The terrifying game Dead Space is regarded as a classic in horror gaming, and for good reason. Its nightmarish enemies, inventive combat, and memorable settings have won it a well-earned spot in the nightmares of gamers the world over. Recently, a remake for the original game was revealed, bringing with it a flurry of speculation as to what might be, and what should be changed from the 2008 classic.
Luckily, the developers have been forthcoming about some of the most important changes being made, many of which seem thoroughly promising. Fans can look to them, as well as Dead Space’s sequels to identify opportunities for improvement in the remake.
Voice Acting For Isaac
One of the most interesting changes from Dead Space to Dead Space 2 was to make the series protagonist, Isaac Clarke, go from a silent character to a voiced one. The change seems to have been well-received by fans, though, as Dead Space 2 did an excellent job fleshing out his character, making him an extremely well-liked protagonist.
The developers have announced their intention to retroactively give Isaac a voice in the remake. It’s an interesting change that is sure to shake up the tone of the original game, but at the same time, the change makes a lot of sense. Fans have spent a lot of time getting to know Isaac across Dead Space 2 and 3, so having him be silent once again might feel jarring.
Adding More Suits
Another change that could be imported to the remake from Dead Space 2 is the abundance of cool spacesuits the player could choose from in the sequel. That might seem like a superfluous addition to the gameplay formula of the original, but any Dead Space 2 player is lying if they don’t admit to spending entirely too long deciding which suit best suited the game’s protagonist.
On a more technical level, choosing between different suits that are suited (pun intended) to different scenarios is an excellent way to encourage replay value, and to make playstyles feel more unique. Plus, who doesn’t want more customization options at the end of the day?
New And Unexpected Scares
Ask horror game fans what the best remake in the genre is, and chances are they’ll tell you it’s 2002’s Resident Evil remake of the 1996 classic of the same name. It’s so well regarded because it did an excellent job of preserving the spirit of the original game, while at the same time updating the iconic scares to keep returning players nervous, as well as featuring dozens of small details that you only notice after replaying it.
Dead Space should adopt a similar approach to play with the expectations of its devoted fans. Everyone remembers the first time they were attacked by a Necromorph bursting through a vent or pretending to be dead, so the developers should use these expectations to field spooky moments that blindside the player.
Free Movement In Zero-G
One of the most exciting confirmed updates to the original Dead Space’s gameplay will be the inclusion of free movement in zero gravity environments. While the original game made good use of zero gravity to change up puzzles and combat encounters, Isaac was only able to jump from surface to surface; which did a good job of making the affair disorienting and intense, but occasionally felt clunky.
Allowing Isaac to float freely in these environments is sure to radically shake up the way that the player engages with them. More mobility on the part of the player will allow the developers to get more creative with zero-g puzzles and will open the door to more aggressive enemies.
Expanding Role Of Some Characters
Another welcome change that the remake’s developers have discussed is expanding the roles of the game’s supporting cast. Provided that their characterization is handled elegantly, spending a little bit more time with Kendra and Hammond would be a great way to up the game’s dramatic stakes.
Although these two served their narrative functions perfectly well in the original game, the player mostly experienced them as talking heads that would bark orders at Isaac in between combat encounters, and it’s generally agreed among fans that Dead Space 2 did most of the heavy lifting in terms of the universe’s lore, story, and characters. Dead Space doesn’t feature a cast that’s as beloved as the best characters in Resident Evil, for example, so the remake is a good opportunity to flesh them out a bit.
The Variety Of Enemies
Although fans go back and forth over whether or not Dead Space or its sequel is the better game overall, most can agree that in regards to enemy variety, Dead Space 2 has the original game beat. Although the first entry in the franchise certainly had a wide variety of spooky and grotesque monsters to fight, they didn’t always do as good of a job of shaking up combat encounters like those in the sequel do.
As such, boosting not only the types of enemies in the remake, but the behaviors that these enemies exhibit, would be an excellent way to keep combat encounters feeling fresh and intense, even for series veterans. The developers should take this opportunity to introduce exciting new Necromorphs that use unconventional tactics to keep players on their toes.
Further Exploration Allowed
The original Dead Space was a tightly paced and intensely atmospheric experience. Drawing clear inspiration from Resident Evil 4, one of the most influential horror games ever made, Dead Space opted for a relatively linear approach to level design to help shuttle the player between scares, and to ensure that the environments and lighting were thoroughly detailed.
While the result is a game that still looks fantastic even now, the downside is that options for exploring alternate routes are somewhat limited. While the players had options to peep into optional rooms here and there, they didn’t usually expand beyond the odd hallway or chamber. The remake, with its additional resources and technological advantages, has the opportunity to greatly expand upon the spooky metallic hell that is the USG Ishimura.
Graphics & Lighting Improvement
Time has been very kind to the original Dead Space. Despite having been released all the way back in 2008, the game barely shows its age thanks to some impeccable art direction, as well as smart use of environmental effects and lighting. Dead Space is one of the many horror games inspired by Silent Hill, so it makes sense that this careful use of resources to get around graphical limitations (while at the same time producing a spooky atmosphere) is reminiscent of that series.
Still, the most obvious advantage to remaking an old game comes in the graphical department. Despite the obvious ingenuity that went into the original title, giving it a fresh coat of paint is sure to allow the developers to make the experience even more atmospheric.
Additions To Environmental Detail
One of the most praised elements of the original Dead Space was how lived-in and real its environments felt, despite being largely abandoned. The heavy industrial aesthetic, as well as the scrawlings, voice logs, and detritus left behind by the crew struggling to survive the outbreak made the setting feel incredibly authentic, and has made the USG Ishimura one of the most iconic locales in horror gaming.
Naturally, the remake needs to not only do right by this legacy but improve upon it. Advances in graphical technology should allow the developers to make the environments even more detailed than they were in the original game,
Revamped Dismemberment System
One of the most exciting changes showcased in the remake thus far is the revamped dismemberment system. Dead Space players are keenly aware that the most efficient way to dispatch a Necromorph is to lop off its limbs with any number of improvised power tools. This is a key component of what makes combat in Dead Space so intense, so it’s good to see that it’s getting an update in the remake.
It appears that the developers have every intention of leveraging the advantages of modern technology to make the dismemberment system even more visceral. Enemy models now appear to react more realistically to being shot, with chunks of them blasting off in gory detail.
