The tag line in the original "Alien" film was, "In space no one can hear you scream." It's a fantastic line, but it would serve just as well in "Dead Space 2," because there is a whole lot of screaming (and shooting, and gore, and explosions) to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Taking place three years after the events of the first game, you play once again as Isaac Clarke, a space engineer who is running for his life in Sprawl, a city on one of Saturn's moons. A semblance of a story appears now and again, and it's a shame you're not given more insight into Isaac's predicament, or why the government (or a church with devious intentions) might have unleashed hordes of flesh-ripping creatures (called necromorphs) that kill everything in sight.
Much of the action involves combat and light puzzle-solving. Most of the weapons from the first game return. While you have access to a few more guns, the real fun is sticking with Isaac's trusty construction tools, such as the ripper (a fancy buzz saw) or the javelin (a fancy nail gun). Surviving means outlasting aggressive enemies large and small, and this often requires dismembering them before finishing them off.
Not surprisingly, "Dead Space 2" is full of gore and violence. You'll use telekinesis powers heavily throughout, whether holding necromorphs in place as you saw off limbs, or picking up random poles and spikes and whipping them into enemies to preserve precious ammo.
The design and sound impart a frightening and hectic feel. No corridor or room feels quiet, and even some supposed moments of exploration and puzzle-solving explode with crashes and a monstrous attack. It's that jumpy feeling that good horror movies are made of, and in "Dead Space 2" it's like that for most of its 10-plus hours.
Horror fans, don't hesitate to add this to your collection.
CHRIS CAMPBELL,
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
