Running the Dead Space VC++ files did nothing because I received an error message each time informing that a product was already installed. Nonetheless, I can confirm that the issue is with Razer Cortex, at least for me. I went through a clean boot, and then re-enabled software one by one, and it was Razer Cortex specifically that interferes with Dead Space. I can get the game to run to the main menu and start into the campaign, although I haven't played at all yet. I assume it will play fine now. It's probably worth digging into the relationship between Dead Space and Razer Cortex. I tried running Dead Space with Razer Cortex running, but with the game booster disabled, but it still didn't run past the initial warning screen. Glad it's fixed for me.
TL;DR, for other users out there, try closing your Razer Cortex software and run the game again. My old Razer Synapse software doesn't interfere with my game, since I have the old Razer Naga 2014 Left Handed edition, and it needs the legacy software to run. Razer Synapse 3.0 also functions properly with the game, so just close Cortex from the right click menu in the system tray, select "Exit Cortex", and run the game again. It worked for me.