Just bought Dead Space off a friend two weeks ago, haven't played it before then (I know it's a few years old now.)
The problem with the game is the schlock aspect. It's too much "Agh, here's another monster popping out at me!" and, "Oh, yet another monster!" and, "My, that monster seemed to pop out in a manner quite similar to the last," and finally, "I knew you were coming! Take Mr Plasma Cutter to the limbs!"
Needed more careful scripting, and less action (can't believe I'm saying that). Fewer, more carefully constructed scenarios. More time in crazy suspense. Less ridiculous unbelievable blood spatters all over the place. Also, much more time should have been spent on the characters, so that we care about them more.
Also, the division of the game into very obvious chapters is distracting. Needs to be a smoother way of defining levels. Something like Half Life 2 which has chapters, though they are far less discernible.
The weapons/upgrades purchase system is quite good, though. I like having to use careful resources tactics to survive.