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The Dead Space franchise holds a hallowed place in the survival horror genre. Not only captivating players upon its original release, it has served as inspiration for numerous contemporary horror titles, including recent releases like The Callisto Protocol and Alien: Isolation. After a period of dormancy, the franchise has been resurrected with a stunning remake. But does the 2023 Dead Space live up to the legacy and satisfy fans after nearly a decade of absence?

A dark, atmospheric shot of Isaac Clarke standing in a corridor on the USG Ishimura, illuminated by the light from his helmet. Debris and bloodstains are visible on the walls and floor.

A Visually Stunning Nightmare

The remake throws players back into the heavy boots of engineer Isaac Clarke as he navigates the derelict USG Ishimura, a colossal spaceship overrun by grotesque Necromorphs. The most striking improvement is undoubtedly the game’s visuals. Rebuilt from the ground up using the Frostbite engine, the same engine powering visually impressive EA titles like Battlefield 2042 and Need for Speed Unbound, Dead Space 2023 looks incredible. Isaac’s suit, once a patchwork of seemingly flimsy materials, now boasts intricate detailing, with reinforced plating and realistic fabric textures. Upgrades further enhance this, culminating in a truly imposing, weighty suit of armor that audibly conveys its mass with each clanking step.

Isaac Clarke in an advanced suit, showcasing the detailed textures and metallic sheen. The surrounding environment shows signs of decay and disrepair.

The environmental design masterfully portrays the ship’s desolate state, with debris scattered throughout, bloodstains smeared across surfaces, and the unsettling presence of fleshy Guardians clinging to the walls, creating a constant sense of lurking danger. Dead Space doesn’t rely solely on jump scares to evoke fear. Instead, it expertly utilizes lighting and shadows to limit the player’s perception of their surroundings. Much of the game is shrouded in darkness, punctuated by flickering lights and the narrow beam of Isaac’s weapon.

A dimly lit corridor on the Ishimura. The limited visibility and eerie atmosphere heighten the sense of dread.

The unsettling sounds of approaching Necromorphs, combined with the limited visibility, create an atmosphere of constant tension and dread. This is amplified by the Circuit Breaker mechanic, which forces players to divert power from lighting systems to activate doors or elevators, plunging them into near-total darkness and leaving them vulnerable to attack.

Isaac Clarke using Kinesis to manipulate an object in zero gravity. The environment showcases the improved zero-gravity movement mechanics.

Enhanced Gameplay and Immersion

The strategic dismemberment system, a core element of the Dead Space experience, has been significantly refined. Rather than simply severing limbs, players can now witness the progressive damage inflicted on Necromorphs. Each shot peels away flesh and exposes bone, culminating in the final, satisfying dismemberment. This is particularly evident on higher difficulty settings, where multiple precise shots are required to sever a limb, adding weight to every shot and emphasizing the strategic importance of targeting weak points.

A close-up shot of Isaac firing the Plasma Cutter at a Necromorph's leg. The limb shows signs of damage, with exposed flesh and bone.

Zero-gravity sections have also seen a major overhaul. Gone are the fixed points of the original; players now enjoy full 360-degree freedom of movement. This adds a new layer of depth and challenge, as Necromorphs can attack from any angle.

Isaac Clarke floating in zero gravity, aiming his weapon. The environment showcases the vastness of space and the Ishimura's exterior.

Harnessing the power of current-gen hardware, Dead Space 2023 employs a seamless, one-shot camera technique, reminiscent of God of War and God of War Ragnarok. The entire game unfolds without loading screens, creating a truly immersive and uninterrupted experience. Even saving and shopping occur in real-time, increasing the tension and risk of encountering Necromorphs. The addition of Gunner Wright, the voice of Isaac in Dead Space 2 and 3, further enhances the narrative. While the story remains largely unchanged, Isaac’s newfound voice adds a layer of personality and emotional depth.

Isaac Clarke aiming his weapon in a dark corridor. The image highlights the atmospheric lighting and the tension of the gameplay.

Minor Gripes

Despite its many strengths, the Dead Space remake isn’t without its flaws. The newly introduced side missions, while adding to the lore, are unfortunately locked behind chapter progression. This requires frequent backtracking, disrupting the pacing and potentially diminishing the impact of climactic moments. The abundance of save stations, coupled with their somewhat lengthy animation, can also interrupt the flow of gameplay.

Isaac Clarke exploring the Ishimura. The image highlights the detailed environment and the overall visual fidelity of the remake.

Conclusion

Despite these minor shortcomings, the Dead Space remake is a remarkable achievement. It successfully modernizes a classic while preserving its core identity, delivering a terrifyingly beautiful and immersive horror experience. This is a must-play for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.