Game review: Dead Space 3

Dead Space 3 faces that most tricky of conundrums; how to round off a critically praised, strong-selling franchise without compromising the original vision.

Dead Space 3

£44.99, PC/PS3/Xbox 360

In these shooter-heavy times the answer always seems to be: more guns and more shooting. Despite its increased focus on fast-paced play, this still feels like part of the series, as troubled engineer Isaac Clarke heads to the ice planet Tau Volantis to destroy the Markers, and the hideous Necromorph creatures they produce.

Gunplay is common, rather than the sustained moments of horror the series has taught you to expect. You are rushed by more enemies now, demanding increased firepower and a wider range of weaponry.

Currency has been done away with, replaced by resources used to craft bigger, better guns, ammo clips and healing packs. It’s a decent enough system, producing some truly lethal contraptions. But chances are you’ve enjoyed the series so far for making you feel vulnerable, not like some gun-toting superhero. This is where the game is likely to polarise players, as Isaac’s new dodge roll move and a weak cover system raises questions over what kind of experience developer Visceral Games wanted this to be.

There are still scares to be had, and some of the action set-pieces underline just how accomplished the studio is. You’ll still get a highly polished experience while playing Dead Space 3, and a long running time for your money – which is becoming rare these days. If you’re a fan of the series you will enjoy this game regardless of the updates.