Highlights
The Intensity Director in the Dead Space remake brings a thrilling and chilling gameplay experience by dynamically adjusting a player's encounter in real-time.
The Intensity Director manages atmospheric elements, sound effects, and enemy encounters with precise timing, preventing players from experiencing excessive stress or prolonged safety.
Implementing a system similar to the Intensity Director in Resident Evil would bring an added level of unpredictability, making each playthrough feel distinct. This would be particularly advantageous if the rumored Resident Evil 9 adopts a more open-world style with NPCs and multiple paths.
2023 has seen a multitude of highly anticipated game releases. Alongside various AAA titles and sequels to well-established franchises, a revamped version of the beloved classic Dead Space has emerged for next-generation devices. Remakes have become increasingly popular since the Resident Evil remakes debuted in 2002. Several remakes of popular Resident Evil games, as well as other franchises, have since been created. Inspired by the success of these remakes, EA and developer Motive Studios have resurrected Dead Space and incorporated numerous modern features into the revitalized version. One feature, in particular, has the potential to enhance the next Resident Evil game.
The original Dead Space drew inspiration from Resident Evil 4, borrowing elements such as control schemes and camera angles. Additionally, it incorporated other aspects synonymous with the survival horror genre that Resident Evil solidified, including an atmospheric setting, limited resources, and immersive combat. Building upon these influences, Dead Space introduced its own innovative features and mechanics. The Dead Space remake has taken this even further by introducing entirely new systems that contribute to a unique and memorable experience with each playthrough. Among these systems is the Intensity Director, a system that Resident Evil would benefit from studying.
What Resident Evil Could Learn From Dead Space Remake
The Intensity Director in Dead Space is a dynamic system that the Developers implemented to enhance a player's experience in real-time. It continuously monitors the intensity level of the game, adjusting various elements such as atmospheric effects, sound effects, and enemy encounters to create a satisfying yet terrifying experience for each player. The goal is to strike a balance between keeping players engaged and on edge without overwhelming them or making them feel too safe. As a result, each play session or subsequent playthrough may have slight variations due to the Intensity Director's real-time processes. This innovative system takes enemy AI to the next level, offering a level of unpredictability that enhances the overall game experience.
Resident Evil has consistently received updates and innovations throughout the years, enhancing the fear and uniqueness of each encounter. However, the addition of a system like the Intensity Director would further elevate the already outstanding survival horror gameplay of Resident Evil. Described as a "content organization, spawning, and pacing control system," the Intensity Director contributes to the creation of distinct playthroughs. Given that Resident Evil games encourage multiple plays, implementing this system would ensure a consistently fresh experience.
For a potential Resident Evil 9, which is rumored to adopt a more open approach with player-NPC interactions, a system like the Intensity Director would be particularly well-suited. It would be fascinating to witness how this system manages an environment featuring NPCs and multiple paths for players to choose from. Considering that Resident Evil inspired Dead Space, it would only be fitting for Resident Evil to draw inspiration from Dead Space in return.
Dead Space is available now for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.