Motive Studios has resurrected Dead Space, transforming the 2008 horror classic into a more terrifying and polished experience. And, much to our delight, this remake surpasses the original in practically every single way. The dismemberment-focused gunplay is refined, and the visuals are as stunning as ever, as is to be expected on modern platforms. And while some additions might not seem as significant as those in other remakes, they enhance the existing framework and uplift Dead Space Remake to easily one of the best games of 2023, which is really saying something. To reiterate; this remake masterfully captures the essence of its predecessor while elevating the elements that made it a fan favorite.
Dead Space follows engineer Isaac Clarke as he joins a small team responding to a distress call from the USG Ishimura, a colossal mining vessel designed to “crack” planets and extract their minerals. The ship has been overrun by necromorphs, monstrous and hideous creatures that reanimate dead bodies and aggressively deform the flesh of the corpses they embody. In addition to combating this terrifying threat and uncovering a conspiracy involving a theistic cult, Clarke must find out what happened to his girlfriend, Nicole, a doctor on the Ishimura.
The core narrative remains largely faithful to the original, with some key elements either reimagined or expanded based on the lore established in subsequent installments. These changes enhance continuity and provide more depth to side characters without significantly altering the story’s flow. Notably, one memorable moment has been reworked, and it fits so well within the new context that it now feels superior to the original version. You will have to play for yourself to see what we mean.
Another major narrative shift is that Isaac is now voiced, with the same actor reprising his role from the Dead Space sequels. This change brings more emotional depth to the plot, as Isaac now reacts to events, making the twists and turns more impactful. Motive seamlessly integrated his new dialogue into the existing script, which remains mostly unchanged. However, a few performances, don’t stack up quite as much. However, this will likely go unnoticed.
The improved visuals transform Dead Space into a gruesome visual feast that will no doubt leave players begging for more. The Ishimura and its grotesque inhabitants are meticulously detailed, and the lighting enhances the atmosphere. Whether navigating pitch-black corridors with only a flashlight or basking in the eerie glow of planet Aegis VII, the lighting creates a cohesive and terrifying experience. The sound design also excels, with chilling audio cues and new necromorph screams adding to the horror, which will likely leave your arm hairs standing at attention.
Combat is familiar yet improved and refined, with modernized controls enhancing the experience. For instance, Isaac now runs by clicking the analog stick. The plasma cutter and other weapons deliver a satisfying impact, especially with the PlayStation 5’s DualSense features. The new necromorph damage system, which showcases the destruction of flesh and bone, adds a layer of strategy to dismembering enemies and an accompanied chilling visual that only adds to the sense of dread and fun. All original enemy types return, maintaining their challenging nature. Using stasis to halt attacks and kinesis to impale necromorphs with various objects, including their own severed limbs, remains as thrilling as ever. Rooms are now filled with more props and environmental weapons, such as gasoline and stasis tanks, for creative combat options.
Unless you are intimately familiar with the original game’s map, the level design changes might not be immediately noticeable. The Ishimura’s layout remains similar but has been expanded, allowing access to certain areas without using the tram car, which helps the ship feel more connected. The tram is still available for fast travel. The zero gravity sections, which were marginally disorienting in the original, now adopt the improved controls from the sequels, making them more manageable and also more fun to play around in.
Players can now revisit areas at any time, though necromorphs may still reappear, often in surprising ways. This feature maintains the game’s tension and unpredictability, encouraging players to be cautious even in familiar areas that have previously been explored, even thoroughly. Rewards for revisiting areas include money, weapon upgrade nodes, and ammo, often locked behind security doors. Additionally, newly added side quests, though few, provide extra lore and build on the games already high sense of tension and horror.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Motive has made Dead Space more visually appealing, smoother to play, and retained the core experience. The new features enhance the enjoyment without detracting from the original. This remake will surely honor and revitalize player’s memories of Isaac’s first encounter with the necromorphs, making it an ideal entry point for newcomers. We just hope this outstanding remake signals to EA that Dead Space has a promising future and leads to more terrifying tales in this universe, whether that be with a remake of Dead Space 2 and 3 or a fresh new entry in a potential Dead Space 4. Because we desperately need all of them.
