In an attempt to cash in on it's then to be released videogame Dead Space, Electronic Arts released Dead Space: Downfall, a complimentary animated feature that would expand the storyline and hopefully fill in some gaps that the videogame never showed us. So where does downfall fit in? The story is actually a prequel to the game, set initially on the planet Aegis 7, geological surveyors from a near by colony have discovered what appears to be an alien artifact. Around about this time, the planet cracker starship Ishimura has arrived to begin its operation by extracting resources from the planet using a technique known as 'cracking'. In what would prove to be foolhardy decision the artifact is delivered to the Ishimura for examination, however after things start to go to hell on the planet's surface, the crew of the Ishimura find themselves in a fight for survival as something totally inhuman is harvesting their body parts for its own ends. It's up to Security Chief Alissa Vincent to save the Ishimura and its crew from demise, although can she even save herself?

Those who've played the videogame will no doubt know the answer to that question. Those who haven't are probably in for a more suspenseful watch as it's not always clear how things will turn out. The shocks are really few and far between however, Downfall prides itself more on full out gore and sickness, not necessarily a bad thing. Animated features are never that shocking anyways, just goes with the territory i guess and the fact that it uses a visual style similar to modern batman cartoons doesn't help the issue either. Every now and again there is a sequence that is clearly using a basic form of CGI, usually on 'in space' shots of ships flying along and doors closing. This helps break the monotony but is really too spartan to be bring the movie up a notch.

The characters are reasonably solid (for an animation) and the pacing is OK. All in all though i can't help but think this was a tie in for a well promoted videogame, another way to make cash.  Ultimately it falls short of the games shocks and general nastiness and even though fans of the game will appreciate the nuances that are fleshed out in the characters, others just wont care. Would i recommend Downfall? Only to fans of the game, most people won't appreciate what's going on otherwise and especially if you don't dig animation. Maybe worth renting if in doubt.

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Posted On

2010-08-13 08:23

Posted By

BadgerblooD

0 I HAVENT PLAYED THE GAME.
Maybe thats why, I dont got any negative impression regarding the fact, from which I think You are right about. I enjoyed this movie, but Its nothing special.

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