Game Review: Dead Space (Xbox Series X)

Capcom’s exceptional Resident Evil 2 remake set an extremely high bar for remakes. So much so, that on first glance, the remake of Dead Space looks to fall short. However, under the bloody and gristly exterior is a thumping heartbeat that showcases fresh ideas. All while staying true to what made the original 2008 game so beloved. An original that still stands the test of time now.

This remake doesn’t strip away the flesh of the original game, instead it builds upon it in satisfying ways.

Players take on the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer on a repair vessel called the USG Kellion. They have been dispatched to the planet Aegis VII where the mining ship, the USG Ishimura, is stationed. A ship that has gone silent and no-one knows why. It’s the job of the Kellion crew to board the Ishimura, find out what has happened, and fix it.

Except, once they board, they find the ship seemingly deserted and in chaos. The cause being mutated human corpses called ‘Necromorphs’. Before they can escape back on the Kellion, the creatures destroy it, forcing Isaac and the rest of the crew to get to safety, find a way to fix the Ishimura, and get off it alive. Not only that, but Isaac also has a personal reason for being aboard the ship. His girlfriend Nicole who sent him a distress call shortly before they arrived.

Those who played the original game will recognise this story and the remake doesn’t deviate from the main plot points at all. What it does do, is enhance parts of it. The most immediately obvious being that Isaac is no longer silent – in fact, he talks a lot. Which builds a much better connection to him and how he fits in the new world of Dead Space.

Alongside that is the expanded view of the religion Unitology and how its role has shaped the lives of the people aboard the Ishimura. Rather then just being dropped in, it’s a living organism from the very start of the game.

Then you also have expanded characters like Dr Mercer, Hammond, and Kendra. The latter having a much more nuanced story arc here. Newly added side-quests don’t just allow you to explore more of the ship, they offer you deeper detail about the story. One such quest, surrounding Nicole’s investigation into the marker was an unexpected pleasure.

So, does the gameplay hold up? And does the Dead Space remake capture the survival horror aspects of the original?

The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. Dead Space was a terrifying experience and this remake is just as strong. Arguably even more of a horror experience thanks to the massive graphical upgrades, and brilliant use of sound. Facing off against Necromorphs of all types is always heart-racing but Dead Space really gets under the skin with its atmosphere and ambience. The darkened, blood-strewn corridors, the scratching of something in the vents, the deathly silence that comes from having to step out into space… it will have you on edge constantly.

So much so, that a Necromorph assault is often a relief as you now have something to deal with. Utilising an array of weapons that can all be upgraded at weapon benches, players will be blasting off limbs, gunning down, and setting fire to all manner of beasties throughout the twelve chapters. However, the system has had a bit of an overhaul. All so the visceral horror of a Necromorph battle is made more brutal.

While many players will be reliant on the main weapon you get, the iconic Plasma Cutter, Dead Space encourages you to play around with the other weapons just to see what kind of damage you can dish out to the enemies. Regardless of what set-up you stick with, it never stops being both frightening and fun to experience.

While Dead Space does feature significant changes, sometimes it’s the smaller stuff that really impresses. Whereas the original was reliant on the tram system to switch between chapters, here it’s seamless and makes the game feel less episodic.

Another good idea is that certain doors and storage containers are locked by security clearances. Ones that you will upgrade as you go through the game, encouraging you to backtrack and explore corridors and rooms you might never have gone into. It certainly makes the Ishimura feel bigger and the game, less linear.

Which, when it comes down to it, it is, but you just won’t notice. Such is the high quality of the remake experience. Familiar but fresh. The Dead Space remake is a masterful example of modern horror with old-school survival ideologies. It’s unlikely it could have been done any other way and breathes new life into this franchise. New life that, hopefully, continues to grow as this franchise is made whole again.