Gaming is going through a bit of a remastered patch just now. More than a few titles from yesteryear are getting a nip and tuck, and sent back into the fray for a whole new audience to enjoy. The latest title from the current crop of rehashes is a bit special though with Dead Space getting the remake treatment from EA.
Not a Dead Ringer
It’s been 15 years since we first filled the space suit of systems engineer Isaac Clarke, as he went looking for his girlfriend, all while a huge mining ship called the USG Ishimura and its crew went to hell in the most literal away.
To say this is one of horror gaming’s true cornerstones is no understatement, as it was the first in a let’s say “interesting” trilogy; with two outstanding instalments and one not so third game. So it’s about time we got to reunite with Isaac and as a fan if we are not getting a new game a remake will hold us over.
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Though it’s far from a straight port of this survival horror icon, as to their credit EA and Motive Studios have taken the strong core of the game and added to it in ways, to bolster everything out for modern gamers.
Dead Space Remixed
There are a few big changes to the game; like Isaac finding his voice this time around, having been a silent protagonist in the beginning, now he’s a real chatter box which actually helps to add layers to his tale, as he is more than a passive observer this time out.
The core beats of the tale are the same here, but there are a few key refinements to it that really do breathe life into it in a whole new way. Like cut scenes being re-worked and totally re-done to help build tension, as well as adding weight to their impact too.
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The game also takes a leaf from the God of War playbook, as it is all told by a one-shot camera view from beginning to end, which adds to the overall level of immersion.
Still Dead, Still Space
Gameplay wise, Dead Space remake is as you remember – which in this case is a very good thing. You’ll creep through dark steam-filled corridors, clasping your plasma cutter and blasting at anything that casts a shadow.
The gameplay loop of blast, rip, impale and stomp is as addictive as ever. Though as enemies get stronger and more challenging, your arsenal will grow to combat them. That your plasma cutter will have your back throughout shows just how solid the combat is in the Dead Space remake.
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Some of your weapons will have new alt fire modes which add another welcome variable to combat. The whole upgrade system has also been re-worked to be more rewarding. The changes actually encourage you to have a play around with the different weapons and paths.
Free Space
One of the biggest changes to the game is that you are free to explore the Ishimura with no loading screens between decks. Players can explore some new areas that bring new side quests to the remake. These additions help to flesh out the tale, adding to its lore and giving new details on its characters.
And thanks to a new security system, you’ll also be rewarded for doing a bit of backtracking to old areas. You’ll get to unlock lockers and rooms you passed by previously, bagging you some extra goodies.
Thankfully, the zero-gravity sections in the game have been re-worked to be handle more like those in Dead Space 2. This is a huge plus and means you never dread having to float around the place from time to time.
Dead Real
Visually, the game is stunning and a true gorefest in more ways than one. There is a new ‘peel’ system in full effect, which sees you ripping the rotten flesh from the Necromorphs as you blast them. It’s so visceral and disturbing. Adding this to the already dark and foreboding hulking shell of the Ishimura and you have a pant-wetting setting.
Audio is once again on point. Dead Space‘s screams and shrieks almost taunt you, as you stumble from area to area trying to say alive. Plus, the voice acting its solid across the board. First-time speaker Isaac is a particularly outstanding performance, thanks to Gunner Wright.
There aren’t really any negatives to the transition. However, as a long term fan it’s weird seeing Isaac looking so different when he has his helmet off. He’s had a bit of work and now looks surprisingly like Mr Wright who voices him.
Dead Space was top-tier in the survival-horror landscape and that’s not changed one bit and this remake only reinforces that. From its foreboding atmosphere to its tension building small details it’s far from a “pleasant” trip.
Which makes it a must-play for horror fans, newcomers and returning fans, as the standard of what we expect from a remake has be risen by this master piece now, twice over.