rumored Tau Volantis , with events happening around an unidentified facility.

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Cooperative Multiplayer

Weapons and the Bench

Isaac Clarke

Enemies

If this rumored information rings true, Dead Space 3 will also feature significant gameplay changes, new enemy types, and a revamped weapon system.The cooperative mode mirrors the single-player campaign, but Isaac's story changes to accommodate it. At one point in Dead Space 3, Isaac and his counterpart stumble, wounded, bloody, and missing chunks of armor, out of burnt wreckage together. In single-player, the same scene happens without the other character. While Isaac may have a psychological breakdown and experience hallucinations on his own, certain traumatic events don't occur with someone by his side.Players will also work together (using telekinesis, for instance) to interact with pieces of the environment. In addition, you'll be able to share ammo with and heal your co-op partner, although there is no revive system -- once someone's down and dead, both players reload the last checkpoint.Alternate-fire in Dead Space 3 functions much differently than before, possibly because the workbench, where players previously upgraded weapon power, reload speed, and capacity, has changed. The Plasma Cutter, whose default horizontal shot changed to vertical, is an entirely different weapon now. Its alt-fire mode now has a similar knockback effect to the Force Gun . The Pulse Rifle features the saw-blades as a secondary firing mode. It's possible this is the default loadout for the weapon, but it could also point to customization weapon combinations within the new workbench.Isaac's armor in Dead Space 3 reflects the slender, angular design of his Dead Space 2 RIG, which is reflected in his co-op partner as well. Crouching is one of Isaac's most notable new abilities, and it functions as his means of cover as he hides behind small objects. The left/right evasive roll is unquestionably the most significant change we know of in his new skill set. It appears Isaac is more nimble out in the cold.Telekinesis functions in a more complex manner, as you'll be capable of rotating items rather than just holding them, which plays into Dead Space 3's puzzles.Clarke is, of course, still struggling with his psyche, and experiences hallucinations of monsters.Although Isaac encounters taller versions of Dead Space 2's childlike "Pack" enemies or a set of legs with tentacles in place of its torso, Necromorphs aren't the only enemy Isaac fights on the ice world. For the first time in the franchise, he'll fight human beings. Heavily armored soldiers pack guns and grenades to use against you. Of course, these guys become Necromorphs as well.As he makes his way through open, icy areas, steel walls sometimes form around Isaac, and enemies attack from various angles. A spinning drill, like a lethal top, may also make its way onto the playing field, slicing players to pieces if they come in contact with the always-moving object.One of the more spectacular encounters features Isaac shooting a spider-like creature in its orange-tinted weak spot, as well as shooting arms and protruding sacs. This big thing will eat Isaac whole if he gets too close, so he's forced to run around the arena and attack from a distance. It may also make multiple appearances -- it disappears into a cavern once it's taken enough of a beating.Skyscraper-sized enemies may also come into play. During one scene, Isaac observes a massive worm-like beast bursting from the ice beneath a cliff.

That’s quite a lot of big changes for Dead Space 3. With E3 less than a month away, we may learn even more shortly.EA provided IGN with the following statement regarding this information:"As you may have heard on the EA earnings call on Monday, John Riccitello said that a new title from the Dead Space franchise is coming this fiscal year. We don’t have any more detail at this time."What do you make of this stuff? Speculate and discuss in the comments below.

Mitch Dyer is an Associate Editor for IGN's Xbox 360 team. He’s also quite Canadian. Read his ramblings on Twitter and follow him on IGN