Dead Space 2: Severed DLC Review

Written by Cole Burton Sunday, 06 March 2011 07:05

It was a great pleasure to review the grotesque Dead Space 2 in January. Along with that, I was able to play Dead Space: Extraction. Now, with two new chapters of DLC, we get to see what is going on with the Extraction characters during Isaac’s second adventure. Is this DLC worth your while, or should you take a pass? Let’s find out.

Severed starts out with you controlling Gabe Weller two years after his adventure in Dead Space: Extraction. He is in the middle of a mining operation when the necromorph outbreak begins. He immediately sets his goal to locating his wife, Lexine. This is the same Lex from Extraction, and ironically, she was not Gabe's love interest at the time, but McNeil’s.

Along Gabe’s journey, there are some intense moments, but they’re all action. That’s right, there are ZERO puzzles. Weird when you consider the amount that Dead Space 1 and 2 had, as well as the minigame Ignition, which was nothing but puzzles. While action is the most important aspect of Dead Space, along with the fear of course, it is a shame not to have to put any creative thought into any aspects of the DLC.

Something I am neutrally standing on is the location of Dead Space: Severed. Most of the locations are recycled from Dead Space 2. And I somewhat like this. It’s great to go back with completely different goals. What I thought was so ironic is that you are going the opposite way from Isaac. He is running out of the hospital, meanwhile, you are charging in. Unfortunately, there is only some small talk made about Isaac, or at least it was probably Isaac that Lexine mentioned to Weller, although it could have been the antagonist she was talking about. Since Isaac didn’t come face to face with Weller in Dead Space 2, it wouldn’t make since for this to happen in Severed, but it would be cool for him to exit a room right as you enter, or for him to be on the other side of an unbreakable window or something.

Anyway, is it really worth $7.00 for more of what you’ve already played? I think so, in fact, I’m surprised they didn’t charge $9.99 for it. But, that is coming from a hardcore Dead Space fan. Overall, I would be much happier had they made Severed $5 or so or simply made the DLC longer. The length is two Chapters, and the completion time depends on many variables such as your exploration, your own speed, and of course, skill. I feel that I took my time and completed it in roughly two hours.

Without giving away any spoilers, I must say Severed ended in a way that I hate for most other games. But, Severed made it work, at least for me. I suggest playing Extraction before playing this DLC, but at the same time, you won’t miss out on a whole lot if you don’t. In the end, I say grab Severed if you enjoyed Dead Space 2. For $7 don’t expect too much, but don’t expect it to be a waste of time or money either.

Comments

# Erik Kubik 2011-03-06 11:11

Good point, maybe they will bring the price down soon?

# Cole Burton 2011-03-06 13:04

Quoting Erik Kubik:

Good point, maybe they will bring the price down soon?

I wouldn't expect anything anytime soon. Maybe when future DLC is announced or released, they will have a sale. Or maybe drop it for good. Only time will tell.