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Why Dead Space (2023) Makes a Perfect Case for Remasters

Dead Space 2023 Remaster

The original Dead Space, dating all the way back to 2008, is widely considered as one of the finest survival horror games of all time – delivering an incredibly eery atmosphere, a nightmare-inducing enemy and a truly unique and terrifying location. The game launched a number of sequels and spin offs, and had some fans clamouring for a remake/remastering over the past decade or so. However, as always with such an endeavour, there are gaming fans who prefer to leave such well looked back upon games as they are – do not fix what is not broken.

Gatekeeping the Originals

With every remake or remaster, whether in video games, TV or film – there will always be ‘purists’ who will never accept a new version of their beloved media. The original was fantastic, so why does it need updating, changing and adapting? Whilst admittedly, there have been some cases of terrible remasters which would give credence to this belief. The likes of the GTA Definitive Edition and the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD released with countless issues and received deserved criticism.

Dead Space 2023

Such examples, alongside inherent scepticism, can make fans question why remasters are ever necessary, however the 2023 remake of Dead Space for the PS5 is a perfect example of a remaster done well, and how such a move can be a remarkable success.

Returning to the USG Ishimura

The Dead Space remake is an outstanding achievement in taking all the best assets of the original game and combining them with modern developments in gaming. We return to the USG Ishimura and step foot in the shoes of engineer Isaac Clarke, tasked with solving the mystery of his missing wife, and the horrors that have rendered the ship silent.

This time, Clarke is given far more dialogue in the game, adding further levels of immersion as he grunts, swears and screams his way through the horrors. The graphics are immensely improved as you would expect – the battered ship, the blood and guts and the graphic dismemberment are all incredibly vivid and leave a lasting impression.

Clarke’s antagonists – the infamous necromorphs – are very well realised and even more terrifying than the original’s depiction, and the enhanced gameplay allows them to emerge from the darkness of the Ishimura’s decrepit tunnels in even more frightening detail. Even Clarke’s legendary suit received subtle yet important upgrades, further enhancing your play through of the character’s journey through the ship.

Finally, the discovery and exploration of the ship had been massively improved, with open travel available and the ability to retrace one’s steps now freely accessible. In fact, you are encouraged to go back on yourself to search for supplies, clues and to ensure there are no necromoprhs lingering behind you. This added depth and absorption into the world allows you to fully submerse yourself into the gameplay, and really makes you feel like you are alone in exploring this vast and terrifying location, gathering all the clues you can to solve the mystery at hand.

Overall, developer Motive Studios deserve overwhelming credit for taking a risk on such a beloved franchise, and creating a potentially even more beloved remake. With all areas improved from the original, 2023’s Dead Space is an emphatic argument for remasters done well – and when they are done well, even the original’s gatekeepers will fall as silent as Clarke floating through the vast emptiness of space.

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