Weblogs Inc : Tag dead-space

Dead Space tops on Riccitiello's list of faves

When John Riccitiello needs to unwind from a long day as CEO of EA, he does it with dismemberment. That's the word from an interview with Fox Business in which Riccy (No? Well, worth a shot) names Dead Space as his favorite game of the past 12 months. We're assuming he's not talking about the Wii version of the game, since it's a statistical improbability that he owns it.

After his revelation that digital distribution offset retail sluggishness, the publishing boss went on to say it takes him around "50 to 60 hours" to finish a typical game. It prompts the question: Exactly how many times is he planning on fending off the necromorph threat?

Rumor: Dead Space 2 due in 2010?

Electronic Arts did a ton to promote their 2008 sci-fi survival horror game Dead Space. In addition to the game they released two prequel products in the form of a comic book mini-series and a direct-to-DVD animated film. In the end the game was both a critical and financial success so a sequel would seem inevitable.

Now a new Reuters story on the popularity of horror-themed games claims that EA has its sights on releasing Dead Space 2 sometime in 2010. This sounds pretty resonable to us. However G4TV reports that EA has called the Reuters article "speculative". Not a denial per se; just a way of saying, "We have made any official announcements yet."

Reuters: RE5 sold 1.94M in US; Dead Space 2 in development for 2010

In a story about the scarier games (it's almost Halloween, don'tchaknow?), Reuters mentioned two things we thought would be good for this website we got going here. First, there's Capcom's Resident Evil 5, which Reuters reports has managed to sell 1.94 million copies in the US, according to NPD Group figures.

The second part of the Reuters story talks about EA and its spookier titles for 2009: Left 4 Dead 2 and Dead Space: Extraction. While there isn't anything new on the former, in a discussion of the latter, Reuters revealed that Dead Space 2 is apparently planned for a 2010 release, which would seem to confirm what we've heard about the game so far.

Direct2Drive holds a Halloween themed PC game sale

"Our prices are so low, they are scary!" Hey it was too good to resist. Actually that's just what the Direct2Drive web site is doing right now as it has cut the prices on a number of their horror-themed (and other M-rated) PC games for download. Some of the games have been cut down to as low as $4.95. The sale prices end on Sunday:

The games priced at $4.95 include Stubbs The Zombie, The Path, Vampire The Masquerade Bloodlines, Cold Fear and Downfall. In addition, BioShock, Damnnation and Far Cry 2 are priced at $9.95 and The Witcher and Dead Space get a price cut down to $19.95

NPD: Dead Space Extraction sold 9,000 copies in September

EA's latest experiment with mature Wii games doesn't seem to be going so well. According to numbers given to Edge by the NPD, Dead Space Extraction only managed to sell around 9,000 copies in September -- although it should be noted that the game was out for only five days in the NPD's September sales period (September 29 - October 3).

EEDAR's Jesse Divnich, however, cites the sales as the result of a successful not telling anyone about the game experiment. "Electronic Arts didn't market Dead Space Extraction as much as it does with other titles," he told Edge. "And the success or failure of a Wii title usually correlates directly to marketing spend. If Electronic Arts spent little on marketing, I am sure the sell through was no surprise to them." It was, like everything, a complete shock to Dead Space Girl.

GTA IV, Dead Space coming to Xbox 360 Games on Demand this month

The Xbox 360's Games on Demand service is getting quite the booster shot this month, as Microsoft has announced six new titles coming to the service in October. The festivities kicked off earlier this week with the release of Rainbow Six Vegas 2 and Call of Duty 3. Here's what the rest of this month has in store:

October 13

Grand Theft Auto IV

October 20

October 27

Dead Space
DiRT

There's no word on price for any of these titles right now, so we've checked with Microsoft and will be sure to update you when we hear back.

Dead Space 2 pre-production underway?

It's not exactly a shock, but it does appear that Electronic Arts is moving forward on the sequel to their 2008 sci-fi survival horror game Dead Space. The latest evidence comes in the form of a LinkedIn job listing for EA's Visceral Games studio, stating that the game "is in the later stages of pre-production, ready for production in the next few months."

Dead Space apparently sold well enough that EA commissioned two more sequels be made according to a recent Variety article. However they will have to be made without one of the original game's leaders. Visceral Games' general manager Glen Schofield jumped ship a few months ago to join Activision.

[Via superannuation]

Metareview: Dead Space: Extraction (Wii)

Did you know that Dead Space: Extraction landed in stores this week? It's true! We certainly dug it in our Snap Judgment, but in case that just wasn't enough for you, we've compiled a few other folks' opinions on the game just below. Worried about not seeing that beautiful screaming face in the future? We are too, folks. We are too.

GamePro (100/100): "An experience that's more captivating and engaging than any light-gun game I've ever played before. [The story] mirrors Dead Space's thoughtful dialogue, characterizations and pacing which is a good thing all around."
GameDaily (80/100): "Although we questioned EA's decision to do this, as well as bring Dead Space to the family centric Wii, everything clicks and the game's surprisingly enjoyable. Instead of conjuring up a cheesy narrative (as seen in other shooters like Ghost Squad), the developers put a lot of effort into the story and its characters."
Eurogamer (80/100): "Gameplay is straightforward, yet it's a refined familiarity, borrowing numerous elements from the original Dead Space in abundance while wrapping them around the well-worn demands of a typical on-rails shooter ... One area that definitely benefits from the on-rails nature of Extraction is the overall pacing. Sometimes you creep along agonisingly, other times it feels like the enemy onslaught is never going to end. There are few occasions where you don't come away feeling like your scraped through by the skin of your teeth, and even on the game's lowest 'Normal' difficulty, there's a definite sense of achievement when you get through."
Giant Bomb (60/100): "Extraction's marketing campaign would like you to think of it as a 'guided experience' that whisks you through the dramatic beginnings of the series' horrible space-monster outbreak, but in blunt terms, Extraction is an on-rails shooter. Blunter still: it's a light-gun game. These days, that's not a style of game serious game players usually gravitate toward. But keeping the genre's inherent restrictions in mind--not to mention the limitations of the Wii hardware -- Extraction is really pretty good, for what it is."

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Dead Space 2 entering production in 'next few months'

LinkedIn continues to provide our only link to the status of a true sequel to Dead Space. A recent job posting on the professional networking site, created by EA senior recruiter Jeff Ballard, reports, "The previous installment in the Dead Space franchise received numerous awards ... and the same core team is in place to create an even better follow up." The posting adds, "The game is in the later stages of pre-production, ready for production in the next few months, with many of the navigational and combat mechanics in place."

With the point-n-shoot spin-off, Dead Space Extraction, releasing this week for Wii, confirmation that the core-series sequel (expected for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC) will soon roll into production phase comes as welcome news to fans looking for the franchise to stay the traditional course. Hopefully, EA and developer Visceral Games' transmissions will continue to pick up from here on out.

[Via superannuation]

Dead Space: Extraction launch trailer prepares us for the inevitable

If there's one thing we've learned from books, film and – when you really think about it – media of any kind, it's that man is destined to discover unspeakable evil off-world some day. Such is the case for Dead Space Extraction's Unitologists who've thrown caution to the wind and went out into the verse.

And, as you can see in the trailer above, they're paying the price, which makes us think two things:

Humanity needs to prepare for the inevitable. No, we're not talking about making a bunch of Arnold Schwarzenegger clones, but we could all stand to beef up on our diplomacy skills.
Necromorphs have an amazing work ethic. They never take breaks and wouldn't dare dream of calling in sick.

Want to see the first 15 minutes of Dead Space Extraction?

Well, we don't. And we imagine the odds are that you don't either. We don't really understand these special people that want to see 15 minutes of a game they're not playing and spoil the experience for themselves, but if that's how you want to be introduced to Dead Space Extraction then allow us (well, Vooks) to be your vessel.

... Well, how was it? How about that dirt? Is it washing off? No, we didn't think so.

[Via GoNintendo]

Here are the victims of Dead Space Extraction

It sucks to be in the Dead Space universe. If you're not turned into a horribly mutated zombie, then you're being ripped apart by aforementioned zombies. The upcoming Dead Space Extraction for Wii certainly places its characters between a rock and a really horrible, bloody place. The latest dev diary for the rail shooter reveals the characters of the game, and talks about how each character has their own unique motivations. They are united by one thing though: the incredible desire not to meet a bloody, guts-splattering death.

One key thing to note about Extraction is that it's far more story-driven than the first game, offering five times the dialogue as the original. Considering you're traveling with a group of people, instead of exploring solo, that makes a lot of sense. It'll be interesting to see how the Wii audience responds to yet another third-party M-rated game.

Latest Dead Space Extraction trailer reveals really big boss battle

The latest Dead Space Extraction trailer comes horrifyingly close to uttering the line, "You should buy this game because it's totally, like, full of scary von scariness." However, it's good at showing some more of the gameplay we can expect from the on-rails shooter when it injects into retail on September 29th.

Some highlights include a look at a big tentacle boss, some of the "mini game" elements -- like building a barricade -- and a nice clear look at how stasis and strategic dismemberment will look. Oh, strategic dismemberment, it's been too long.
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Dead Space Extraction pre-order instantly unlocks 'challenge rooms'

Dead Space Extraction has gone gold and is ready for its on-rails debut on September 29. Those who pre-order the game from participating retailers will receive four challenge rooms. Of course, that does away with the actual challenge of unlocking them, since you normally gain access simply by playing through the game's chapters.

Perhaps that explains Dead Space Girl's terrified expression on the cover -- she didn't pre-order and now has to play the game she just bought.
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Is this the 'Dead Space' of flash gaming?

Last month, indie flash game developer Psionic surprised players with the first episode in a new science fiction adventure series, Being One. But it wasn't until this week that it caught our attention with the second episode, called Bloodbath.

Both episodes remind me of the fantastic next-gen console game, Dead Space, thanks to luscious production values, creepy atmosphere, mysterious sci-fi plot and some extraterrestrial shizzle going down that's just... not normal.

As far as free flash games go, these first two episodes of Being One offer an adventure that will keep fans of point-and-click room escape and hidden object entertained, if only for a short time.

But not to worry, as Psionic says work's already underway on the third episode. It sure beats having to wait 2-3 years for a new 'episode' at any rate - not that we're specifically looking at the Half-Life 2 series when we say that...

Play Being One: Episode 1 - Escape the Lab
Play Being One: Episode 2 - Bloodbath

Dead Space: Extraction trailer takes a look at the story

In this latest trailer for Visceral Games' Dead Space: Extraction, we're given our first glimpse at the initial outbreak of the infection and how it spread across the colony. Shortly after, our team of protagonists find themselves commandeering a shuttle and setting a course for the USG Ishimura. It's quite a content-heavy look at the game, so check it out if you want to learn more about what's going on or, like us, just feel like watching Necromorphs meet the business end of a Plasma Cutter.

Director signed for Dead Space movie; two more games in development?

In a bit of a last minute San Diego Comic Con related announcement, Variety is reporting that a director has been signed for the upcoming adaptation of Dead Space, the recent sci-fi survival horror game from Electronic Arts. That director is D.J. Caruso who previously directed the movies Disturbia and Eagle Eye.

EA is still looking for a scriptwriter for the movie adaptation but once it selects a writer and script they are happy with they will begin pitching a Dead Space movie directly to the major film studios. EA already has a number of their game properties in some kind of film production including Mass Effect. In an odd aside, the article also claims that EA is "working on the second and third installments" of the game series.
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Dead Space being directed with an 'Eagle Eye' by D.J. Caruso

Variety reports "vidgame" (seriously, Variety, stop that!) Dead Space is going to the big screen under the watchful gaze of Eagle Eye director D.J. Caruso. The producers and EA are currently talking to screenwriters and will then auction the movie to a studio. EA created a bidding war last year when it auctioned off God of War-esque Dante's Inferno -- even before it officially announced the game. The publisher also currently has Sims, Army of Two and Mass Effect movies in varying stages of development.

The Variety piece also mentions that EA is "working on the second and third installments" of the Dead Space franchise. Although that can be interpreted to mean sequels to the main game, it could also mean Extraction and the expected sequel. We're following up with Variety and EA for clarification and will update when we hear back.

Visceral execs wooed away from EA by Activision [update]

Update: An EA spokesperson confirmed to IndustryGamers that the two have indeed flown the coop. There's no word on replacements for them as of yet, but we'll be sure to keep you posted.

Original post: EA's Visceral Games (formerly EA Redwood Shores) may have lost two key personnel, if a rumor originating at GameSpot is to be believed. General manager Glen Schofield and COO Michael Condrey supposedly jumped ship to rival Activision, with a memo circulating at Visceral apparently describing the departure of the execs. Schofield is best known as the guy behind Dead Space, whereas Condrey got his start by directing this Levi's commercial.

This news comes following some job listings (via superannuation) for a San Mateo-based studio with Activision. The company currently has nothing in the area, so this lends credence to the rumor that Activision is looking to start up something around the Bay. Add what Schofield and Condrey bring to the table and you have the makings of a fine studio.

Inside sources close to GameSpot said the departure follows weeks of rumors circulating about Activision aggressively pursuing Visceral talent. We've put in word to EA and Activision for comment and will be sure to get back to you if we hear anything.

[Via Big Download]

Rumor: EA's Dead Space vets defect to Activision?

It can be a cutthroat world in the games industry at time and it looks like a particular deal has been struck that has taken two of Electronic Arts' rising stars to move to arch-rival Activision. GameSpot is reporting through unnamed sources that Glen Schofield and Michael Condrey, the general manager and COO, respectively, of EA's Visceral Studios, have defected to work for Activision in an all new studio that will be established in the San Fransisco Bay area.

Ironically the pair are leaving the studio just a few months after EA re-branded the team from the plain-jane EA Redwood Shores to Visceral Games. In part the name change was made to emphasis the studio's move to make more adult action games like last year's Dead Space and next year's Dante's Inferno that Schofield and Condrey helped to create. It's currently unknown what Activision will be calling its new dev studio.