IGN has released the first 18 minutes of EA’s “Dead Space” remake. A lot of us are huge fans of the original. There’s a lot riding on whether they do it justice. There are a few things that have already been changed, though not necessarily for the worse. It did make us smile to hear Gunner Wright reprising his role as the engineer-turned-necromorph slayer. We’ve grown accustomed to Isaac Clarke having a voice since “Dead Space 2.”
With upgraded graphics and character models, the game will definitely look pretty. No doubt coming equipped with ray-tracing capabilities and lighting options that weren’t possible before. In a game where ambience is paramount to creating unease, it’s not an unwelcome change.
Some Nitpicks, But Reserving Full Judgement
There are a few nitpicks we have here and there, however. The original “Dead Space” won awards for sound design. The remake sounds a little softer; not as bone-jarringly heavy as before. Though that may just be the video. And there’s a bit of a disconnect between Isaac’s voice lines and body language. Screaming in terror as necromorphs attack the crew yet standing stock still feels like a missed opportunity.
There’s a little bit of worry that the game will be easier in order to attract more mainstream gamers. The terror-fueled race to the elevator felt specifically timed to keep you safe. Originally, you could take damage or even die if you weren’t fast enough. Already there have been added jump scare instances, which tends to cheapen a horror experience.
Be these really are nitpicks for only 18 minutes of gameplay. We’ll withhold true judgment until we’ve played it. Overall, we’re waiting for its release with a cautious optimism. It will probably do well, ultimately. And if not, we might at least get a movie out of it.
The remake will be released January 27th, 2023.
