Games reviews: Dead Space 2, Mindjack, Free Running, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Grimm

Published on Monday 31 January 2011 12:11

DEAD Space 2 puts the fear factor back into gaming on PS3 this week, while Mindjack offers an out-of-body experience on Xbox 360 and Free Running brings the amazing pursuit of Parkour to Wii

Dead Space 2 (18)

THE dark, haunting survival horror genre was shaken up by Dead Space three years ago with a spine-tingling space adventure - now the sequel brings the inner turmoil of lead character Isaac back to the fore, with a supreme execution of intergalactic thrills and spills. The single-player mode boasts 10 hours or more of incredibly rewarding action combat - sprinkled with some of the most shocking moments you're likely to have experienced in gaming. Sadly, the multiplayer mode struggles to hit similar dizzy heights, but by the time you've tackled your main mission a couple of times, you'll be too space-spooked to care. Platform: PS3, 49.99

Mindjack (16)

MINDJACK has players jumping from one body to the next to thwart their enemies with much more than traditional firepower. An interesting concept, however, it's a shame that Mindjack somehow seems to crudely execute the idea in a game which lurches from one uninspiring futuristic cut-scene to the next. Great idea, but that's about it. Platform: Xbox 360, 39.99

Free Running (7)

TO watch top-notch Parkour performers is an awe-inspiring experience. To recreate thier fluidity on a console is no small task. Here, Free Running keeps the urban action purely and simply fixed on the tricks you'll learn around three game environments - Urban Jungle, Docklands and Inner City. Linear levels prove to be fairly flat, with the Wiimote and nunchuk controls struggling to recreate any connection with the reality of the free running world. Platform: Wii, 19.99

Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective (12)

GHOST Trick is a story of mystery and intrigue that blends fun logic puzzles with the world of the supernatural. The combination makes for a really unique game experience. Part adventure game and part puzzle game, Any game that starts with your character lying dead on the floor is bound to raise an eyebrow, and within a few hours - once you've got your supernatural powers under control - you won't be able to tear yourself away from what must rank as an early candidate for spooky sleeper hit of the year. Platform: Nintendo DS, 29.99

Grimm (N/A)

THERE'S something very Tim Burton-esque about Grimm, an intriguing new side-scrolling platform puzzler on iPhone, which puts you in control of an old-fashioned pram and the baby inside. Your goal is to tackle the twists and turns across 10 Victorian environments, navigating the carriage back to the baby's mother dodging a host of villainous enemies along the way. Simple controls including the iPhone tilting functionality plus touchscreen finger movements make Grimm easy to get into. A winning formula with a deliciously dark sense of humour. Platform: iPhone, 59p