Dead Space Remake Review

Since the announcement of the Dead Space Remake, I’ve been excited to see this iconic series revived. And it’s not just me; fans around the world feel the same way. This remake might pave the way for new installments. But why remake a game that’s still playable by today’s standards? Why not just release a high-quality remaster?

I didn’t have an answer at first, but my opinion changed after playing the remake. It feels like a completely new game released in 2023. But is it worth $70?

Story

The game follows a strange incident aboard the USG Ishimura space station, which loses contact with Earth. A rescue team, including engineer Isaac Clarke, arrives only to have their ship damaged. They discover that the station’s crew has been transformed into zombie-like creatures due to an outbreak.

While the story is straightforward, the atmosphere sets the game apart. It builds tension through tight spaces, limited ammunition, and terrifying enemy encounters. The narrative gets more engaging near the end, but don’t expect deep drama or complex storytelling in the early parts.

Gameplay

Gameplay revolves around combat, puzzles, and exploration. The puzzles are simple but rely on quick thinking. Exploration is mostly linear, while the combat includes intense boss fights.

The combat stands out. Instead of traditional headshots, you strategically dismember enemies by targeting their limbs. This unique mechanic, combined with high gore levels, was groundbreaking when the original was released. The remake uses the Frostbite engine to enhance these details significantly.

The survival aspect is amplified by the game’s space setting. The vast, dark, and mysterious environment creates a constant sense of danger. If you have claustrophobia, navigating the Ishimura might feel genuinely terrifying.

Dead Space is best experienced in a dark room with good headphones, ideally ones supporting 3D audio. But what new features does the remake bring?

What’s New in the Dead Space Remake?

One major addition is that Isaac now talks. In the original, he was silent, but his voice acting in the remake brings depth to his character. Unlike some games, where dialogue feels forced or excessive, Isaac’s lines are well-timed and meaningful.

Graphics have been overhauled with high-quality lighting, smoke effects, and environmental details. The game runs exceptionally well even on mid-range hardware. On a GTX 1650 with 16GB RAM and an Intel i7 processor, it achieved 90 FPS on High settings.

The Ishimura feels more alive. Environmental storytelling is now on par with games like The Last of Us, making every corner tell a story about the world’s state.

Additionally, the game introduces a Metroidvania-style map design, encouraging backtracking and re-exploration with new tools. Zero-gravity sections are now fully 360-degree, offering more freedom. Weapon upgrades resemble modern skill trees, adding depth to progression.

Sound effects and weapon audio have been revamped for added realism, and visual effects during combat are more dynamic.

New puzzles add variety, breaking the tension and requiring more critical thinking. The game’s audio design and music match EA’s high standards, enhancing immersion significantly.

Is It Worth $70?

Dead Space Remake is the best way to experience the original. If you haven’t played the first game, it’s worth the price. However, if you’ve played it recently, you might hesitate to spend that much without new content. Unlike Resident Evil 2 Remake, this stays faithful to the original without drastic changes.

Rating

9.5/10