Dead Space 2 is a sequel that fixes all the issues the original had and enhances the experience with improvements to every aspect of the game.

Movement is more fluid, just enough to make the controls feel more responsive, not too much to detract from what was established in the first game. The zero-gravity sections are really fun to play now (and a little nauseous) with free-floating motion instead of being tethered to a surface.

The game certainly has more action than the original, but it also has more tense moments that make you shiver. The introduction of the "Leaper" was especially great for the horror factor. Every time you enter a room full of crates, you will tremble.

The story now has more depth and nuance. Isaac talks, his lines are good, and his character arc is compelling. Sure there's exposition in the dialogue, but it's the good kind. The plot twists aren't as predictable as they were in the first game, and the conclusion is satisfying.

Pace is another big improvement. The last few chapters put Isaac under a lot more pressure, with non-stop waves of enemies and an immortal stalker, forcing the player to flee as fast as they can. This decision gives the sense of urgency that the finale demands.

But none of that beats the leap in quality of the endgame. The final sequence is a thrill, [SPOILER] the human antagonist dies by our hands instead of being crushed by a giant wall of flesh like in the original (even if it's in a cutscene, it's enough to pay back) and the final boss has meaning, being related to Isaac as the protagonist.

And the list of improvements goes on, but for me I think that's enough. Go play it if you haven't already, it's one of the greatest experiences in the horror genre.