The Queue: Dead Space: Downfall
Since I was absolutely enthralled with Dead Space on Xbox, I thought I would dive into some of the back-story and watch the animated DVD prequel Dead Space: Downfall. I’m a huge fan of animation, whether it be Anime or Western-developed, and I was intrigued by the story in the game — even though it was a little been-there-done-that. The animation was particularly graphic: severed limbs, heads, people being cut in half, people being eaten, jaws being ripped off, and there was blood everywhere. Even though you could tell that the movie was made to cash in on the target audiences’ blood-lust more than it was made to entertain the story, it was an enjoyable film overall.
Downfall explains everything that happens before Isaac and his crew mates land on the Ishimura, to a point. The true origin of the alien infestation isn’t wholly revealed, but I think that’s more for the sake of believability than an oversight. It makes the story scarier and more believable to not know exactly where these monsters came from. There are some things revealed in the film that could be considered surprises in the game, however, so I would say that if you plan to play the game, do not watch the movie first. Overall, I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoyed the Dead Space game or is a fan of animation. Or blood. Definitely watch it if you like blood.
What To Add It For: It’s Dead Space.
If you liked the story of Dead Space (like me), it’s worth checking out this freebie on Netflix to see how the whole thing started.
What To Remove It For: End To A Beginning
In the same way that Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (LOTRTFOTR) left you with a little to be desired, so does Downfall. Dead Space is the main course, this is the appetizer.
Rating: 3/5
Dead Space Review: Meet Your Marker
Survival horror games are right in my wheelhouse. Whether that involves fending off zombies in an abandoned house, crawling your way through a diseased town, or fighting off the disgusting manifestations of the characters own mind, I’m in. I love being frightened while playing games.
Dead Space is a great newcomer to the genre, and with it being a Sci-Fi setting, it’s hard for me not to love it immediately. Well, almost. The demo that’s available on Xbox Live left me confused as to how a game that is essentially a third-person, survival horror space story left me underwhelmed. It’s just not good. Once you play the first chapter however, it becomes clear what is great about this game.
Everything.