That sounds like such a miserable game to play, I dont know why anyone would willingly subject themselves to such punishment! I hope you find peace, friend ='.'=
Meanwhile, I'm playing Ico, which has it's share of frustrations. Namely, bizarre camera angles which make walking a fine line a challenge. Some things also need to be FaQ'd, as there is really no way you'd know otherwise since there is no tutorial or instruction whatsoever in the game.
Also, Impire fuckin rocks. Think of Dungeon Keeper gone full RTS. Ive barely scratched the surface of the game, but today plan on a full delve if I can tear myself away from Ico long enough.
I'm keen to hear more about Impire - and especially how it compares to DK. So keep those impressions coming.
I loved ICO on the PS2. Masterful accomplishment.
There's a very long "arcade" sequence at the end that I remember completing in the first go. I think I secretly dreaded having to redo it - so I had to reach Zen
Well, or maybe it was just much easier than it would appear.
——
Anyway - I just completed Dead Space 2.
Took me precisely 8 hours. Since it was my first playthrough - that means it's a couple of hours shorter than Dead Space.
Considering the quality of the content - it's a meaty enough game, but I think it would have been better with just a few hours more.
Hmm, well. How to rate it.
It's a tough one.
I actually think the first half was better than the second half. I was disappointed by the story and especially the conclusion. I was expecting something significant regarding a certain object - but didn't really get anything there. My character was supposed to have a special connection with it, and almost nothing was explained in that way. Pretty weird, actually.
That said, the levels were very well done - and though most changes from the first game are rather subtle, they combine to form a much smoother and better balanced experience. You had just enough power nodes to upgrade 2 weapons towards the end - where the first game was too generous in that way.
But I ended up dumping my second weapon (Seeker Rifle) and just focusing on the Pulse Rifle. Like the first game, it's really the only weapon you need - and there isn't a single situation in the entire game where the other weapons seem even remotely necessary. That's pretty disappointing, really. I also think the way ammo works is a problem - because you find ammo for the weapons you use almost exclusively - meaning you're spreading yourself thin by having more weapons. It's smarter to just focus on a single fully upgraded weapon.
I think unified ammo in the third game is a better solution. I didn't like it in Deus Ex 2 - but it would make a lot of sense in Dead Space.
As for Alien vs Aliens - that comparison holds. Dead Space 2 is flashier and has a lot more action in it. But, in the end, I don't think the difference is that big. There are plenty of quiet moments, which I really appreciate. Lots of clever puzzles - and the zero-g mechanic is MUCH better in DS2.
So, in terms of sheer gameplay - DS2 is the clear winner.
In terms of pacing, tension and especially story - DS1 is the clear winner.
So - overall - I think they're very close.
But I have to say the first Dead Space is the best one.
Dead Space - 8/10
Dead Space 2 - 7.5/10
We'll see when I get to the last game... I have a feeling it's not going to be on par with the others, but who knows.