As one of the biggest surprises of this console generation, EA surprised gamers once with the announcement of a multiplayer component for cult hit Dead Space’s sequel, Dead Space 2. So how does it play? We had some hands-on time this week.
Perhaps we should stop underestimating the combined might of Visceral Games and EA when it comes to Dead Space. When the series first terrified gamers in 2008, it did so as one of the most surprising critical hits of the year, garnering a cult following in the process despite a lack of pre-release online hype.
When a multiplayer component was then introduced to Dead Space 2, we at JOE admit that we had our doubts, that such a mode could be superfluous at best. After plenty of hands-on time with 4 Vs 4 Human/Necromorph battles this week, it’s safe to say we’ve been proved wrong once more.
During our time at the EA Winter Showcase in London we sampled two multiplayer locations – Titan Mines and Solar Array. A tight, claustrophobic level with a centralised meeting point, Titan Mines is perfectly suited for ‘last stand’ battles for Sprawl Security Force characters, as the amount of ledges and levels surrounding the central location means players are wise to stick together to fight an oncoming Necromorph horde. In contrast, Solar Array could nearly have been a Dead Space single-player level, as you fight through creepy, dimly-lit corrdidors in close-combat.
Unsurprisingly, the nearest comparison one can make to the Dead Space 2 multiplayer is that of Left 4 Dead – human characters are rewarded by sticking together, completing objectives and saving their fellow comrades whenever possible. In contrast, Necromorphs have no set goals other than wiping out their opposition and their objective progression as gruesomely as possible and yes, it’s genuinely unsettling when you find yourself mauled by a gang of marauding Necromorphs when no help is coming to save you.
Looks fun, right?
One of the biggest surprises from our time with Dead Space 2 was how completely different it felt to play as both sides. As a Human character, quick reflexes for statis shots and dismemberment and teamwork are constantly rewarded, while finding yourself alone in a level is nearly as terrifying as the nervous steps we first took in the original Dead Space single player.
In sharp contrast, it’s plenty of fun as a Necromorph, as you even get to swoop through the multiplayer level and essentially choose your respawn points before striking through the walls or floor. Necromorphs also come in four flavours – Lurkers, Spitter, Crawlers and disturbingly infant-like Pack. Each character has their own unique advantages, so Spitters are naturally useful for long-range attacks while a Pack creature will leap at a player’s face and attempt to them apart. As you can imagine, that’s quite fun if you aren’t on the receiving end.
In play, Dead Space 2’s multiplayer can best be described as an unexpected triumph. There is a huge demarcation between the play styles and tactics of both sides and that’s something that’s all too rare in today’s online arena. The biggest compliment we can pay Visceral’s work thus far, however, is that the biggest perceived casualty, that of the series’ tense, terrifying atmosphere, is in many ways heightened by surprise attacks and last gasp rescues.
Mass Effect 2 already ran away with the 2010 game of the year predictions with its unusual January release date this year and we think you shouldn’t be too surprised if Dead Space 2 receives similar plaudits in just a few short months.
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