I like how it is contrarian to the genre in its design. Forget about having/using a UI in battle as weapons are swappable, healing item use is instant (if only the same was true for oxygen and focus items), and the suit has visible gauges for everything. Head shots do nothing but dismemberment causes critical damage. Instead of the newest weapon making every previous weapon redundant it is most practical to just stick with one or two and the first weapon is endgame capable.
Dead Space 2 is far better than the original in every regard. On the contrary, Dead Space 3 largely being a cover shooter against human opponents is baffling.