Dead Space is a third-person survival horror game set on a mining space craft, the US Ishimura. It has been overrun by bizarre mutant aliens that have harvested the bodies of the human crew and morphed them into sick and bizarre monsters.

Dark, detailed death

From the opening moments of Dead Space, the beautiful and detailed graphics are immediately apparent. It is one of the most impressive visual experiences around. It is also one of the more scary gaming experiences, full of gore and frights.

Immersive interface

One of the most innovative things about Dead Space is its interface - there is no traditional head-up display on the screen - everything you need to know is shown on the main character's suit. The controls are well thought out, and the sound is excellent, with some pretty haunting and memorable effects along the way.

Odd jobs

After the opening parts of Dead Space, a few of the tasks you have to undertake start to feel a bit forced, and too much of the story is spent running errands to fix various parts of the ship so you can escape.

Heights of horror

Despite a slow middle section, Dead Space is one of the most tense, frightening and exciting survival horror games you'll play, and if you can take the frights, some of it is extraordinarily beautiful.