A darkened crypt in the heart of London on a freezing cold afternoon is perhaps an unusual location for a get together but SFL bravely faced the weather and general spookyness to accept EA’s kind invitation to delve deeper into the Dead Space universe, celebrating the launch of the newest title in the hit series this week.

With waitresses dropping scaly green skin into our elderflower drinks, we were thrilled to play through the first chapter of Dead Space 2. Art Director Ian Milham assured us that despite some thrilling action scenes in the trailers seen so far, Dead Space 2 is not all about running around with guns blazing. Certainly in the opening scenes, there are plenty of horrifying shocks in store for fans of the series, enhanced by appropriately named BAFTA winning composer Jason Grave’s haunting and complex score. Listening to the London Philharmonic Orchestra performing “Isaac’s Lament”, full of powerful, contrapuntal tones, we clearly heard how Grave’s ‘anti-music’ builds tension, excitement and emotion. Cleverly, Grave’s has also worked the notes ‘D-E-A-D’ into the piece. Now there’s someone who loves their work.

We were also treated to a rather gruesome passage of Dead Space Martyr, read by author Brian Evenson, followed by an insight into the process and artwork of Christopher Shy, artist of the new graphic novel Dead Space Salvage. Using models of ships that he built himself out of loo rolls and sticky tape, Shy’s work is authentically intricate and dynamic. The skilled artwork has a gritty, dark Brian Talbot feel to it whilst remaining a griping storyline and a great homage to all things Dead Space.

Also released this week on Blu Ray and DVD is Dead Space Aftermath – the animated prequel to Dead Space 2. Set in 2509, four crew members of the O’Bannon rescue ship have survived terrible events on Aegis VII and are being interrogated by some bald baddies. Recounting their tales, the film is a mixture of computer generated imagery (representing the present) and striking anime (representing the past) whilst the overall story bridges the gap between the two Dead Space games.

It also stars Stargate SG-1 star Christopher Judge who happily chatted to us in his deeply smooth voice at the event about how he relished the emotional challenge of voice work as his character is haunted by images of his dead daughter.

Finally, we got to run around Sprawl in the multiplayer! You can choose to play as a team of engineers complete with plasma cutters and tight suits like Isaac’s or you can be a Necromorph with our faves being The Spitter which does exactly what it says on the tin (spits acid goo) whilst the Lurker can crawl up walls and spike you with tentacles on its back. It doesn’t have the same atmosphere or scare factor that the single storyline does but working as a team against opposing team in a kill or be killed environment is a great addition to the game that we can’t wait to get our hands on. Look out for our full review coming soon.

Our sincere thanks to EA for inviting us to the Dead Space Exposed event. For more information about Dead Space 2, please visit the EA Dead Space 2 website