Dead Space 2023 Review

"Terror Reborn"

Campaign

February 20, 2023 at 8:24pm
By Jason Stettner

When it comes to remaking games it can be a daunting task. There are so many variables that need to be considered. With this fresh take on Dead Space we get what’s essentially a reimagining of the core game. It’s certainly in the spirit of the original, but they take certain areas and expand upon them in ways that do largely add to the experience.

I was really simply just blown away by the efforts with this one, to the point I’d like to see similar games of the era become explored once more in this manner as it was so effective. The general story of Dead Space follow an engineer named Isaac Clarke as he attempts to repair a ship. This ship happens to have onboard his wife, an individual that he hasn’t seen in quite a long time.

What greets him instead of warming love is of course pure horror, as these monstrous necromorphs have been tearing the crew apart. Now with that, strangely many people are still alive as you meet a number of colorful individuals across your journey through what’s essentially hell in space. For the most part, this experience is the same as what you might have played in the original game.

They have however altered how you progress using intriguing revamps of certain areas alongside introducing a change to zero gravity scenes. I actually didn’t really like those latter additions for the most part. At times beautiful, but also sort of a nuisance with some spots being tiring to deal with in terms of how you progress through their weightless spaces.

The story in general though flows very well, being filled with surprises and some messed up psychological bits. If it’s your first time, I’m sure you’ll be in for a surprise. It’s still decently lengthy, perhaps even expanded upon due to many improved cinematic moments. Upon completion the game does invite you back for new game plus or other challenges but alas, you cannot revisit areas upon a specific point in the campaign.

Gameplay

This is certainly a modern take on the original game. It’s darker, moodier and the aesthetic is just perfect. It’s inviting and then straight up terrifying once everything gets going. From blood soaked walls to rooms filled with monstrosities moving towards you.

It’s all rather eerie in presentation and while familiar, it does feel entirely fresh. It’s the right way to do this sort of upgrade as it provides that initial feeling from the past while expanding upon it in exciting ways. The level of detail within the environments is also greatly expanded upon as well. You can see so many smaller additions and improvements that make each part of the ship feel lived in.

This place is also more realistic in terms of how it flows, since they’ve made it a streamline progression. You can save like you used to and what not, but I mean seamless in that it’s an open ship to explore. You are blocked by certain things to keep it a naturally linear setting for engagement but it’s so neat how you revisit sections by being able to explore previously cut off spots.

You will of course be able to use your favorite tools from the past, with various upgrades to improve Isaac’s abilities. You can also come across various collectibles which will grant further insight into the world around you.

The Conclusion

Dead Space 2023 is one of the most effective remakes I’ve seen, improving upon the original vision for the game while retaining that initial style that was ever so effective. You once again get to face off against familiar monsters while seeing the environment of the iconic ship in a new light.

It actually really makes me sit back and think of other titles that while great, could actually be improved with a similar treatment. The existing game was already excellent, but I do believe this does take things a step further which feels almost rare in comparison to other upgrading options we’ve seen for other titles.

It felt fresh to explore this space again, the terror returned and the atmosphere was nailed. The surprises felt fresh again, and it was neat to run through the many hallways being chased by such awful creatures. They really did nail this release here, it felt great to play.

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Dead Space 2023 Review on Xbox Series X
Review Code Provided by Microsoft

Rating Overall: 9.3