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In a year filled with numerous horror game remakes, EA Motive's Dead Space stands out as both one of the earliest major releases of 2023 and one of the best in a sea of exceptional games. Despite encountering performance problems, the remake of the beloved 2008 classic not only faithfully captures the essence of its source material but also boasts significant improvements in gameplay, structure, and storytelling, elevating it to the status of an incredible game in its own right. Moreover, the Dead Space remake serves as a testament to EA Motive's potential to successfully create a worthy successor to the original by truly understanding what made the game so successful.
Interestingly, just a month prior to the launch of Dead Space, another game called The Callisto Protocol attempted to be a spiritual successor. Anticipation for The Callisto Protocol grew in the lead-up to its release in December; however, it was ultimately received as underwhelming due to its simplistic gameplay and technical issues upon launch. One advantage that The Callisto Protocol had over Dead Space was its detachment from an established series, allowing more flexibility to experiment with elements that may have seemed out of place within the original franchise. If given the opportunity to develop a new intellectual property, EA Motive could potentially deliver an extraordinary gaming experience.
EA Motive Could Create An Excellent Dead Space-Like If Allowed
Although the Iron Man game currently takes precedence for EA Motive, the studio has the potential to delve back into the realm of sci-fi horror with their next project. The way they handled the Dead Space remake demonstrated a deep respect for the original game, while also showcasing their own unique creative touches that allowed it to stand on its own and transition to an entirely original title.
There is a prevalent theory circulating that suggests the studio may embark on a remake of Dead Space 2 or explore something connected to the Dead Space universe. While Dead Space 2 may arguably still hold up well alongside its predecessor, it would be intriguing to witness how EA Motive would approach the remake and introduce changes that would grant it its own distinct identity. However, even more captivating would be to see the team venture into uncharted territory and create something completely separate from the established franchise.
Creating a brand new IP comes with its own set of challenges, such as designing a captivating game universe for players to explore. However, it also presents the opportunity for the development team to unleash their creativity and introduce unique ideas that may not be possible when working on an established franchise. The Dead Space remake is a remarkable example of sci-fi horror, but any potential remakes or sequels would need to stay true to the core mechanics associated with the series to avoid feeling like a cash grab.
One commendable aspect of The Callisto Protocol is its attempt to take a concept similar to Dead Space but prioritize melee encounters in gameplay. However, it falls short when compared to Dead Space. Nonetheless, Striking Distance Studios should have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and release a title that effectively executes their core ideas. Alternatively, EA Motive could be the perfect choice to create a new IP inspired by Dead Space if given the freedom to explore their creative vision. Instead of focusing solely on melee combat like The Callisto Protocol, they could consider shifting perspectives and building upon the stealth elements from Alien: Isolation, which has the potential to be a successful formula.
Blending sci-fi body horror with RPG elements, like System Shock 2, could potentially be successful in a game similar to Dead Space. However, it may not be suitable for Dead Space itself. Whether EA Motive decides to work on the Dead Space IP or develop a comparable game, it would be a missed opportunity if the studio doesn't explore the horror genre again. Dead Space is currently available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.