Dead Space | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | IronMonkey Studios |
Publisher(s) | Electronic Arts |
Producer(s) | Paul Motion Jarrad Trudgen |
Designer(s) | Jarrad Trudgen |
Writer(s) | Antony Johnston |
Composer(s) | Jason Graves |
Series | Dead Space |
Platform(s) | Android, iOS |
Release | iOS
|
Genre(s) | Survival horror |
Mode(s) | Single-player |
Dead Space (also referred to as Dead Space: Sabotage [1] or Dead Space (mobile) [2] ) is a 2011 survival horror mobile game developed by Australian company IronMonkey Studios and published by Electronic Arts for iOS and Android-compatible devices. A spin-off within the Dead Space series, the game is set after the events of original Dead Space and prior to the events of Dead Space 2 and shows how the Necromorph outbreak began and spread through the Titan Sprawl. Gameplay features protagonist Vandal navigating through chapter-based environments, fighting Necromorphs.
Production of the game took one year. While an early concept was for a rail shooter, the production team decided to recreate the atmosphere and gameplay of the main series within the technical and control constraints of the mobile platform. Returning Dead Space staff included scenario writer Antony Johnston and composer Jason Graves. All versions of the game have been taken down as of 2016. The game saw positive reviews from critics for its quality and accurate recreation of the series atmosphere.
The gameplay is similar to that of the original Dead Space game, with most changes centering on adapting the game to play with touchscreen controls. Players slide their thumbs on either side of the screen to simulate the dual analog movement scheme of the original; movement on the left of the screen moves the character, movement on the right moves the camera. Players tilt the device to rotate the weapon's alignment. Players can move and explore freely, interact with objects, collect items and currency, and buy upgrades in much the same fashion as the original game. To reload, the player taps the weapon, and contextual swipes upwards or downwards are occasionally necessary. [3] To fire, the player taps the screen to aim, and taps the screen again to shoot. [4] All weapons are picked up as Vandal progresses through different parts of the sprawl ranging from the Plasma Saw which is a close range melee weapon used to slice or cut enemies in close proximity or during a grapple attack, The Plasma Cutter is Vandal's first long range weapon acquired shortly after the Plasma Saw, it is the first weapon which allowed Vandal to shoot enemies further away from her, weapons like the Line Gun and Ripper are acquired later in the story, Vandal will collect up to five weapons throughout the entire game, only one gun was added to the store for purchase with in-game credits as a DLC which came with an updated version of the game that brought enhanced graphics for new iPhones and iPad Devices.
The Xperia Play version has slightly different controls insofar as it utilizes the slide-out game pad, complete with "touch-pad" controls, with the left and right triggers used for aiming and firing respectively.
The mobile Dead Space takes place in the year 2510, directly before the events of Dead Space 2 . The action takes place on the Sprawl, a space station built in the remains of Saturn's moon Titan in a period where humanity survived near-extinction due to resource depletion by mining other planets. The mobile game follows "Vandal", a new convert to the Unitologist faith as they are sent on missions and experience the causes behind the opening outbreak of reanimated mutated corpses referred to outside the game as "Necromorphs", setting up the opening of Dead Space 2. [5] [6] [7] [8]
Vandal is directed over a headset to destroy a series of power boxes, cutting off communications to certain parts of the station. After doing so, Vandal is attacked by a group of Necromorphs and forced to flee. A broadcast from Unitology leader Daina Le Guin reveals that Vandal's actions have released the Necromorphs onto the station. Disgusted at being used, Vandal helps the Sprawl's director Hans Tiedemann re-establish quarantine, and then promises to help Tyler Radikov, a Unitologist contact who claims to have been fooled by Le Guin, escape. Radikov ultimately tricks Vandal into opening all Public Sector doors, leaving the Sprawl defenseless, and a furious Tiedemann demands Vandal shut down the Sprawl's overheating core. Finding a giant Necromorph jamming the core, Vandal defeats it, but is wounded in the process and loses their helmet, revealing "Vandal" to be a woman called Karrie Norton. Failing to contact Tiedemann, Norton leaves a final audio log, and Radikov informs Le Guin that the Necromorph outbreak was a success.
Production of the Dead Space mobile game lasted one year, and was primarily developed by IronMonkey Studios, a division of franchise owner and publisher Electronic Arts, with assistance from series developer Visceral Games. [9] [10] Jarrad Trudgen acted as co-producer with Paul Motion and lead designer. [8] [9] Returning staff were scenario writer Antony Johnston, [11] and series composer Jason Graves. [12] Ultimately The team worked closely with Visceral Games to ensure the atmosphere and experience was as close as possible to the main series, using the original game's sound library to ensure its sound design was accurate. [9] A central part of the narrative was how Vandal is used by the Unitologists, continuing the recurring theme of examining how cults and corrupt religious figures could manipulate and harm people through their faith. [7] Alongside recreating some environments from Dead Space 2, new areas and weapons were created, retaining the "gritty, lived-in feel" through reference to the main series art design. [13]
During its early development, Trudgen considered making the game a rail shooter similar to the console spin-off Dead Space: Extraction . [9] [14] Ultimately it was decided to stick to the survival horror gameplay of the console games, though this came with multiple technical challenges and problems with touchscreen controls. [9] The gameplay focus was placed on combat over puzzles, with health regeneration and multiple difficulty levels incorporated to make the game more accessible to casual players Strategic dismemberment, a recurring element of the series, was one of the retained features despite difficulties with the physics engine rendering severed limbs. When creating the horror elements, the team designed a scripting engine similar to a console game which allowed for the design of visual and audio scares. Teleport and asset switching scripts were used to help design the hallucination sequences. The main challenge for the team was the platform's technical limitations, with everything being created for the game using concept art as a reference rather than porting existing console assets. They also went through multiple iterations of touchscreen based control layout, finding a balance between people being able to control the character comfortably and the minimal diegetic UI design of the Dead Space series. [13] Optimising the game so it would work on older mobile devices was an important part of production, ultimately not needing any cuts. [9]
The mobile game was announced in October 2010. [14] The iOS version was released first on January 25, 2011 by Electronic Arts. [9] It was updated in May with a new weapon, chapter select, a survival mode, and a new difficulty level. [15] Versions adjusted for Xperia Play and BlackBerry devices were released, using the iOS version. [16] The Android version was released in December 2011. [17] It was also announced for Windows Phone 8 as part of a deal with Nokia that saw several EA games released exclusively on Nokia branded Windows Phones. [18] The iOS version was quietly removed from the App Store by Electronic Arts along with a number of other mobile titles from their library. [19] The Android version was taken down between January and March 2016. [20] [21]
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Metacritic | 88/100 [22] |
Publication | Score |
---|---|
Destructoid | 8/10 [3] |
Eurogamer | 8/10 [23] |
IGN | 8.5/10 [24] |
Pocket Gamer | 8/10 [25] |
TouchArcade | [26] |
148Apps | [27] |
AppSpy | [4] |
TouchGen | [28] |
Publication | Award |
---|---|
Meffy Awards | Best Mobile Game (2011) [29] |
App Store Rewind | iPad Game of the Year (2011) [30] |
Upon release, Dead Space received very positive reviews. The iOS version holds aggregate scores of 88 out of 100 on Metacritic based on 22 reviews, [22] The game won "Best Mobile Game" (2011) at the Meffy Awards [29] and "iPad Game of the Year" (2011) at the App Store Rewind. [30] During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Dead Space for "Mobile Game of the Year". [31]
Reviews emphasized the extent to which the title replicated the look and feel of the Dead Space series within the limitations of a mobile touchscreen device, whilst also praising the fact that the game was a new story, not simply a port of the original Dead Space game.
AppSpy's Andrew Nesvadba was extremely impressed, scoring it 5 out of 5 and writing, "Dead Space is a chilling experience that goes well beyond the normal expectations for mobile gaming." [4] TouchArcade 's Brad Nicholson also scored it 5 out of 5. He was critical of the controls and the combat system, but concluded that "Dead Space is worth a download based on its production values alone. The team has successfully created a very, very dark title bolstered by a rich atmosphere that oozes everything you want out of a solid horror game." [26] TouchGen's Matt Dunn also scored it 5 out of 5. He was slightly critical of the controls, but commented that "literally the only negative aspect of the game involves some control inaccuracy." He praised the sound design and graphics and concluded that "Dead Space is the best action game I've ever played on an iOS device. It's the first time I've felt like a mobile version of a game has had as much developer love put into it as its console counterpart. We've seen decent ports, and good mobile counterparts to console games, but never a game that looks and feels this close to the original [...] This isn't a cash grab or a cheap port, this is a brand new Dead Space experience." [28]
Blake Grundman of 148Apps was equally impressed, scoring the game 4.5 out of 5, and writing "it is staggering to imagine that such a huge experience could be contained within the constraints of the iPhone, but not only does it succeed, it sets a benchmark that could be nigh impossible to match any time soon," and referring to the control scheme as "shockingly well constructed." He concluded, "To say that Dead Space is one of the best games that we have seen in 2011 doesn't do it justice. This is one of the most immersive experiences available on the platform. You owe it to yourself to discover that an iOS game can in fact make you shudder in fear and want to jump out of your skin. It isn't merely a game, it is an experience that all iOS gamers should partake in." [27]
IGN 's Levi Buchanan, scoring the game 8.5 out of 10, made a similar point; "Dead Space is not a cop-out, shoehorned experience – it's a real-deal chapter in the Dead Space franchise that fits right in with the console games even though it takes a slightly different tack by de-emphasizing shock-jumps and laying on action scene after action scene. But that just means EA understands the differences (and, yes, limitations) of the iDevices. Dead Space has good controls, great visuals, and a fun story. It may repeat itself a little too much, but the blood-soaked ride never feels bloated." [24]
Destructoid 's Jim Sterling scored the game 8 out of 10. Although he was somewhat critical of the controls, he was impressed with how genuine a Dead Space experience the game offered; "Dead Space for the iDevices is no mere cash-in. Rather than go the easy route with an on-rails shooter or a selection of banal minigames, Electronic Arts and IronMonkey Studios have instead opted to cram a genuine third-person Dead Space experience into your iPhone. The weird thing is it more or less works [...] it really is impressive just how authentic a Dead Space experience has been crafted, and the generally high caliber of the game could at least justify an XBLA/PSN port." [3] Eurogamer 's Kritan Reed also scored the game 8 out of 10, writing "This all-new Dead Space is surprisingly faithful to the full-fat versions in every sense. Before you recoil in horror at the thought of another borked touch-screen attempt at twin-stick action-adventuring, Dead Space is far more entertaining than it has any right to be. It not only captures the intricate, moody visual signature of Visceral's originals with stunning efficiency, but manages to faithfully translate the gameplay." [23] Pocket Gamer 's Tracy Erickson also scored it 8 out of 10, giving it a "Silver Award". He was critical of the controls but concluded that "its presentation, well-constructed levels, and tense combat situations are enough to see you through, even if the controls won't." [25]
A mobile game is a video game that is typically played on a mobile phone. The term also refers to all games that are played on any portable device, including from mobile phone, tablet, PDA to handheld game console, portable media player or graphing calculator, with and without network availability. The earliest known game on a mobile phone was a Tetris variant on the Hagenuk MT-2000 device from 1994.
I Love Katamari was a third-person puzzle-action video game developed by Namco Bandai Games for iOS. It is a continuation of the Katamari Damacy series of games. It was released worldwide in the App Store on December 14, 2008. A Windows Phone 7 version of the game was released in 2010. The version for Android was released in 2012 exclusively for Samsung Android devices. In this game, the King of All Cosmos instructs the game's protagonist – the Prince – to gather as many objects as possible to grow a highly adhesive ball called a Katamari large enough so that he can pick up special objects to bring to the King so that he can regain his memory.
Dead Space 2 is a 2011 survival horror game developed by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts. It was released for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360 in January. The second mainline entry in the Dead Space series, set on the Titan-based Sprawl space station, the story follows series protagonist Isaac Clarke as he fights against both an outbreak of the monstrous Necromorphs and debilitating mental illness induced by the alien Markers. Gameplay features Isaac exploring a series of levels, solving puzzles to progress, and finding resources while fighting off Necromorphs. The game included a competitive multiplayer, with the Sprawl's security forces fighting teams of Necromorphs.
Zenonia is an action role-playing game created, developed, and published by Gamevil for iOS, Android, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DSi, Zeebo and Windows Mobile. It was released on the App Store on May 24, 2009 and on the Google Play Store on March 27, 2010. It was released for the PlayStation Portable on October 12, 2010.
Angry Birds, also retrospectively known as Angry Birds Classic, is a 2009 physics-based casual puzzle video game developed by Finnish video game developer Rovio Entertainment, and the first of the Angry Birds series. Inspired primarily by a sketch of stylized wingless birds, the game was originally released for iOS and Maemo mobile devices starting in December 2009, utilising touchscreen controls. By October 2010, 12 million copies of the game had been purchased from the Apple App Store and Nokia Ovi Store, prompting Rovio to port Angry Birds to various other mobile devices as well as to home video game consoles, personal computers and others by 2011.
Infinity Blade was an action role-playing game developed by Chair Entertainment and Epic Games and released through the Apple App Store on December 9, 2010. It was the first iOS video game to run on Unreal Engine 3. In the game, the unnamed player character fights a series of one-on-one battles in a derelict castle to face the immortal God King. When in battle, players swipe the screen to attack and parry, and tap the screen to dodge and block enemy attacks. Upon defeat, the player restarts the game as the character's descendant with the same items and experience level.
Fruit Ninja is a video game developed by Halfbrick originally released on April 20, 2010. In the game, the player must slice fruit that is thrown into the air by swiping the device's touch screen with their finger(s) or the player's arms and hands, and must not slice bombs. It features multiple gameplay modes, leaderboards and multiplayer.
Rock Band Reloaded was a 2010 rhythm game developed by EA Montreal and published by EA Mobile for the iOS. Part of the Rock Band series, it is third game in the series to be released for mobile devices, following Rock Band Mobile (2009) and Rock Band (2009).
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Shadow Vanguard is a 2011 first-person shooter video game developed and published by Gameloft for iOS, Xperia Play and Android devices. The game is a remake of the original Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six video game.
The iControlPad is a wireless game controller compatible with a variety of smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. It is designed for use as either a standalone gamepad or attached to appropriately sized devices, such as the iPhone, using a clamp system. Due to this, the iControlPad is able to add traditional physical gaming controls to devices which otherwise rely on inputs such as touchscreens and accelerometers.
Call of Duty: Black Ops – Zombies is a spin-off game of the Call of Duty series' Zombies mode and the sequel to Call of Duty: World at War – Zombies. Developed by Ideaworks Game Studio and published by Activision for the iOS and Android platforms, it was launched in select countries on December 1, 2011.
ARC Squadron is a 2012 space combat video game developed and published by Psyonix Studios for iOS. It was released on the App Store on 1 November 2012. Like Psyonix's previous game, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars, ARC Squadron runs on Unreal Engine 3. On 17 October 2013, ARC Squadron: Redux was released on iOS and Android, featuring improved graphics and performance as well as gameplay tweaks.
Sonic Dash is a 2013 endless runner mobile game developed by Hardlight and published by Japanese game studio Sega. It is Hardlight's second Sonic the Hedgehog game, the first being 2012's Sonic Jump. The game was released in March 2013 for iOS, November 2013 for Android, and December 2014 for Windows Phone and Windows, along with an arcade release in November 2015 as Sonic Dash Extreme. It was initially released as a paid application, but was made free-to-play a month after its iOS release.
Tetris was a puzzle video game developed by EA Mobile and published by Electronic Arts for iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS, and Windows Phone. The game featured gameplay like other Tetris titles, with a new soundtrack.
Dead Trigger 2 is a first person survival horror video game was developed and published by Madfinger Games, later acquired by DECA Games. It was released for Android and iOS devices on October 23, 2013, and for Facebook on February 20, 2014. As with the original Dead Trigger, Dead Trigger 2 is a single-player zombie-themed shooter. Nvidia showcased Dead Trigger 2 as the first tech demo for their upcoming Tegra 4 mobile system-on-a-chip; Slide to Play and Android Police compared the graphical quality to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.
Halo: Spartan Assault is a twin stick shooter video game developed by 343 Industries and Vanguard Games. Part of the Halo media franchise, the game was released on July 18, 2013, for Microsoft's Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 platforms. The game subsequently released on Xbox 360, Xbox One, Steam, and iOS. Halo: Spartan Assault is set between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4. Players control the human soldiers Sarah Palmer and Edward Davis as they fight a new splinter faction of the alien Covenant. The game launched with 25 single-player missions; an additional campaign released as downloadable content. The console versions also feature an exclusive cooperative horde mode.
Deus Ex: The Fall is an action role-playing video game developed by N-Fusion Interactive under the supervision of Eidos-Montréal. A spin-off of the Deus Ex series, the game was published by Square Enix's European branch for iOS in 2013. Android and Windows versions released in 2014. The gameplay—combining first-person shooter, stealth and role-playing elements—features exploration and combat in Panama City and quests which grant experience and allow customization of the main character's abilities.
Call of Duty: Strike Team is a tactical shooter game developed by The Blast Furnace and was released on iOS and Android on September 5, 2013.
League of Evil is a platform game developed by Canadian studio Ravenous Games and released by February 3, 2011. It was followed by League of Evil 2 and League of Evil 3.
Space Marshals is a science fiction top-down third-person shooter stealth video game. In the game, the player is tasked with taking out various criminals and their henchmen. Space Marshals focuses heavily on stealth elements, forcing the player to sneak around enemies to avoid being attacked.