Dead Space [PlayStation 3]

"As a first time game reviewer, I can only say that Dead Space (on PS3) is quite possibly the best survival/horror game ever created. A rough-and-tumble conflagration of hard-core sci-fi spectacle and edge-of-your-seat suspense, Dead Space has all the elements of a classic gaming masterpiece.

From the outset, this spine-tingling horror-fest sets the tone with some beautiful cut scenes and incredible set designs. Those looking for a worthy successor to the Alien film franchise will be more than satisfied with the provocative decor and realistic architechture. The awesome variety of locales combined with the sheer number of precariously dangerous situations you are put in make for a pulse-pounding rollercoaster ride of epic proportions.

The game designers got it right when they chose to simplify the controller options. As a lapsed gamer (I'm a 43 old business owner who abdicated the console to the kids a few years back), I was pleased to see the control options were not beyond me. Accessing the Inventory and Weapons, as well as the Maps and Objectives, was quite easy and I got the hang of it pretty quickly.

Enough cannot be said about the manufactures choice of suspense-building music and other aural nerve-wreckers. Most ominous are the whispers that can be heard but not quite made out - it's a creepy element that adds load to the overall sense of dread and doom.

I've been waiting for a top-flight sci-fi game for some time - and I believe I've found one I will be playing for a long time to come. Many times, chills have actually crawled the length of my body when one or more of the mutated-human monsters make their bloody appearance and attack me. I've even awakened in the middle of the night and cranked my PS3 up to have a go at solving the mystery and defeating the rampaging beasts one more time.

Invest your time and energy on Dead Space. You won't be disappointed! "