All body parts are now detachable, but the head isn`t the most important as you might think. Leg shots are probably the most difficult to achieve with some of the more advanced necromorphs, but they are certainly the most useful. Once a necromorphs is down, don`t think that it`s dead. It`s better to remove 3 limbs from each corpse, before moving past, or you`ll have a nice surprise on your hands.

Isaac`s mining equipment is certainly varied (and efficient) enough to put to shame any modern military weapons. Starting from the initial plasma cutter that is excellent for sniping limbs off enemies, to the much more advanced force gun, everyone will find a favorite weapon. Each weapon also has a secondary fire mode that varies from launching a mine instead of limb-cutting projectiles, to a nice 360 degree attack from the pulse rifle that is sure to clear a room in seconds, and also your ammo pack.

Melee attacks are also present, and they`re clumsy enough to remind you that you`re not playing a super-duper soldier, but a lowly miner. You can also stomp on fallen enemies, but this is quite difficult to aim.

I mentioned before that you also have 2 special abilities, telekinesis and stasis field. They are both invaluable in combat, and proper use of both will help you conserve ammo. Telekinesis allows you to move objects and is used in both puzzle solving and fights. There`s nothing like cutting off the razor sharp claws of an enemy and then use telekinesis to make them eat it. Stasis field is much easier to use, and simply slows everything down to a crawl. I`m sure you can see the combat benefits... You can then proceed, as a real surgeon, to remove limb after limb from nearly paralyzed enemies.

Throughout the game, you will encounter three very special items that you will learn to love. First and foremost, is of course the save console. You can only save at these special places, but they`re frequent enough not to become a nuisance. The shop is another common encounter, and you can (who would have thought?) buy different weapons, suits, and ammo. You can also sell things that you don`t need, or buy power nodes. The shop also has a special place where you can store items that don`t fit into your inventory, until you have the space.

The upgrade bench provides you with the option of improving all of your weapons or armor and the stasis and air counters. The upgrade tree is organized in nodes, and you can advance by using power nodes that can be found or bought, as I mentioned. Your suit is probably the most important thing to upgrade, since the increase in health is not negligible, and then you`ll probably want to focus on one or more weapons. Upgraded weapons are much more efficient in dismembering your enemies, so be sure to take advantage of it.