Video Game Review: ‘Dead Space Extraction’ a Rare, Riveting Wii Shooter

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CHICAGO – When most of us first heard about “Dead Space Extraction,” we had a cautious reaction. There have been several successful franchises that attempt to release a semi-sequel on another console and the results usually do nothing more than tarnish the original title. Such is not the case with “Extraction,” a game that plays just as it should, an expansion of the “Dead Space” universe more than a precise continuation. It’s one of the best Wii games of the year.

“Dead Space” was easily a gaming highlight of 2008, a truly excellent survival horror game set in the lonely reaches of space. It was a meticulously designed title, one where it almost felt like the ship on which you were fighting for your life could actually function. Of course, that level of graphic design can’t make the transition to the Wii and the atmospheric horror of a title on the PS3 or XBox 360 will never be fully replicated by Nintendo’s machine, but the developers of “Extraction” have made up for the shortcomings of their new console by perfectly exploiting its strengths.

Dead Space Extraction
Photo credit: EA

“Dead Space Extraction” had another strike against it before release in a lot of gamer’s minds - it’s a rail shooter. I know a lot of readers are probably rolling their eyes after all of the awful rail shooters we’ve played over the years, but “Extraction” is the best released to date. Yes, your movement is limited to where the game wants to take you, but you won’t mind going along for the ride. Your movement is limited on a roller coaster. Does that make it any less terrifying?

Dead Space Extraction Photo credit: EA

While so many rail shooter designers seem to give in to the idea that the construct of their game is going to limit them, “Extraction” uses it perfectly in that it never gives you a chance to catch your breath. In the original “Dead Space,” after a terrifying attack, you could pause before opening the next door. Of course, there are some “Open Door” or “Activate” moments in “Extraction,” but, for the most part, “Extraction” keeps pulling you toward the next conflict…whether you’re ready or not.

What about the storytelling? It’s never been a strength of rail shooters or even Wii games for that matter, but “Extraction” excels in that department as well. The original “Dead Space” was a wonderful example of the loneliness of space. Your character, Isaac, was on his own and no one was coming to his aid. “Extraction” truly expands the world of this franchise by introducing players to several other characters, changing the structure from a story of the last guy in space to a team effort with several playable characters.

“Dead Space Extraction” is not your typical “other console port,” which usually means a game that worked on one system has simply been redesigned for another. No, this title has been built from the ground up for the Wii and it serves as a prequel to the action of the bestselling title.

Dead Space Extraction Photo credit: EA

The game opens on the Aegis VII mining colony deep in the furthest regions of space. Something has been unearthed and that something, almost like “The Thing,” is taking over the miners and soldiers on the base. From the very beginning, you’re being pulled along as waves of enemies come at you. The weapons and strategy in using them from “Dead Space” has been imported. As any good “Dead Space” fan will tell you, shoot out their legs first. It really slows them down.

After a riveting first chapter, the action transfers to a new heroine, Lexine, and her struggles aboard the ship that would become so well-known to players of the original, the USG Ishimura. Now you can find out how it all went so wrong for Isaac in the first game. It turns out that protecting Lexine may be the only hope for anyone’s survival. The fact that “Extraction” is a prequel works to enhance the action horror of the title. As most people know, this isn’t going to end well. These characters aren’t in “Dead Space”. So don’t get attached to them.

There are new characters, new arcs, and new depth to the legacy of “Dead Space” introduced in “Extraction” and none of it feels ill-conceived. A lot of times when a franchise is given a prequel, players are dissatisfied with the expansion of a world that worked pretty well on its own. That’s not the case with “Extraction”. From a storytelling standpoint, it fits perfectly with “Dead Space,” actually enhancing the action of that game. Don’t be surprised if you finish “Extraction” and decide to go back and go another round with last year’s title. From a storytelling level, that’s the mark of a good prequel - it makes you want to continue the story again.

Dead Space Extraction Photo credit: EA

So why isn’t “Extraction” perfect? It’s the little things. Well, one thing that isn’t little enough. The reticle on your Wii-mote shooter is gigantic. The circle covers a large portion of what you’re shooting at, making precision targeting from a distance difficult and lessening the horror experience of the title. It might sound like nit-picking, but two giant colored circles (if you’re playing with a friend) can really take you out of what could have been a more engaging experience without them.

Visually, “Extraction” serves as proof that the limitations some developers run into when designing games for the Wii are mostly in their head. Yes, some of the action is a bit blurry and no one’s ever going to compare this title to its PS3 ancestor, but it looks a lot better than you might think. Creative lighting, expressive characters, and even some interesting environment design prove that the graphics on the Wii may not be as bad as you first thought. The sound is similarly strong, if not as immersive as the original title. On a video and audio level, “Extraction” may not live up to “Dead Space,” but I’d take it over nearly any shooter released on the Wii to date.

As for what players get for their gaming dollar, the actual meat of the game runs about eight hours - not bad for a rail game - and the title also includes ten challenge modes and the full “Dead Space” motion comic that tied in to the first game.

Game buyers are protective of their beloved franchises. Imagine if the next “Bioshock” sucks. Talk to people about what’s happened to the “Silent Hill” franchise. Ask someone to pick out their least favorite “Resident Evil” title. For every franchise that has made it through several consoles unscathed (“God of War” moved smoothly to the PSP), there are others that fall flat as their universe expands. The best thing I can say about “Dead Space Extraction” is that the fall from grace simply hasn’t happened here. The “Dead Space” name is still synonymous with riveting gameplay. Even on the Wii.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com