Dead Space 2 Discussion Thread

[Talyn]

Well, the game is here and the world is starting to buzz about the release and the game itself. Please chime in with your thoughts as you play and all the full discussions....not to mention Broodwars' terrfic commentary on games as he will play it....eventually!

3....2....1.....Strategic Dismemberment Commence!

[broodwars]

Well, the game is here and the world is starting to buzz about the release and the game itself. Please chime in with your thoughts as you play and all the full discussions....not to mention Broodwars' terrfic commentary on games as he will play it....eventually!

3....2....1.....Strategic Dismemberment Commence!

You're too kind. ^_^

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to this one, as the original Dead Space was pretty much the last bastion of traditional survival horror (setting aside stuff like Amnesia and whatnot). DS2 looks to fix some issues I had with the original Dead Space with the addition of more action, making formerly useless weapons (i.e. the plasma rifle) actually worthwhile now, and adding some psychological scares thanks to the Marker.

I picked up the game on PS3, and I'm really anxious to get home tonight and start playing. I'm kind of surprised how much I'm looking forward to playing Extraction again as well, especially with Dualshock 3 support now. This might be the game that pushes me towards picking up a Move. I'm surprised the main game itself doesn't support Move, actually. I'm so happy there are no multiplayer trophies, so I can completely ignore the reportedly tacked-on multplayer mode. I don't like the look of that "Hard Core" difficulty trophy, though. Get through the entire game on the hardest difficulty setting with only 3 saves and dying sends you back to your last save? Overkill, much?

Out of curiosity, is anyone braving the horror that is Dead Space: Aftermath on DVD/Blu-Ray? Its predecessor, Downfall, was so terrible I've pretty much resolved it never really existed.

[TheLaughingMan]

Picking up the CE tomorrow.

Is Extraction playable with the DS3 or is it ONLY playable with Move? I don't have Move but i'd like to play Extraction before DS2 if possible.

As for trophies, i'll *try* to Plat this one too. But the Hard Core trophy indeed looks ridiculously difficult compared to the already quite tough DS1 one. I mean this time it's even harder, AND we only get 3 saves/no continues for the whole game. Seems ridiculous. Oh, apparently the codes for infinite stasis are not working i've heard, which was the saving grace to beating Impossible on DS1. I might not make it...
And i'm a bit sad about the total lack of Online trophies. A few not to hard to achieve ones would have forced me to play the Multiplayer for a while at least, and it seems the multi is actually very good too. I guess the eventual DLC maps/modes will at least add some multiplayer trophies.

And, i want the Aftermath Blu-Ray. I actually enjoyed Downfall on BD, so i'll have to pick this one too...:sweat:

I'm still picking up the CE, but it's true it's a bit of a letdown here. I was totally getting it mainly for the Plasma Cutter and it turns out to be smaller and cheaper than expected. Still a cool item and with the lights it looks nice. For $20 more with some other goodies i'll be happy with it.

Back to Strategic Dismemberment tomorrow!

[Talyn]

It appears as thought BB is running a deal to get Aftermath on BR for $10 with the purchase of "any" edition of Dead Space 2... it's a maybe, I'll check it out in about 7 minutes! ;)

[Talyn]

I'm watching DS:Aftermath and while the CG parts are horribly animated the flashbacks (a majority of the feature) are traditionally animated pretty good well and the story is pretty good... It's just the present tense CG of the characters that disgustingly bad. I'm pretty pleased so far watching this and having dinner before I wont want to eat while playing... :sd:

The humor's pretty good, it made fun of Dante's Inferno game and praised the movie.... "Isn't there anything harder than Impossible mode....eh, the movie was better anyways!"

[broodwars]

Is Extraction playable with the DS3 or is it ONLY playable with Move? I don't have Move but i'd like to play Extraction before DS2 if possible.

Probably because so few people actually own a Move, the PS3 version of Extraction supports either a Dualshock 3 or a single Move controller (which I find kind of puzzling, since you needed a Wiimote and Nunchuk to play the game on Wii). Mind you, I expect the game plays much less than desirable with a Dualshock, considering it's a light-gun game designed for the Wii. Still, it's a nice addition (the game was actually pretty good on Wii, though not as well-done as Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles) and a decent incentive to pick up a Move, though nowhere near as much as actual Move support for Dead Space 2 would have been. I still can't fathom why the game doesn't support the Move, considering how naturally Wiimote control fit Resident Evil 4.

As for the Hard Core trophy, I'm less concerned about the difficulty than I am about the game's stability. Just a few days ago, I was ranting about the PS3 port of Mass Effect 2, which has major crashing issues. I'm sure there will be DLC suits and/or cheats that will mitigate the difficulty of hard core mode. Imagine, though, playing the game for 3 hours straight on a single save, getting near your next intended save point, and then the game just crashes. Sadly, that is not out of the realm of possibility from what I've seen in other EA titles on my PS3.

[broodwars]

I just played through the first stage of the PSN version of Extraction out of curiosity, and yeah...it still looks very much like a Wii game. It looks like a few textures may have been cleaned up here and there and the game overall looks cleaner than the version I played back on the Wii. Still, Extraction was a good-looking Wii game, and this is a pretty good looking game on PSN (and it looks a lot better than the original when I played it on this TV).

As for how the game feels played with a Dualshock, yeah... The best thing I can say about these controls is that they are functional. You can theoretically get through the game with this, but it is far from ideal. The button mapping is formatted to more closely resemble those of Dead Spaces 1 and 2, and the reticule scrolls across the screen faster than I thought it would. But there's no getting around the fact that this was made for a pointer device, and however fast the reticule is, it's just not fast or accurate enough (even with aim assist turned on) to work when you're swarmed by necromorphs. And don't even try to get to the hard-to-grab items with the DS3: they were hard enough to nab with a Wiimote, and they're pretty impossible to grab in a split-second with a control stick unless you already know they're going to be there.

[zerok]

Picking up the CE tomorrow.
As for trophies, i'll *try* to Plat this one too. But the Hard Core trophy indeed looks ridiculously difficult compared to the already quite tough DS1 one. I mean this time it's even harder, AND we only get 3 saves/no continues for the whole game. Seems ridiculous. Oh, apparently the codes for infinite stasis are not working i've heard, which was the saving grace to beating Impossible on DS1. I might not make it...

There was an infinite stasis code for DS1?! I got the Platinum in that game never knowing this existed. I might end up trying for the Hardcore trophy, but it's seriously put in doubt weather or not I'm going to to get the Plat for this game.

I'm still picking up the CE, but it's true it's a bit of a letdown here. I was totally getting it mainly for the Plasma Cutter and it turns out to be smaller and cheaper than expected. Still a cool item and with the lights it looks nice. For $20 more with some other goodies i'll be happy with it.

Yeah, the Plasma Cutter is rather disappointing, but still kinda cool. The box everything comes in looks fantastic though.

[broodwars]

Played through to the beginning of Chapter 3, where I had my first run-in with the "the pack"-type necromorphs (they're the baby necros ripped out of Dante's Inferno). That did not go well. I don't think I would have survived that encounter without my Collector's Edition Force Gun and suit (not to mention the extra items you get from rooms opened only by playing the godawful Dead Space: Ignition). That isn't to say you need them to get this far, just that they have really helped out early on because this game is incredibly intense. Visceral wasn't kidding when they said they intended to ratchet up the action, and IMO they might have gone too far. The opening areas of the game before you get your first suit are too difficult for opening tutorial levels, especially since the game seems to want you to get most of your kills via Kinesis. I beat the first game on the hardest difficulty mode with only the Plasma Cutter, and I still died several times in this "tutorial" chapter. In Dead Space 1, the necros would often just stagger towards you or go into a vent if you were too far away. In Dead Space 2, everything is constantly running at you, making Stasis incredibly vital now for crowd control.

I do like the increased usefulness of Kinesis, though it's still incredibly wonky to use since it's often difficult to distinguish what you're grabbing when you're frantically trying to grab something as necromorphs rush at you. I also don't understand why weapon schematics and semiconductors still count as objects in your inventory, especially since Power Nodes do not.

I'm probably going to put the game up for the night here and move on to some of my recently-acquired anime Blu-Rays (watching Tears to Tiara at the moment, btw). This game is a little too much too quickly for me to want to play more than a few hours a session. Excellent game, though.

[Talyn]

I didn't for very long myself... I've not been feeling so good today, but watching the movie, tinkering with Extraction. I was good....and then the first chapter just kinda taxed me.... it's requiring more energy than I'm used to for an intro to a game.... when I'm feeling better (prolly tomorrow night) I'm gonna shut off all distractions and just play and see what happens. So far I like what I see...it's just a little much atm...

[porkchopexpress]

Started playing DS2 on PS3 last night. Love it so far. I was surprised to see that it came with extraction, since I assumed it only came with the collector's edition.

[Talyn]

Started playing DS2 on PS3 last night. Love it so far. I was surprised to see that it came with extraction, since I assumed it only came with the collector's edition.

From what I gathered...it is supposedly only for a short time frame...kinda like the limited runs of Funi's new LE's...once they are gone it'll just be the regular edition.

[porkchopexpress]

Started playing DS2 on PS3 last night. Love it so far. I was surprised to see that it came with extraction, since I assumed it only came with the collector's edition.

From what I gathered...it is supposedly only for a short time frame...kinda like the limited runs of Funi's new LE's...once they are gone it'll just be the regular edition.

Ah, makes sense. I might even look into picking up move to play extraction, though I can't imagine how scary it would be when the the controller I'm using has a bright red clown nose on it.

[broodwars]

Started playing DS2 on PS3 last night. Love it so far. I was surprised to see that it came with extraction, since I assumed it only came with the collector's edition.

From what I gathered...it is supposedly only for a short time frame...kinda like the limited runs of Funi's new LE's...once they are gone it'll just be the regular edition.

Ah, makes sense. I might even look into picking up move to play extraction, though I can't imagine how scary it would be when the the controller I'm using has a bright red clown nose on it.

Wakko Warner doesn't think that would be a problem ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbC_HNHQ9JY ). ^_-

Seriously, Extraction is not a scary game by nature. It's a rail-shooter. There are very few ways it can be scary when your character is a floating reticule (with occasional arms and legs) in a shooting gallery.

[Senku]

I do like the increased usefulness of Kinesis, though it's still incredibly wonky to use since it's often difficult to distinguish what you're grabbing when you're frantically trying to grab something as necromorphs rush at you. I also don't understand why weapon schematics and semiconductors still count as objects in your inventory, especially since Power Nodes do not.

Every time I think I'm picking up something sharp, it always seems to grab the coffee cup next to it. Though it does feel more useful then the first game; it's either perfect or totally useless. But I don't know about that "17 meters thru the air and has to stick" trophy.


Changing the subject slightly, anybody play MP yet? It's actually pretty fun, but playing on the Human team it seems like it's impossible to win. Or at least all the matches I've played so far; the Human team has yet to win a round. I think the problem is that there is just too many objectives for the Humans to achieve. But maybe as people rank up it may become more even.

[Talyn]

But I don't know about that "17 meters thru the air and has to stick" trophy.

I hadn't even looked at the trophies list yet...wow... you need a good height or width of a space for that...

[TheLaughingMan]

Just got back from work, CE in hand. :cool:

Just a little question for those who got the CE here. The package is shiny, has stickers and is a Visceral game. I'm remembering the nightmare that the PS3 LE of Dante Inferno was. When you removed the stickers, it was virtually impossible to not remove the shiny (foil-like) part of the cover along with it, as a result they all became damaged. Is it the same crap again here or can i safely remove the stickers?

[broodwars]

Just got back from work, CE in hand. :cool:

Just a little question for those who got the CE here. The package is shiny, has stickers and is a Visceral game. I'm remembering the nightmare that the PS3 LE of Dante Inferno was. When you removed the stickers, it was virtually impossible to not remove the shiny (foil-like) part of the cover along with it, as a result they all became damaged. Is it the same crap again here or can i safely remove the stickers?

I was fine with removing the sticky tags from the box. HOWEVER, do not try the same with the CD soundtrack, as I did tear part of the track listing off of the cardboard sleeve. You're probably best off just using a knife and cutting the tag at the seam on both just to be safe.

As for the "Impale a necromorph and have him fly 17 meters and stick into a wall" trophy, I got it pretty easily but you will need the Javelin gun. At the start of Chapter 2, after you leave the shop/bench/save room, you'll enter a long mall-esque hallway with a moving sidewalk. When you approach the end of the moving sidewalk, a necromorph will spring up and jump at you. Stasis him while he's in the air, and then hit him with 1-2 Javelins. It'll hit him in the air, and he'll fly backwards all the way across the hallway and plant into the wall. Easy money. If you screw-up, just pause the game and reload your last checkpoint to respawn back in the shop/bench/save room.

[TheLaughingMan]

I was fine with removing the sticky tags from the box. HOWEVER, do not try the same with the CD soundtrack, as I did tear part of the track listing off of the cardboard sleeve. You're probably best off just using a knife and cutting the tag at the seam on both just to be safe.

Good, i feared it might do like DI...I'll be careful with the OST though, thanks for letting me know! I'm off to open that baby, thanks for the quick answer man!

[TheLaughingMan]

Awesome package, truly. I would've been sad to miss on that!
A last thing, the CE package states a downloadable Zealot Force Gun and Suit, though there's no card/code included about that. How do i actually get this?

[broodwars]

Awesome package, truly. I would've been sad to miss on that!
A last thing, the CE package states a downloadable Zealot Force Gun and Suit, though there's no card/code included about that. How do i actually get this?

When you enter your online pass code, you automatically unlock the suit and gun. It'll be available in the first shop you reach at the end of Chapter 1.

[TheLaughingMan]

Awesome package, truly. I would've been sad to miss on that!
A last thing, the CE package states a downloadable Zealot Force Gun and Suit, though there's no card/code included about that. How do i actually get this?

When you enter your online pass code, you automatically unlock the suit and gun. It'll be available in the first shop you reach at the end of Chapter 1.

Ah i see. I would have preferred for them to be separate codes but this'll do i guess.

I start the game and i unlocked a bunch of stuff. Hacker Suit and other items i get for having 100% Ignition, i hope i won't miss the 4 rooms to get these in the game.
Then i get a refurbished Plasma Cuter?!?
Also got the pre-order Rivet Gun which looks cool.

[broodwars]

got the pre-order Rivet Gun which looks cool.

The Rivet Gun has always come across to me as a somewhat odd choice to pop up in Dead Space 2, considering it was a fairly useless weapon in Extraction (the game it originated in). I hear it's no better in Dead Space 2, sadly.

[TheLaughingMan]

got the pre-order Rivet Gun which looks cool.

The Rivet Gun has always come across to me as a somewhat odd choice to pop up in Dead Space 2, considering it was a fairly useless weapon in Extraction (the game it originated in). I hear it's no better in Dead Space 2, sadly.
Ha, i might just dump it on eBay then...

I think Extraction was a sort of direct sequel to DS1 right? I'm thinking of doing at least 1 quick playthrough of it before seriously getting in DS2, is that recommended/a good idea? And how long is Extraction if i'm not bothering replaying missions/getting items (will do that when i get Move later this year)?

[Talyn]

As for the "Impale a necromorph and have him fly 17 meters and stick into a wall" trophy, I got it pretty easily but you will need the Javelin gun. At the start of Chapter 2, after you leave the shop/bench/save room, you'll enter a long mall-esque hallway with a moving sidewalk. When you approach the end of the moving sidewalk, a necromorph will spring up and jump at you. Stasis him while he's in the air, and then hit him with 1-2 Javelins. It'll hit him in the air, and he'll fly backwards all the way across the hallway and plant into the wall. Easy money. If you screw-up, just pause the game and reload your last checkpoint to respawn back in the shop/bench/save room.


I think I have a new favorite weapon! Shot the sucker to ceiling right at the back wall at the end of the hallway! lol

Man, DS2 had me jump twice so far! Gee...you shoot something enough and think its dead only to walk up and about to stomp on it and the damn thing attacks again.... and the steam pipes...forgot about that! :sd:

[broodwars]

I think Extraction was a sort of direct sequel to DS1 right? I'm thinking of doing at least 1 quick playthrough of it before seriously getting in DS2, is that recommended/a good idea? And how long is Extraction if i'm not bothering replaying missions/getting items (will do that when i get Move later this year)?

Extraction is a prequel to the first Dead Space, and basically exists to tease things that come up in Dead Space 2 and fill in a few minor holes in the first game's backstory. For instance, the characters in your party in Extraction suffer from hallucinations caused by the marker, something you see more of in the Dead Space films and Dead Space 2. At the end of the game, the surviving party members set a course for the Sprawl, which was the first time we'd heard of Dead Space 2's setting.

I do recommend playing Extraction, though I'm not sure yet if you need to play it before Dead Space 2. There are some plotlines brought up in Extraction which could be further developed in Dead Space 2, but I haven't gotten far enough in DS2 to see any. Extraction is much more concerned with the events of the original Dead Space. You should, however, definitely play it before buying the "Severed" Single-player DLC EA will release sometime in the near future, as that is a direct continuation to Extraction. As for the game length, Extraction was an extremely short game on Wii, probably around 5 hours (which is pitiful compared to rival Wii Rail Shooter RE: The Darkside Chronicles, which released only a month later and is probably 10-12 hours or so long). You can easily clear it in an afternoon if you really want to.

[broodwars]

Well, I'm off to get through a few more chapters. One minor thing I'd like to highlight, though: I love that when you select "Trophies" from your in-game pause menu, you can see your progress towards the various trophies. I've seen invaluable features like this in too few games over the last few years. They really should be mandatory. If you didn't know that feature was there (and I didn't until today), there you go. It should help towards getting some of the more grind-centric trophies.

[broodwars]

I made it to Chapter 7 (which is where I'll close up for the night), and I'm pretty much stuck trying to get the trophy for "knocking off all the tripods" (well that's nice and vague, since you can knock them off without killing them, or you can kill them so they fall off. Which is it, Visceral?) on the Elevator. Even with a nearly fully powered-up Plasma Cutter (and nearly fully-powered up RIG as well), a couple of those things always escape before I can kill them. Inventory management has become a major problem at this point, as I still haven't run across a suit with more inventory capacity than the Zealot suit I started the game with. The Church of Unitology chapter was interesting, but the chapter in the elementary school was surprisingly underwhelming.

[Talyn]

So you've been focusing on powering up your rig and the plasma cutter? Do you feel as if the plasma cutter is still the best weapon? *just curious* As that's the path I'm on at the moment myself... I wanted to play a ton last night but kept getting sidetracked...I'm so turning the phone off tonight... :sd: Atleast I'm mostly through Chapter 2...but you're flying through it.

[broodwars]

So you've been focusing on powering up your rig and the plasma cutter? Do you feel as if the plasma cutter is still the best weapon? *just curious* As that's the path I'm on at the moment myself... I wanted to play a ton last night but kept getting sidetracked...I'm so turning the phone off tonight... :sd: Atleast I'm mostly through Chapter 2...but you're flying through it.

It's still the best weapon for most situations due to its accuracy and high ammo storage in your inventory, though I strongly encourage having a close-range crowd control weapon like the Force Gun for dealing with mobs of the larger necromorphs and The Pack (and the Stalkers as well, since it knocks them right on their ass when they try to rush you without really having to aim). The Line Gun can work as well, but that ammo takes up too much space in the inventory for my liking. The Javelin is a fine weapon as well, but it's pretty weak early on and really needs to be powered-up to be successful. The Plasma Cutter is still incredibly effective.

[Talyn]

Well...this game is a bit intense early on! lol Those freakin' kids swarmed my ass...took a couple attempts but finally got those little *****.... :sd: That train ride was fun, I liked that... the end of that ride was certainly...an up! I think what I like most so far is the lack of loading and load screens except for when you first load a game. It keeps flowing from one chapter to the next. I REALLY appreciate that.... It is however getting me untrained from habit. Didn't Uncharted do it this way too? I don't remember. Who knew shooting a statue would get a trophy? :sd: I was curious if it was a destroyable item cause some of the terminal/vending machines are and sometimes cough up credits....

[Njr Scrawl]

How does the Mac version run, compared to PC? Does the PC version run with 7 64 bit?

[ape2020]

Best Weapon Ever! And an excellent reward for Hardcore mode. The Hand Cannon. (http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/dead-space-2s-reward-for-finishing-hardcore-mode/)

Pew. Pew, Pew!

-ape2020

[TheLaughingMan]

I decided to play DS2 along with Extraction. DS2 just couldn't wait. Up to chapter 4 (5 in Extraction).
I'll just plow through the game on normal to see it all and get the story nicely first.
Then i'll get to serious trophy hunting. I really wonder if i'll be able to Plat this one...can't wait to try Zealot/HardCore.
I'm liking the little new things, like the Javelin Gun/arm impalement and Decompresion windows. Otherwise this is quite similar to the original gameplay-wise. Not a problem at all of course...
The new way of doing Zero-G i'm not sure if i like it all that much though. Seems to make things easier to be able to fly around, but it lacks the disorientation feel of DS1...

[Talyn]

to the original gameplay-wise. Not a problem at all of course...
The new way of doing Zero-G i'm not sure if i like it all that much though. Seems to make things easier to be able to fly around, but it lacks the disorientation feel of DS1...

just wait.... :sd: I'm still adjusting with adjusting to the launch and landing. :sd:

I'm up to Chapter 8 and well...things are certainly getting interesting. At this point...um, I may not platinum this game even going by how intense this, pardon my language, shit gets... I've heard people saying Hard Core is just like playing on normal mode just without dying.... :sd: Well, normal at times gets intense.... I'm done for the night. I keep needing to take a break after a couple hours tackling this...

[Johnny]

Just repeating what I said elsewhere:

Just finished it and I have to say that that was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had with a game this gen. I didn't think it would be quite as good as the first game but everything just felt so much better - the combat, atmosphere, tension, story and characters. GOTY so far!

[broodwars]

I picked up the Sports Champions Move bundle and a Nav controller today, so I'm looking forward to putting them through their paces with Extraction sometime soon. As for Dead Space 2, I've been on a bit of a hiatus from games the last few games as I catch up on my anime Blu-Ray backlog, but I'm nearly caught up now so I should be back to eviscerating Necromorphs later today.

[Talyn]

I ended up stopping as I started Chapter 11.... I found Chapter 10 a little exhuastive on my ammo in spots. Not to mention I haven't been feeling so good today. However the game certainly has some interesting moments and twists along the way... I have to say some of the lines from Isaac are rich. "Isaac, that's a bad idea." To which Isaac replies, "Yeah, well, I'm full of bad ideas." I'm paraphasing but that had me dying for a couple minutes.... I love the humor!

[broodwars]

I've been testing my new Move controller out on the PS3 version of Extraction. I've been through the first few levels, and so far I have to say the Move works excellently for this game, about as well as the Wiimote + Nunchuck did...with a few exceptions: first, you can't use the D-pad or the Analog Stick on the Nav controller to manually to select specific weapons like you could on the Wii version with the Nunchuk. You can use the D-pad Left or Right buttons to cycle through your weapons, but it's much easier to just hit the Triangle button on the main Move controller. Using Melee with the Circle button + shaking the Move controller is also pretty awkward, definitely not as nice as holding a button on the Nunchuk and shaking the nunchuk.

Overall, unsurprisingly if you're going to play the PS3 version of Extraction, Move support is kind of a must as we figured.

[broodwars]

Well, I stake tonight's flag in Chapter 11. Chapter 10 was...interesting. I really was not expecting to experience that callback to the original Dead Space.

However, Chapter 10 illustrates a fundamental problem I've seen in every game Visceral has put out: they never know when to stop. There's a fine line between "oh cool, I remember this!" and "****, not this **** again!", and Visceral always ends up with the latter. In the original Dead Space, it was the frequent backtracking through the same 3 sections of the ship and the nonstop monster rooms that make up the end of the game (a problem that would be repeated in Dead Space Extraction, also made by Visceral); in Dante's Inferno, it was Fraud; and in Dead Space 2 it's Chapter 10. It was awesome wandering through the Ishimura again, partially under deconstruction, but the whole section goes on about 1-2 hours too long. Was it really necessary to make the player trudge through seemingly 3/4 of the original Dead Space in the space of 2-3 hours? *sigh*

[Talyn]

Well, I stake tonight's flag in Chapter 11. Chapter 10 was...interesting. I really was not expecting to experience that callback to the original Dead Space.

However, Chapter 10 illustrates a fundamental problem I've seen in every game Visceral has put out: they never know when to stop. There's a fine line between "oh cool, I remember this!" and "****, not this **** again!", and Visceral always ends up with the latter. In the original Dead Space, it was the frequent backtracking through the same 3 sections of the ship and the nonstop monster rooms that make up the end of the game (a problem that would be repeated in Dead Space Extraction, also made by Visceral); in Dante's Inferno, it was Fraud; and in Dead Space 2 it's Chapter 10. It was awesome wandering through the Ishimura again, partially under deconstruction, but the whole section goes on about 1-2 hours too long. Was it really necessary to make the player trudge through seemingly 3/4 of the original Dead Space in the space of 2-3 hours? *sigh*

I do agree with you for the most part...

Half the time I was thinking..."Oh **** I remember what happens in this room, and this hallway, and OH **** NO THAT FIGHT AGAIN..." but it wasn't too bad, it was weird getting so far into the Ishimura without a fight... It was nice to visit but I feel we're spending more time away from the far more interesting Sprawl than necessary. I love the Ishimura but really, we couldn't enter through a port near the Captain's nest or one of the ejected Escape Shuttles? We could have spent a little time in Zero G to find a way in...that could have been neat... Though I have ll the Haz-Mat stuff led me to believe they were trying to salvage the ship. The fleet wouldn't necessarily want to lose a planet cracking ship because of what happened. :sd:

Spoilered everything to be on the safe side....

[Talyn]

I tried to tackle a little bit of Chapter 11 last night and damn... I'm in a spot where I'm out of health packs and in a massive room with catwalks and keep getting to the same point... and dying... I get rushed from forward and back by the blackened Necro morph's...They are driving me nuts. I'll get further tonight... just backtrack to the store if I need to. I really just wanna get back to the Sprawl....

[broodwars]

I tried to tackle a little bit of Chapter 11 last night and damn... I'm in a spot where I'm out of health packs and in a massive room with catwalks and keep getting to the same point... and dying... I get rushed from forward and back by the blackened Necro morph's...They are driving me nuts. I'll get further tonight... just backtrack to the store if I need to. I really just wanna get back to the Sprawl....

I had planned on completing the game last night myself, but my wrist is still stinging from the "Wiimote athritus" I got from testing out Sport Champions and Extraction a few nights ago so I took the night off from gaming.

Incidentally, a co-worker at work told me he's managed to get to Chapter 8 in Hard Core mode before making his first save. He strongly recommends focusing on the Force Gun if you have the CE, with the Plasma Cutter as a backup for moments that require precision. TK the Puker's long-range vomit back at it for an instant kill, and memorize where the exploder necromorphs will spawn.

[Talyn]

Incidentally, a co-worker at work told me he's managed to get to Chapter 8 in Hard Core mode before making his first save. He strongly recommends focusing on the Force Gun if you have the CE, with the Plasma Cutter as a backup for moments that require precision. TK the Puker's long-range vomit back at it for an instant kill, and memorize where the exploder necromorphs will spawn.


I figure I'll see how Zealot mode goes before deciding to go at Hard Core mode... but that's really far. You have to play for hours straight, from what I hear, to get that far into the game. Granted I know of several situations I can handle VERY differently from just this first playthrough of the game... Hard Core is supposedly just playing the game on normal, just without the option of saving everywhere and checkpoint restarts... If we get Dead Space 3 I hope there's not an option to "Beat the game without saving once." Natural progression of that kind of trophy... :sd:

[Senku]

I tried to tackle a little bit of Chapter 11 last night and damn...

It seemed to me that sometime after chapter 7 or 8, the game got VERY stingy with ammo and health drops. I had a very empty inventory the last quarter of the game.

Either way, I did finish it on Normal. There was an... "interesting" mini-game near the end, which I got on the first try somehow. But I was pleased with what went on there. But some spoilery questions...

It looked like Issac realized something as he turned to Ellie. (and she said "What?") Nothing comes to mind on what that could be. And why was Tidemann half burned at the Marker? While this ending didn't scream "sequel" like the first one did; Issac most likely still has to deal with "The Overseer"

[Talyn]

.... Chapter 14....like WTF IS THIS SHIT????? I have turn the game off for now.

[broodwars]

.... Chapter 14....like WTF IS THIS SHIT????? I have turn the game off for now.

Yeah, for sure. I'm at that part myself, having just cleared that section. Why, in the name of all that is holy, did Visceral have to bring back the goddamn regenerating necromorph from the first game, and why bring it back NOW when the game is just about over? That thing was by far the most thoroughly annoying thing in the first game, and I'm not looking forward to having to deal with it on Zealot and Hard Core.

Chapter 14 in general has been pretty obnoxious, with just floods of necromorphs attacking me at once. The Force Gun (which is now maxed-out, along with my Plasma Cutter, RIG, and Stasis) is pretty much the only reason I got through it, though I did get my Kinesis Trophy as well sending all those necromorph limbs at the horde. I'm currently enjoying a little down time, exploiting the infinite Power Nodes glitch in the Chapter 14 Power Node room as long as the game lets me. I figure I might as well power-up some weapons for my Zealot Run while I'm here.

[broodwars]

OK, 3 hours later and almost all my weapons upgraded to their maximum level (except the Pulse Rifle), I've finally completed my first runthrough. And man that was a spectacularly lame final boss fight, and I still want to know what the hell was with that enemy in Chapters 14-15. It just shows up and is never explained. Well, considering that I have over 60,000 credits from my original runthrough and almost all the weapons upgraded, I don't expect to be all that challenged this time on Zealot in New Game +.

Looking back on the game, I'm surprised just how rarely the game uses the decompression windows considering how much they were hyped before launch. There are maybe 3 in the whole game. What a let-down, as were probably Chapters 14 and 15. The game as a whole is excellent, but those last few chapters are just frustrating and lame.

[Talyn]

.... Chapter 14....like WTF IS THIS SHIT????? I have turn the game off for now.

Yeah, for sure. I'm at that part myself, having just cleared that section. Why, in the name of all that is holy, did Visceral have to bring back the goddamn regenerating necromorph from the first game, and why bring it back NOW when the game is just about over? That thing was by far the most thoroughly annoying thing in the first game, and I'm not looking forward to having to deal with it on Zealot and Hard Core.

Chapter 14 in general has been pretty obnoxious, with just floods of necromorphs attacking me at once. The Force Gun (which is now maxed-out, along with my Plasma Cutter, RIG, and Stasis) is pretty much the only reason I got through it, though I did get my Kinesis Trophy as well sending all those necromorph limbs at the horde. I'm currently enjoying a little down time, exploiting the infinite Power Nodes glitch in the Chapter 14 Power Node room as long as the game lets me. I figure I might as well power-up some weapons for my Zealot Run while I'm here.

I would be alright if I had some damn heath and one, just one damn stasis recharge. Problem is I made a save in the worst place. Damn it, why didn't I do alternating saves like I've done before.... I am VERY low on health, no med kits and in the room where you break the fuse and make a dash to the zero-g portion... My option is to survive that dash without getting hit which I've narrowly missed a dozen times......it's either that or I start over, which isn't really a problem... it'd give me another chance to do things differently in be more prepared for Chapter 14. Then maybe I'll look up that glitch and see how that works...

btw, I've counted 4 decompression windows thus far. You can't get the trophy on one playthrough from what I understand...

[Senku]

And man that was a spectacularly lame final boss fight, and I still want to know what the hell was with that enemy in Chapters 14-15.

The final boss was sorta fitting, even if it wasn't spectacular. I did die once by letting Nicole get too close, and the death animation was neat.

But I took the inclusion of the regenerating enemy as a sign that Visceral didn't want me to clear out the necromorphs anymore; and I just stasis my way to the end for the most part.

[broodwars]

...I am VERY low on health, no med kits and in the room where you break the fuse and make a dash to the zero-g portion... My option is to survive that dash without getting hit which I've narrowly missed a dozen times......it's either that or I start over, which isn't really a problem... it'd give me another chance to do things differently in be more prepared for Chapter 14. Then maybe I'll look up that glitch and see how that works...

I'm afraid the glitch wouldn't really help you. It pops up right at the end of Chapter 14, right after that Zero-G sequence, pretty much relegating it to helping you to through the short Chapter 15 and New Game +. However, how it works is that after the Zero-G sequence, you'll run into a Power Node door:

1. Use a node on the door to unlock it.

2. Do not go inside the Power Node Door, but instead continue through the next few doors to reach the game's final Save Point/Bench/Store room.

3. Save your Game, and then open the pause menu and Quit Out to the main menu.

4. Reload your save.

5. Backtrack to the Power Node Room. If the room has 2 Power Nodes and a Ruby Semiconductor, clean the entire room out (including the lockers).

6. Return to the save point and save.

7. Open the Pause Menu and reload the checkpoint.

8. Return to the Power Node Room and observe that the stuff in the room not in lockers has respawned. Note that there are 3 combinations of stuff you can find in this room: 1 Power Node; 2 Power Nodes and 1 Ruby Semiconductor; and 3,000 credits on their own. If the room doesn't have what you want, reload your checkpoint and try again.

9. Once you've collected the stuff you want, return to the save point and save.

10. Repeat Steps 7-9 as long as you want. You can obtain an absolutely ridiculous number of Power Nodes and Ruby Semiconductors this way.

[Talyn]

...I am VERY low on health, no med kits and in the room where you break the fuse and make a dash to the zero-g portion... My option is to survive that dash without getting hit which I've narrowly missed a dozen times......it's either that or I start over, which isn't really a problem... it'd give me another chance to do things differently in be more prepared for Chapter 14. Then maybe I'll look up that glitch and see how that works...

I'm afraid the glitch wouldn't really help you. It pops up right at the end of Chapter 14, right after that Zero-G sequence, pretty much relegating it to helping you to through the short Chapter 15 and New Game +. However, how it works is that after the Zero-G sequence, you'll run into a Power Node door:

1. Use a node on the door to unlock it.

2. Do not go inside the Power Node Door, but instead continue through the next few doors to reach the game's final Save Point/Bench/Store room.

3. Save your Game, and then open the pause menu and Quit Out to the main menu.

4. Reload your save.

5. Backtrack to the Power Node Room. If the room has 2 Power Nodes and a Ruby Semiconductor, clean the entire room out (including the lockers).

6. Return to the save point and save.

7. Open the Pause Menu and reload the checkpoint.

8. Return to the Power Node Room and observe that the stuff in the room not in lockers has respawned. Note that there are 3 combinations of stuff you can find in this room: 1 Power Node; 2 Power Nodes and 1 Ruby Semiconductor; and 3,000 credits on their own. If the room doesn't have what you want, reload your checkpoint and try again.

9. Once you've collected the stuff you want, return to the save point and save.

10. Repeat Steps 7-9 as long as you want.

Oh I know it wont help me now... I just meant to explore it for the Zealot playthrough... I'll atleast try that that... but since I've got a snow day I'm gonna go ahead and start over, :depressed: it's not that big a deal and I can pick up the other trophies. Thanks for the tip on the room! When I get there I'll do that!

[Talyn]

Well damn.... I love this glitch! Oh...I backtracked to a store and got what I needed and zoomed to the end... apparently you can backtrack without being attacked! ;) I should have done that last night. Oh well. :sd: I'm in the middle of getting everything I need and tricked out. :sd:

[Senku]

<Glitch instructions>

Good thing I didn't save over my 1st playthrough. This is going to be nice. :)

[Talyn]

<Glitch instructions>

Good thing I didn't save over my 1st playthrough. This is going to be nice. :)

It does take awhile to get everything upgraded... but worth it!

[Talyn]

Well....I beat the game. Hmmm. The final fight....was a tad underwhelming especially after what we got put through in the last two chapters. Just kinda...wha? that's it? I rather liked how the DS1 built up to an epic fight. As for the final scene....I kinda took that as a spin on how DS1 ended... he looked over and saw another person and was like... "are you for real?" as Nicole jumped at him (or the vision of her) to end the first one in the escape pod... I did like watching till the end of the credits... ;)

[broodwars]

Well, I just finished my Zealot run (It wasn't terribly difficult, just tricky considering explosive enemies are one-hit kills and running from all the enemies in the final 2 chapters was tedious), and with that I'm probably done with Dead Space 2 until Visceral releases the Extraction-related DLC...or they release the seemingly-inevitable Tank Suit DLC. Yeah, Visceral's bragging about the difficulty of Hard Core mode now, but I get the feeling we're going to eventually see DLC that makes it much more reasonable for players who aren't psychotic.

[Talyn]

Well, I just finished my Zealot run (It wasn't terribly difficult, just tricky considering explosive enemies are one-hit kills and running from all the enemies in the final 2 chapters was tedious), and with that I'm probably done with Dead Space 2 until Visceral releases the Extraction-related DLC...or they release the seemingly-inevitable Tank Suit DLC. Yeah, Visceral's bragging about the difficulty of Hard Core mode now, but I get the feeling we're going to eventually see DLC that makes it much more reasonable for players who aren't psychotic.

I've noticed Zealot run is going very quick... I got to Chapter 5 before saving and stopping for the night. I take it you're not going to attempt Hard Core mode? and a Tank Suit DLC? does that mean there are there rumors of a god suit or something?

I did some reading last night and it seems Hard Core really isn't that bad it's just the save point/restart from last save that's driving people crazy cause it forces you to sit a large number of hours in one shot to get to a certain save point or whatever...I can see getting up till chapter 7 or 8 not being too bad. The part I feel is bad is that if you complete Zealot mode, there should be NG+ for Hard Core. Starting completely over is rough. You could do NG+ on Impossible in the original Dead Space...

[broodwars]

I've noticed Zealot run is going very quick... I got to Chapter 5 before saving and stopping for the night. I take it you're not going to attempt Hard Core mode? and a Tank Suit DLC? does that mean there are there rumors of a god suit or something?

No, I haven't heard any rumors of DLC equivalent to the Dead Space 1 Tank Suit DLC. It's just my own personal suspicions considering we've seen that EA loves to milk its userbase on DLC. As for Hard Core mode, honestly after last night's little 8 hour marathon to blast through Zealot mode, I may have reached my limit with this game. I certainly need to take a night or two off, anyway. That's two nights in a row where I've been up till 3-5 AM with this game, and it's taking its toll. Man, I feel old. I remember when I'd do this kind of thing every night in my High School years.

I may dabble with Hard Core mode a bit to see how far I can get, but the challenge just doesn't sound fun and I don't like devoting ridiculous amounts of time to a single session of a game like this. Besides, I saw on Zealot mode last night that any explosive enemies at that point will instantly kill you. Given how easy it is for stuff to sneak up on you late in the game, that doesn't sound promising.

[Talyn]

No, I haven't heard any rumors of DLC equivalent to the Dead Space 1 Tank Suit DLC. It's just my own personal suspicions considering we've seen that EA loves to milk its userbase on DLC. As for Hard Core mode, honestly after last night's little 8 hour marathon to blast through Zealot mode, I may have reached my limit with this game. I certainly need to take a night or two off, anyway. That's two nights in a row where I've been up till 3-5 AM with this game, and it's taking its toll. Man, I feel old. I remember when I'd do this kind of thing every night in my High School years.

I may dabble with Hard Core mode a bit to see how far I can get, but the challenge just doesn't sound fun and I don't like devoting ridiculous amounts of time to a single session of a game like this. Besides, I saw on Zealot mode last night that any explosive enemies at that point will instantly kill you. Given how easy it is for stuff to sneak up on you late in the game, that doesn't sound promising.

Ah ok, I usually don't get DLC unless it adds to the story... with another level or such. I refuse to buy special weapons and suits, that's too much in my book. Anyways...

Wow, you have been playing hard through DS2. I took sporadic breaks and nights off during my first playthrough. It might be the only difference why I'm eye-balling the Hard Core mode. Burn out usually kicks in after the amount of time you put into an action/survival horror/shooter game like you have. :sd: I've not done till 3-5am thing since the original Dead Space came out. Did it alot in college though! Not unless I have the next day off will I even think of attempting that...lol

The only way I'll try Hard Core mode is in increments. I won't sit around a whole weekend trying to do it. I have other games to play, things to watch and do...So the exploders are that nasty later on huh? Geesh!

[Talyn]

Ya know, there's one thing I'll say after reflecting on the game a bit. I miss some of the mini-games from the first one, The Shooting Range and the Grav-Ball. They could have been optional and not required to complete the game so as to not slow it down.

[broodwars]

The only way I'll try Hard Core mode is in increments. I won't sit around a whole weekend trying to do it.

That's the thing about Hard Core mode, though, that infuriates me: I also would prefer to do it in nice little increments, slowly clawing my way through the game. But no, you have 3 saves and that's it. You practically have to take it on over a weekend.

And yeah, my backlog's pretty nasty. I still have to finish Nier; DS: Extraction; and Mass Effect 2 PS3, and the original Call of Duty 4 and my replay of Ogre Battle 64 are waiting as well. Hell, I still have to win 40 more multiplayer games in Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 for my Platinum in that one, too.

Incidentally, I have been told by a co-worker who has beaten Hard Core mode that the Supernova DLC pack (along with the CE Zealot Force Gun and suit) comes in handy due to the 10%+ plasma cutter and +15% health pack bonus suit. I might pick that up, considering I still have $5.00 left over from the $20 I won from a recent GameCritics contest (the other $15 I used on Lara Croft & the Guardian of Light...oh crap, that's another thing in the backlog).

[broodwars]

I decided to grit my teeth and soldier on, as I've started a Hard Core mode playthrough with the Supernova DLC purchased with the remainder of my $20 PSN gift card. I'm up to Chapter 5 now without using a save, and man I don't know how you're supposed to get through some of the earlier areas of the game without a 15% armor suit and some free weapons. The laundry room early in the game nearly did me in, but I've managed to stay in the game. Thanks to the Supernova and CE DLCs, I got a Contact Beam and Force Gun along with some handy suits at the beginning of the game, and they've helped out quite a bit.

Why the Contact Beam? Well, it's not a good weapon to use, but its ammo sells for a ton of credits. Those credits go into Power Nodes, nodes that I highly suggest you devote to your RIG, Stasis, and Force Gun. By putting nodes into Stasis early, you make your melee attack a very effective way of disposing of single slasher necromorphs and anything that crawls on the ground. Just make sure you always have a full stasis charge, hit the slasher with Stasis, and then proceed to club him to death. They die quickly. That strategy saved me in my Impossible run in the original Dead Space, because it saves you ammo and keeps the enemy from attacking. Also, I definitely recommend using stasis to get some distance from the Pukers, forcing them to try to hit you with that ranged puke ball of theirs. Kinesis that thing in the air and fling it back at the Puker for an instance kill (wait a few moments for the thing to completely die or it'll try to get one last shot at you with its acid).

Hopefully, I can get to the Chapter 7 elevator without dying, as that'll put me in good shape for the rest of the game.

EDIT: Well...****. Killed by goddamn scorpions in Chapter 6. One of them killed me while I was trapped in a Quick Time animation with another. I thought that would be a problematic area. -_-

[Citizen Klaus]

Beat it today, start to finish in one sitting. (Grad school: days off are few and far between, so make 'em count! :P)

Solid game overall, and the improved graphics are very welcome. (DS2 on my 360, at whatever resolution it runs at, looks better than DS1 on my PC at 1080p with all options maxed. Almost makes me wish I'd gone PC for this installment, as well.) Feels very much like Resident Evil 5 -- the scares are greatly diminished, replaced by superhero action sequences. Chris Redfield got his boulder-punching finale, while Isaac apparently got sent off to the UNSC's Spartan training program sometime during his... reconditioning. (Seriously. I think DS2 has set a new record for the number of high-altitude drops in a single game.)

Didn't get a chance to try the new weapons, as I mostly stuck to my old favorite combo of Plasma Cutter - Line Gun - Pulse Rifle - Force Gun. The new alt-fire on the Pulse Rifle is especially welcome; the old one was pretty worthless. Also appreciated being able to stack stasis packs.

And I didn't really mind the Ishimura level all that much. Sure, it was nothing new in terms of level design, but I appreciated the flavor that came across in the depiction of the clean-up effort. I agree, though, that chapter 14's regenerating necromorph did not need to make a reappearance in the sequel. What's worst is that he's never really dealt with; all the time, I was wondering "so last time, he got flash-frozen in a cryo tube and barbecued in a rocket test; how are they going to top that?". So how does Visceral eventually deal with him this time? By having you seal him behind a door with one of those shootable door locks. That was pretty weak, guys.

Now that my allotment of free time for the weekend is basically exhausted, it'll be a while before I get to try the New Game +, but I'm already looking forward to it. Even if DS2 wasn't nearly as frightening as the original, it's arguably more entertaining. I'm still not sure how I feel about turning Isaac Clarke into the Master Chief, but at least they made it fun.

[broodwars]

And I didn't really mind the Ishimura level all that much. Sure, it was nothing new in terms of level design, but I appreciated the flavor that came across in the depiction of the clean-up effort. I agree, though, that chapter 14's regenerating necromorph did not need to make a reappearance in the sequel. What's worst is that he's never really dealt with; all the time, I was wondering "so last time, he got flash-frozen in a cryo tube and barbecued in a rocket test; how are they going to top that?". So how does Visceral eventually deal with him this time? By having you seal him behind a door with one of those shootable door locks. That was pretty weak, guys.

Believe it or not, there actually is a way to kill the bastard, though I haven't done it yet myself and the way you do it is pretty counterproductive to how you've managed to get through the level up to that point. Right before that door you can seal the thing behind, you find yourself in a small corridor with a giant fan. Lure the thing in front of the fan, stasis him, and then blast him with a knock-back weapon like the Force Gun. He'll fly into the fan and be sliced into many little pieces. And for some bizarre reason, that of all attacks is somehow a killing blow. O_o

[Talyn]

And I didn't really mind the Ishimura level all that much. Sure, it was nothing new in terms of level design, but I appreciated the flavor that came across in the depiction of the clean-up effort. I agree, though, that chapter 14's regenerating necromorph did not need to make a reappearance in the sequel. What's worst is that he's never really dealt with; all the time, I was wondering "so last time, he got flash-frozen in a cryo tube and barbecued in a rocket test; how are they going to top that?". So how does Visceral eventually deal with him this time? By having you seal him behind a door with one of those shootable door locks. That was pretty weak, guys.

Believe it or not, there actually is a way to kill the bastard, though I haven't done it yet myself and the way you do it is pretty counterproductive to how you've managed to get through the level up to that point. Right before that door you can seal the thing behind, you find yourself in a small corridor with a giant fan. Lure the thing in front of the fan, stasis him, and then blast him with a knock-back weapon like the Force Gun. He'll fly into the fan and be sliced into many little pieces. And for some bizarre reason, that of all attacks is somehow a killing blow. O_o

uh....really? *nervous twitch in left eye* is that in chapter 14 or 15?

[broodwars]

uh....really? *nervous twitch in left eye* is that in chapter 14 or 15?

Chapter 15. It's literally the last room before the final boss.

[broodwars]

I had to overcome a few bad starts, but I've managed to reach my initial goal of making it to the elevator that leads to the Solar Power Array at the end of Chapter 6 on Hard Core Difficulty without using a save. I have a good supply of Medium Health Packs, a fully-upgraded (except for Air Supply, and you really don't need those upgrades in this game), a half-way upgraded Stasis, a mostly-upgraded Force Gun, and a partially-upgraded Plasma Cutter. Overall, I'm in good shape so I'll plant my first save point here, thank you very much.

By far the most useful tactic you can do in this game is Stasis+Melee whenever you think you can get away with it. In these early chapters, there's a lot of the game sending one Necromorph at you at a time and regular necromorphs are no match for Issac's fists of justice while stasis-ed. And once again: if you see a Puker, use stasis or whatever you can get to get some distance from it so it has to use its long-range puke. Kinesis the puke, and send it back at it for an instant kill that saves you probably 5-6 plasma cutter rounds.

I think I probably have now dealt with the worst this game can throw at me. In the early chapters, you don't have a lot of health supplies; you don't have decent armor; and you don't have a lot of ammo. If you can make it to where I am in pretty decent shape, you're looking good for the rest of the game where you do have these things.

[Talyn]

I'm still on my Zealot Run... I got into some anime today and got sidetracked! I managed to get a My Boom Stick and Lawnmower Man trophies... right now I'm trying to get the damn tripod one in Chapter 6... I am using the Detonator as it was recommended but it's not really working. Plus I'm trying to pick up some loose trophies... like the crawler, just need 4 more and I know they show up again...detonator just need two more, it's the decompression one I'm worried about...I have 6 more I need to get sucked out and I think there's only one more window, maybe two left.... I'm not gonna move forward till I get this tripod one though.... so I'm stopping there for now.

[broodwars]

I'm still on my Zealot Run... I got into some anime today and got sidetracked! I managed to get a My Boom Stick and Lawnmower Man trophies... right now I'm trying to get the damn tripod one in Chapter 6... I am using the Detonator as it was recommended but it's not really working. Plus I'm trying to pick up some loose trophies... like the crawler, just need 4 more and I know they show up again...detonator just need two more, it's the decompression one I'm worried about...I have 6 more I need to get sucked out and I think there's only one more window, maybe two left.... I'm not gonna move forward till I get this tripod one though.... so I'm stopping there for now.

Screw the detonator, and the Contact Beam strategy for that matter. Just take your fully-upgraded Force Gun in, and then spray and pray. That's how I got it. The Force Gun is a one-shot kill on those things.

As for the Crawler trophy, just amputate the legs of any normal necromorph and it becomes a crawler. Just stomp to your heart's content after Stasis-ing them. As for the Decompression one, I know you can get 2 or so out the window on the Solar Array. Then there are 2-3 more you can nab on a later decompression window. After that, though, I can't think of any more decompression window opportunities. You may need to New Game ++ and get one more in Chapter 1.

[Talyn]

Screw the detonator, and the Contact Beam strategy for that matter. Just take your fully-upgraded Force Gun in, and then spray and pray. That's how I got it. The Force Gun is a one-shot kill on those things.

As for the Crawler trophy, just amputate the legs of any normal necromorph and it becomes a crawler. Just stomp to your heart's content after Stasis-ing them. As for the Decompression one, I know you can get 2 or so out the window on the Solar Array. Then there are 2-3 more you can nab on a later decompression window. After that, though, I can't think of any more decompression window opportunities. You may need to New Game ++ and get one more in Chapter 1.

Force Gun huh? I did save at the store after getting elevator working. Just need to swap out one of the other guns for it from the safe. Thanks!

and really? it says to kill them without detonating them...I assumed that meant those stupid baby necromorphs....yeah, the decompression one I didn't start paying attention till this second playthrough. if I have to do new game++ I will. lol

but really... thanks!

[broodwars]

and really? it says to kill them without detonating them...I assumed that meant those stupid baby necromorphs....

Yeah, sorry...you're right, the "Crawlers" are the Baby Necromorphs that explode. I was mixing those up with the trophy for killing necromorphs via stomp while they're on the ground. I highly suggest the Force Gun on those as well (IMO, the Force Gun is probably the best weapon in the game), because it kills them without having to generally aim at them and you can kill many in one shot. I did get that one by the end of my initial playthrough, but you might need another depending on how many you've killed so far.

[Talyn]

and really? it says to kill them without detonating them...I assumed that meant those stupid baby necromorphs....

Yeah, sorry...you're right, the "Crawlers" are the Baby Necromorphs that explode. I was mixing those up with the trophy for killing necromorphs via stomp while they're on the ground. I highly suggest the Force Gun on those as well (IMO, the Force Gun is probably the best weapon in the game), because it kills them without having to generally aim at them and you can kill many in one shot. I did get that one by the end of my initial playthrough, but you might need another depending on how many you've killed so far.

The hand cannon is the BEST weapon in the game! ;) Gotta beat Hard Core for it though...I've heard people doing speed runs with it.... I did some reading and some claim that the Contact Beam alt. fire works fine for the tripod trophy but thats a complete waste of money and ammo....I'm going with Force Gun....:sweat:

[broodwars]

I've reached my second checkpoint, having planted my second flag in Chapter 10 right before all hell breaks loose. I only died once this time trying to do that, and that was just because I got careless trying to navigate the instant-kill mining drills during the Zero-G section of Chapter 8. Oh well. I'm better equipped this time, anyway. I have my Stasis and RIG all maxed-out (except for Oxygen, but we've covered that you really don't need those upgrades), and my Plasma Cutter and Force Gun are close to being maxed-out. Any leftover nodes will be put into the Contact Beam. Who knows? Maybe there will be enough to make it a decent enough weapon to make it useful for Chapters 13-15. Well, that'll do it for me for tonight. Tomorrow, I go for the Gold and try to complete the game, or at least reach my final checkpoint at the end of Chapter 13.

[broodwars]

Checkpoint 3 reached, as I've used my final save just before the end of Chapter 13. No deaths this time trying to reach this section, though there were some scary parts of 10 and 13 (I decided to run through the last bit of 13 leading to the save point, and I accidentally stepped on a crawler that did surprisingly little damage to me). I was tempted to make a save before dealing with the instant kill laser carousel, but I'm glad I pushed on. Victory is close at hand...

Oh yeah, and all 3 of my weapons, my RIG, and my Stasis are maxed-out. I'm in good shape for the final run.

[broodwars]

"Bang! Bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!", Visceral. I have conquered your incredibly cheap "Hard Core" mode (after several cheap deaths in the final chapter), thereby obtaining my 28th Platinum and acquiring the Hand Canon. Please, let that be the first and last time we see a save-restricted trophy. I don't know if I can handle another one.

I suppose I'll go back to Extraction now, though I don't know if I can Platinum that one given the extremely high difficulty of the score attack challenges. Maybe I'll go back to finishing my runthrough of Mass Effect 2 PS3.

[Talyn]

"Bang! Bang! Pew! Pew! Pew!", Visceral. I have conquered your incredibly cheap "Hard Core" mode (after several cheap deaths in the final chapter), thereby obtaining my 28th Platinum and acquiring the Hand Canon. Please, let that be the first and last time we see a save-restricted trophy. I don't know if I can handle another one.

I suppose I'll go back to Extraction now, though I don't know if I can Platinum that one given the extremely high difficulty of the score attack challenges. Maybe I'll go back to finishing my runthrough of Mass Effect 2 PS3.

Congrats! I really want to get that hand canon!! lol

[Talyn]

Damn it....hard core mode and I honestly didn't think the first tripod was that hard...I beat it normal before... :sd: unfortunately I'll have to try this mode another time. have a headache and keep up the assault. I did purchase the Supernova DLC... I will attempt to do this again though.

as a side note: Ignition can be a pain in the ass as well... *flips off the game and one of its hacks*

[Talyn]

Dead Space Ignition : 100%

I actually got around to enjoying the game yesterday. I'm still iffy on the chose your storyline aspect of the game... granted the ending is the same, but the different twists to get there change the motivations. Neat idea but I thought it was "ok" at best. The trace routes were fun, once you figure out the path it was a piece of cake. I liked the hacking grid, but when you were fully leveled up on your Rig you could smoke the hack in short order. The reflecting lights hack was... annoying, especially on the larger ones where you had several lights to hit.

Whatev's I stuck to it and finished. I was very satisfied getting the "Ain't no time to bleed" trophy where you beat the entire game in less than 25 minutes. The cinema's don't count towards time only actual gameplay.

Maybe this will assist me when I try Hard to the Core on DS2. I picked up the Supernova DLC, but...man. I'm close to Dead Space burnout. This was the main reason I went to play Ignition for a different game play element and it's not a hard game. I think it might be time for a small break and maybe work at fixing my glitched Uncharted trophies or pick up my GoW HD collection...

[broodwars]

Wow, that takes dedication there. I could barely muster the strength or interest to get through one playthrough of that fugly P.o.S. Ignition. Thankfully, we can take solace in the fact that none of those horrible hacking mini-games made it into Dead Space 2.

The only way getting through Ignition will help you in Dead Space 2 is if you could not get into the Conduit doors with all the great items on your previous run-throughs.

Anyone else picking up the Severed DLC tomorrow? I'm looking forward to continuing the Extraction storyline, as soon as I'm done with the grind-fest that is the Nier Platinum. -_-'

[Talyn]

Haha... I needed to play something different without killing motivation for Dead Space 2. For the record, I rather liked the Sarah girl in Ignition and would've liked seeing her rendered DS2...oh well. It was a pretty lame game overall. On one of my gaming forums it's average rated it 2 out 10.

Is the Severed DLC a rail shooter like Extraction or is it another chapter for Dead Space 2 that continues the story from Extraction?

[broodwars]

Haha... I needed to play something different without killing motivation for Dead Space 2. For the record, I rather liked the Sarah girl in Ignition and would've liked seeing her rendered DS2...oh well. It was a pretty lame game overall. On one of my gaming forums it's average rated it 2 out 10.

Is the Severed DLC a rail shooter like Extraction or is it another chapter for Dead Space 2 that continues the story from Extraction?

http://www.giantbomb.com/ask-me-anything-dead-space-2-severed/17-3833/

It's 2 more chapters in Dead Space 2 using the same engine, a few new old enemies (ugh...the return of the "Twitchers" from Dead Space 1), and a few cast members from Dead Space Extraction. It'll be up for $6.99 tomorrow night on the PSN.

[Talyn]

http://www.giantbomb.com/ask-me-anything-dead-space-2-severed/17-3833/

It's 2 more chapters in Dead Space 2 using the same engine, a few new old enemies (ugh...the return of the "Twitchers" from Dead Space 1), and a few cast members from Dead Space Extraction. It'll be up for $6.99 tomorrow night on the PSN.

Are you f'n kidding me? Twitchers? *face palm* but....for that price, maybe. I saw the video and I'm game for that... but Twitchers???? Why not throw in another Regenerator while we're at it? :sd:

[Talyn]

I'm through Chapter 1, stopping for the night...rather tired. So far this is a neat sidestory, more like a prologue actually. The enemies seem to require an additional hit or two than the regular DS2 game on Normal. The Twitchers are handeable up to this point but they do spam you in one spot. It drove me nuts cause I couldn't reload my gun so I stasis'd the bitches and meleed them. I'm wanting to only go through on one gun, PC. Nice how the DLC Supernova pack and everything unlocked in the game is fresh in the store and you start with 50,000 credits. I'm reserving full judgment till I finish the rest tomorrow night. I may need a third run through to clean up a trophy or two but that won't bother me to much.

[broodwars]

Yeah, I'm waiting on playing Severed until I'm done Platinum-ing Nier (just one more goddamn Subdued Bracelet and Simple Machine, and I can finally upgrade all my weapons). I'm going to laugh, though, if along with all the DLC stuff if the game allows me to use my recently-unlocked Hand Cannon as well. If so, that Zealot Mode trophy stands no chance. *evil grin*

*EDIT: HAH! Got my final Subdued Bracelet!

[Talyn]

Yeah, I'm waiting on playing Severed until I'm done Platinum-ing Nier (just one more goddamn Subdued Bracelet and Simple Machine, and I can finally upgrade all my weapons). I'm going to laugh, though, if along with all the DLC stuff if the game allows me to use my recently-unlocked Hand Cannon as well. If so, that Zealot Mode trophy stands no chance. *evil grin*

*EDIT: HAH! Got my final Subdued Bracelet!

Yes... when I said everything unlocked in regular DS2...I meant it. You can use hand cannon! I haven't done hardcore so I'm going the traditional route.

On the gaming forums I frequent, people are speed running the DLC in amazing times with the hand cannon. Damn it...I want it, but I'm too close to burnout. I have enough energy left for the DLC run and then we'll see...

[Isuzu Inugami]

Hah... well, I haven't been playing this game intensively, so I'm only on chapter six (getting overwhelmed by those leaper bastards in that cathedral area the second time you come across it.) I haven't seen a node door in a looong time, which makes me think I walked past a bunch of them without noticing, and am feeling a bit underpowered and undersupplied as a result. The very idea of going for a hardcore run makes me giggle hysterically--the only way I'm getting that gun is if a cheat code ever surfaces. :P

I like the variety of environments better than the first, and there's one point (the Unitology lobby/recruiting offices) where there's a gorgeous view of Saturn out the window; but it feels like Isaac is running from point to point with rather vague purpose, whereas what I liked about the first was that he had a series of distinct and necessary missions involving Isaac being an engineer doing engineer-y type stuff (or, well, some uber-simplistic gaming equivalent.)

[Talyn]

Hah... well, I haven't been playing this game intensively, so I'm only on chapter six (getting overwhelmed by those leaper bastards in that cathedral area the second time you come across it.) I haven't seen a node door in a looong time, which makes me think I walked past a bunch of them without noticing, and am feeling a bit underpowered and undersupplied as a result. The very idea of going for a hardcore run makes me giggle hysterically--the only way I'm getting that gun is if a cheat code ever surfaces. :P

I like the variety of environments better than the first, and there's one point (the Unitology lobby/recruiting offices) where there's a gorgeous view of Saturn out the window; but it feels like Isaac is running from point to point with rather vague purpose, whereas what I liked about the first was that he had a series of distinct and necessary missions involving Isaac being an engineer doing engineer-y type stuff (or, well, some uber-simplistic gaming equivalent.)


Stasis is your friend! Find a nook, corner where you can swing the camera well. Just so you know. Sniper riffle is one shot kill on those things, as is Contact Beam or set up Detonators across their possible paths to you. You can also telekinesis the claws off the dead ones and one shot kill them too.

I agree about actually being an engineer in the first one as opposed to being a hacker/soldier. He is the expert but really...I liked all the engineer repair aspects of the first one. I did miss the sense of isolation in a known environment with an unknown enemy.

[broodwars]

Yes... when I said everything unlocked in regular DS2...I meant it. You can use hand cannon! I haven't done hardcore so I'm going the traditional route.

Well, just out of general principle, I'm not going to use the Hand Cannon in my first runthrough (though I will use my DLC suits and guns. I'm not going to take twitchers on with a frickin' plasma rifle when I can just use the much better plasma cutter and force gun). But on my Zealot Mode, ****'s going to get "Bang! Bang!" and "Pew! Pew! Pew!"-ed. *evil grin*

[Talyn]

Yes... when I said everything unlocked in regular DS2...I meant it. You can use hand cannon! I haven't done hardcore so I'm going the traditional route.

Well, just out of general principle, I'm not going to use the Hand Cannon in my first runthrough (though I will use my DLC suits and guns. I'm not going to take twitchers on with a frickin' plasma rifle when I can just use the much better plasma cutter and force gun). But on my Zealot Mode, ****'s going to get "Bang! Bang!" and "Pew! Pew! Pew!"-ed. *evil grin*

I'm not a big fan of the Plasma Rifle in general... in fairness I did upgrade it in the game and used it on Zealot run....but... I found it, subpar. Don't get me started on the Twitchers... I'm not too thrilled with more encounters with them. Bastards take a few hits. :sd:

[Isuzu Inugami]

Stasis is your friend!

I need to upgrade duration, but at least I've maxed out the number of times I can use it. Unfortuantely, at my current point I can't backtrack to a store, and I don't have any recharge packs and only one small health pack. I know I can make it through here, though! Ganbatte, Isaac!

Sniper rifle is one shot kill on those things, as is Contact Beam or set up Detonators across their possible paths to you.

Heh, if only I had such weapons at this point. I'm sure new game+ will be a breeze, though.

You can also telekinesis the claws off the dead ones and one shot kill them too.

There you go. I'm always neglecting telekinesis.

[broodwars]

If you're talking about the Stalkers (the velociraptor-like necromorphs), the best way to deal with those is to find a nice spot in the room where you can only be attacked from 1-2 sides and wait. Eventually, the Stalkers will make their way to you and try to attack you 1 at a time. Just kill them as they come at you.

But yeah, you can do a lot with TK in this game. I recommend you using it whenever you can, especially against the Pukers.

[Talyn]

I figured to throw you all the ideas I could think of to help... :sd:

[Isuzu Inugami]

If you're talking about the Stalkers

No, these are the guys with no legs who jump at you from halfway across the room and are on top of you before you can finish saying "Oh shi-!"

I figured to throw you all the ideas I could think of to help... :sd:

I do appreciate it, I was just whiny after being mauled half a dozen times in a row.

[Talyn]

If you're talking about the Stalkers

No, these are the guys with no legs who jump at you from halfway across the room and are on top of you before you can finish saying "Oh shi-!"

You're might be describing "scorpions" those huge two armed long tailed necromorphs...but the spot you're in has the Ostrich looking ones... *scratches head*



I do appreciate it, I was just whiny after being mauled half a dozen times in a row.

Oh I know, it's all good. Wait till I try Hard to the Core, well a serious attempt...I'll be bitchin till I get to a decent place for a first save. I've casually attempted it twice. The first time I died cause I didn't care and made a wrong turn running at the beginning. The second time, bad headache and died at the first tripod. I need to sit down and do it...

[broodwars]

Well, I just finished my Normal runthrough of the Severed DLC, and my overall impression is "meh". The DLC's just too short, and 90% of it is just running through areas you already went through in the retail game. Plus, if you had any of the DLC packs beforehand, there really isn't anything here that will challenge you. I said that the Force Gun was the most powerful weapon in the main game, and nothing can stand against it here either. This DLC seriously needed to be a good 2-3 chapters longer and needed more new areas, because as it is this is a pretty poor send-off to the Extraction characters (we still don't know for sure the fate of McNeil!).

EDIT: And...Zealot Mode done as well. Nothing stands in the way of Gabe Weller's finger. Nothing... ^_- That'll do it for the Severed Trophies as well. Hopefully, if there's anymore Singleplayer DLC in the future, it'll be more satisfying.

[Talyn]

Yeah....it was short. I was doing online stuff while playing lol took me an overall of an hour and a half. If I was really wanting it over I'd power through. I still need to do Zealot and get that grinder trophy... I tinkered with that last night but moved on.

[Talyn]

I putting this away for now...Hard Core mode and my lack of motivation isn't helping. I just dont wanna play this game for awhile so I'm moving on to something else. Eventually down the road I'll finish off the game but now is not it...

[ZhenJi]

I'm watching the hubby play this game and I'm enjoying it a lot. I haven't seen anything real new yet. But It is a fun game to watch.

[Isuzu Inugami]

You're might be describing "scorpions" those huge two armed long tailed necromorphs...but the spot you're in has the Ostrich looking ones... *scratches head*



I wasn't where you thought I was! :P But anyway I made it through and pushed on, and am now safely (har!) ensconced in Howard Phillips' (the H. P. of H. P. Lovecraft!) digs on the solar array. I actually like this little area--it's nice and cozy and inviting (when the security system isn't trying to kill me for doing a home invasion, anyway.)

[gnikdrazil]

Just completed chapter 1 on normal. That is quite an awesome opener by throwing you in the middle of action wearing a straight jacket. I had a point of satisfaction where I am suppose to use telekinesis to kill 3 necromorphs, but I just beat them hand to hand. I just felt that punching never worked well in the original. Nice to see some of the new enemies with the spitters and an actual boss.

[gnikdrazil]

Done. I had too much fun killing myself to see different death animations like the decompression windows. I cleared out an area, picked up a debris and shot it at a glass window. Instead of being sucked out into space, I kept being crushed by the emergency seal. I kept failing to use the window to my advantage on the replay, but loved the different ways the door dismembered me. Eventually, I got it and didn't have to use a lot of ammo. My main weapons were force gun and plasma cutter. The force gun's primary shot was very useful against small enemies, but I wish the primary was more useful against larger enemies. Chapter 10 was interesting by revisiting the old nightmare ship. Too bad it felt like it would never end. Chapter 15 felt like a complete waste with being stalked by the final enemy type. Final boss fight was pretty much was a let down like the first game. Overall, it continued to be fun, but didn't do anything new the franchise.

[Talyn]

Final boss fight was pretty much was a let down like the first game. Overall, it continued to be fun, but didn't do anything new the franchise.

I disagree between the two final bosses....atleast from the perspective that the first game's final boss was equally lame? I found that to be a decent final fight, whereas DS2 had me saying... "what? that's it? really"

[broodwars]

Final boss fight was pretty much was a let down like the first game. Overall, it continued to be fun, but didn't do anything new the franchise.

I disagree between the two final bosses....atleast from the perspective that the first game's final boss was equally lame? I found that to be a decent final fight, whereas DS2 had me saying... "what? that's it? really"

I agree. I had my issues with the first game's final boss (mainly that it used the old gaming cliche of "shoot the glowing weak points!" and that horrible sequence where you have to aim while hanging upside down and shoot targets quickly before you are insta-killed), but that encounter was much more satisfying than Dead Space 2's final encounter (where I pretty much just shot in one place continuously until it "died").

[gnikdrazil]

Final boss fight was pretty much was a let down like the first game. Overall, it continued to be fun, but didn't do anything new the franchise.

I disagree between the two final bosses....atleast from the perspective that the first game's final boss was equally lame? I found that to be a decent final fight, whereas DS2 had me saying... "what? that's it? really"

I agree. I had my issues with the first game's final boss (mainly that it used the old gaming cliche of "shoot the glowing weak points!" and that horrible sequence where you have to aim while hanging upside down and shoot targets quickly before you are insta-killed), but that encounter was much more satisfying than Dead Space 2's final encounter (where I pretty much just shot in one place continuously until it "died").

I'm just saying that both boss battle were underwhelming compared to the rest of their game. I wasn't trying to compare them to each other.