Dead Space is a revered classic of the survival horror genre, and the sci-fi shooter has been terrifying players since its release in 2008. It has spawned two sequels, as well as a comic book prequel, an anime adaptation, and a Dead Space remake is set to be released in 2022.
However, the new title will face stiff competition from other sci-fi horror games like The Callisto Protocol, whose developer Striking Distance Studios was founded by one of the Dead Space co-creators, Glen Schofield. If the Dead Space remake wants to recapture the success of its predecessor, it must avoid several pitfalls that threaten to drag it into the void.
How Dead Space Became a Horror Classic
The first Dead Space was released on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, and was an attempt to transplant the survival horror gameplay and atmosphere of titles like Resident Evil and Silent Hill into an outer space setting. Developed by EA Redwood Shores — subsequently known as Visceral Games before its eventual closure — the title sees a silent protagonist, Isaac Clarke, exploring the stricken mining vessel the USG Ishimura.
On board, he battles not only the ship’s terrifying legions of Necromorphs, but also his own deteriorating psychological state. The game’s harrowing story unfolds through a third-person viewpoint similar to that of Resident Evil 4, and features environmental puzzles to break up the frantic and frightening shooter action.
Dead Space received positive reviews for its dread-inducing atmosphere, terrifying creature design, tension-building soundtrack, and innovative dismemberment mechanics. It was also praised for its immersive HUD, with mission objectives and key story beats communicated via holographic overlays to avoid interrupting the gameplay, and Isaac’s health depicted via a colored tube on the back of his suit.
The game’s sequels diverged from the original’s formula, with Dead Space 2 imbuing Isaac Clarke with a much more talkative (and amusingly foul-mouthed) personality, and Dead Space 3 including an additional protagonist to support its co-operative mode. However, the third installment was not commercially successful, and the closure of Visceral Games left the franchise drifting in the abyss.
Pitfalls the Dead Space Remake Must Dodge
The resurrection of the gruesome franchise has delighted fans of the original trilogy, but the Dead Space remake could yet be as unsuccessful as the series' most recent installment if it does not avoid some potential problems. The developer, EA’s Motive Studios, must resist the urge to mirror other modern AAA releases, and remember what made Dead Space so popular in the first place.
The first and most critical risk is that the developer decides to follow the Dead Space 3 template and make the new game focus on action rather than horror. Dead Space was a terrifying game, and its slow-paced opening followed by a sudden and brutal reveal of the Necromorphs is one of the best introductions in gaming history. The Last Of Us 2 proved that horror games can still be cinematic and action-packed without losing the constant tension and terror that is crucial to their effectiveness, something the Dead Space remake should emulate
Another potential downfall of the reboot is excessive padding. Although the first Dead Space was considered lengthy at the time, with its main game lasting around 11 hours, this would be considered short by modern standards. AAA developers have often packed hours of content into modern titles, but if the Dead Space remake becomes a cumbersome open world game or otherwise overstays its welcome, the atmosphere could completely evaporate. Franchise fans will expect a lean, nasty, perfectly-paced survival horror experience.
Silent protagonists are less fashionable in modern games than they were back in 2008, and fans have already been informed that Isaac Clarke will be more talkative in the Dead Space remake. However, if the game is set to feature increased amounts of dialogue, Motive must ensure that the writing is up to the standards of Isaac Clarke’s namesakes, Arthur C, and Asimov. A clunky, or otherwise substandard script could rapidly erode any dread that the game’s brilliant creature design, atmospheric lighting, and haunting environments manage to conjure, turning the title from sci-fi horror epic to tawdry space opera.
A final issue that must be addressed is the inclusion of microtransactions in Dead Space 3. This decision was surely a final nail in the game’s coffin, and received heavy criticism from reviewers and fans alike. Microtransactions are simply not suitable for an action-adventure game, being not only immersion-breaking, but also risking being perceived as a shameless cash grab. It seems clear that if Motive wants its Dead Space remake to be successful, the inclusion of in-game microtransactions could prove more destructive than a cargo bay full of Necromorphs.
Dead Space remains a true survival horror classic, and Motive Studios faces a challenge in crafting a remake that is faithful to the original while appealing to a modern audience. The fact that the first game is barely a decade old brings further difficulties, as a simple graphical overhaul will not be enough to convince gamers of the remake’s quality. The developer will need to go further and take risks if it is to succeed, while avoiding some of the pitfalls that have plagued other remakes. Fans eagerly await the results of Motive’s efforts in 2022, when they hope — contrary to the old adage — that in space, there are plenty of deafening screams.
The Dead Space remake releases in late 2022 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.