“Don’t touch beloved things” is the mantra I usually chant when it comes to the tricky subject of remakes. I don’t want original works to be lost to time or be tarnished in a way that leaves fans unhappy. This seems to happen more often than not, but luckily, the Dead Space remake avoids the pitfalls of improving on greatness.
Visually stunning, the game’s entire look as been totally rebuilt, bringing with that incredible lighting, texture work, and overall endless eye candy for lovers of the dirty space aesthetic. Halls are filthy, worn, and lived in. Nothing seems new, nothing seems safe, and it feels as if the architecture itself wants you dead. While the original release wasn’t ugly by the standards of the time, the game looks absolutely stunning on next gen hardware. The team at Motive did a fantastic job of recreating the world, while remaining true to the source material, rivaling the impeccable remakes from the team over at Blue Point Games.
Gameplay feels fluid and responsive. Admittedly, I don’t really remember how the original controls, but I can say this version feels great. Melee is heavy and hard, guns feel like they kick and carry weight. The game plays like a dream, or a nightmare, as this is a horror title after all.
There are some changes, but luckily it’s all for the better. New side quests, dialog, and even a new chatty version of Isaac is presented with this remake. The new missions add more lore, depth, and playtime to the already decently long adventure. And if you’re worried about Isaac talking too much, like many protagonist seem to do these days, fear not. He only speaks to himself a very few times and is never distracting or annoying. And while I’m not a huge fan of his facial redesign, it looks fine and fits the voice, so I shouldn’t complain.
If you love the creaks and moans of a dying freighter space ship, then you’re in luck. The sound design is utterly astounding. With cries and scratches of the foreboding Necromorphs echoing all around you, the game leaves you constantly checking around for the next encounter. Mix this with the heavenly, muted sounds of being outside the ship in cold space, and you’ve got a real horror treat for the ears too.
If I was to find any complaint about this remake it would be focused on the Zero G sections. While they are still enjoyable, the controls and movement just feel a bit clunky when compared to what I imagined a modern remake would offer. They’re fine and do the job, don’t get me wrong. But I just wish they felt a bit more polished and flowing. It’s a small complaint, but hey, I gotta find something.
The preservation of this game is how all games should be handled. Lovingly crafted to stay true to the original, while bringing it into modern times with visual upgrades and quality of life updates, all while still allowing the original release to remain readily available. Embrace the past, don’t try to erase it.
Overall, the Dead Space remake has really set the bar for how remakes of classic games should be handled. On the same pedestal as the Resident Evil or Shadow of the Colossus remakes, Motive has clearly put their heart and admiration for the original release into this remake, creating what may very well be a new gold standard for remakes.
Dead Space
$69.99
Pros
- Fantasic visuals and sound
- Respects the original while adding new content
- Brings Dead Space back from the dead... space.
Cons
- Zero G is still a bit clunky
