Dead Space (2023) Review (PS5)

Earlier this year, we saw the iconic survival horror game Dead Space return, revamped and reimagined for a new generation of players. Developed by EA and Motive Studios, this re-release of the acclaimed 2008 title brings back the chilling atmosphere, intense combat, and bone-chilling scares that made the original a beloved classic. With enhanced visuals, updated gameplay mechanics, and improved performance, Dead Space immerses players once again in a gripping tale of isolation, desperation, and cosmic horror.

Dead Space thrusts players into the haunting corridors of the USG Ishimura, a massive mining spaceship overrun by grotesque creatures known as Necromorphs. From the moment you step foot on the ship, the atmosphere is suffocating, with dim lighting, flickering holograms, and eerie ambient sounds amplifying the sense of dread. The re-release brings enhanced graphics that make the ship’s decayed and bloodstained environments even more haunting and immersive than before.

Combat in Dead Space is a nerve-wracking affair, as players must dismember the Necromorphs limb by limb to ensure their demise. The strategic use of weapons and tools, such as the iconic Plasma Cutter, adds a layer of depth to the gameplay. The re-release introduces refined controls and improved aiming mechanics, enhancing the precision required to sever the Necromorphs’ twisted limbs and survive the relentless onslaught. Each encounter feels intense and thrilling, keeping players on the edge of their seats throughout the entire game.

At its core, Dead Space is not just about surviving against hordes of nightmarish creatures but also unraveling a deeply immersive and gripping narrative. You step into the boots of Isaac Clarke, an engineer who finds himself trapped aboard the Ishimura, searching for his missing girlfriend while uncovering the ship’s dark secrets. The re-release preserves the original game’s captivating storytelling, with its masterful pacing, haunting audio logs, and thought-provoking themes of isolation, madness, and sacrifice.

The re-release of Dead Space takes advantage of modern hardware capabilities to deliver a visually stunning and terrifying experience. The enhanced graphics breathe new life into the game’s grotesque enemies, detailed environments, and atmospheric lighting effects. The audio design remains top-notch, with every creaking bulkhead and distant scream heightening the tension and immersing players in the nightmarish world of Dead Space.

In addition to the visual and audio enhancements, the re-release of Dead Space also brings improvements to the user experience. The updated controls, refined inventory management, and streamlined interface make navigating the ship and managing resources more intuitive and accessible. These quality-of-life enhancements allow players to focus on the game’s immersive atmosphere and heart-pounding encounters without distraction.

Conclusion

Dead Space (2023) is a great return to the horror genre, resurrecting the original game’s terrifying atmosphere and gameplay for a new generation. With enhanced visuals, refined controls, and improved performance, the re-release captures the essence of the 2008 classic while delivering a fresh experience. Whether you are a fan of the original or new to the series, Dead Space offers an unforgettable journey into the depths of cosmic horror that will leave you trembling in fear and begging for more.

Dead Space (2023) was released on 27 January 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S as well as Microsoft Windows. Playing this title on console was a whole lot different to the PC versions that I played in the past, and it was such a thrilling experience to share it with my audience on Twitch while livestreaming my gameplay – they even witnessed a yelp of pure terror. At the time of posting this review, the physical PlayStation 5 version is available on Takealot for R1,899.00 as where the Xbox Series X version is available from there too for only R999.00.