Dead Space 3 and Resident Evil 4, and their impacts on their respective series, are hugely different. Resident Evil 4 is a beloved game that is widely regarded as one of the most impactful horror titles of all time, as it was a unique blend between the horror style of the earlier entries and the action focus of Resident Evil 5 and 6. While it is often viewed as the best entry in the Resident Evil series, Dead Space 3 is the complete opposite.
Going too far in the action direction, Dead Space 3 drops the intense scares of the first two games for over-the-top co-op set pieces and predictable waves of Necromorphs. The creeping horror present in the first few entries is nowhere to be seen, and while the game has some strengths like its setting and gunplay, it ultimately failed to meet expectations. Fortunately, Capcom’s plans for Resident Evil 4 provide the ideal template for a Dead Space 3 remake, and they should show Motive that an altered version of the third game could be a hit.
Dead Space 3 Could Change Just Like Resident Evil 4
Though Resident Evil 4 is beloved by many, Capcom is still making changes to the title with the upcoming remake. Aiming to deliver a more serious story with intimidating foes and less cheesy dialogue, the remake seems poised to have a very different tone from the original. While it remains to be seen how fans respond to the new version of Leon and some potential changes to his story, this approach is one that would greatly benefit a Dead Space 3 remake.
Thus far, there has been plenty of discussion around Capcom making Resident Evil 4’s Ganados more intimidating, reworking sections where the zombified villagers are featured to be far scarier. This is exactly what Dead Space 3 would benefit from, as EA Motive could add more terrifying Necromorph encounters while de-emphasizing the combat against human foes. Some of the sections that do exist could be updated to be more horrifying, with some more unexpected Necromorph attacks and tense buildup before bigger encounters sure to be welcome additions.
Based on Resident Evil 4 remake's reveal trailer, gamers could be looking at a far more serious version of the story that matches the remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 3 in terms of its tone. This would be a great change for Dead Space 3, with Motive potentially dropping things that did not work, like the love triangle between Ellie, Isaac, and Norton. In its place, some more terrifying moments with Carver could be introduced, as the scenarios where he saw things that Isaac did not were major highlights of Dead Space 3.
Lastly, it can be assumed that there will be no microtransactions in Resident Evil 4 remake, and the same approach should be taken if Dead Space 3 ever receives a modern makeover. Though the weapon crafting of the third entry should have been a highlight, as combining weapons together was an awesome idea, it proved hugely controversial due to the presence of Dead Space 3's microtransactions. By taking this controversial element out of the game, a Dead Space 3 remake would instantly be more popular than the version that launched back in 2013.
Though it is unclear if the Dead Space remake will be a big enough success to result in remakes of Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, EA Motive’s passion suggests that the first game’s remake will deliver in a big way. If it does, and remakes of the other two games are greenlit, Motive should pay particular attention to Dead Space 3. Though it would take some effort, there is a pathway to make it a great game, leaning into its strengths and eliminating its weaknesses. Just like with the Resident Evil 4 remake, a change in tone would go a long way to improving the Dead Space 3 experience.
Dead Space 3 is available now on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.