantastic.
ONLINE: Where the game really lacks. The online is bad, and I personally think it should have been left out. The matches are only 4 vs. 4, but they feel much tinier than that. There's never alot of action or excitement going on, and after 15 minutes of gameplay, you've pretty much done everything you wanted to do and experienced playing as every Necromorph type. The online is bad, but not Call of Duty bad.
OVERALL
Pros:
- Fantastic and intriguing storyline
- Superb sound effects
- Killing Necromorphs never gets old
- Isaac talks more
- Awesome weapons, armor, etc.
Cons:
- Storyline feels shorter than the first game
- Not as scary as the first game, more action focused
- Uninteresting, boring online mode