The Dead Space Remake pulled off the impossible, delivering a title that far exceeded expectations. Despite facing overwhelming hype and a variety of required changes, EA Motive's Dead Space Remake masterfully transformed a 14-year-old title into one of the best survival-horror games on modern consoles. Some fans of the Dead Space series hoped the title's positive reception would lead to further remakes. However, others have called into question the efficacy of that approach, as the Dead Space trilogy experienced a jarring decline in quality between its second and third entries. While its latest entry has reignited interest in the series' unique blend of sci-fi horror, Dead Space's remakes are for naught if one thing doesn't come from them.
The Dead Space Remake, also referred to as Dead Space 2023, followed Isaac Clarke as he navigated a necromorph outbreak on the USG Ishimura. The title rebuilt the original Dead Space, released in 2008, from the ground up, updating its visuals, audio, and gameplay systems for a modern audience. In addition to these updates, the Dead Space Remake added subtle changes to the game's story and collectible files. Knowledge of both Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3's major events allowed developer EA Motive to better connect the trilogy's name and locations, making room for a more cohesive overall narrative. However, this new and improved universe serves little purpose if it leads to the series' previously established conclusion.
Dead Space's Remakes Need to Lead Somewhere New
Following the Dead Space Remake's incredible reception, rumors quickly spread that a Dead Space 2 remake is in development. The original title is widely considered the best in the Dead Space trilogy, and EA Motive has proven that it can more than handle the pressure of updating such a highly-regarded title. However, confirmation of further remakes puts the series in an odd place. The original trilogy ended on a surprisingly low note, as Dead Space 3 brought the franchise to an unremarkable, and sudden, end.
2023's Dead Space Remake has already made a series of changes to its core cast and overall narrative. Some of these changes, such as new or updated audio logs, have a minor impact on the series as a whole. However, others have an immense impact on Isaac's story and characterization. For example, Isaac is able to speak in the Dead Space Remake, offering the character to better portray his thoughts and feelings aboard the Ishimura. Also, the remake sees the Marker lead Isaac to believe that Dr. Cross is Nicole, whereas the original had Nicole appear as a vivid hallucination. These updates allow the Dead Space Remake to set up a more complex and effective narrative for later entries to build upon. However, if EA Motive's updated trilogy doesn't lead to a new title or an entirely different end, the Dead Space remakes and their various improvements will prove to be a rather purposeless endeavor.
The Dead Space Remake Offers Two Distinct Opportunities
The Dead Space Remake could be following in Resident Evil 2 Remake's footsteps, leading to a bold new continuity for the series. If so, the remake trilogy could function as a series reboot. By implementing changes throughout its first and second entries, the remake trilogy could see a Dead Space 3 remake course correct and avoid the original's shift away from survival horror. In addition, this approach could pave the way for a revitalized future, with Dead Space 4 finally coming to fruition.
Alternatively, the success of the Dead Space Remake could see EA Motive skip to Dead Space 4 instead of remaking the trilogy. Longtime fans have wanted a fourth entry in the Dead Space series for quite some time, despite the disappointing Dead Space 3. If Dead Space 3 proves too difficult to build upon, EA Motive could adopt the movie industry's approach to classic horror sequels. Movies like Halloween 2018 and the upcoming The Exorcist: Believer function as sequels to their franchises' first title, skipping over their sequels to create a new continuity. With the future of the Dead Space series still unknown, fans remain hopeful that the excellence of the Dead Space Remake can carry forward, regardless of what the series' next entry entails.
Dead Space is available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
