Dead Space 2 is the far superior game for several reasons. However, the most important reason is Hardcore Mode. HC puts the fear of death into the game and makes it a truly scary survival horror. I actually enjoyed the story, controls, enemies and weapon choices much better in the sequel but it was HC mode that made it one of my favorite games this gen without question.

the only thing i didn't like was the gear and all variants for different items.

beat the original like 3 times started dead space 2 and was bored after about 1 hour into the game

From what I've heard, the first game is scarier than the second. And the first is pretty scary

I thought I was the only one who preferred dead space 2 ^^' Dead space 2's horror was freaking intense X_X.

I thought the second was a slight step up honestly. Not sure what you have to like one or the other.

I thought DS2 was better. Zero G movement/combat to me was a nice addition.

Theyre both great games. I think they both are as good as each other and cant decide which is better.

yep I feel the same. I could write a long explanation but I feel I don't need too. I didn't have the problems the OP states above.

I would say that there is really very little difference between the two games, but I did prefer one over two. It seemed more "survival horror" like and less "action shooter" ... even though I would say Dead Space 1 barely counts as horror.

If you want to get an idea of why Dead Space 2 is inferior then you need look no further than the addition of competitive multiplayer. The multiplayer itself is not horrible, but it is the idea behind it that reveals a lot about the development process of the game. Much like the Mass Effect and Dragon Age series, EA is desperately trying to move away from the niche genres (horror, and RPG) towards the much more popular and lucrative action/shooter genres. The great thing about action shooters is that they can be released year after year with little to no changes all while charging a premium for map packs and DLC (the Call of Duty model basically).

I expect it will get even worse with Dead Space 3: Modern Warfare in Space 1. Now multiplayer is coming into the campaign. I can't remember what the name of your partner is, and I don't think even the development team knows his name or function in the story, but he will be there with you every step of the way during every shootout ... just to make sure you never have to get scared or anything. I think I will call him Soap just for simplicity's sake.