With EA announcing a new Dead Space title will be coming next year, fans of the series are no doubt jumping about with glee. Well, brace yourselves: the latest rumors point to Dead Space 3 featuring drop-in and drop-out coop. You heard that right.
Dead Space 3 will see a new character join Issac Clarke in his mission, serving as a guide throughout the main campaign. No name was given, but the man will wear their own RIG suit – though, unlike Issac, this one will emit a red glow from the helmet. When his helmet is off, players can expect to see a lovely scar on his face. We wonder if this is the Shadow Issac that was mentioned a few months ago.
According to IGN‘s source, this new character will also serve as a co-op partner, with players able to drop in and out of co-op at whim. However, those playing solo will see a slightly altered story. For example, players in co-op will see Issac and the new character appear together in cutscenes, while those who play solo will only see Issac. As well, Issac’s moments of psychological torment will be absent during co-op play. Well, at least he won’t appear in solo games.
The co-op mode will also see players work together to solve puzzles, using some of Issac’s staple abilities such as telekinesis and stasis. Interestingly, once a player goes down they cannot be revived, the checkpoint will instead be reloaded – makes sense considering the gruesome ways Issac can die in the first two games.
Now, I’m an open minded guy; I don’t really have problems with change in a game. If a studio thinks it’s a good idea to “modernize” or “streamline” their games, I’m all for it. But this just seems… off. It’s not that co-op wouldn’t work in the Dead Space universe – it worked well in Dead Space: Extraction- but for the core titles I’ve always felt that it was about the solo experience, being isolated and able to explore the environment at one’s own pace. That said, if what IGN‘s source says is true, then co-op is entirely optional. Let’s just hope there aren’t any co-op only achievements – since some players won’t likely have an interest in playing Resident Evil 5 with necromorphs.
Oh, and apparently Issac is now able to crouch, do evasive rolls and get into firefights with human enemies. Another series of controversial choices.
Ranters, what do you think of these rumors? Is EA making Dead Space too action-centric, or is this the right move for the franchise?
-
Follow me on Twitter @AnthonyMole.
Source: IGN
GR Giveaway: Win a Superhero-Sized Trip to San Diego This July! [Update: MORE Prizes!] 
Microsoft: Banned Players Lose Access to Purchased Xbox One Games [UPDATED] 
Xbox One Policies ‘Alienated Entire Military’; Entertainment Research Forecasts Trouble 
Xbox One E3 Demos Found Running on Windows 7 PCs 
Loading ...
I suppose I’m a bit worried about this. I can imagine how co-op could be a lot of fun in a Dead Space game, but I agree that it would be quite disappointing to have the co-op affect the core, single-player experience. As long as they get that part right, I’m fine with whatever else they want to add to it. But it seems like it would make more sense to do some sort of spin-off that’s designed specifically for co-op.
I feel like it’s a great thing to try to mix things up. You don’t want people losing interest in the “same game, different location” type of ordeal. It also adds to the hype and curiosity that comes with eagerly waiting for a game’s release. I have confidence that if there is co-op in Dead Space it will still have horror elements, especially since if one character dies, they both have to go back to checkpoint. Great move on their part for that idea. But if it’s going to affect the psychological parts in the game by going co-op, I’m going to play through on singleplayer and then go into co-op because I love the psychological side of games. One major reason why I’m super excited for Halo 4.
Im not too worried yet but u will be playing through solo 1st and then co-op after. Let’s just make sure it’s completely optional because the single player aspect is what makes Dead Space. As for the other changes I’m also cooh with because DS1 Isaac was stiff and DS2 was a great improvement and now with this title he will be able to maneuver a lot better. By the way this will NOT be anything like RE5.
A new Dead Space? Sounds cooler when you add the idea of a shadow Isaac, although that implies more insanity.