Dead Space was one of the surprise masterpieces of the decade, and the sequel has garnered quite a bit of hype. Dead Space 2 is set for release next January, and it will expand on the first game in a number of ways, from larger environments to a talking protagonist and – of course – multiplayer.
Dead Space was a solitary experience; even Isaac Clark’s allies only served to annoy him and then (spoilers!) get killed. How will multiplayer affect the overall experience? Well, the new trailer, below, may provide a few hints.
“The terror has returned,” states the video, “but this time you are not alone.” Cue cheesy rock music, and by golly, you’ve got yourself a multiplayer trailer.
This being the first look the public has had of Dead Space‘s multiplayer component, all you readers should be intrigued to learn that Left 4 Dead (and, more recently, Singularity, perhaps) seems to be the key influence here. Four players take control of faceless Clark-alikes while (presumably) four more lurk in the shadows as various Necromorphs waiting for a chance to pounce.
Players will get to take control of all manner of spiky undead, including the ones that look like babies, the toddlers, the tweens, and the lanky adults. Yes, the entire spectrum of human aging is encompassed by the Unitologist zombie religion, and now Dead Space fans will know what it’s like to drink the Kool-Aid, and then drink from their friends’ jugulars (in-game, of course).
The ticking clock and other clues seem to indicate some kind of retrieve-and-retreat objective system, though straight up deathmatches and other modes are likely, as well. It’s unknown whether the Necromorph players will have A.I. companions, like Left 4 Dead‘s run of the mill zombies, though the inclusion would be a plus.
What about straight up co-op? Mum’s the word, so far, though some may say that Dead Space‘s single player campaign would be better left as just that.
