Dead Space Extraction for Wii Reviews by Gamers

With the choice to make the new Dead Space a prequel and a rail-shooter, it's impossible for this game to be true "survival horror." You see, we already know where it's going--so the suspense is limited--and because we're stuck on a preset path, there's little that can REALLY catch us off guard. However, once you get used to the shaky-cam and clever controls (switch guns with the left, tilt the right for secondary fire), you'll find that the "survival" part--especially on harder difficulties--is "dead" on. Because you can't run away from your foes, evasion isn't an option, so every scene is smoothly integrated into a life-or-death battle. I'd call it an interactive movie, but the gameplay goes far beyond quick-time events, and really does make you earn your keep.

Even things that seem annoying wind up being thrilling. For instance, all guns have an ammo cap, and because you can't revisit areas (by choice), you can't go back for more. In other words: take your shots carefully, and learn to prioritize which enemies you use stasis on. (And for the love of god, don't miss.)

The inclusion of a comic book, audio and video logs, and more helps to flesh out the story--as a prequel should--and is actually entertaining in its own right. Challenge mode is fun, too, as is the task of getting a five-star rating in each level. This may not be as tense or frightening as the original, but it's certainly manages to put the "survival" in "survival horror."