The Critical Mistake A New Dead Space Game Must Avoid at All Costs

A new installment in the Dead Space franchise would undoubtedly be eagerly anticipated, considering that the last new mainline game was released a decade ago. While there have been a number of spiritual successors in recent years and the recent Dead Space remake from EA Motive was a success, it is high time for the franchise to have its own entirely new mainline story.

Considering this, a new Dead Space game would need to uphold many aspects from its predecessors in order to recreate the same level of tension in gameplay. One crucial aspect is how the game approaches its protagonist, as this would have significant implications for the core themes of the game. There is little room for error in this regard.

The Charm of Dead Space's Isaac Clarke

Dead Space is widely regarded as one of the top survival horror franchises, known for its gripping gameplay and unforgettable horror scenes. Much of its success can be credited to the protagonist, Issac Clarke.

As players delve into the terrifying universe of Dead Space, they step into the shoes of Isaac, a ship systems engineer who becomes the catalyst for the game's events. Sent on a mission to the USG Ishimura for urgent repairs, Clarke finds himself in a perilous nightmare, lacking any formal combat training.

How New Dead Space Games Should Handle Protagonists

The survival elements of the IP are masterfully woven into the gameplay, allowing the player to truly experience Isaac's inexperience amidst the chaos. As the player progresses, both Isaac and the player gain confidence, creating a palpable sense of advancement. Isaac's engineering background grants him a unique advantage in surviving, providing a refreshing and realistic twist. This starkly contrasts with characters like Resident Evil's Leon Kennedy, who are trained extensively in combat even from their early stages.

Although there is no official confirmation yet for a new installment in the Dead Space series, the recent developments within the broader franchise heighten the chances of an upcoming release. In the event that this potential game delves into a fresh storyline within the universe of the intellectual property, the selection of its main character would hold significant importance.

The new protagonist of Dead Space should capture the essence of Isaac Clarke while also introducing a non-combat skillset that enhances their ability to survive. Unlike Isaac, who is known for his mechanical background and iconic tool kit, the new protagonist should be inexperienced and untrained, allowing players to experience the overwhelming and imposing world of Dead Space through their vulnerable perspective.

A potential alternative could be introducing a fresh protagonist who excels in hacking, which empowers the player to exploit advanced technology and manipulate it to their benefit. Similar to Clarke, this character can gradually grow more adept in combat as the narrative unfolds, while still possessing vulnerabilities to uphold the eerie atmosphere of the IP. While a new protagonist for Dead Space should undoubtedly embody uniqueness, it is crucial to retain their lack of combat experience, a characteristic inherited from Isaac Clarke.

You can now play Dead Space on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.