One of the biggest upcoming January 2023 game releases is undoubtedly the Dead Space remake. From the ground up, developer Motive has rebuilt Visceral Games’ 2008 survival horror classic for a new generation. The influence Resident Evil 4 had on the original game is undeniable, but Dead Space was more than just a stompier, sci-fi skinned version of Capcom’s revolutionary action horror game. With its own interesting lore and mythology, novel HUD system, terrifying enemy designs, unique weapons, and hair-raising set pieces, Dead Space enraptured PS3 and Xbox 360 players. Nearly 15 years later, this remake aims to recapture that magic.
With its launch just two weeks away, we’ve compiled a guide to answer any of your burning questions about Dead Space (2023). Where to get it, if you can run it, which version you can choose from, what’s changed: it’s all here.
What’s Dead Space‘s release date?
Dead Space will launch on January 27, 2023. Games Beat reported in August 2021 that the game was planned for a Fall 2022 launch, and it’s likely EA’s goal was to release the game near the horror boom in October. It seems it needed a bit more time, and luckily the development team was given it.
What platforms will Dead Space be available on?
Dead Space will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. On PC, players have the choice of picking up the game through the EA App for Windows, the Epic Games Store, or Steam.
What editions of Dead Space are there?
The Standard Edition will be available physically and digitally. There’s also a Digital Deluxe Edition coming to the PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, and PC storefronts that includes three unique suits (Infested, Lone Survivor, and Venture) for protagonist Isaac and two additional suit textures (Sanctified and Bloody). An “EA Play Pro Edition” that includes an additional cosmetic is available exclusively through EA’s premium tier subscription service for PC. Lastly, a Collector’s Edition is available through retailer Limited Run.
Are there Dead Space pre-order bonuses?
There’s nothing in the way of physical bonuses: no steelbooks, posters, or knick-knacks. However, if you preorder on Steam, you’ll get a free digital copy of Dead Space 2.
What’s in the Dead Space collector’s edition?
The Collector’s Edition includes:
- (On PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S) A physical copy of Dead Space
- (On PC) A digital copy of Dead Space
- Digital Deluxe content
- Dead Space Collector’s Box
- Full-size wearable helmet with working lights
- Dead Space CD Soundtrack
- Lithograph Print
- Foil Stamped Lithograph Folio
- Four Mini Posters
- Ishimura Patch
- Marker Enamel Pin
- Metal 4″ Marker Statue
- Dead Space SteelBook
How much will Dead Space cost?
Dead Space will cost $69.99 at launch. The Digital Deluxe Edition is $79.99, and the Collector’s Edition is $274.99.
Will Dead Space be on Game Pass?
While it’s possible that it could come to the subscription service in the future, no, Dead Space (2023) will not launch on Xbox Game Pass or PC Game Pass. However, the original 2008 release of Dead Space is currently on Game Pass thanks to EA Play’s inclusion in the service.
Can you play Dead Space through EA Play?
Yes, with a subscription to EA Play Pro, players will have access to Dead Space on launch day. EA Play Pro is only available on PC, so this isn’t an option on PlayStation or Xbox. EA Play Pro is currently priced at $15 a month or $99.99 a year.
Is this a “remake” or a “remaster”?
Dead Space (2023) is officially a remake, and EA states that it’s “completely rebuilt from the ground up”. The original game used a customized version of EA’s Tiger Woods game engine, and the remake is running on EA’s Frostbite Engine. There are changes to lore, presentation, level design, and the plot that further cement this as a remake.
What are the minimum specs needed to play Dead Space on PC?
According to EA, these are the minimum specs you need to run Dead Space adequately:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit +
- Processor: Ryzen 5 2600x, Core i5 8600
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD RX 5700, GTX 1070
- DirectX: Version 12
- Network: Broadband Internet connection
- Storage: 50 GB available space
How big is the file size?
On Steam, Dead Space will be 36.32GB, on Xbox Series X|S 31.91GB, and on PlayStation 5 31.11GB. PS5 games often take up considerably less space thanks to amazing compression tools available to developers, but it appears that either these weren’t utilized in this case, or that Xbox and PC game compression is finally catching up.
Where can I play the original Dead Space?
Dead Space (2008) is available for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC. Dead Space is one of the select backward compatibility titles in the Xbox ecosystem, so it can be played on Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Is Isaac Clarke’s face different?
Yes, Isaac Clarke’s face has been changed in the remake. Isaac looks younger and fresh-faced, which is fitting since the footage we’ve seen of him so far is before things go sideways and he encounters the horrific necromorphs on the USG Ishimura. The change has proven contentious, with some fans saying Isaac looks like Adam Sandler, but that seems to be based on a frame of footage where he’s making a particular expression. When viewed in action and from various angles, it seems that Isaac’s face has been modeled after his voice actor Gunner Wright.
Does Isaac Clarke talk?
Yes, Isaac will speak and have dialogue this time around. Outside of grunts of exertion and pain, in the original game, Isaac never spoke. He was a rare non-JRPG silent protagonist. Gamers who don’t enjoy chatterbox protagonists (looking at you, Aloy) shouldn’t worry, though. in a developer livestream it was explained that Isaac will respond when spoken to and talk when it feels natural. Don’t expect him to incessantly comment on his surroundings or spout quips as shambling aliens try to disembowel him.
Is Isaac Clarke’s voice different?
No, Gunner Wright (Isaac’s voice and motion capture actor) reprises the role of Isaac Clarke. Gunner Wright previously provided the character’s voice in Dead Space 2, Dead Space 3, and everyone’s favorite mascot platform fighting game, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale.
Will the Dead Space remake be different?
While the remake has many changes from the original game, Dead Space (2023) appears to be a faithful retelling of the original game’s story with very similar gameplay. Let’s get more specific:
Visual Changes
The game has seen upgrades in resolution, polygon count, and the realism of the various materials that make up the world of Dead Space. The game’s antagonistic force, the disgusting necromorphs, have seen a visual overhaul that has an impact on gameplay. The dismemberment and gore system has been changed such that damage done to enemy limbs will rip off skin and flesh, giving players a visual indicator of how effective their attacks are and how close they are to dismembering their foes.
Audio Differences
In regard to sound, developer Motive has gone to great lengths to make the game sonically immersive. Whereas in most games sound is softer based only on the distance from its source, in Dead Space (2023) sound effects have “occlusion systems” that will allow for level geometry to block or muffle noise. Like Marvel’s Spider-Man, the protagonist’s dialogue delivery will change based on their current status.
Gameplay Changes
The gameplay will be familiar to fans of the original, but there are a few changes. While the necromorphs will still need their limbs cut off, the way damage is calculated has been altered and is affected by the specific point of impact and the layers of flesh present wherever you’re aiming. The layout of the USG Ishimura has also been adjusted so that players can backtrack and reexplore the ship for most of the game.
Story Differences
Narratively, the Dead Space remake was made while taking into account the lore of the original game’s sequels as well as supplemental material like the franchise’s comic books. This will have Dead Space (2023) fit better in the world established by all of the franchise content that was released after the original game. Some secondary characters will also get more screen time. Like God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarok, the game will be single-shot with no camera cuts or load screens. Despite these changes, the plot and main events of the original game are included and are the core of the new game.
Will the Dead Space remake change the story?
Developer Motive has said that the main story beats will be included. With Isaac’s newfound ability to speak, side characters getting more attention, and lore from other media from the franchise getting worked in, it sounds like the story will be bigger, but the outcome of the plot will be the same.
How many chapters is Dead Space?
The Dead Space remake, like the original game, has 12 chapters.
How long is Dead Space?
Dead Space takes around 12 hours to beat. If you’re really hustling, you can make it through in 10-11 hours, and on the other hand, if you’re exploring thoroughly and clearing the game’s newly added side-quests, you’ll likely spend around 15-16 hours on the Ishimura.
Does Dead Space have New Game Plus?
Yes, it features New Game Plus. After finishing the game, players will be able to start the story over with upgrades and weapons they’ve acquired from their last playthrough. There are also new collectibles, enemies, and story events to freshen up your second time through the game.
What’s Dead Space‘s ESRB rating?
Dead Space (2023) is very, very much an M-rated game. It’s rated Mature for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, and Strong Language. Here’s a snippet of the ESRB’s description of Dead Space for context:
- “Characters lose limbs and heads, accompanied by sprays, stains, and gushes of red blood. Dismembered alien and human corpses appear regularly. Strong profanity (e.g., “sh*t” and “f*ck”) can be heard in dialogue and seen in graffiti.”
Is Dead Space (2023) worth playing? Is it good?
Dead Space is an excellent remake of a certified classic. It’s engaging from start to finish, gorgeous, and a ton of scary fun. Check out our full review.
Look forward to our Dead Space coverage for the game once it drops to see a thorough and definitive examination of its quality.
