The Dead Space Remake, launched in 2023, revitalizes the legendary survival horror game for modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
Developed by Motive Studio and published by Electronic Arts (EA), the remake rebuilds the 2008 classic from the ground up, offering not only enhanced graphics and gameplay but also an enriched narrative experience.
By blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, the Dead Space Remake captures the spirit of the original while delivering a terrifyingly immersive experience suited for modern audiences.
In this part, we’ll explore the origins of the original Dead Space (2008), the journey to its remake, and the key improvements that made it a standout title in 2023.
The Legacy of Dead Space (2008): A Survival Horror Masterpiece
The original Dead Space released in 2008 was a groundbreaking title in the survival horror genre, known for its unique combat mechanics, deeply atmospheric setting, and terrifying enemies.
Developed by EA Redwood Shores—later rebranded as Visceral Games—the game was set in a bleak future where interstellar mining has become a common industry, and follows the story of Isaac Clarke, an engineer assigned to investigate the USG Ishimura, a massive mining ship that has gone silent.
The ship, however, is overrun by Necromorphs, grotesque monsters created from reanimated human corpses.
What made Dead Space stand out was its emphasis on strategic dismemberment—instead of the usual headshots typical of shooter games, players had to sever the limbs of Necromorphs to effectively neutralize them.
This mechanic, coupled with a heads-up display (HUD) integrated directly into Isaac’s suit (his health meter and ammunition count appearing as holograms on his equipment), made the game an immersive and strategic survival horror experience.
The original Dead Space also excelled at creating tension through its sound design.
The haunting creaks of the USG Ishimura, the distant growls of Necromorphs, and the unsettling score contributed to the claustrophobic and terrifying atmosphere of the game.
Players felt constantly vulnerable, as even the game’s resource management—where ammo and health were scarce—added to the tension.
Dead Space was not only critically acclaimed but also became a fan favorite, cementing its place as one of the defining games of the survival horror genre.
The Dormancy of the Franchise and Rise of the Remake
Despite the success of the original game, the Dead Space series saw a decline after the release of Dead Space 3 in 2013.
While the first two games were beloved for their pure survival horror focus, Dead Space 3 shifted toward a more action-oriented approach, a move that alienated long-time fans.
The addition of cooperative multiplayer, cover mechanics, and microtransactions—elements that clashed with the core horror experience—led to mixed reviews, and the franchise was put on hold after Dead Space 3.
The situation worsened when Visceral Games was shut down by EA in 2017, effectively ending any hope fans had for a continuation of the series.
However, despite its dormancy, the demand for a return to the franchise remained strong.
Players wanted a game that captured the essence of the original, and with the success of survival horror remakes like Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 3, EA began to consider a revival of Dead Space.
In July 2021, EA officially announced that a remake of the original Dead Space was in development, this time helmed by Motive Studio.
Development of the Dead Space Remake: A Modern Approach to Horror
Unlike a simple remaster, the Dead Space Remake is a full-fledged overhaul of the original game, built entirely in EA’s proprietary Frostbite Engine.
This engine, known for its cutting-edge visuals and physics, allowed the development team to enhance the game in every way, from graphical fidelity to gameplay mechanics.
According to Philippe Ducharme, the senior producer, and Roman Campos-Oriola, the creative director, the goal was not just to update the graphics but to elevate the entire experience for modern players.
Improved Visuals and Atmosphere
One of the biggest improvements in the remake is the visual fidelity, especially on platforms like the PS5.
The game now features volumetric and dynamic lighting, which brings the dark, eerie corridors of the USG Ishimura to life.
Shadows are more realistic, and the use of ray tracing adds depth to every flicker of light and shadow, making players constantly feel as though something is lurking just beyond their vision.
The USG Ishimura itself has been redesigned with much more detail, enhancing the oppressive, isolated atmosphere of the original.
Every inch of the ship, from the bloodstained walls to the mangled remains of crew members, adds to the immersive horror experience.
The upgraded textures and environmental details pull players deeper into the game’s world, amplifying the terror of navigating the ship’s derelict halls.
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Revamped Gameplay and New Features
Beyond the graphical upgrades, the Dead Space Remake introduces several key gameplay improvements that make it feel like a fresh experience, even for those familiar with the original.
Isaac Clarke Speaks
One of the most significant changes is the fact that Isaac Clarke is no longer a silent protagonist.
In the original 2008 game, Isaac communicated only through grunts, screams, and body language.
However, in the remake, he is fully voiced by Gunner Wright, who reprised his role from Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3.
This change allows Isaac to participate in conversations, express his fears, and interact with other characters, deepening the player’s connection to him and enhancing the narrative experience.
His dialogue helps flesh out the story, making interactions with characters like Kendra Daniels and Zach Hammond more meaningful.
Seamless Exploration
The game now offers a seamless experience with no loading screens, thanks to the power of modern consoles like the PS5’s solid-state drive (SSD).
Players can explore the massive, interconnected areas of the USG Ishimura without any interruptions, creating a more immersive experience.
This also adds to the tension, as players are constantly on edge, never knowing what horror awaits around the next corner.
Enhanced Combat Mechanics
The remake preserves the original’s iconic strategic dismemberment mechanic but adds new layers of depth.
The new peeling system allows players to see the flesh being stripped from Necromorphs as they attack, making each encounter more visceral and satisfying.
Different weapons are also more specialized in how they deal damage to enemies.
Some, like the Plasma Cutter, are perfect for dismembering limbs, while others, like the Pulse Rifle, are more effective at destroying enemies’ bodies entirely.
Dead Space Remake and PS5: A Perfect Match
The Dead Space Remake was designed to take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s powerful hardware, delivering an experience that is smoother, faster, and more immersive than ever before.
One of the standout features on the PS5 is the DualSense controller, which enhances gameplay through haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Players can feel every footstep, every weapon shot, and even the eerie vibrations of the Ishimura itself.
The triggers offer resistance when using different weapons, adding a physical layer of tension to combat encounters.
The 3D audio capabilities of the PS5 further enhance the horror experience.
With the game’s detailed audio design, players can hear every creak of the ship, every distant growl, and every scuttling Necromorph with terrifying clarity.
This heightened sense of spatial awareness keeps players constantly on edge, as they can often hear enemies before they see them.
Additionally, the PS5’s SSD eliminates the need for loading screens entirely, allowing players to explore the game world without breaks.
This seamless experience amplifies the tension, as there’s no downtime for players to catch their breath—the horror is relentless.
Dead Space Remake 2023 System Requirements
Dead Space Remake minimum PC requirements
- Windows 10 64-bit
- Ryzen 5 2600x / Intel Core i5 8600
- 16GB RAM
- AMD RX 5700 / Nvidia GTX 1070
- DirectX Version 12
- 50GB SATA SSD
Dead Space Remake recommended PC requirements
- Windows 10 64-bit
- Ryzen 5 5600x / Intel Core i5 11600K
- 16GB RAM
- Radeon RX 6700 XT / Nvidia Geforce RTX 2070
- DirectX Version 12
- 50GB SSD, PCIe compatible
Isaac Clarke: A More Engaging Protagonist
One of the most notable changes in the Dead Space Remake is the evolution of Isaac Clarke as a character.
Unlike in the original game, where Isaac was a silent protagonist, the remake gives him a voice, allowing him to interact with the world and other characters in a much more meaningful way.
Voiced once again by Gunner Wright, Isaac is no longer just a vessel for the player’s actions—he is a fully fleshed-out character with emotions, opinions, and reactions to the horrors unfolding around him.
By giving Isaac a voice, the remake adds layers of depth to the narrative.
He now participates in conversations with key characters like Kendra Daniels and Zach Hammond, creating more immersive story moments.
His dialogue often reflects the growing stress and desperation he feels as he fights for survival aboard the USG Ishimura.
Additionally, his verbal responses to events help to ground the player in the story, making them feel more connected to Isaac’s journey.
This change has a direct impact on the gameplay, too. Isaac’s communication allows for more dynamic interactions during missions, as he can now share his thoughts, ask questions, or react to situations in real-time.
This makes the player feel more like an active participant in the unfolding events, rather than a passive observer.
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Exploration and World Design: Navigating the USG Ishimura
One of the defining elements of the original Dead Space was the way it utilized the claustrophobic setting of the USG Ishimura to create tension and fear.
In the Dead Space Remake, this element has been expanded even further, with the ship now functioning as a fully interconnected environment that players can freely explore.
Seamless Exploration Without Loading Screens
Thanks to the power of modern consoles like the PS5, the Dead Space Remake introduces a seamless experience where players can explore the Ishimura without any loading screens.
This creates a more immersive environment, where there are no interruptions to break the tension.
The ship’s layout is divided into several major sections, such as Engineering, Medical, Hydroponics, and Crew Quarters, but these areas are now seamlessly connected.
Players can traverse between them freely, adding to the sense of dread as they uncover more of the ship’s dark secrets.
The removal of loading screens also increases the tension. In the original game, loading screens offered brief moments of respite, allowing players to catch their breath between terrifying encounters. In the remake, however, the horror is continuous.
The player is always on edge, never knowing when the next Necromorph might appear or when the environment itself might pose a threat.
Power Rerouting and Security Clearances
One of the new features introduced in the remake is the power rerouting mechanic, which adds another layer of strategic decision-making to the game.
At various points, players must choose how to divert power to different sections of the ship to progress.
These decisions can impact the environment around Isaac, such as shutting down life support systems or disabling certain lights, increasing the tension as players must balance survival with exploration.
Additionally, the remake introduces security clearances as a new gameplay mechanic.
Isaac can now access locked doors and containers using security badges that he collects throughout the game.
This replaces the old system of using Power Nodes to unlock rooms, streamlining the process and encouraging players to explore every corner of the Ishimura to find upgrades and resources.
Combat: Strategic Dismemberment and New Gore Mechanics
Combat in the Dead Space Remake retains the original game’s focus on strategic dismemberment but with several key improvements that make encounters with Necromorphs more intense and visceral than ever before.
Enhanced Dismemberment and Peeling System
In the original Dead Space, combat revolved around dismembering Necromorphs by cutting off their limbs to incapacitate or kill them.
The remake builds on this mechanic with a new peeling system, which allows players to tear away layers of flesh from Necromorphs’ bodies, revealing bones and internal structures.
This system adds a new level of gruesome detail to combat, as every shot now leaves a visible impact on the enemy.
Different weapons interact with Necromorphs in unique ways. For example, the Plasma Cutter remains the go-to tool for severing limbs with precision, while the Pulse Rifle can tear through flesh, making it better for crowd control.
This variety forces players to think tactically about how they engage enemies, especially in situations where ammo is scarce.
The peeling system also enhances the horror aspect of the game. As Necromorphs charge at Isaac, their bodies visibly deteriorate with each hit, but they continue to fight until they are fully incapacitated.
This relentless nature of the enemies, combined with the enhanced gore, makes every encounter a heart-pounding experience.
Weapon Upgrades and Customization
In addition to the enhanced dismemberment system, the Dead Space Remake also revamps how players upgrade and acquire weapons.
In the original game, players had to find blueprints and spend credits at the suit kiosk to buy new weapons.
In the remake, however, weapons are now unlocked simply by progressing through the story, making them more accessible.
Upgrading weapons still involves finding Power Nodes, but the system has been expanded.
Each weapon has its own upgrade tree, and players can now find weapon parts scattered throughout the Ishimura that add new functionalities to the weapons.
For instance, some upgrades might increase the weapon’s magazine size, while others could add an area-of-effect attack or improve damage output.
This encourages players to explore and experiment with different combat strategies, as each weapon can be customized to suit different playstyles.
Zero-Gravity Navigation: A Game-Changer for Exploration
One of the standout features in the original Dead Space was the zero-gravity sections, where Isaac could navigate areas of the Ishimura without being bound by traditional movement.
The remake takes this concept even further by giving Isaac thrusters, allowing him to move freely in zero-gravity environments.
In the original game, players could only jump between specific points in zero-gravity areas, which limited their mobility.
In the remake, Isaac has complete freedom of movement, which opens up new possibilities for exploration and combat.
Players can now navigate complex zero-gravity puzzles, dodge enemies in mid-air, and explore hidden areas that were previously unreachable.
This added mobility not only makes the zero-gravity sections more dynamic but also adds a new layer of challenge.
Enemies can now attack from any direction, forcing players to stay alert and adapt to the shifting combat landscape.
The fluid movement system also enhances the overall sense of immersion, as players feel more in control of Isaac’s actions in these weightless environments.
Immersive Sound Design and 3D Audio
The original Dead Space was widely praised for its sound design, which played a crucial role in creating its oppressive atmosphere.
In the remake, the developers have taken this a step further with 3D audio, which is especially impactful on the PS5.
Players can hear every distant creak, every ominous growl, and every sudden clang of metal with pinpoint accuracy.
This heightened audio experience keeps players on edge, as they are constantly aware of sounds coming from all directions.
Whether it’s the sound of a Necromorph scuttling through the air ducts or the eerie hum of the ship’s failing systems, the audio design is an essential part of the Dead Space experience.
On PS5, the DualSense controller enhances this further with haptic feedback, allowing players to feel the subtle vibrations of the environment.
When Isaac walks through the Ishimura, players can feel the rumble of machinery or the shock of explosions through the controller, adding an extra layer of immersion.
The adaptive triggers also provide tactile feedback when firing weapons, adding weight and tension to every shot.
Resource Management: A Return to Survival Horror Roots
While Dead Space 3 leaned heavily into action and introduced microtransactions that allowed players to buy resources, the remake has made a conscious decision to return to the franchise’s survival horror roots.
Resource management is once again a key aspect of gameplay, with limited ammo, health packs, and credits forcing players to carefully plan their approach to each encounter.
Players must constantly scavenge for supplies, searching every corner of the Ishimura for loot.
Every decision, from upgrading a weapon to using a health pack, must be made with caution, as resources are scarce and enemies are relentless.
This return to survival horror emphasizes the tension and desperation that made the original Dead Space so iconic.
The Role of Fear and Psychological Horror
The Dead Space Remake doesn’t just rely on jump scares and combat to instill fear in the player—it also delves deeper into psychological horror.
As Isaac progresses through the Ishimura, he experiences hallucinations and unsettling visions, often related to his deteriorating mental state and his guilt over his missing girlfriend, Nicole Brennan.
These hallucinations blur the line between reality and illusion, keeping players constantly questioning what is real.
At times, players might see visions of Nicole or hear eerie whispers that heighten the tension.
This psychological aspect adds depth to the horror, making the remake more than just a game about physical survival—it’s also a story about Isaac’s struggle to maintain his sanity in the face of overwhelming terror.
Critical Reception: A Strong Return to Form
The Dead Space Remake received generally positive reviews from critics and players, with most praising its fidelity to the original, its modern improvements, and its ability to instill terror in a new generation of gamers.
On the review aggregator Metacritic, the game scored an 87/100 on PC, 89/100 on PS5, and 89/100 on Xbox Series X/S, reflecting a strong consensus that the remake was a worthy successor to the original.
Praise for Atmosphere and Graphics
One of the most widely praised aspects of the remake was its ability to preserve the atmosphere of the original Dead Space while enhancing it with modern visuals and audio.
Critics lauded the improvements in lighting, shadow effects, and sound design, all of which contributed to a more immersive and terrifying experience.
The game’s use of ray tracing on modern consoles like the PS5 created a more realistic environment, where flickering lights and deep shadows added to the constant feeling of dread.
IGN, one of the leading gaming websites, praised Motive Studio for “rejuvenating the original game’s setting with its stunningly redesigned spaceship, smartly and subtly enhanced story, and spectacularly re-imagined action scenes.”
This sentiment was echoed by other outlets like GamesRadar+, which described the remake as “an impressively faithful adaptation with thoughtful improvements.”
Gameplay Enhancements: More Than Just a Visual Upgrade
While many remakes rely solely on graphical upgrades, the Dead Space Remake was praised for improving the gameplay as well.
The introduction of Isaac Clarke’s voice added depth to the story, making interactions with other characters more dynamic and emotional.
Critics also appreciated the new zero-gravity mechanics, which allowed for greater freedom of movement and exploration compared to the original.
The new peeling system was another feature that garnered positive attention. By adding more layers to the Necromorph dismemberment mechanics, the game heightened the gore and made combat feel more visceral.
GameSpot, in its review, stated that the remake was “the quintessential way to play one of the survival horror genre’s best,” highlighting that the core mechanics had been smartly refined without losing the essence of what made the original so iconic.
Criticism: Minor Areas for Improvement
Although the game was largely well-received, some criticisms emerged, particularly regarding its boss fights and certain design elements that hadn’t evolved much from the original.
Kotaku noted that the boss battles remained “methodical and, at times, boring,” suggesting that more could have been done to modernize these encounters for current-gen players.
Others pointed out that some of the game’s tension dissipated as players became more accustomed to the enhanced combat mechanics, making late-game encounters feel less impactful.
Despite these minor criticisms, most reviews concluded that the remake was a successful and faithful recreation of the original, with enough new elements to keep it fresh for both returning fans and newcomers to the series.
Sales Performance: A Mixed Picture
Upon its release, the Dead Space Remake performed well in several key markets but didn’t reach the commercial heights some had predicted.
In the United States, the game was the second best-selling title in January 2023, just behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. This was a notable achievement given the long hiatus of the franchise and the competitive nature of the gaming market at the time.
In the United Kingdom, the game debuted at the top of the sales charts, becoming one of the best-selling horror IPs in the country.
However, its sales were lower than that of The Callisto Protocol, a game with a similar theme that was released shortly before the Dead Space Remake.
By the second month, the remake had dropped to third and sixth place in the UK charts, showing a sharp decline in sales momentum.
Despite initial success, the game’s overall sales numbers were reportedly lower than EA had hoped for, particularly compared to other remakes like Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 3.
VG247 reported that while the game performed well enough to justify its development, its sales didn’t reach blockbuster levels.
The reason for this drop-off could be attributed to several factors, including the fact that Dead Space is a niche survival horror franchise and that the market for horror games is smaller compared to more mainstream genres like action or first-person shooters.
Accolades and Nominations
The Dead Space Remake may not have broken sales records, but it was well-received by the gaming community and earned several nominations in prestigious awards.
At the Game Awards 2023, the game was nominated for Best Audio Design, a testament to the incredible sound work that went into creating the eerie atmosphere of the USG Ishimura.
In 2024, the remake was nominated for the Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake at the 13th New York Game Awards, alongside other critically acclaimed remakes and remasters.
Additionally, it received a nomination for Action Game of the Year at the 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, cementing its place as one of the standout titles of 2023.
While it didn’t sweep the awards circuit, the Dead Space Remake was widely acknowledged for its technical achievements and its contribution to the survival horror genre.
Many fans and industry insiders viewed it as a successful revival of a beloved franchise that had lain dormant for too long.
Future of the Dead Space Franchise: Uncertainty and Speculation
With the success of the Dead Space Remake, many fans hoped that this would mark the beginning of a full revival of the Dead Space series, potentially leading to remakes of the second and third games, or even an entirely new sequel. However, the future of the franchise remains uncertain.
Rumors of Dead Space 2 Remake
Shortly after the release of the Dead Space Remake, rumors began to circulate that Motive Studio was working on a remake of Dead Space 2.
This was exciting news for fans, as Dead Space 2 is often regarded as one of the best entries in the series.
The game expanded on the original with deeper character development, more diverse environments, and improved combat mechanics, all of which would benefit from modern enhancements similar to those seen in the remake of the first game.
In April 2024, journalist Jeff Grubb reported that a remake of Dead Space 2 was in the concept phase of development.
However, this news was soon followed by rumors that the project had been canceled due to the “lackluster” sales of the first remake.
According to Grubb, EA was hesitant to invest further in the franchise without clear evidence that it could generate blockbuster sales figures.
EA’s Response and Alternative Projects
Despite these rumors, EA has not confirmed any plans for a Dead Space 2 remake, and a source told IGN that the first remake was considered a success internally.
However, Motive Studio is currently focused on other projects, including the development of an Iron Man game and continued support for the Battlefield series.
Industry insiders, such as Jason Schreier of Bloomberg, have also reported that Motive Studio spent some time after the release of the Dead Space Remake exploring ideas for a new entry in the franchise, rather than another remake.
Schreier suggested that Motive was interested in creating a sequel to the remake, potentially continuing Isaac Clarke’s story in a new direction.
Unfortunately, this project was never greenlit, and it was shelved due to the relatively modest sales of the Dead Space Remake.
Legacy and Impact of the Dead Space Remake
Although the future of the Dead Space franchise remains uncertain, the impact of the 2023 remake cannot be understated.
The game successfully brought Dead Space back into the spotlight after years of dormancy, and it introduced a new generation of players to the survival horror masterpiece.
The game’s success in recreating the terror and tension of the original, while also adding modern gameplay and visual enhancements, has earned it a place among the best remakes in recent years.
The remake’s success has also highlighted the continued demand for high-quality, single-player, narrative-driven games in a gaming landscape that is increasingly dominated by live-service models and multiplayer experiences.
The Dead Space Remake serves as a reminder that there is still a strong audience for immersive, story-rich horror games, and it could pave the way for more horror franchises to make a return in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Dead Space Remake stands as a successful revival of a classic survival horror game, bringing the original’s eerie atmosphere, tense combat, and immersive storytelling into the modern era.
Developed by Motive Studio using the Frostbite Engine, the remake delivered enhanced visuals, improved gameplay mechanics, and a more developed protagonist in Isaac Clarke.
Though its sales may not have reached blockbuster levels, it received critical acclaim and strong praise from fans, proving that the demand for high-quality, single-player horror experiences remains alive.
The game solidifies Dead Space’s legacy as a defining survival horror series, even as the future of the franchise remains uncertain.
FAQs
Q: What platforms is the Dead Space Remake available on?
The Dead Space Remake is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows PC.
Q: Is the Dead Space Remake a direct copy of the original game?
No, it’s a full remake with enhanced graphics, gameplay improvements, and additional voice acting for Isaac Clarke.
Q: Is Isaac Clarke voiced in the remake?
Yes, Gunner Wright reprises his role as Isaac Clarke, giving the character a voice in the remake.
Q: Does the remake include microtransactions?
No, the Dead Space Remake does not include any microtransactions.
Q: Are there any changes to the combat system?
Yes, the remake introduces a new “peeling system” that makes dismembering enemies more visceral and detailed.
Q: Can you freely explore the USG Ishimura?
Yes, the USG Ishimura is now a fully interconnected environment that players can explore without loading screens.
Q: Will there be a Dead Space 2 Remake?
As of now, a Dead Space 2 Remake has not been confirmed, and its development is uncertain.
Q: What’s the main improvement on PS5?
The main improvements are 3D audio, haptic feedback via the DualSense controller, ray tracing, and no loading screens.
