Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2
Dead Space is a series of survival horror video games. Dead Space video games are often praised for their atmospheric and claustrophobic environments and sound effects, as well as for the creative ways in which these games blend sci-fi and horror elements. Indeed, due to their unique setting, Dead Space video games are a refreshing experience for horror game fans and players looking for a unique horror video game experience. The original Dead Space (2008) video game was developed by EA Redwood Shores (later Visceral Games) and published by Electronic Arts.
In general, Dead Space video games are played from a third-person perspective, and in most games players control game character Isaac Clarke, an engineer sent into space to uncover the mystery behind the USG Ishimura vessel in the first video game, Dead Space (2008). In these games, the main game character must often operate maintenance in multiple systems, such as spaceship systems, while as well fighting hostiles to survive in the environments of abandoned sci-fi locations. In these games, the main game character often must perform inventory management, taking into account factors such as ammunition and upgrades, while also engaging in action-packed combat with hostiles, which are known in Dead Space as "necromorphs".
Despite being a fan favorite series for horror video game players, and being famously recognized for its unique atmosphere and gameplay, Dead Space video games can be quite different among each other, although they may feature similarities. Due to the differences in these games, players draw comparisons between these different games regarding their unique aspects of gameplay and experience. In this article, these aspects will be analysed, and some conclusions will be drawn regarding the differences of these games, an analysis which can be called "Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2" or "Dead Space 1 versus Dead Space 2". It is important to note that in this article I will not draw a conclusion regarding "which is better" because I do not believe that it is reasonable to say that one game is better than another, as different games provide different experiences to each player. Different players enjoy different aspects of each game. In this article, I will analyse the differences between Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2 Regarding Gameplay
Considering that Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 are two video games of the same series of survival horror video games, and that these games were released with a short difference of time between them, with Dead Space 1 being released in 2008 and Dead Space 2 being released in 2011, it is reasonable to say that Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 feature overall the same gameplay, in the general sense, while also acknowledging that Dead Space 2 features improvements to the gameplay of the original Dead Space 1, such as new weapons, new upgrades and new gameplay elements. However, from an overview perspective, Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 feature similar gameplay in the same sense that video games of the same series and that are directly connected often feature similar gameplay: both Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 are survival horror video games, with third-person camera perspective, action elements and set in sci-fi environments.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2: Differences of Difficulty
Regarding the differences of gameplay between Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2, it is often asked which video game is more difficult, or which video game is harder. Although Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 feature an overall similar gameplay system, as will be explained further in this article, Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 focus on different aspects, and for this reason, they can present different types of difficulty to the player. Dead Space 1 features a survival horror experience which can be challenging for many players, whereas Dead Space 2 features many enemies which can be a challenging to players who have not yet mastered the combat gameplay of the Dead Space video games. Gameplay-wise, I consider Dead Space 2 to be more difficult than Dead Space 1, considering that both games are played in the same difficulty level. On the other hand, atmosphere-wise, I consider Dead Space 1 to be more difficult than Dead Space 2 in the sense that it could be considered scarier due to a greater focus on the presentation of a survival horror experience, a focus which will be explained further in this article.
The Presentation of Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2
Dead Space (2008) was the first video game of the Dead Space series, and thus introduced the players to the world of the Dead Space video games. While the survival horror game sub-genre was already established at the time of launch of the first Dead Space video games, sci-fi survival horror were not as prevalent as modern-day survival horror games, and in this regard Dead Space represented a new experience in the survival horror game sub-genre. Besides its sci-fi setting, Dead Space also represented something new in the survival horror game sub-genre in the sense that it was a new series being introduced in the industry. Due to these factors, it makes sense that the presentation, or introduction, of Dead Space (2008) is more slow-paced and gradual than the presentation of Dead Space 2, which is mostly aimed at players who have played Dead Space 1. Indeed, also regarding the story events of Dead Space 2, it is reasonable to have played Dead Space 1 before playing Dead Space 2 as Dead Space 2 continues the storyline of the previous game.
The presentation, or introduction, of Dead Space 2 is, in general, more fast-paced and more direct than the presentation of Dead Space 1, and this is reasonable as Dead Space 2 is supposedly aimed at players who have already played Dead Space 1, are already familiar with the sci-fi environments of the game and its general context. Due to these reasons, these differences in presentation are reasonable and to be expected in titles that are directly connected in a video game series.
The Horror Atmosphere of Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of each game, as Dead Space is after all a series of survival horror video games, the horror atmosphere, or the horror video game experience in these games are quite important for horror video game fans looking for scary experiences in video games. While Dead Space video games are often referred to as horror video games, it is also reasonable to describe these games as action horror games, due to the many action elements also present.
While both Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 feature many horror elements present throughout the games, it is notable some differences in the gameplay throughout each game. While the fundamental gameplay remains the same across these different titles, as I stated previously, Dead Space 1 is more focused on presenting a survival horror experience to the player, whereas Dead Space 2 is more focused on continuing that experience. However, one important difference is that whereas in Dead Space 1 most of the gameplay and storyline focus on a survival horror experience, in which the main character must fight to survive and escape, in Dead Space 2 most of the gameplay and storyline focus on an action experience, in which the main character must fight to win. During the first chapters of Dead Space 2, there is a clear horror experience drawing elements from the previous game, but throughout the game the experience is gradually transitioned to a more action-focused journey, in which horror game elements gradually become more rare, and the number of enemies increase. While in this sense Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 offer different gameplay experiences, although set in similar environments and with similar gameplay, it must be noted that in this sense Dead Space 1 features a more horror-oriented gameplay experience with action elements, whereas Dead Space 2 features a more action-oriented gameplay experience with horror elements.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2: Which is Scarier?
Considering the horror aspect of Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2, and that Dead Space 1 is more focused on presenting a new survival horror video game experience, while Dead Space 2 continues that survival horror game experience, there are some differences in the horror experience in each of these games, and in general, in how scary they can be to players.
In my perspective, Dead Space 1 is a survival horror video game with action elements from start to finish, whereas Dead Space 2 begins mostly as a survival horror video game with action elements, but gradually transitions to an action video game with horror elements throughout the game, and in this regard, it is reasonable to say that overall Dead Space 1 likely has more scary moments than Dead Space 2, due to these differences, although Dead Space 2 certainly also has scary moments. In terms of amount of scary moments, I would consider Dead Space 1 to be scarier than Dead Space 2. However, which video game is scarier depends on a matter of personal preferences, as Dead Space 2 has more enemies and certain players could consider more enemies to be scarier.
The Weapons and Upgrades of Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2
The difference between the weapons and upgrades available in Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 is quite clear. In general, Dead Space 2 includes the weapons and upgrades available in Dead Space 1, while also introducing new weapons and upgrades. For this reason, Dead Space 2 features more weapons and upgrades than were available in Dead Space 1.
The Story of Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2
While I will not go into the specifics in this aspect, as if I did I would be describing spoilers for readers who haven't played and finished either Dead Space 1 or Dead Space 2, I will cover the differences in story experience in general terms, in order not to cause any spoilers for players.
As I previously stated, Dead Space 1 focused more on presenting a new survival horror game experience, whereas Dead Space 2 continued and expanded that survival horror game experience. This description could also be applied to the stories of these games. Dead Space 1 introduces the important story aspects that lead the main character, Isaac Clarke, to embark on the mission in the first place. In this sense, Dead Space 1 gradually introduces the player to the story background of Isaac Clarke. Dead Space 2, on the other hand, with the background of Isaac Clarke already introduced in the previous game, instead focuses on the ways Isaac Clarke deals with his background, and in finding closure. In this sense, while Dead Space 1 is an engaging horror game experience and its storyline is a great combination, I view the story experience of Dead Space 2 to be more fulfilling in the regard of closure.
What Happened Between Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2?
Story-wise, and chronologically, Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 take place at very approximate times. To be precise, Dead Space 1 is set in the year 2508, while Dead Space 2 is set in the year 2510. Due to this small difference in time, players are able to begin their experience in Dead Space 2 with a very coherent continuity regarding the previous video game.
Do I Need to Play Dead Space 1 Before Playing Dead Space 2?
It is not necessary to play Dead Space 2 before playing Dead Space 1 in order to enjoy the gameplay. However, considering that Dead Space 2 continues the storyline of Dead Space 1, it is reasonable to consider playing Dead Space 1 before playing Dead Space 2 regarding the story experience.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2: The Length of Each Game
While Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 are different video games, it is also important to consider that these games can be played in different difficulties, and that different playthroughs may focus on different aspects. For example, one playthrough may focus on progressing through the story, while another may focus on acquiring as much upgrades as possible, while another may focus on finishing the game as quickly as possible. It must also be considered that some players who play Dead Space 2 have already played Dead Space 1, and for this reason are already accostumed to the gameplay systems of these games, and will require less time learning and will spend more time progressing through the story, whereas some of them may have spent some time stuck in certain parts of the game depending on the chosen difficulty. In general, Dead Space 1 takes about 10h to be finished, while Dead Space 2 takes about 10h as well. In this sense, both video games feature a similar game length, considering a similar gameplay style.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2: Differences in New Game Plus
New game plus mode, sometimes reffered to as new game +, or ng+, is the mode in which the player can restart the game while retaining some of the obtained weapons and upgrades. Both Dead Space 1 and Dead Space 2 feature a new game plus mode, but it must be noted that there are some important differences in the new game plus mode of each of these games. In Dead Space 1, released in 2008, while new game plus is available, the player is restricted to playing the new game plus mode in the same difficulty that was chosen originally in that save file. On the other hand, in Dead Space 2, the new game plus mode allows the player to select a different difficulty level at the start of the new playthrough.
Dead Space 1 vs Dead Space 2: Performance
I did not see any important difference in performance between Dead Space 1 or Dead Space 2. I played both video games and I recall both experiences with a very similar performance. It may be possible that these games perform differently depending on the hardware available, but in my experience the performance was overall very similar.