With all the features introduced in EA Motive's Dead Space remake, the absence of a photo mode is a real missed opportunity. Announced in 2021, the Dead Space remake adds substantial improvements to the original 2008 game, from newly recorded dialogue for the previously silent protagonist Isaac Clarke to updated music and sound, not to mention elements like alternate endings. At times, the remake feels and looks like a new game altogether, creating a frightening experience for veterans and newcomers alike.
All the improvements that grace the blood-soaked decks of Dead Space's mysterious USG Ishimura prioritize player immersion. The remake's upgraded graphics were built from the ground up, making Dead Space on-par with many other amazing-looking modern games. Moreover, sound upgrades make each horrific level the player goes through feel more realistic. A dimly lit hallway with limbs scattered about, a piercingly quiet moment in space, or an eerily pristine starship bridge leave more of an impression, opening new avenue for storytelling. It's just a shame there isn't an easier way to capture the moment and share it with others.
Why Dead Space Remake Needs a Photo Mode
Modern in-game photo modes tend to be more than just a glorified way to take screenshots, offering players more intricate and creative options. Photo modes give players control of the in-game camera with access to features like changing a scene's color temperature and altering the depth of field, as well as manipulating the lighting and even the expressions of characters. The feature could take some of the scariest moments in Dead Space and distill them into extraordinary photos.
A game as visually stunning as Dead Space would benefit from a photo mode in more ways than one. Beyond building up a community with people sharing their favorite scenes, letting players loose through the lens of a photo mode would allow them to inspect the details packed into Dead Space, leading to a greater appreciation of the game's art style. Photo mode could also enable players to create their own narrative that builds upon the new lore details in Dead Space, with various scenes acting as a perfect backdrop.
Creative possibilities aside, a photo mode would be an excellent way for Dead Space to reach a broader audience. Photos taken through specific tools provided by games like God of War Ragnarok or Ghost of Tsushima have led to a relatively active photography scene well past their respective release dates. It creates a chance for players to explore their favorite titles in a different light, which may just entice those who are interested from the outside. This would be a welcome addition to the already impressive list of elements in the remake, like how Dead Space's main menu loads instantaneously.
Although a relatively new feature in the arc of the industry, photo modes allow players to capture epic moments and manipulate them to suit a creative style. The photos taken in-game could become an artistic outlet, with players potentially taking advantage of Dead Space's enhanced lighting and atmosphere to create evocative scenes. Given Dead Space's attention to detail, a photo mode would open a world of possibilities beyond the boundaries of the game.
Dead Space is available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.