Everything You Need to Know About the Dead Space Remake Before It Releases (2024)

Dead Space is easily one of the most iconic survival horror games ever released The 2008 title quickly became a favorite among fans of the genre for its heavy atmosphere, unique gameplay, and terrifying creatures. Now over a decade later, Dead Space is getting a total makeover, with improvements made to nearly all aspects of the original game in hopes of delivering a modern, next generation horror experience.

Dead Space follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer assigned to investigate a distress call from the USG Ishimura sent by medical officer, and Isaac's girlfriend, Nicole Brennan. Throughout the game, players must explore the offline ship, attempt to repair it, and survive mutated human attacks in order to uncover the truth behind the loss of the ship. The Dead Space remake has gone gold and will release on January 27, 2023.

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The Dead Space Remake Will Include a Handful of New Gameplay Mechanics

The 2008 version of Dead Space features zero G mechanics in which Isaac must jump from platform to platform to further progress through certain areas of the map. In the remake, Motive opens up the map for players to explore further in zero G. With new booster packs built into Isaac's spacesuit, he will now be able to explore open areas of the map with more freedom than before.

One iconic aspect of the original title is the mutated human enemies known as necromorphs. To improve the horror of these foes, the developers have included a new mechanic in which players will be able to shoot off layers of flesh, muscle, and even bones until the enemies are finally rendered lifeless. The new mechanic will serve as a visual to aid the players in knowing how close they are to downing a necromorph.

To improve upon the battle mechanics, Motive has revamped the upgrade system and the overall smoothness of battle. Now, players can use the benches hidden throughout the ship to improve their equipment by adding different paths for further upgrading. For example, the stasis module will be upgraded to improve its range, and Isaac's weapons can be upgraded to improve damage, ammo capacity, and reload speed. Additionally, the mechanics of the plasma cutter have been improved upon for smoother gameplay when switching from vertical to horizontal shots.

In order to further the newly explorative aspect of the game, Motive has also peppered the halls of the Ishimura with locked doors and loot boxes that need further clearance to open. This will incentivize players to return to areas they've already visited in the past to try and acquire more supplies and items that were previously unavailable to them during their first playthrough of an area.

To spice up gameplay even more, Isaac will be confronted with circuit boxes he will need to activate to move forward. This new addition to gameplay comes at a cost, though - players must choose between cutting off their oxygen supply or playing in the dark in order to power the way forward. This new mechanic will amplify the intensity of gameplay and help get players' blood pumping when trying to press on in the game.

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Dead Space Remake Will Update and Intensify Overall Atmosphere

One area of improvement will be load times and loading screens. Where players historically had to sit through loading screens upon boarding the gondola, Dead Space remake will now feature a seamless loading experience. There will be no more loading screens, and transitions between areas of the ship will appear seamless. Motive even takes this mechanic further by allowing players to take the gondola to one area, activate zero G, and come back without needing the gondola at all.

To enhance the dreary environment of the game, Motive improved all the visual aspects of the remake. Even if one thinks they're safe, Motive's Intensity Director will keep players on their toes with added touches like bursting pipes, creaky vents, and surprise necromorph attacks. Small touches like blood stains, drips, floating dust particles, dim lighting, and eerie fog saturating the corridors will come together to provide a much more immersive experience as players explore.

Beyond big environmental enhancements, the new Dead Space features some small, nuanced tweaks to the narrative of the game. For example, instead of just acquiring items and weapons, players will actually witness Isaac build his plasma cutter and collect his stasis module from the dismembered arm of a recently deceased crewmate. Additionally, EA's addition of the ALIVE system (Adrenaline, Limbic System Response, Intelligent Dialogue, Vitals, and Exertions) will deepen the immersion of the game by adjusting Isaac's breathing, heart rate, and his voice lines based on his mental and physical state.

EA's Silent Protagonist Will Now Have a Voice

Isaac being fully voiced is one of the most exciting additions to the Dead Space remake, especially with Gunner Wright returning to the role. While there was some voice acting from other characters in the original game, Isaac himself never spoke. Now, players will be able to hear Isaac participate in his mission with fully voiced character lines. He will shout the names of his teammates when they're in trouble, or converse about how to proceed with his mission of repairing the ship. All this will add to Motive's goal of creating a more immersive, authentic experience as Isaac will now be able to take a more active part in his team's mission. With players able to choose between the $70 standard and $80 deluxe editions - with the latter adding five suit-related cosmetics - they have a few options available to them. Regardless of which suit they end up wearing, Isaac speaking up should prove to be a highlight.

Dead Space remake will be available January 27, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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