Computer game review
PS3/ Xbox360/ PC
Release date Out now

More outer space-based terror as players take control of Isaac Clarke and do battle with the deadly Necromorphs…

Dead Space 2 takes place three years after the events of the first game, in the city of the Sprawl on one of Saturn's moons. As with the first instalment, you have to deal with double-dealing, disturbed humans along with the scary-as-hell necromorphs – and now there’s the added threat of acid-spewing Pukers and child-like creatures with scythes for arms who attack en masse.

The game’s impressive, creepy atmosphere is enhanced by simple but insanely convincing touches, such as air vents that blast steam when you least expect it and weird shadows that might signal evil or might just be a false alarm. Then there’s the haunting music and the horrible, crystal-clear sound effects, both of which have been ramped up: if you have wits, get ready to be scared out of them.

New weapons have also been added to your arsenal. The Javelin Gun, a powerful speargun, is as much fun as it sounds, while the kinesis ability (which allows you to pick up objects and fire them at enemies) has been tweaked to make it more responsive. The odds are still stacked against you though – with ammo in short supply and the creatures getting closer and closer, Dead Space 2 is a tension-packed experience.

An addictive four-versus-four multiplayer mode offers the chance to share the tension as players battle to complete tasks as the Necromorphs close in. It’s a great game to play with a few pals – though don’t be fooled into thinking there’s safety in numbers… Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 9/10
A slicker prospect than its predecessor, Dead Space 2 is more of the same but expanded and improved. And scarier...