Dead Space Extraction Review

EA’s new IP Dead Space was easily one of the best games of 2008, so when it was announced that we’d soon be getting another game in the series, obviously people were excited. People were admittedly less excited when it was said to be a sequel, and the excitement only continued to drop when they revealed that not only was it on the Wii, but also would be a rail shooter. Dead Space Extraction removes all the exploration of the original game, and opts for a much more simplistic House of the Dead style gameplay. Despite this however, the game keeps its creepy atmosphere and sense of tension.

So, is this game worth a play? Or is it just a lame prequel? Let’s take a look at the HOTs and Nots of Dead Space: Extraction

HOT

Strong Story-telling
Dead Space Extraction takes place between the events of Downfall and the fist game. It answers a lot more questions like who sent the distress call to the USG Ishumura from the USG Kellion? While some are still left, most of the questions are finally answered. The mystery on the colony and the USG Ishimura will remains until you finish the game. Once again the voice acting is top notch, some of the best I’ve heard in a video game. A few of the original voice actors make a return here, reprising their roles like Nicole.

Decent Length
The game clocks in sometime around six to eight hours. There are four different difficulty settings, but the hardest difficulty can only be unlocked after finishing the main story of the game. There are a total of 10 chapters in the game and each chapter can be anywhere between 15 minutes and 45 minutes. Fans and action junkies should totally get their fix here.

Same atmosphere from the first title
With Dead Space Extraction on the Nintendo Wii , you might think that the atmosphere and tension of the original game would be lost, what with the change in gameplay style and downgrade in graphics.. A lot of the atmosphere is captured well once more, and the locations work just as well in this new style as they did in the original.

Challenge Modes & Unlockables
After finishing the main storyline, you can challenge yourself with the game’s Challenge mode. Wave after wave will come upon you and do what you need to do to survive. The maps used in the Challenge Maps can be unlocked through the story mode. Aside from the challenge maps, there’s a mini series that you can watch. Under the Bonus Materials section, there will be a side story conversation that you can watch. It’s divided into six issues and it gives you more info on the researchers exploring the Marker.

Wii Remote Utliized Well
The Wiimote controls are well-done and fun to use. Melee attacks are done by waving the nunchuck, while the gun is controlled by the remote. Since the game can move fast sometimes, you have to point to the items that you want to get as soon as you see it or else you will miss ammo of the weapon you need. It sucks relying on Melee attacks.

Similar to the first game, notes and audio logs are scattered througout the colony and the USG Ishimura. When you get an audio log, instead of listening through it in the TV’s speaker, you have to listen to it through the Wii Remote speaker. There are not a lot of audio logs in the game but it’s really worth listening to if you are a fan of the Dead Space series.

NOT

Graphics downgraded from 360/PS3 to the Wii
The graphics in this game aren’t bad, but obviously won’t match the graphics of the PS3/360 version. However, some of the original CG scenes from the first game makes a return, and looks just as good as it did the first time.

VERDICT

Dead Space has quickly made a name for itself as a great new franchise. Dead Space Extraction is a great addition to the series, and anyone with a Wii should certainly give it a try. From the deep story to the excellent side-story, Dead Space Extraction is one of the best rail-shooting games I’ve played for the Nintendo Wii.

If you find Dead Space for the XBOX 360 and PlayStation “fantastic” and the “best”, then there is no doubt you won’t be liking this one. One of the best Wii rail-shooting game I’ve played, hands down on this one!