Dead Space Remake (2023)

Release date	27th Feb 2023
Developer	Motive Studio
Mode	Single Player
Platform	Playstation 5, Xbox X and S, Windows
Man5hit Rating

Following on from Man5hit previous article on computer game remakes I have made my focus on the present, no need to wait for release date, Dead space is ready to explore. Let us venture into the nerve wrenching survival horror that is Dead Space. First question is; how does the remake differ from original?

• Improved visuals
• Side quests
• New weapons and ability to upgrade
• Alternate ending
• A new map
• Backtracking and security clearance
• New zero gravity controls

…….Exciting right!!!

Fifteen years have elapsed since we first traversed the metallic corridors of the USG Ishimura, a once-planet-cracking mining ship now besieged by demonic entities. A return to the original Dead Space exposes a game less gracefully aged than its sequels – awkward controls, murky color palettes, and finicky combat. In this era of remakes and remasters, Dead Space stands tall, justifying its revival for a new audience as a genre classic.

Once more, you don the sturdy boots of engineer Isaac Clarke, navigating the Ishimura’s decks, in search of answers and the vanished crew, including your girlfriend. EA Motive hasn’t settled for a mere graphical touch-up; this is a complete remake. Redesigned game sections, coupled with the technological prowess of modern consoles, infuse new vitality into this iconic space escapade.

The duration of your Dead Space adventure, ranging from 12 to 25 hours depending on your exploration zeal (and ability – took me alot longer), aptly matches the action’s intensity. For returning fans, the Necromorphs may evoke less fear, akin to a reunion with old comrades, rekindling a passion for the series but the intricate detail is something behold.

While the overarching storyline adheres closely to the original, a noteworthy evolution transpires in the remake – Clarke emerges as a fully-voiced protagonist, shedding his previous silence. Gunner Wright, reprising his role from Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, injects urgency into the narrative without veering into humor or solitary dialogues. EA Motive liberates itself from the design constraints of the original game, introducing transformative changes that elevate the experience. The addition of new elements, such as circuit breakers and security gate doors, introduces fresh dynamics, compelling you to modify encounters and heightening the tension.

In the Dead Space remake, your trusty old weapons carry newfound weight, thanks to the astute utilization of the DualSense controller and a revamped dismemberment system. Each weapon feels distinct throughout the game, and witnessing the impact of your shots, dismembering Necromorph limbs, resonates more effectively than in the original.

The Dead Space remake runs impeccably on the on all formats, offering a choice between a performance mode running at 1440p (enabled by default) and a ray tracing mode at 30fps, boasting stunning visuals in 4K. Whether you opt for the immersive lighting and real-time reflections or the fluid 60fps in performance mode, the remake caters to varied preferences.

Personally, I prefer single player games, as an average (at best) player I get tired of being dominated on an online format by gamers who have far too much time on their hands, so I am pleased format hasn’t changed and returning fans, like myself, are treated to additional lore that fortifies its connection to the sequels. The future seems promising for the Dead Space series, with hopes that the success of this remake paves the way for a similar treatment of Dead Space 2 or, dare we dream, a Dead Space 4.