Dead Space Extraction (PS3) Review

In October 2008, we were first introduced to the creatures known as the “Necromorphs”, and their mysterious source called, the “Marker”. After the success of the first title, Visceral Games decided to bring the series to the Wii. Since Dead Space wouldn’t really work as a Wii title, they made an on-rails shooter titled “Dead Space Extraction” following various characters from the first game. The game takes place prior to the first game and fills in some unexplained gaps from the first game. With the release of Dead Space 2, PS3 gamers now have a chance to play Dead Space Extraction.

Will the new adventures in the mysterious world of Dead Space live up to the first, or will it be an unimpressive port of a bad game? Find out in this edition of Hot or Not.

HOT

Story

Part of the wonder that is Dead Space comes from the unknowns, with Dead Space Extraction following the story prior to what happens in Dead Space, you would assume that there is a lot less going on; but you’re wrong. Extraction follows its own unique storyline, about Sam Codwell extraction the red marker from Aegis VII. After a crew is formed, one of which is immune to the mark’s influence. Not only is she immune but appears to nullify the effect when it’s around her. With the new story elements you feel the core experience is different than the previous game.

Not a lot happens, but you see another side of the Unitology cult, along with many other things. One of the best aspects to Dead Space Extraction is that there are some small call backs to the first game. That’s not to say you need to play the first game in order to enjoy Extraction, but it will help you understand a bit of the game more. The story goes up till the opening of Dead Space, and ends with them going to the sprawl which will lead into a DLC featuring them Dead Space 2.

Core Experience is the same
When you think of an on-rails shooter, elements like kinesis and stasis don’t really fit in but in Extraction, they work really well. As you make it through the game and the USG Ishimura using these tools can easily save your life and allows Extraction to stand above a “House of the Dead” clone. Not only are the same elements present in Extraction, but all of your favorite weapons appear too. Playing through the game with the Move, it feels very similar to Dead Space 2 which I had been playing prior to reviewing this game. All the elements work very well to give you either a great first hand introduction to the world, or a diverse title that moves past the third person world of the others.

Solid Graphics

Dead Space Extraction really shines in the visual department. Considering the game is a port from the Wii, you can’t expect graphics on par with the main series, but for what it is, they’re very nice. While playing through the game, outside of nearly unfixable designs they’re rock solid. Even if you find graphics to be a core part of the game, you will barley notice lower quality due to the fast-paced shoot outs!

Very Intense
Naturally since you’re on a rail, nothing is going to really shock you. You expect at some point that something will come at you, but Extraction understands that’s not the only reason to play. As you progress, you will get swarmed in some rooms, or forced to make a quick move in another. Regardless of how you look at it, you find yourself shaking with your Move trying to clear rooms of the Necromorphs. The game does a great job of making you plan things out, and a great job of not making it unreasonably hard you need a bit of luck.

NOT

It’s not really an on-rails shooter

If you go into Extraction expecting to shoot Necromorphs mindlessly… then you’re out of luck. Extraction is more of an interactive story, you will find yourself having long talks with other characters, and random events where you might need to do something which forces you to pay attention. This can get very annoying if you want to keep playing, as the events are not skippable and you’re forced to wait for either something to shoot or the end of the chapter.

The further you get in Extraction the less present this is, but it appears on every chapter. The biggest problem you will face is the reluctance to replay the game. As you’re forced to always watch these events it can be a huge turn off. The lack of new things to do like alternate paths can be highly discouraging. Once you beat the main story, all challenge mode is unlocked. These are straight up shooting so there is something for on-rails shooter fans.

Iffy Controls
Every now and then you will see interactive items. These can be boxes doors, or even items. Every now and then the kinesis will not open certain items. These can be from just being slightly off to just not hitting the right exact area on the item. It’s not the most present and the shooting controls are spot on, but it can be annoying trying to open a door 30 times only to have it just work.

VERDICT

Any fan of Dead Space will no doubt think this game is a must play. The gameplay reminds us that the Playstation Move can be an amazing tool, if used correctly. The story might not have you coming back but challenge mode with a friend can offer countless hours of fun. Fans of on-rail shooters will also be more than happy. The game has some challenging aspects along with some diverse gameplay.

[Editors Note: Dead Space Extraction was reviewed on the PlayStation 3 platform using the PlayStation Move Controller. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]