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Video game“Dead Space”, the good use of the remake
Already very solid in 2008, this updated horror classic borders on perfection on PC and latest generation consoles.
Sometimes, Isaac floats in the void (and we no longer hear him scream).
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Somewhere in our galaxy, the gigantic USG Ishimura starship becomes unresponsive right following sending out a distress call. The USG Kellion, approaches the “surface breaker” and almost crashes into the entrance lock (will have to be repaired, it’s a mess). His crew, including a certain Isaac who would like to find his companion safe and sound, disembarks and starts looking for survivors. But apparently not a living soul… Just funny noises in the pipes.
Released in 2008, “Dead Space” had produced its small effect in the “scary games” genre, dominated by the “Resident Evil” franchise. Entertainment, so to speak, had been a pretty critical success; a public success too but not as massive as desired by Electronic Arts. Although disappointed, the publisher nevertheless produced two sequels, without much conviction before deciding that it was time to leave in peace the stories of space suits that are torn under the claws of mutants.
It was therefore not without astonishment that the news was received that a remake of the “Dead Space”, first of the name, financed by the same publisher, was under development. The finished product arrived Friday, January 27 on next-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series) and PC (on Steam or Origin).
So opportunistic and sloppy overhaul or attempt to pull a masterpiece out of a good game? Once is not custom, and even if we know that this is never completely true, we are tempted by the second proposal. Because you don’t have to wait long to realize that the craftsmen behind the project were neither satisfied with a patching up, nor did they want to break everything to do something else. “Dead Space” thus remains what it was, from beginning to end with a few additions that are more like corrections, adjustments, than a new proposal. But in terms of gameplay “Dead Space” 2023 feels like it’s benefited from 15 years of tweaking and just as much of the rise of computers and consoles.
So hats off to the show, kudos for the directing, a pat on the back for the twists and pacing, a pinch of the left ear for the solid story (for a video game) but a big fist to the nose ( friendly) for dark hallways, chilling lighting effects, cold sweats and disgusting dismemberments. “Dead Space” villain.
