TheDead Space Remakepulled off the impossible, delivering a title that far exceeded expectations. Despite facing overwhelming hype and a variety of required changes, EA Motive’sDead Space Remakemasterfully transformed a 14-year-old title into one of the best survival-horror games on modern consoles. Some fans of theDead Spaceseries hoped the title’s positive reception would lead to further remakes. However, others have called into question the efficacy of that approach, as theDead Spacetrilogy experienced a jarring decline in quality between its second and third entries. While its latest entry has reignited interest in the series' unique blend of sci-fi horror,Dead Space’s remakes are for naught if one thing doesn’t come from them.
TheDead Space Remake, also referred to asDead Space 2023, followed Isaac Clarke as he navigated a necromorph outbreak on the USG Ishimura. The title rebuilt the originalDead Space, released in 2008, from the ground up, updating its visuals, audio, and gameplay systems for a modern audience. In addition to these updates, theDead Space Remakeadded subtle changes to the game’s story and collectible files. Knowledge of bothDead Space 2andDead Space 3’s major events allowed developer EA Motive to better connect the trilogy’s name and locations, making room for a more cohesive overall narrative. However, this new and improved universe serves little purpose if it leads to the series' previously established conclusion.
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Following theDead Space Remake’s incredible reception, rumors quickly spread that aDead Space 2remakeis in development. The original title is widely considered the best in theDead Spacetrilogy, and EA Motive has proven that it can more than handle the pressure of updating such a highly-regarded title. However, confirmation of further remakes puts the series in an odd place. The original trilogy ended on a surprisingly low note, asDead Space 3brought the franchise to an unremarkable, and sudden, end.
2023’sDead Space Remakehas already made a series of changesto its core cast and overall narrative. Some of these changes, such as new or updated audio logs, have a minor impact on the series as a whole. However, others have an immense impact on Isaac’s story and characterization. For example, Isaac is able to speak in theDead Space Remake,offering the character to better portray his thoughts and feelings aboard the Ishimura. Also, the remake sees the Marker lead Isaac to believe that Dr. Cross is Nicole, whereas the original had Nicole appear as a vivid hallucination. These updates allow theDead Space Remaketo set up a more complex and effective narrative for later entries to build upon. However, if EA Motive’s updated trilogy doesn’t lead to a new title or an entirely different end, theDead Spaceremakes and their various improvements will prove to be a rather purposeless endeavor.
TheDead Space Remakecould be following inResident Evil 2 Remake’s footsteps, leading to a bold new continuity for the series. If so, the remake trilogy could function as a series reboot. By implementing changes throughout its first and second entries, the remake trilogy could see aDead Space 3remake course correct and avoid the original’s shift away from survival horror. In addition, this approach could pave the way for a revitalized future, withDead Space 4finally coming to fruition.
Alternatively,the success of theDead Space Remakecould see EA Motive skip toDead Space 4instead of remaking the trilogy. Longtime fans have wanted a fourth entry in theDead Spaceseries for quite some time, despite the disappointingDead Space 3. IfDead Space 3proves too difficult to build upon, EA Motive could adopt the movie industry’s approach to classic horror sequels. Movies likeHalloween 2018and the upcomingThe Exorcist: Believerfunction as sequels to their franchises' first title, skipping over their sequels to create a new continuity. With the future of theDead Spaceseries still unknown, fans remain hopeful that the excellence of theDead Space Remakecan carry forward, regardless of what the series' next entry entails.
Dead Spaceis available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
