Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Bloody, gory sci-fi action sequel, now with co-op support.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dead Space 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that the game is extremely violent and gory, featuring graphic scenes of blood and carnage, which some find fun but others feel detracts from the horror aspect compared to previous installments. While the co-op mode adds enjoyment and the game mechanics are engaging, many agree that the strong language and intense violence make it more suitable for older teens rather than younger players.
- extreme violence
- strong language
- fun co-op
- less horror
- suitable for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Without giving away too much of the single-player campaign, the story picks up a few months after the events of Dead Space 2. Once again, you play as Isaac Clarke, an engineer in the 26th century, lured back into battle against an alien menace. Isaac's estranged love, Ellie, calls for Clarke's help to battle against the Markers, ancient and powerful relics, and the deadly Necromorph creatures they produce. The entire campaign can be played solo or you can team up with an online friend to take down these threats together. The second player can drop-in and drop-out at any time, and they play as John Carver, an EarthGov soldier who has his own reasons for destroying the Markers. A few optional quests can only be completed in co-op with two players. The first portion of the campaign –- a good seven or eight chapters, in fact -- has you fighting aboard a huge flotilla, but the remainder takes place on the frozen planet of Tau Volantis.
Is It Any Good?
DEAD SPACE 3 is a stellar sequel that won't disappoint fans of the original Dead Space (2008) or Dead Space 2 (2011) -– as it retains its intense action yet adds new features such as online cooperative (co-op) play. However, this sequel doesn't quite deliver the "fear factor" found in its predecessors. As with the first two games in the series, this is a third-person action game that has Clarke (or Carver) aim and fire a number of upgradeable weapons at alien creatures, temporarily freeze time through Stasis powers, use Kinesis to manipulate objects from a distance (handy for puzzle-solving), fly through the air in Zero-G missions, and scavenge the environment for med packs, ammo, weapon parts, and other items to help you stay alive long enough to fight against this evil force. Along with crafting your own weapons, online co-op is the standout feature of this game. To play co-op, however, be aware you need to sign up for an Origin account –- EA's gaming service -- if you don't have one already. Plus, a code in the box is also required for online play. Some gamers might not like either of these restrictions, so be aware before you buy. On that note, those who rent the game won't be able to play co-op if the code has already been used.
If the PlayStation 3 version we tested is any indication, Dead Space 3 is an excellent sci-fi action thriller for one or two players –- whether you're a fan of the franchise or brand new to it. While not as creepy, it's bigger and better than previous games, and will no doubt keep you glued to your TV or PC for many hours on end. Note: The game is the same for all three platforms, except the Xbox 360 version also supports voice commands via Kinect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether this game is more fun to play alone -- like the previous Dead Space games -- or alongside an online friend in the co-op mode, an exclusive feature in this version of the game. How is the experience better or worse?
They can also discuss the impact of media violence.
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Science : engineering , electricity , energy , Language & Reading : following directions , reading
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , memorization , Collaboration : teamwork , Creativity : producing new content
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : February 5, 2013
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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