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Dead Space 2 launches on January 25, 2011
Deftly avoiding the commercial kill zone of the holidays, Dead Space 2 is putting its foot down in the early 2011 window -- which, if it's anything like 2010, will eventually be stuffed with feet anyway. Horribly severed feet. Launching on January 25, 2011 in North America (and January 28th in Europe), Dead Space 2 grants engineer-turned-monster-surgeon Isaac a new suit and sends him straight into a new environment, the dystopian and violent Sprawl. Visceral Games has also promised to lift up the metaphorical helmet and flesh out Isaac's tortured persona in the game. "My god, it's full of scars. Eww."
Dead Space 2 'puker' footage is gut-wrenching
Worried that Dead Space 2 would be missing the gruesome deaths featured in the original game? Worry no more, because this pre-E3 teaser video from EA shows Isaac in a battle against a "puker" -- and failing miserably.
Dead Space 2 gameplay trailer aims for our eyes
Minus the hardcore guitar music, this new trailer for Dead Space 2 reassures us that Visceral Games' horror follow-up won't stray too far from the original. Considering how beloved the first game was, that's not a bad thing at all.
Dead Space 2 cover is possibly Dead Space Girl-free
EA just made what it classifies as a "big reveal" via Twitter -- the cover art for Dead Space 2. We regret to inform you that the cover does not feature any terrified, meme-worthy faces, unless there's one behind the visor of that helmet. You know what, we're just going to assume there's a Dead Space Girl face right behind that helmet. It ... helps. Check out the full image after the break. Dead Space 2 is currently slated for an early 2011 release (inside that box), according to EA earnings reports and statements from CEO John Riccitiello.
'Plenty' of Dead Space material planned, producer wary of diluting franchise
Speaking at a recent EA showcase in London, Dead Space executive producer Steve Papoutsis explained that while Visceral Games has plenty of ideas for the deep space horror series, the studio doesn't intend to run the franchise into the ground. According to Videogamer.com, Papoutsis told attendees, "we've mapped out plenty of games worth of stuff. But there has to be an interest, right?" He added, "we don't want to cheapen what we're doing. We're really focused on quality with it. Hopefully if people like this one, we get to make another one." Papoutsis then told the crowd, "it would be great to just keep making more and more of them. We're thinking kart racer, a fitness game... joke!" Yeah, we're not sure a Dead Space fitness game would go over so well. You know, considering Isaac Clarke's main technique for weight loss is to forcibly remove excess appendages with the aid of futuristic power tools.
Impressions: Dead Space 2
Click to fill your browser space with Dead Space 2 In the run-up to Dead Space 2's full unveiling at E3 next month, Visceral Games executive producer Steve Papoutsis recently gave me an all-too-brief run-through of some environments from the game, introducing me to a new array of nasty necromorphs -- but also some fancy new weapons with which to carve them up. Papoutsis was also keen to reassure me that, despite rumblings on the internet (oh, that thing) the game is not a run-and-gun shooter. Having seen it in action, I can assure you that it's not a run-and-gun shooter. The demo took place deep into the game, according to Papoutsis, so the weapons and suit that Issac Clark was sporting were far cooler than what you'll start out with while fighting to stay alive inside (and outside) of a mining complex -- the "Sprawl" -- on Saturn's moon. Though I could see the towering spires of a cityscape in the distance, we were headed into the mine itself for our first stop on the tour ... of terror. %Gallery-92988%
Dead Space 2 back on track for PC release
There was a bit of confusion following the release of EA's Q3 2010 investor's report, which seemed to omit a mention of a PC version of Visceral Games' next deep space horror-surgery title, Dead Space 2. The most definite answer EA could give us back in February about its intentions to bring the game to our compy was, "A PC SKU is under consideration." Now, after three months of heartfelt consideration, EA has come to a decision: Yes, fine, you can have Dead Space 2 on PC. Those weren't EA's exact words, mind you -- rather, yesterday's Q4 2010 investor's report simply mentioned the game will launch on consoles, handhelds and PC. EA later confirmed via Tweet that the PC listing was legit, and not some kind of sick, twisted act of schadenfreude executed against personal computer enthusiasts.
Dead Space 2 debut trailer becomes undead
"Make ... us ... whole ..." It appears all the re-dead Necromorphs that Isaac killed in the first Dead Space game aren't exactly happy about being strategically dismembered. EA has released the debut trailer for Dead Space 2 -- for real, this time. Expect a lot of gruesome imagery, some inkblots, and a whole lot of screaming. If you're watching at work, you may want to turn down your speakers. And get back to work.
Dead Space 2 trailer leaked, then pulled (... so that's what Isaac looks like)
Joystiq readers know we're fond of one Ms. Lexine Murdoch, or, as she's known around these parts, Dead Space Girl. Well, we'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to Mr. Isaac Clarke, the oft-masked engineer (and protagonist) from the first title. While you may think this is the first time you're actually laying eyes on the mysterious Mr. Clarke, we'd like to direct your attention to this video from the 2008 original. While Isaac looks a little worse for wear after the harrowing ordeal aboard the USG Ishimura, we're glad to see he hasn't lost his trademark sense of humor ... The image comes from the first trailer for Dead Space 2, apparently called "Dementia" according to Scrambled Pixel, who somehow tracked the video down early. We say "early" since we're assuming this was the treat intended to be released tomorrow, on 4/29/10, the date coded into the Rorschach inkblot we received earlier this week. Oh, also because it's now been pulled from YouTube "due to a copyright claim by EA." Don't worry though, we remember everything! It had the usual Dead Space fare: Necromorphs, Necromorphs vomiting, the Marker, crazy alien runes, and the above reveal (but not really!) of happy-go-lucky space miner Isaac's face. On second thought, you should probably just stop back tomorrow.
Dead Space 2 Rorschach inkblot teases Thursday's date, makes us work
Growing up, our grandpop would relate a time when video game news was sent via the telegraph and his ability to decode the dots and dashes of Morse code put food on the table. But now, times are different, and all that's needed is a quick copy and/or paste shortcut that's led to no shortage of complaints about "young people" and all the things we don't "appreciate." Whatever. And now the team at Visceral Games -- no doubt comprised of Matlock-loving old folks -- are intent on making us work for our gaming news. Take, for example, the above Rorschach inkblot we received in the mail. Sure, it's a creepy Dead Space 2 thing, we get it ... but, wait. What's that? If you turn down the lights (or, to put that into "young folk jabber," adjust the contrast in Photoshop) there's a hidden message. We managed to decode the alien runes on the included letter, which read, "The Sickness is the Cure! The Cure is the Sickness!" However, plum tuckered from all that decoding, we decided to skip deciphering the ink blot and instead stopped by the Unfiction forums where users have handled most of the heavy lifting already. The message mostly looks like nonsense ("ust a shard"?), but there is one decoded piece that is promising: 42910. That's either a nonexistent zip code (from space?) or a reference to April 29, 2010 ... this Thursday! We're going to stick with the latter, for now, but what does it all mean? Even money says it's going to be a trailer for the game, which we can just upload and embed in between our already scheduled Thursday afternoon naps. Grandpop would be proud. %Gallery-91844%
Dead Space: Martyr novel tells story prior to Dead Space
Click to necromorph image to full size Looking to bone up on your knowledge of the Church of Unitology? Tor Books, in collaboration with Visceral Games, will release Dead Space: Martyr this July -- a book that will not only explain the origins of the fanatical church, but also that of the "Black Marker," the powerful alien artifact discovered on Earth in Dead Space's fictional future universe. The book stars Michael Altman, the geophysicist who first discovers the potential for crazed-out hallucinations from alien artifacts. Steve Papoutsis, Dead Space 2 executive producer, hopes that Martyr is "the first of many books to let fans dive deeply into Dead Space's secrets and immersive lore." Dead Space: Martyr by B.K. Evenson will retail for $14.99 when it releases this July.
Dead Space 2 thrusts gameplay footage at PAX audiences
Dead Space 2 producer Steve Papoutsis promised that Visceral's survival horror sequel would have a greater emphasis on action. Well, they weren't kidding. At their live-streamed PAX panel, the Visceral team showed off thirty seconds of footage of the upcoming game, and "action-packed" would be a pretty appropriate way of describing it. The blurry off-screen footage captured from the show's Ustream may not be the best look at the quality of Dead Space 2's graphics, but it gives a good idea of what to expect from Issac Clark's new adventure. Rushing through a moving train, Issac can be seen activating a jet pack in a scene that looks like it should be from Dark Void The Rocketeer. Watch it after the break.
Visceral Games to stream Dead Space 2 panel live from PAX East
Can't make it to PAX East this year? We feel your pain -- while there are quite a few Joystiqeurs winging their way off to the East Coast to partake with Mike and Jerry and the gang, there are almost as many of us still stranded back at home with all of you. But fortunately, our friends at Visceral Games are doing their best to share the love -- they'll be Ustreaming their Dead Space 2 PAX East panel live this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. EST. We've included the feed on this very post, so bookmark this page right now, and then come on back Saturday afternoon. Producers Steve Papoutsis and Rich Briggs will be in attendance along with Art Director Ian Milham, and the guys will "bring players up to speed on the Dead Space universe and prepare them for what's to come in Dead Space 2." They're even showing a bonus look at "the all new Isaac suit," and they'll be answering questions live from the simultaneous Facebook chat, too. Of course, a Q&A with the Dead Space 2 producers is little consolation to missing out on eating breakfast cereal with professional hugger Justin McElroy, but those of us at home this weekend will have to take what we can get.
Dead Space 2 contest calls for creative dismemberments
Those of us who have played the first Dead Space can probably agree that there were some bitchin' dismemberments throughout Isaac Clarke's journey to disengage the U.S.S. Ishimura's parking brake or whatever. But Visceral Games is looking to get creative with the sequel, so, the studio is tapping you, "Mr. John Q. Public" or perhaps "Ms. Jane Doe," to come up with some unique limb detachment techniques for Dead Space 2. You can submit your idea in one of three forms: through a written description; by snapping a picture; or by submitting a video -- up until March 26, when the entry period ends. Finalists will then have their ideas rated by the community, with the winner being revealed on April 20. Said winner will get face-mapped into the game, only to be dismembered by a Necromorph. We're not really sure we'd want to see our own death -- in a video game or some lame movie, but there it is. If you're looking for more info, head past the break for a video explaing how you can get involved.
NECA making action figures based on Borderlands, BioShock 2 and more
[Image via Figures] If you appreciated the handiwork of the National Entertainment Collectibles Association on the BioShock 2 props revealed a couple weeks ago, then you'll be pleased to know the company has revealed that additional video game-themed products are in the works. According to a Figures forum post, five franchises will receive replicas by early 2011: BioShock 2, Street Fighter, Gears of War, Dante's Inferno and Dead Space 2. Three other projects were mentioned, but not detailed: Assassin's Creed 2, Splinter Cell: Conviction and Borderlands (which includes an "articulated Claptrap with sound effects"). You can find a full list of the characters that the company will toy-ify on the Figures forum. Most of them are based on the aforementioned franchises' nightmarish enemies -- but hey, if you feel like lining your desk with Necromorphs and Unbaptized Babies, that's your prerogative. [Via Big Download]
Report: Dead Space 2 PC no longer in EA's plans [update]
A great deal of news came out of EA's Q3 earnings report yesterday; enough to make us overlook this item: The early 2011 listing for Dead Space 2 didn't reference a PC version of he title, as was previously announced. Blue's News reportedly contacted Electronic Arts about the absence of the listing, and was told by a representative that "as of right now a PC sku is not in the plan." That doesn't mean a PC version of the game is never coming out -- after all, the game's release window is still a year away. We've contacted EA to see exactly what "the plan" entails. Perhaps an elaborate casino heist? Update: An Electronic Arts representative responded to our query, stating "Visceral Studios is dedicated to delivering an outstanding Dead Space sequel for the Xbox 360 and PS3. A PC SKU is under consideration. Nothing additional at this time."
Dead Space 2 and EA's Epic shooter slated for early 2011
EA's tentative release schedule for Q4 of its fiscal 2011 (or, as us normal people call it, January–March 2011) contains more than a few intriguing entries. You already heard about the new Dragon Age game -- but listed just below that is an untitled "Shooter from Epic TBA." Of course, this can only mean one thing: Gears of Madden 2012 is within spitting distance of becoming a sweet reality! Wait -- what's that? Oh, right, the listing more likely points to new speculative details about that possible "Bulletstorm" project from Epic's People Can Fly studio. How ... unofficial. Also listed under the early 2011 releases is Dead Space 2, which EA had previously promised would drop before next March. The excitement level of the remaining games drops off like the deep end of a pool: The list includes (deep breath) a new Need For Speed on consoles and PC (in addition to an apparent Holiday 2010 release), a downloadable "action" game, a new fighting game designated as a "sports" title, a new Hasbro game (more Family Game Night?), and new installments in the Sims and Spore franchises.
Visceral begins shift from Dante's Inferno to Dead Space 2
[Pictured: Isaac Clarke in Dead Space 2; adaptation] A week from the launch of Dante's Inferno, no one would expect Visceral Games' Nick Earl to reveal any uncertainty about sales, but Industry Gamers did attempt to elicit a reaction from the senior VP -- by reminding Earl that his studio's new game will share a release date with BioShock 2 (never mind that it's surrounded on either month by other big-name releases). "In life, there's the things you can control and things you can't control," Earl said somewhat poetically. "I can't be too concerned with our competitive slate; our team has put so much time into Dante's Inferno, and I have a lot of faith in it." Perhaps "faith" is a natural result of working with the source material, but more likely Earl can sleep at night because he knows he has the support of a strong marketing budget. As a work of public domain, Dante's Inferno is that rare double-bonus for EA: a recognizable property and free to adapt -- no strings attached. In turn, EA has invested in a resounding "buzz" that targeted game outlets early with memorable stunts and will culminate in an unprecedented Super Bowl spot. "There may have been [a Super Bowl ad] from Atari years ago, but it has not been done in recent memory, and it shows the confidence we have in Dante's Inferno," Earl said of the publisher's first Super Bowl commercial, which will air on Sunday. With Dante's Inferno out of his hands, Earl confirmed that the majority of Visceral's staff is shifting to Dead Space 2 (while a small team continues to work on Dante's DLC). "We're more focused on the action than the horror this time," Earl said of the apparent ACTION-horror sequel. "We're more empowering to the player."
EA soliciting ideas for Dead Space 2 'Collector's Edition'
EA is informally considering a limited edition release of Dead Space 2 (surprise!) and has taken to Facebook to get some ideas from fans about what to include in it. "I will have our Executive Producer Steve Papoutsis comment on some of your suggestions next week," the announcement reads, " ... so make them good!" Presumably, Papoutsis will select his favorite suggestions -- already ideas are as tame as comics and as outrageous as a life-size plasma cutter -- and submit them to EA, which will then toss those out and proceed with a Collector's Edition featuring a soundtrack and an artbook. [Via Blue's News]
EA: Medal of Honor, Dead Space 2, Crysis 2 before March 2011
During EA's half-hour investor callstravaganza yesterday, CEO John Riccitiello unleashed a flurry of game titles set to be released in the company's "FIscal 2011." For EA, that falls anywhere between April 1, 2010 and March 30, 2011 -- a window that now holds the release of "a great new version of Medal of Honor, a revitalized Need for Speed, Sims on console, FIFA in a World Cup year, an innovative and new take on Madden, Dead Space 2, Crysis at full margins, a new MMA game, and many others." Considering this laundry list of games is getting little more than a 12-month window for release, we're taking the logical next step and throwing darts at images of the games on our cork-board calendar. According to our impeccable aim... everything is coming out in November. Not helpful! [Via Eurogamer]
