Dead Space, the new iOS instalment of the popular PC and console game, is scary. Like horror movie scary. It’s also one of the most fully realised iOS games yet.
What is it?
Dead Space, iPhone and iPad, $9 and $13, respectively.. Dead Space might be the best all-around iOS game I’ve played, but it’s not perfect. The visuals are striking – tough perhaps not quite as impressive as, say, Infinity Blade. The aliens-take-over-the-space-station story isn’t art, but it’s plenty engaging. And the controls aren’t perfectly precise, but they let you get wrapped up in the game. And that’s exactly what’s so great about Dead Space, how it wraps you up and scares the shit out of you like no other iOS before it. Dead bodies – and there are many of them – fly in front of your face with horror movie musical cues, for no other reason than just setting the mood. Unsettling noises ping all around you. Aliens move in fast as you fumble to get them between your crosshairs. It all amounts to an impressively big and immersive atmosphere for something that you’re holding on a 10-inch display.
Who’s it good for?
Anyone who enjoyed Dead Space on the PC or console; people who like being scared; people who hate aliens; anyone who’s interested in keeping up with how much like real games iPad games can be.
Why’s it better than alternatives?
It’s a first rate production in every sense. Big story, big weapons, big thrills. It’s got both a huge scope and a high level of polish that few other iOS titles have managed to achieve.
How could it be even better?
The combat is kinda clunky, and the controls lead to a lot of inadvertent firing and missed shots. It’d be nice if there was some way to configure them. All in all Dead Space as shooting game kinda takes a backseat to Dead Space as horror game, which is fine by me, but would probably irritate some players. But it’s still very awesome.
Dead Space, iPad | iTunes
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