I know it makes little sense, when us gamers are relatively ignored during the summer, only to get a shed load of new releases all thrust onto shop shelves at the same time.  Too many games and not enough money I hear you say – but wait!  Think about what as a gamer you enjoy the most, be it shooting everything that moves (then go for Gears of War 2 obviously) or do you want horror and atmosphere to your carnage?  Go for Dead Space.  Or maybe you’re a bit more patient, and want to explore a large free roaming world?  The best bet is probably Fallout 3, although Fable 2 and Far Cry 2 also hit this mark.  Naturally all the aforementioned games are worth playing (perhaps rent the ones your unsure of and buy the ones you know you’ll love).  At the moment even an impulse buy such as what I did with Dead Space can prove worthwhile.  Even though I chose it over Far Cry 2 – I have had no reason to look back.

Back to Dead Space, I promised an update on my impressions so here it is:

Graphically it delivers on all accounts – some stunning effects (including realistic flame, smoke, dust etc) and some of the best lighting I have seen for some time.  The game is also very effective in scarring the pants off you, with some brilliant choices of eerie imagery; catching a glimpse of a figure in a darkened doorway, or seeing a fellow crew man kill themselves after laughing crazilly at themselves.  Add to this the excellent combat, the weapons and their many ways of using them, the use of telekenisis ala Half-Life 2 and Bioshock, with slow motion ‘bullet time’ and other gaming cliches all given a new lease of life.  Might I also add that I have experienced some of the most grueling action I think I have ever witnessed in a game – it gets DAMN HARD in the later sections of the game, but somehow, I keep on progressing, just getting through the mayhem by the skin of my teeth.  It’s never unfair, and you always believe you will do it – just one more go!

The designers of this game just got everything right – which nine times out of ten just doesn’t happen.  Hands down the best game this year (and everything Alone In The Dark completely f***** up), at least until I get my hands on Gears Of War 2….and a little game that could be the best damn thing ever, Mirror’s Edge – check out the demo on XBOX LIVE and PlayStation Network now!!