Dead Space 2

[TaraJayne]

Visceral Games has revealed that a sequel to science fiction action game Dead Space is currently in development.

According to a job posting by the studio on business social networking site Linked In, the Xbox 360 and PS3 sequel is now reaching the "later stages of pre-production" and will move into full production in the next few months.

The lead combat designer vacancy claimed that the "M-rated action/shooter sequel will set new standards for an action-packed, story-driven console experience".

Visceral also stressed that it owns "complete autonomy and creative control" over the development and that publisher Electronic Arts is "100% committed" to the IP.

[GamerMan316]

Another unscary survival horror game, sweet 

[Failed]

Can't wait, loved the first one. Made me do a little poo more than a few times.

[nCogNeato]

I've owned Dead Space for probably a year, but haven't played it.

I did however let a friend borrow it, and watched him play it for a while.  I'm definitely a fan of this game, and love the partnership between EA and Visceral.  Some of the "developer diaries" for Dead Space 1 really helped change my view of EA in general.

[Jaynestown]

I've got the original, played it for about an hour, too scared to go back to it!!! 

[Failed]

the first hour is the scariest, eventually you get to the point where your just expecting to be attacked all the time, everytime you open a door or push a switch, adds to the suspense when you push a switch and nothing happens ......... yet!

[xnightcrawlerxx]

i needed a new game to play while i wait for borderlands to be released and saw it for like $25, so i picked it up. im only on the second level and had a few moments that made me jump, not too scary though. unlike condemned 2, those damn mannequins almost made me piss myself. what was my point???  oh yeah, its pretty fun and worth the $25

[GamerMan316]

Dead Space 2 to have online multiplayer?

A new job advert has kicked off speculation that the next Dead Space game could feature an online multiplayer mode.

The ad is for a senior online level designer at EA Redwood, to work on "the Dead Space franchise on Xbox 360 and PS3". The successful candidate will "work collaboratively with creative director and online producer to create extremely fun, satisfying and polished multiplayer levels".

He or she will also "drive online design by taking the initiative to bring all parties together to execute on the overall vision for the levels".

Apparently, "The previous instalment in the Dead Space franchise received numerous awards for gameplay, visuals, and sound design, and the same core team is in place to create an even better follow up," the ad reads.

"The game is in the later stages of pre-production, ready for production in the next few months, with many of the navigational and combat mechanics in place."

EA has yet to officially announce Dead Space 2 but it's not the first time we've heard a sequel is on the way - a similar job listing was posted back in September.

[GamerMan316]

Dead Space 2 Teaser Image Released



EA rolled out a new Twitter account for the Dead Space franchise. To mark the occasion, they've released what looks to be the first teaser image for Dead Space 2.

Alright, it's an ink blot so by nature it's open to interpretation. Look at the top of the picture, though, at 11 and 1 o'clock (full image below). It looks sort of like a pair of Necromorphs. Specifically, you can make out their long, angular arms with spikes on the ends.

There's a bunch of strange symbols at the bottom as well. It seems to be that code that Unitologists (the crazy cult from the first Dead Space) used. A sample photo of the Unitology script can be found in the image gallery below for comparison purposes.

The rumor is that Dead Space 2 will be released in 2010. There's also been some talk of it having multiplayer. As the release of the random ink blot image indicates, though, EA's not quite ready to start confirming stuff.

[Failed]

maybe the picture can be folded to make something scarifying

[nCogNeato]

maybe the picture can be folded to make something scarifying

I had the same thought.

[GamerMan316]

EA makes Dead Space 2 official

EA has announced Dead Space 2 for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360, but hasn't said when it's due out or whether it includes multiplayer.

All we know of the sequel is that Visceral Games will once more develop and hero Isaac Clarke will return. This time, however, he'll have new tools to "slice and dismember" with as he takes the fight to the Necromorph menace. He's gone all Sigourney Weaver, it sounds like.

News of a second Dead Space game has been doing the rounds for months, and we've heard that there's a third instalment planned too.

Dead Space was a third-person survival-horror game that followed mechanic Isaac Clarke as he chased down a distress call made by the spaceship Ishimura. Turns out there were nasty aliens on board.

[GamerMan316]

Here's the first proper image from the much-anticipated Dead Space 2, showing off what looks like a slick new suit for the game's lead character, Isaac Clarke.

As you can see, the image was part of a teaser for Game Informer magazine's upcoming, and much hyped, preview (via NeoGAF) of the horror sequel, which EA made official yesterday.

also

Dead Space 2 to get multiplayer?
Is that a good or a bad thing?

A job ad has revealed that EA is looking for a "Senior Online Level Designer" for the series on 360 and PS3 platforms.

In case you missed it, Dead Space 2 was announced to the world earlier (read all about it here) and it sounds awesome. But multiplayer? Not sure about that until we hear more. Co-op could be good though.

Job Description

Seeking a highly motivated Senior Online Level Designer for the Dead Space franchise on Xbox360 and PS3. This is a major opportunity to contribute creatively to an exciting new franchise.

Responsibilities:

Conceptualize, script, direct, and build online levels for the game.
Own the level design for the online game, be able to work collaboratively with Creative Director and Online Producer to create extremely fun, satisfying and polished multiplayer levels.
Drive online design by taking the initiative to bring all parties together to execute on the overall vision for the levels.
Be a collaborative member of the design team, and contribute to reviews, feedback, and playtest sessions.
Hands on contributor

[GamerMan316]

Dead Space 2: Multiplayer, Bigger World, Space-Floating

That Dead Space 2 issue of Game Informer has hit people's mailboxes, and it's full of proper details on the game. Like the fact Isaac will now speak. Let us all take a look, yes?

First up, the game is set on a space station called "Sprawl", built upon the husk of one of Saturn's moons. It's big; a lot bigger than the Ishimura, and has whole themed wings, like residential quarters, public spaces, etc.

In terms of gameplay changes, you can now not only walk and jump around in zero-G, but fly/float as well, and you're able to shoot your weapons throughout.

Oh, and there'll be multiplayer. No real details on that, but really, you had to expect it.

That's the general gist of things. You want more the really fine details, you could always grab a copy of the mag.

[GamerMan316]

Latest Game Informer Reveals a Ton of Dead Space 2 Info

n this month's edition of Game Informer, Visceral Games' follow-up to the hugely popular Dead Space is the magazine's cover story.

The piece inside covers a ton of information about the new setting, what Visceral have done improvement-wise and there's even a mention of that multiplayer you knew was coming.

A summary of the key points are as follows:

    * The story takes place 3 years after the original on a populated space station, the Sprawl. It is massive compared to the Ishimura and you'll visit shopping malls, schools and churches.
    * You'll get to watch the outbreak first hand this time.
    * Isaac can now talk and will be investigated more as a character.
    * There will be much more suit customisation this time around with more upgrades.
    * Visceral plan to make the game scarier with a better pacing. They want to create more genuine scares, not just jumpy moments.
    * They also plan to make more "epic" moments in the game.
    * The game will feature more intuitive and interesting mission design, not just go here, fetch this, fetch that.
    * Zero Gravity has been given a revamp.
    * Enemy AI is improved. More like a cat-and-mouse game, rather than a monsters-in-the-closet approach this time. There are new enemy types also.
    * There are new weapons. Plasma cutter's not been weakened, the others have just been strengthened.
    * Controls have been refined. Isaac is now quicker, but he's still a human after all.
    * Multiplayer: "All I can say is it's really fun, and you'll get to strategically dismember your friends."

Lots of interesting tid-bits there, especially the multiplayer quote at the end..."dismember your friends"? I've always wanted to be a Necromorph and get my limbs severed off by my closest pals.