Promotional poster for the original game showing Isaac Clarke in Zero-G.
Zero Gravity, or Zero-G, is a gameplay mechanic first introduced in Dead Space (2008) and featured extensively in later games.
Zero-G is, as its name suggests, a state of absolute zero gravity. In this state, the player is able to traverse special areas that are normally impassable through the use of gravity boots and suit thrusters. Areas devoid of gravity usually present an objective that, in order to be reached, the player must successfully maneuver through the zone.
Gameplay[]
Dead Space (2008)[]
In the original Dead Space, when jumping in Zero-G, Isaac Clarke will fly slowly toward his target before landing on it. Isaac can then traverse the surface using his gravity boots. If a jump is not possible, the ammo counter will flash red and beep. Remember that while you can only jump onto flat surfaces, sometimes a curved corner will allow you to change walls.
Lurkers and Leapers can both be encountered in zero gravity. Leapers tend to follow Isaac and engage him in melee combat on whatever surface he stands on, but Lurkers are incapable of their melee-ranged attacks in zero gravity. Their only attack pattern is to fire their projectiles at Isaac. This can be exploited, as they are incapable of leaping away from Isaac if he closes to melee range, only running a few yards away before trying to line up another shot. They can be easily stomped to death.
On the USG Ishimura, Zero-G played an important role in entertainment, exemplified by Zero-G Basketball, a popular sport among crew members. It also had a medical use as seen by the Zero-G Therapy rooms.
Later Games[]
In Dead Space 2 and 3, Isaac can move about freely in Zero-G areas with the aid of thrusters on the shoulders and boots of his RIG suit, instead of being confined to jumping to and from floors and walls. Isaac can shoot while floating and change direction in mid-flight using the thrusters, allowing for more varied scenarios and battles. The Dead Space remake also adopts this control scheme, adapting free movement to the Zero-G scenarios from the original game.
Combat Tips[]
- It is almost impossible to get cornered in Zero-G, as you can simply jump away or run away if the area is open enough. This also means enemies can attack at any angle; this is especially true with Lurkers.
- In almost every Zero-G area there are at least a few explosives floating around. Use Kinesis to toss these at enemies and conserve your ammo.
- Weapons such as the Pulse Rifle, Plasma Cutter, and Contact Beam excel in Zero-G, as the instantaneous travel of the rounds makes shooting in the larger rooms not an issue. Weapons such as the Line Gun, Flamethrower, Ripper, and Force Gun don't fare well in Zero-G environments unless the enemy, such as the Leaper, has chosen to attack you as it cannot change course after leaping. The only enemies encountered in Zero-G are Lurkers and Leapers - both of which are very agile in Zero-G and can be quite hard to hit with slow moving projectiles. It is also impractical to let them get anywhere near you as you can snipe them from a distance with the Plasma Cutter or Pulse Rifle.
- Watch for environmental hazards. In Zero-G it can be easy to float out into space, get squashed by machinery, or get pulverized by flying boulders.
- Take note of entrances and exits to Zero-G areas, as enemies cannot follow you into or out of those sections. Exiting them might provide breathing room if you are being overwhelmed.
- The Enhanced versions of Necromorphs are often difficult to see in Zero-G environments.
- In Dead Space 2, Leapers no longer appear in Zero-G. The only Necromorphs you will encounter are Lurkers and Nests.
- Dead Space 3 features anti-gravity producing panels, which are required to reach certain areas.
Trivia[]
A sign for a Zero-G Therapy room.
- Chapter 12 of Dead Space features an artificial gravity chamber despite being on the surface of Aegis VII, leading to the likely conclusion of the existence of anti-gravity panels or an unknown device of similar effect.
- Similar devices are seen in Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, such as anti-gravity beds that allows the rester to hover suspended in the air and alien anti-gravity platforms.
- In Chapter 9 of the original game, you can literally jump through the opening and into space. You will continue to fly until you reach a certain distance. At that point Isaac will die and float in space until a checkpoint is reloaded.
- Objects in motion have a constant velocity when not acted upon by forces yet the suit thrusters continuously burn, when at motion, but the player keeps a constant velocity. Because the thrusters do not disengage, allowing the player to drift, and the player's velocity does not increase but remains constant, Newton's first law of motion is violated.
