Announced in 2021, EA Motive’sDead Spaceremake will be a fully next-gen version of the genre-defining 2008 game. While the spirit of the game will be the same as the original, 2022’sDead Spacewill attempt to not only upscale the look and feel of the firstDead Space, but also improve elements of combat and gameplay mechanics. One of the most immediate and obvious aspects that fans of the series have been able to see from the limited glimpses of the game is the visual improvements, with a major graphical overhaul as the developers completely rebuild the game in Frostbite.
Despite the improvements, fans are hoping that the game mostly stays true to the originalDead Spacewhich was met with critical acclaim for its atmosphere, design, and unique gameplay. However, alongside tweaks to improve the overall experience, players might want to see other new elements to ensure the game feels fresh and original, and not just a moment-for-moment remake. With roots in the horror genre,Dead Spacecould look to theResident Evilfranchisefor ideas on how to re-energize a game, while still maintaining the features that made it great in the first place.
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Motive Studios has said that it will stick to the original game’s story, with voice actor Gunner Wright returning to reprise his role as beleaguered engineer Isaac Clarke. Although dialogue wasn’t really a part of Issac’s depiction in the firstDead Space, it will be added sparingly to help add gravity to key moments. Apart from a handful of small changes, Motive is apparently committed to maintainingimportant elements of the originalDead Spacelike pacing, storylines, and themes.
Following in the footsteps of many modern remakes likeFinal Fantasy VII,Shadow of the Colossus, andHalo: Combat Evolved Anniversary,Dead Spacewill feature significant graphical improvementscompared to the original game. However, when it comes to a remake, fans are usually looking for more than just a prettier version of the game they played previously. In terms of nuanced upgrades, the developers could look to games likeResident Evil 2to see how it improved upon what came before, while still staying true to the spirit of the series.
TheResident Evilfranchise has seen a number of recent additions in the last few years, as well as someremakes of series classics likeResident Evil 2. In addition to giving the original games a much-needed makeover, the remakes have also vastly improved gameplay mechanics and added new story elements to help flesh out their predecessors. However, there is an element that was added between the firstResident Eviland its sequel that theDead Spacedevelopers could look at to inspire its own remake — the arrival of T-00, otherwise known as Mr. X.
There were big changes betweenResident EvilandResident Evil 2, not just in terms of gameplay, but also the setting, expanded storylines, and new playable characters. One of the most memorable new features in the sequel was the addition of themenacing Tyrant that pursued players through the Raccoon City Police Station. This relentless villain inspired unimaginable terror in players, and remains one of the series' most notorious bad guys.Dead Spacecould do with its own unsettling stalker enemy type — something that follows Issac through the USG Ishimura, and serves as an omnipresent menace as players attempt to complete missions.
Dead Spacedoesn’t necessarily need its very own Mr. X (even if the idea of a silent Necromorph stalker sounds as cool as it is traumatizing). Instead, the remake needs to find a unique element that sets it apart from not only the originalDead Spacegame, but also the other sequels in the series.
There’sso much to love about the firstDead Space, and fans are no doubt excited to get back inside the planetary mining ship. WhatResident Evil 2did so spectacularly was introduce new elements to theResident Evilformula that were groundbreaking and original, but still felt right for the series. TheDead Spaceremake needs to capture some of that same magic, or risk just feeling like a rehashed version of an older game.
TheDead Spaceremake is set to release in late 2022 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
