Original Dead Space was one of the best.. and now one of the best just got UPGRADED!!!

Welcome to Dead Space 2.0 - while being honestly damn near linear with the original storyline, the game provides that fresh anxiety filled progression EVEN if you remember, and remembering is what makes us whole.

The game's visuals - from the light reflecting across Isaac's RIG and helmet, to the new and appropriately disgusting flesh-peeling mechanics of the necromorphs, all look fabulous. The interiors of the Ishimura, including down to the sounds and creaks (you'll remember, make us whole) and bloodstains are all there, but there is so much more.

Motive has done the impossible, many are saying, but I think they just listened. They remembered (make us whole) what makes a great, immersive experience and instead of trying to weave new imaginations, they did the unthinkable - and instead polished this rough diamond into a glowing jewel of anticipatory terror. I've played the original Dead Space 1, 2 and 3 on no death playthroughs... and this game gave me the same chills, the same "oh no.. no no" denial shaking even through I knew what was coming.

In fact, knowing was part of the fun and didn't impact my enjoyment of the classics - but what was even more fun was hearing Issac speak! No longer is Isaac just some voiceless robot that gets commanded to go here and there, fetch this and that - now he's an actual engineer, providing suggestions and expert advice as the story line moves forward - which resolves one long standing mini-gripe I had with the story that was resolved in Dead Space 2.

BONUS POINTS: They mapped Gunner Wright's face - the voice actor who voiced Isaac (and was also used to model Issac's likeness in DS2/ DS3) in DS2 and DS3 (and returns to do the voice work for this Dead Space) to Issac for Dead Space, which I thought was just awesome... so when you first see Issac in the beginning of the game, you'll notice the difference.

Now we're in convergence. (make us whole).

The Necromorphs are classic, yet updated to the point of being truly challenging. The first scene that comes to mind is retrieving the captains rig - I won't ruin anything but it's absolutely spectacular and terrifying at the same time. You can't help but watch in horror as it unfolds, and this really sets the tone for everything else that's to come.

I've experienced a couple minor bugs - from the quest tracker being confused to not wanting to fire the stasis while using certain weapons...but nothing that's cost me time, energy or more importantly .. good will.

Gameplay: 9 out of 10
Visuals: 9 out of 10
Ambiance: 10 out of 10
Controls: 8 out of 10
Replayability : N/A (will update after playthroughs)

Overall: 9

TLDR: Take almost all of the BS away from the original game, add in some nice flair with beautifully updated visuals and you've got yourself a great new Dead Space.

Don't take my word for it though.... go give it a try. Remember....

MAKE US WHOLE.