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A couple of days ago, during the EA Play Live, we were treated to a Dead Space remake reveal trailer. Since then, the studio behind the remake has shared some additional information concerning their upcoming title. The good news first: Dead Space remake won’t be having any microtransactions.
Perhaps the most important thing to note is that the Dead Space remake is being built from the ground up using EA’s Frostbite engine by studio Motive (Star Wars: Squadrons). This isn’t a mere remaster of the original game, although developers are definitely using the original’s data for the project.
In a recent interview with IGN, studio Motive’s Creative Director Campos-Oriala said that there was additional data to work with and not just what appeared in the original game’s final disc. Technical limitations of the PS3/Xbox 360 era meant that some of Visceral Games’ (the now shut-down studio behind Dead Space) ideas couldn’t reach their intended shape. Motive now wants to build on those ideas.
For example, Campos-Oriola explains that Motive wants to make full use of PC and next-gen features, such as quick load times thanks to the SSDs. Dead Space remake will apparently be a seamless experience with no loadings and no camera cuts. In his own words: “You can play it from the start screen to the end credits seamlessly.”
Respecting The Original’s Legacy
The Dead Space remake will also be keeping core elements that made the original game so special. Players who experienced the game will likely remember how even UI elements were a part of Isaac’s equipment — something the remake tends to preserve. Dead Space was also known for its dark, gritty, dreadful atmosphere that permanently kept players on their toes. You never knew what sort of space creature could jump at you from any corner. The whole experience was enhanced not just by the visual flair but also by the game’s top-notch sound design. Motive’s Senior Producer Philippe Ducharme explained that high-quality textures and polygons weren’t going to be mindlessly thrown at players: “We really wanted to convey that feeling of Dead Space. The addition of volumetric effects and the dynamic lighting inside these scenes add a huge element to the atmosphere that we’re trying to convey.”
The studio is also planning to rebuild the game’s audio design to improve on the immersion. “We’re building on top of the original and recreating it, but make sure it is true to the original and that we are honoring the legacy of the original game,” Ducharme also explained. Motive plans to add 3D audio to Dead Space, which should, in theory, make the experience all the scarier and more immersive.
We’re building on top of the original and recreating it, but make sure it is true to the original and that we are honoring the legacy of the original game.
Perhaps some of the most interesting tweaks about the Dead Space remake will be the story-related ones. While the developers have ensured that the original game’s story will remain canon and very much respected, some changes will be made while keeping in mind the events of the sequel and other media such as animated films. Story beats that better foreshadow Dead Space 2’s own narrative will likely be found.
Dead Space Remake: Zero Gravity, Zero Microtransactions
Naturally, Motive is looking to include some gameplay improvements, besides just visual and audio updates. Dead Space 2‘s enhanced zero-gravity segments could be applied to the Dead Space remake. The developers are also carefully looking at ways to improve dismemberment mechanics for the Dead Space remake. In the original title, players could slice enemy limbs off – something that served in adding an additional dimension to the game’s gruesome immersion. We can’t quite imagine a real Dead Space remake without enhanced dismemberment anyway!
At the same time, the team is also looking to make the game more accessible so that more players will be able to experience the game — likely with features making the title easier to play for gamers with disabilities.
The team specified that the Dead Space remake won’t ever be having microtransactions. From now on, EA intends to keep microtransactions away from single-player experiences, clearly distinguishing them from ‘live service’ games. While microtransactions will continue to be present in games such as FIFA, The Sims, or Apex Legends, they won’t be found in titles such as Dead Space – according to Laura Miele, EA Chief Studios Officer.
All in all, we’re really looking forward to what the Dead Space remake will look like in the end. EA has got a lot to prove, and the Dead Space series is one beloved by many. At the very least, studio Motive’s mindset seems to be at the right place concerning the original game’s legacy.