Announced in 2021, EA Motive's Dead Space remake will be a fully next-gen version of the genre-defining 2008 game. While the spirit of the game will be the same as the original, 2022's Dead Space will attempt to not only upscale the look and feel of the first Dead Space, but also improve elements of combat and gameplay mechanics. One of the most immediate and obvious aspects that fans of the series have been able to see from the limited glimpses of the game is the visual improvements, with a major graphical overhaul as the developers completely rebuild the game in Frostbite.

Despite the improvements, fans are hoping that the game mostly stays true to the original Dead Space which was met with critical acclaim for its atmosphere, design, and unique gameplay. However, alongside tweaks to improve the overall experience, players might want to see other new elements to make sure the game feels fresh and original, and not just a moment-for-moment remake. With roots in the horror genre, Dead Space could look to the Resident Evil franchise for ideas on how to re-energize a game, while still maintaining the features that made it great in the first place.

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The Direction of the Dead Space Remake

Dead Space CROPPED

Motive Studios has said that it will stick to the original game's story, with voice actor Gunner Wright returning to reprise his role as beleaguered engineer Isaac Clarke. Although dialogue wasn't really a part of Issac's depiction in the first Dead Space, it will be added sparingly to help add gravity to key moments. Apart from a handful of small changes, Motive is apparently committed to maintaining important elements of the original Dead Space like pacing, storylines, and themes.

Following in the footsteps of many modern remakes like Final Fantasy VII, Shadow of the Colossus, and Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Dead Space will feature significant graphical improvements compared to the original game. However, when it comes to a remake, fans are usually looking for more than just a prettier version of the game they played previously. In terms of nuanced upgrades, the developers could look to games like Resident Evil 2 to see how it improved upon what came before, while still staying true to the spirit of the series.

Elements That Dead Space Could Borrow From Resident Evil

Resident Evil 2 Mr. X

The Resident Evil franchise has seen a number of recent additions in the last few years, as well as some remakes of series classics like Resident Evil 2. In addition to giving the original games a much-needed makeover, the remakes have also vastly improved gameplay mechanics and added new story elements to help flesh out their predecessors. However, there is an element that was added between the first Resident Evil and its sequel that the Dead Space developers could look at to inspire its own remake — the arrival of T-00, otherwise known as Mr. X.

There were big changes between Resident Evil and Resident Evil 2, not just in terms of gameplay, but also the setting, expanded storylines, and new playable characters. One of the most memorable new features in the sequel was the addition of the menacing Tyrant that pursued players through the Raccoon City Police Station. This relentless villain inspired unimaginable terror in players, and remains one of the series' most notorious bad guys. Dead Space could do with its own unsettling stalker enemy type — something that follows Issac through the USG Ishimura, and serves as an omnipresent menace as players attempt to complete missions.

Dead Space doesn't necessarily need its very own Mr. X (even if the idea of a silent Necromorph stalker sounds as cool as it is traumatizing). Instead, the remake needs to find a unique element that sets it apart from not only the original Dead Space game, but also the other sequels in the series.

There's so much to love about the first Dead Space, and fans are no doubt excited to get back inside the planetary mining ship. What Resident Evil 2 did so spectacularly was introduce new elements to the Resident Evil formula that were groundbreaking and original, but still felt right for the series. The Dead Space remake needs to capture some of that same magic, or risk just feeling like a rehashed version of an older game.

The Dead Space remake is set to release in late 2022 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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