It seems that during the course of gaming, various trends come and go, much like everything nowadays. Whether they are visual styles, aesthetics, themes, mechanics or gameplay styles, many publishers attempt to incorporate these current trends into their games and franchises, with mixed results.

Dead Space 3 sees protagonist Isaac Clarke trying to get away from what he's had to experience from in the previous two games. He couldn't hide for too long however as he discovered that his ex-girlfriend Ellie was dragged into a mission to destroy yet another marker.

Dead Space 3 has had a difficult lead-up to launch. James Cullinane weighs up whether this game's more action-oriented direction marks a new dawn for the series, or an ignominious end.

High production value occasionally shines; Crafting system is huge and flexible; Cooperative play is immensely satisfactory.

Microtransactions break the fourth wall; Drop-in, drop out coop is problematic; Action trumps horror.

Dead Space 3 is a third-person shooter, following the reluctant and bloody adventures of former spaceship engineer Isaac Clarke.

I really, really hate games you can't save yourself. The repetitiveness of going back to restart at a checkpoint kills any enjoyment. I didn't like the over-the-shoulder viewpoint, I didn't like the zombies and the plot seemed done to death.

The trilogy continues with the previous protagonist, Isaac Clarke, but this time joined by a partner: John Carver. Going into this I was extremely worried about EA's contribution as publisher to Visceral Studios. I had some biased feelings being burnt by Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age II already.

The combat system and the world Visceral has crafted in Dead Space 3 is so expertly built and well-wrought, I found myself consciously overlooking my main criticisms, because I love playing it and spending time with it.

Incredibly realized world; Fantastic sound design; Tight; unique combat

Forced story; Too many errands; deja vu moments

On a city street at the start of Dead Space 3, there's a poster for a film called Tools Of Terror. It features a man in a tuxedo pulling a James Bond pose, but instead of a pistol he's holding a wrench.

If the thought of being alone in the black depths of space gives you the chills, spare a thought for Isaac Clarke – he's up there with a horde of alien Necromorphs that want to use his intestines as confetti.

It's completely acceptable, and almost expected for a long running franchise to change its focus from time to time. You either evolve and introduced new elements or become stale and lose your core audience.