Reservations about the Dead Space Remake's necessity quickly decay thanks to developer Motive Studio's work to make an already fantastic game scarier, more interesting, and disgustingly beautiful. The original Dead Space was released in 2008 for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and much like Capcom's recent modernization of classic Resident Evil games, the Dead Space Remake polishes and reimagines that original launch with current-gen technology and updated mechanics.
Like many players and developers, the team at Visceral Games felt inspired after playing 2005's Resident Evil 4. The original Dead Space was born from that inspiration. However, any players concerned that the original Dead Space's brutal and intense soul would be tainted by additional content and updated graphics will have their fears disappear as fast as a Necromorph into the shadows.
Frostbite's Lighting Effects Level Up Dead Space's Atmosphere
The Dead Space Remake is rebuilt from the ground up on the latest version of EA's Frostbite engine. Using ray tracing and modern lighting effects with current-gen hardware helps reflections bounce off smoke and other surfaces in stunning detail. The upgraded lighting effects Motive Studio uses bring Dead Space new life and intensity. With the improved atmosphere and new gameplay mechanics, players who have fully completed the original game will find that the remake makes the USG Ishimura feel fresh and familiar simultaneously.
In an early section of the game, the lights fail on the deteriorating Space Mining Vessel causing visibility to drop to near zero. The only light source players have is Isaac's flashlight mounted on his weapon. The music swells, and monsters begin to attack. After a few missed shots, the player must reload, causing their one light source to disappear from the approaching enemies. Enemies can maneuver and disappear in the darkness, especially in areas where Motive adjusted stage layouts. These design choices drastically increase the anticipation and intensity the Necromorph encounters bring to the Dead Space Remake and are a constant pleasant surprise.
Combat, Graphics, And Controls Feel New, But Still Dead Space
The game's combat has been tailored to replicate the tanky and satisfying action that helped make the 2008 game feel unique. Players must use space engineering tools to dismember the zombie-like Necromorphs, who now have layers of skin, muscle, and bone that tear away in combat. The new peeling system helps determine enemy health to develop the most effective combat strategies. The returning weapons have added many alternate fire options to increase combat options and variety. Upgrading gear and the pacing in which players receive additional weapons have been adjusted to help the game flow in a way the original Dead Space didn't.
While most aspects of Dead Space's original story stay the same in the remake, specific sections of the game have been completely overhauled or readjusted. Zero gravity sections now allow free movement in space, providing some of Dead Space Remake's most jaw-dropping sequences. Added side quests and information logs offer more insight into how things began to fall apart aboard the Ishimura. More context has been added regarding the strange religion based around the Necromorphs and Isaac's relationship with his girlfriend, Nicole. The Dead Space Remake also includes surprising plot twists and a new ending that players can unlock by completing the game's New Game Plus mode.
Large and small characters have received more dialogue to help fill out the world and the franchise's overarching plot. Thankfully, Isaac's added dialogue in the Dead Space Remake never feels out of place. The writing, expanded character roles, and performances never feel like they are trying too hard to make their characters feel more believable and less generic. Ultimately, all prospective players need to know is this: Motive Studios has succeeded in making the Dead Space Remake the definitive way to enjoy the first chapter of Isaac Clarke's journey.
Dead Space Remake releases January 27, 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Screen Rant was provided with a PS5 code for the purpose of this review.
Source: Dead Space/YouTube
