Arrow in the Head’s Best Video Game of 2011!

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

Published by: EA Games
Developed by: Visceral Games
Release Date: January 25, 2010
Available on: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, PC

GET THIS GAME HERE

First of all, I must let you all know that this was a tough decision for me to make, and a little bit about how I came to the choice I did. Essentially, I want to first give props to my favorite game of the year, Batman: Arkham City (read my review here). I loved every second of that game and have played through it several times. With that said, I didn’t think it fit the “horror” mold enough to be the best horror-related game of the year, so I’ve arrived at my next choice, which is no slouch.

Coming in at number one for me this year is a game that came out in January and hasn’t really been touched in terms of horror related stuff- I’m talking about DEAD SPACE 2. If you remember, I got to get up close and personal with the original game a few years ago, and was eagerly anticipating the sequel, which didn’t disappoint. This one is undoubtedly a worthy follow-up to the first game in most ways. The game has amazing production value (really makes you feel like you’re playing a movie), amps up the horror aspects of the game even more and keeps things moving at a blistering pace. In a lot of ways, Dead Space 2 has taken over the survival horror genre as we know it.

Part of the reason the game is so fun is because there are so many ways to approach it. You can use so many different tactics to take out your hideous, terrifying foes. Combine this with some truly badass weapons and you might find yourself wanting to play again as soon as you finish the game (I did). Not only does the game play well, but it truly looks and sounds amazing. There is some really haunting imagery in this one and you won’t forget it, and the lighting effects in this game are practically unparalleled. I still think it stands up to the challenge of “can you play alone with the sound up at 3am?” quite well. Sure, the multiplayer ends up really disappointing, but the single player is so good that anything else is just a bonus.

Yes, it’s going to piss you off when it kills you over and over again, but it’s still worth it. I didn’t (and don’t) feel like it’s a MASSIVE step over the original, but it undoubtedly improves on the first effort, which was quite stellar in and of itself.  So what are you waiting for? Take the opportunity to know Isaac Clarke. To dismember giant beasts is to know Isaac. Jam some plasma cutter into your stocking this year, I promise you won’t have a more tense, addictive and nasty time with anything else this year!

GET THIS GAME HERE