Yeah, uh, wow. A very accurate analogy I heard was that DS2 is to DS1 as Aliens was to Alien. The similarities aren't just due to the setting; Dead Space 2 is definitely more of an action game, but it hasn't abandoned its predecessor's fear factor.

Dead Space 2 actually ran better on my laptop than 1, showcasing Visceral Game's commitment to optimization. Isaac takes a few levels in badass throughout the game, with more suits, a nice hacking minigame, more powerful weapons, and more dangerous enemies to use the weapons on. You also get more insight into Nicole and her backstory, as Isaac's new trauma-filled adventure entwines his memories and guilt into his survival aboard the Saturn station.

Gameplay feels satisfying as it did in DS1, with added jetpacking allowing for impressive space-traversing setpieces which increase the adrenaline. Much more cinematic overall, too, with a lot more action-movie-moments that were really fun. If you enjoyed 1 for gameplay, you'll love this.

If you enjoyed Fallout 3, you'll love this for its new stuff. If you're a die-hard fan of the originals, take note that Obsidian, with staff members from the classics, developed New Vegas--Bethesda only published (their engine). Prominent features include a vastly larger arsenal with mod packs, better characters, faction infamy, pretty kickass DLC (do 'em in this order: Honest Hearts, Dead Money, Old World Blues, Lonesome Road), a beautiful landscape, more perks, limitless mods, improved companion interaction, cinematic kill-cams without VATS, A.I. improvement, more challenging enemies (Deathclaws aren't the worst threats now), crop/plant harvesting, more crafting, and my favorite, Hardcore Mode. I played through on Hardcore first, and immensely enjoyed it for the the immersion. You had better be prepared before you fight or trek across the Mojave.

I've played 160 hours since February 7th, and enjoyed every hour. You probably will too.