Dead Space: Why I Keep Playing a Game that Stresses Me Out So Bad

There are cozy games, and then there's Dead Space. A full-blown panic attack in space with monsters that want to wear your skin like last season's fashion. And yet.... I keep coming back. Why? Honestly, I'm not even sure. But let's unpack it together while I try to remember how to breathe between jump scares.

The Premise: Isaac Clarke Deserved Better

Dead Space throws you into boots of Isaac Clarke, a poor guy who just wanted to fix a spaceship and maybe survive long enough to send a nice text to his girlfriend. Instead, he ends up trapped in the USG Ishimura aka the worst Airbnb in space dealing with terrifying necromorphs, corrupted crewmates, and hallucinations that make you questions your entire existence.

Would I survive in real life? Absolutely not. I'd have died the moment the lights flickered.

What Makes It SO Darn Good?

Despite the chaos, Dead Space is one of those rare horror games that gets it right:

• The sound design? Nightmarishly perfect. I now flinch every time my AC kicks o/

• The atmosphere? Claustrophobic and eerie. You can feel the walls closing in.

• The story? Dark, twisted, and somehow beautiful.

• The weapons? Basically, repurposed space tools which is hilarious and horrifying all at once.

Honestly, nothing scrams "resourceful" like using a plasma cutter to slice off limbs and stay alive. 10/10 for creativity, zero stars for sleep quality.

Let's Talk About the Jump scares....

Every time I think it's safe to relax and sip my Dr. Pepper. BAM! Another necromorph pops out of a vent like it's got unpaid bills to collect. I scream, drop my controller, and immediately question my life choices.

And yet, the cycle continues.

Because somehow the trauma becomes addictive.

Why I Keep Playing Anyway

Dead Space hits different. It's not just about horror it's about silence/ It's abut pushing through fear, solving problems under pressure, and staying grounded even when everything around you is chaos.

Which let's be honest kind of mirrors life. Especially when you're juggling content creation, parenting, homesteading, and healing from narcissistic trauma except with fewer necromorphs (thankfully).

In some weird way, playing Dead Space feels like reclaiming strength. It's a reminder that even when it's dark and terrifying, I'm still standing. Still fighting.

Even if I'm screaming the entire time.

Would I Recommend It?

Absolutely! If you like horror games, sci-fi stories, and testing your nervous system's durability.

But if you're used to cozy games with butterflies and dreamy music... this is not that. This is the polar opposite. Like if Animal Crossing got possessed by a demon and refused to calm down.

That said, I still think everyone should try it at least once.

Dead Space Survival Kit

If you're thinking of jumping in, here's what I recommend:

• A good headset (because sound is everything)

• A weighted blanket ( for post-game comfort)

• Possibly a therapy session

• And maybe a calming cozy game to paly after so you can sleep again. ( I switch over to Disney Dreamlight Valley or The Ranch of Rivershine after)

Horror, Healing, and Heart

Dead Space might be a horror game, but for me? It's also a reminder that I'm not the same girl I used to be. I've walked through fear in life and in gaming and come out stronger. And while I'll always be a cozy gamer at heart, there's something empowering about facing the darkness and saying, not today necromorph.

Now if you you'll excuse me, I need to go scream into a pillow before I start Chapter 8