Dead Space Remake – Everything you Need to Know About this Refreshed Sci-Fi Shocker

For years, fans of the Dead Space franchise didn’t have much to be excited about. Following 2013’s Dead Space 3, it seemed like EA was happy to let the horror franchise languish. Then, rather suddenly, everything changed. A new Dead Space successor from series co-creator Glen Schofield, entitled The Callisto Protocol, was unveiled in late 2020, and then a remake of the original Dead Space from Montreal-based developer Motive Studio was announced by EA only a few months later. The Callisto Protocol was released just weeks ago to somewhat mixed reviews, but fans don’t have to wait long for a bloody second course, as the Dead Space remake arrives in a few weeks.

The Dead Space remake sticks closely to the original game’s blueprint but expands some elements of the story and adds new features like a seamless open world, dynamic horror events, and even more gruesome combat. Will this new slice of sci-fi terror make you sweat as the original did? Here’s everything you need to know about the Dead Space remake…

Price and Special Editions

The standard edition of Dead Space will cost $70 on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Surprisingly, PC players get a bit of a deal, as the game only costs $60 on that platform. For $10 more, there is a Digital Deluxe Edition that includes the following cosmetics:

• 3x Unique Suits (Infested, Lone Survivor, Venture)
• 2x Suit Textures (Sanctified, Bloody)

There is also a $275 Dead Space Collector’s Edition being offered by Limited Run Games. It includes a wearable version of Isaac’s helmet, prints, posters, and more. Get the full rundown below.

• Dead Space Collector's Box
• Physical Copy of Dead Space (not included in the PC version)
• Isaac Helmet (full-size and wearable, with working lights)
• Dead Space CD Soundtrack
• Lithograph Print
• Foil Stamped Lithograph Folio
• Four Mini Posters
• Ishimura Patch
• Marker Enamel Pin
• Metal 4" Marker Statue
• Dead Space SteelBook

Platforms and Release Date

Dead Space launches on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 on January 27, 2023. You can pre-order here.

Will Dead Space also come to last-gen platforms?

While there have been hints it could happen, nothing has been announced, so don’t count on it.

Setting and Story

The Dead Space remake once again casts players as Isaac Clarke, a regular working-class systems engineer who is part of a team sent to investigate when the massive “planetcracker” ship USS Ishimura stops sending signals. Upon arriving, it’s soon discovered most of the people on the Ishimura have been transformed into grotesquely-mutated undead “Necromorophs” created by an artifact called the Marker. As Isaac’s crew drops like flies, he must find a way to survive the horrors of the Ishimura on his own.

EA Motive is largely sticking to familiar plot beats with the Dead Space remake rather than offering a full reimagining ala Capcom’s Resident Evil remakes. That said, an all-new script has been written for the remake, largely because Isaac Clarke is no longer a silent protagonist. Some moments are also being restaged for greater impact, and aspects of the story – the fate of certain characters and some info about the world – have been expanded. Consider this a “director’s cut” – same story, but with more detail added to the margins.

How is the game staying the same?

For the most part, it seems this will be Dead Space as you remember it. An atmospheric Metroidvania survival horror game with a unique combat system. Unlike your typical horror game featuring undead monsters, aiming for the head isn’t the goal in Dead Space – instead, you’ll use unique weapons like the iconic plasma cutter to slice off necromorphs' arms and legs before finishing them off. Overall, you can expect the progression and flow of Dead Space’s campaign to be largely unchanged.

How is the game changing?

While EA Motive isn’t reinventing the wheel, they are updating the Dead Space experience in many ways beyond just improving the graphics. Arguably the biggest change is that the Ishimura is now a fully seamless open world, rather than the more segmented map connected by trams and elevators offered by the original game. This means some new connective areas have been created, which in turn led to the new Dead Space’s other big innovation – the Intensity Director. Motive wanted to make sure getting around the newly-expanded map didn’t get repetitive, so the Intensity Director will keep you on your toes by serving up a variety of dynamic events. Motive promises 1200 possible events, ranging from simple flickering lights and surprise enemy attacks to trippy “psychosis events.” According to the developers, the goal is to create dynamic moments that feel almost as intense as the game’s scripted events.

And the additions don’t end there. Necromorph dismemberment has been made even grosser with the new “peeling” system that allows you to strip the flesh off enemies in realistic ways. You’ll also have much greater control during the game’s zero-G sequences. This is a lot more than a straight remaster.

What are the PC Requirements?

While we don’t have high-end specs yet, the following Minimum and Recommended PC requirements have been revealed.

Minimum

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit +
• Processor: Ryzen 5 2600x, Core i5 8600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: AMD RX 5700, GTX 1070
• DirectX: Version 12
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 50 GB available space

Recommended

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit +
• Processor: Ryzen 5 5600X,Core i5 11600K
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Radeon RX 6700 XT, Geforce RTX 2070
• DirectX: Version 12
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 50 GB available space