The upcoming Dead Space remake is set to improve almost everything in the 2008 original. From reworked audio to the addition of a new Intensity Director, 2023's Dead Space will be a modern retelling of Isaac Clarke's first adventure where the core of the story remains largely the same, but there looks to be more than enough surprises to keep new and returning players on their toes.
Quite possibly the most striking element of the new Dead Space is its updated graphics. The remake will run on EA's Frostbite engine, which is infamous for its difficulty of use but delivers some of the best visuals in the gaming industry. With the recent release of Dead Space's launch trailer, audiences can get a good look at some of the game's main cast.
Isaac Clarke
While Isaac Clarke's face is usually hidden behind his iconic RIG helmet, there are times where he removes it to take a breather or talk face-to-face with other humans. In the original Dead Space trilogy, Isaac is shown to have sunken blue eyes, a short beard, and graying black hair. His adventures have taken a toll on his body, as he is visibly tired both from being exposed to the Markers and having to fight tons of Necromorphs.
Isaac looks noticeably different in the Dead Space remake. He doesn't look quite as old as his original character model, sporting a full head of brown hair. His eyes are now colored hazel and don't look as sleep-deprived. This could be the result of Isaac having less experience, as the remake will cover his first encounter with Necromorphs and Markers. Thankfully, Isaac is still voiced and modeled after Gunner Wright, who knows Isaac better than anyone after portraying him for so long.
Nicole Brennan
In contrast to her partner Isaac, Nicole's updated character model looks much older. Though she still retains her blonde hair and blue eyes, Nicole has noticeably more wrinkles on her cheeks and near her jawline. The wrinkles could be a physical representation of the stress she was experiencing aboard the U.S.G. Ishimura as it was beset by a Necromorph infection. There is holographic footage of Nicole in the launch trailer that shows her working on the Medical Deck, and she is visibly distraught by the number of deaths and sick people aboard the ship. Hopefully, the amount of detail put into Nicole means that she will get a lot more screentime.
Challus Mercer
One of the main antagonists of the original Dead Space, Dr. Challus Mercher is a scientist and a Unitologist working on the U.S.G. Ishimura. After coming into contact with Necromorphs and the Red Marker, he became obsessed with the deadly species and saw it as the natural evolution of mankind. To this end, he murdered countless innocents in hopes that he, too, would ascend to a higher being.
Challus Mercer looks to retain a lot of his physical attributes from the original game. His Middle Eastern appearance is punctuated by a receding black hairline and a full beard, and his brown eyes show hints of madness behind his intelligence. Like Nicole, Mercer also sports a U.S.G. Ishimura scientist uniform, and will no doubt play a big role in the remake.
Other Notable Mentions in Dead Space Remake
Isaac, Nicole, and Challus Mercer may be the three most prominent characters shown in the Dead Space remake launch trailer, but they aren't the only ones. U.S.G. Kellion members Chen, Johnston, and Chief Security Officer Zach Hammond make an appearance, and have each received a makeover befitting the 2023 remake. Likewise, the game's iconic Necromorphs have increased visual details and are as frightening as ever. Kendra Daniels, a member of the U.S.G. Kellion and an important part of Dead Space's story, doesn't show up in the trailer. Considering her key role in the first game, EA and Motive Studio might be saving her reveal for launch.
The Dead Space remake is shaping up to be one of 2023's most anticipated horror titles. After The Callisto Protocol's less-than-stellar reception, a lot is riding on Motive Studio's reimagining of a classic hit. Seeing as this year will be filled with multiple horror titles like Resident Evil 4 and Alan Wake 2, Dead Space will hopefully kick off the year with a bang.
Dead Space launches January 27 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
