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Developer: Visceral Games (“Dead Space”), Eurocom (“Batman Begins”)
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Available on: Wii
Carrying the influence of John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and the “Alien” series, it’s not surprising that sci-fi survival horror game “Dead Space” is set to get the big screen treatment soon. While we’re waiting for director D.J. Caruso (“Disturbia”) to bring the scary to theaters, a wicked little prequel game extends the terror to the Wii.
“Dead Space: Extraction” uses many of the same cinematic techniques as its predecessor, especially in its camera work and storytelling. But while the original was a third-person action game in the mold of “Resident Evil,” “Extraction” is a point-at-the-screen gun shooter arcade action that plays to the Wii's strengths, yet maintains impressive continuity within the “Dead Space” world.
Obviously, simply bringing the original “Dead Space” to the Wii would've been tough (though “Resident Evil 4” might beg to differ), but “Extraction” maintains many of the elements that made the original so unique—like the zero gravity spots and ability to dismember your enemies. That results in a game that truly plays like an arcade-flavored version of “Dead Space,” rather than just another gun shooter. And even if the Wii graphics aren’t as strong as what was offered on the 360 and PS3, “Extraction” still has the same creepy vibe and penchant for disturbing imagery as its bigger brothers.
Admittedly, some of the depth has been lost. The ancient-alien-artifact-turns-people-into-space-zombies storyline is stronger than what you expect in a shooter, but the basic gameplay is limited to pointing the Wiimote at your TV and hitting the button to shoot things. On the plus side, you have a bit more leeway when it comes to looking around—making it easier to pick up supplies—and although the direction you head in is pretty much a one-way street, you do have options at certain points.
You also won’t find the constant barrage of attacking enemies typical of shooters. The game seems more interested in keeping players scared than trigger happy. When you do get attacked, your enemies don’t just rush at you. Some bob and weave to avoid being hit, just to keep things interesting. If you’re too scared to go it alone, the two-player co-op option smartly allows your friend to jump in or drop out whenever they want.
“Extraction” isn’t a replacement for the original “Dead Space.” It’s not trying to be. Instead, it’s a fitting companion, and one of the best reasons to dust off your Wii this year.
Bottom line: You don’t have to be familiar with the original to enjoy this solid arcade shooter in its own right.
