Like a necromorph reviving the dead, Motive Studios has resurrected Dead Space, making it stronger and more terrifying than before. This renovation of the 2008 horror classic restores it beyond its original glory. The dismemberment-focused gunplay feels great, it looks even better, and while other notable changes may not feel as substantial as some other remakes, they are welcome additions to the existing template. The result is a remake that faithfully recaptures the magic of its predecessor while reinforcing the elements that made it so popular in the first place.
The story of Dead Space revolves around engineer Isaac Clarke, who joins a small team to answer an emergency call from the USG Ishimura, a massive mining ship designed to “crack” planets and siphon their precious minerals. An outbreak of malicious aliens called Necromorphs has devastated the Ishimura thanks to their ability to transform corpses into members of their ranks. Clarke must not only stop this alien menace and unravel a conspiracy centered around a theistic cult, but also uncover the fate of his girlfriend Nicole, a doctor stationed on the ship.
The story of the original is largely intact, but with some key elements either remixed or expanded with greater context based on the lore established later in the series. Aside from tightening the continuity and adding welcome background for supporting characters, these differences don’t dramatically change the flow or events of the story. The exception is a surprise change to a memorable moment later in the game – a rework that makes enough contextual sense that I prefer it to its original incarnation now.
Another striking narrative difference is that Isaac is now speaking, voiced by the same cast member who brought him to life in the Dead Space sequels. As in those games, the plot benefits from Isaac feeling more like a real person than a quiet errand boy. Plot twists and revelations hit him harder now that he can respond to them believably. Motive also did a good job fitting its new dialogue into the existing script, which for the most part remains unchanged. However, some performances, namely Hammonds, fall flat in a way that feels preserved from the late 2000s.
The improved presentation turns Dead Space, which was already a head-turner in its day, into a bloody feast for the eyes. the Ishimura and its mutant denizens look great, and traversing the blood-stained corridors is even more harrowing thanks to the eye-popping lighting. Whether you’re shrouded in pitch blackness with just your weapon’s flashlight for illumination, or basking in the eerily warm glow of planet Aegis VII orbiting outside a window, lighting serves as the presentation glue that makes this graphic facelift work. The sound design also deserves kudos, offering a healthy dose of sneaky audio tricks and new hair-raising Necromorph moans and screams.
Combat feels familiar, although the overhauled controls are more in line with modern third-person games. For example, Issac can run by clicking the analog stick instead of a shoulder button. The trusty plasma cutter and other weapons pack a satisfying punch, especially when using the PlayStation 5’s DualSense capabilities. Dismembering limbs is more satisfying and strategic thanks to the new Necromorph damage system, in which layers of skin, muscle, and bone fall apart. This system better represents the damage and reveals weaknesses. For example, I loved devouring enemies with the flamethrower and then locating charred, exposed bone to slice them apart with my cutter.
The wide variety of enemy types from the original return in full force, and they’re still fun and often challenging to pick apart. Using the time-slowing Stasis to stop an attack before it binds, or using Kinesis to pick up and impale Necromorphs with stray objects, including their own amputated, sharpened limbs, feels just as awesome now as it did 14 years ago . It helps rooms pack more props and environmental weapons to fling around, like gas and stasis tanks.
Unless you recently finished the original game or replayed it enough to know its map intimately, the level design changes probably won’t show up as suddenly as a Necromorph Ambush. the IshimuraThe hotel’s many rooms and layout remain generally the same, but have been expanded. Most notably, you can reach certain areas without taking the tram. This change helps the ship feel more organically connected. The tram is still there for those who want to travel quickly between sections without Necromorphs. I was lukewarm on some of the zero-g sections in the original, where you use the suit’s rockets to propel yourself through zero-g, sometimes de-oxygenated, zones. I can still do without it here, but at least these sections now adopt the improved control scheme of the sequels to make them feel less like a confusing headache.
You can now freely visit areas again at any time, but at your own risk, as Necromorphs can still respawn in previously cleared zones. These attacks can be the most terrifying. Sometimes I’ve revisited an area and nothing has happened. Other times I’ve been attacked in surprisingly new, thoughtfully constructed ways. I love how this system takes Dead Space’s tense and unpredictable design off the main path and makes me question my surroundings no matter how many times I enter them.
The price of revisiting areas is often cash, weapon upgrade nodes, and valuable ammo, all of which can be locked away behind rows of security doors. You will also make these journeys to complete the newly added side quests. There aren’t many of these additional missions, but they generally serve to supplement the lore. For example, one quest deals with the creation of the regenerating Hunter Necromorph. Though mostly just running around the ship’s quarters in search of specific audio logs or keys, side quests add a small but tasty side dish that will prolong your ill-fated visit.
Rather than reinventing the wheel, Motive made Dead Space look nicer, play better, and kept the core of the experience. Its new flourishes add to, rather than detract from, that enjoyment. This remake respects and refreshes my memories of Isaac’s first encounter with the necromorphs without missing the original version. It also acts as a perfect entry point for newcomers, as it feels on par with today’s titles. I hope this extraordinary overhaul will signal to EA that Dead Space has plenty of gas in its tank and will be a harbinger of more terrifying stories in this universe.
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