For one, the developer has changed from Dead Space 3’s Visceral Games to EA Motive. The more action-focused elements of the last installment are also being abandoned in favor of the more horror-based gameplay of the original Dead Space, and the design and graphics of the game have undergone a major update. But some of the biggest changes have revolved around protagonist Isaac Clarke, who will now behave differently depending on how tired he is.
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How Isaac’s Mood Affects Him
In the first Dead Space, Isaac was pretty much a silent protagonist who explored the dimly lit and horror-infested levels of the planetary mining ship without commenting on his predicament. Some players preferred this wordless kind of main character, as it meant there weren’t any awkward one-liners or stray comments to detract from Dead Space’s tense atmosphere. However, others felt that it pulled them out of being completely immersed, as there were moments when it felt strange for Isaac not to talk at all. The subsequent games added more dialogue for Isaac, but the Dead Space remake seems to have struck the perfect balance between silent and talkative.
While Isaac will have a voice in the upcoming game, he will be using it sparingly, and only talking when it would feel unnatural for him not to. In a recent development update, EA Motive also shared more details about Isaac’s dialogue, and what it’s doing to make him an even more realistic character. Not only will Isaac’s dialogue and commentary change depending on how exhausted he is, but this will also tie into his heart rate, breathing, and vocal excursions.
Other Changes Coming With The Remake
The fact that there will be several versions of Isaac’s dialogue depending on his mental and physical state adds an impressive layer of authenticity to his characterization. It will hopefully make it easier for gamers to fully immerse themselves in the game, for when Isaac is palpably terrified and completely exhausted, it will make the whole experience that much more frightening for the player as well. Making Isaac more of a well-rounded and fully-realized character should make Dead Space a more elevated and sophisticated title, but there are other changes that EA Motive will be making that prove how much thought is going into the remake.
Many of the game’s elements are being redesigned from the original to give Dead Space a new and improved look, and if the trailers are anything to go by, it seems like players are in for an impressive experience. Combat and the infamous dismemberment mechanics are getting a refresh, and the level design is being overhauled and improved as well. There are lots of tweaks both big and small that EA Motive is making to the Dead Space remake, but hopefully they will all culminate in a truly great (and truly terrifying) new game that still honors the titles that came before.
Dead Space will release on January 27, 2023, on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
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