Dead Space

Dead Space is the 2023 reimagining of the 2008 survival horror game. The studio Motive has re-created the story of engineer Isaac Clarke on the mining ship USG Ishimura with the Frostbite engine, including technology, sound, exploration and added story elements. The new version is not just a higher-resolution original.

Isaac comes aboard to investigate a technical problem, but finds much of the crew dead and searches for his partner Nicole. Using tools from ship engineering, he fights the so-called Necromorphs. The classic Dead Space (2008) and the remake versions are separate products; Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3 are also standalone sequels.

Motive and Electronic Arts released the remake on Jan 27, 2023 simultaneously on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. This release is the first release of the remake, not the original first release of the series.

The original, developed by EA Redwood Shores, was already released in 2008, on PC including as a standalone Steam title. If you are looking for a specific version, check the release year and platform even when the name is the same. For the remake, Steam also offers the standard edition and Deluxe content; this does not create a different base game.

The technically standalone releases of the 2023 remake are available for Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PS4, Xbox One, PS3 or Xbox 360 version of this remake was not released. Older Dead Space editions on PS3 and Xbox 360 belong to the original game or its sequels and must not be classed as a new generation of the remake.

Steam lists the PC version under app ID 1693980. The PC version is designed for Windows and a DirectX 12 graphics environment. Older games running on newer consoles is no proof of an additional native re-release.

Unlike many action shooters, headshots count for less here: Isaac has to disable Necromorphs with targeted shots at limbs. His Plasma Cutter and other technical tools are central aids for this. Stasis can slow threatening movements, Kinesis allows the use of movable objects and helps solve technical obstacles.

The game alternates between intense encounters, supply runs with scarce resources and spatial tasks. Upgrades to the RIG and tools open further tactical options, but they do not replace good timing and knowledge of the enemies.

For Windows, Steam lists at least a Ryzen 5 2600X or Core i5-8600, 16 GB memory, a Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070, DirectX 12 and 50 GB of space on a SATA SSD. Recommended are a Ryzen 5 5600X or Core i5-11600K, again 16 GB RAM, a Radeon RX 6700 XT or GeForce RTX 2070 and a PCIe-compatible SSD.

These are the official minimum and recommended specs for the Windows version, not measured values for specific graphics profiles. Steam also points out account and internet requirements.

Motive designed the USG Ishimura as a largely connected ship. Rooms and sections can be revisited later instead of guiding you through strictly separated chapter sets. A revised floor plan, alternative routes and additional areas give the mining ship a stronger spatial logic.

Even in zero gravity, Isaac can move more freely in three dimensions in the new version. This opens new routes and changes fights in the outer areas and facilities of the ship. According to the developer, the campaign – apart from exceptions such as player death – runs without visible camera cuts and loading transitions.

Isaac Clarke was largely silent in the original game. In the remake he speaks, again voiced by Gunner Wright, who already played him in later series entries. The core story remains recognizable but is expanded with conversations, background on the crew and new side missions.

For example, Nicole's fate during the outbreak receives more room. For the additions, Motive drew on the series' later-expanded backstory, including references to Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3. This does not make the remake a new chronological sequel, but a more expansive retelling of the first adventure.

The Intensity Director dynamically adjusts encounters and environmental stimuli. According to Motive, when you revisit a room, enemy appearances, lighting, sounds, particles and fog effects can differ. As a result, even familiar corridors remain potentially dangerous.

This is a permanent system of the game world and not a time-limited live event. Isaac also reacts physically to the strain: breathing, heartbeat and exertion are audio cues to his condition.

With Necromorphs, the Peeling System shows injuries in several layers – from outer tissue through muscle to the skeleton. This depiction is not merely a visual effect: the degree of visible damage helps you judge how close a limb is to being severed.

The system makes strategic dismemberment easier to read. Depending on the tool and hit location, different body areas can be damaged, so weapon choice and precise aiming matter more.

The remake features a read-aloud menu navigation, remappable buttons, adjustable aim assist, settings for colors and contrast, and extensive subtitle options including font size, background and speaker identification. Camera shake and individual motion effects can be reduced.

In addition, warnings about certain disturbing scenes are available on request. Some of these scenes can be visually blurred while the sound remains audible. The feature is optional and, according to EA, is not designed for all fights with Necromorphs. The horror game does not become generally non-violent as a result.

Dead Space is a horror campaign designed for single player. A regular co-op or versus mode is not part of the released versions of the 2023 remake.

The Digital Deluxe Edition includes, according to Steam's product description, the base game plus five cosmetic extras: three special suits and two suit textures. These are not five additional story missions or a standalone expansion. Owners of the base game may also find these cosmetic items as a separate upgrade, without changing the scope of the standard campaign.