Summary
Assuming EA decides to push ahead with theDead Spacefranchise and release a fourth game in the series, it should learn from the mistakes and strengths of its previous releases, trimming unnecessary additions while honing in on what makes the series work. At the same time, the nextDead Spaceshould take some notes from the indie scene, with one 2022 release being a particularly appropriate candidate for inspiration.
TheDead Spaceremake succeededon just about every level, bringing the once-dormant franchise back into the public consciousness while polishing what already worked so well in the original 2008 release. Specifically, the remake remained faithful to the original game’s sense of psychological horror and ceaseless tension and dread. These core qualities were cranked up a few notches inDead Space 2, and although the franchise’s focus on action and spectacle were elevated alongside it, its identity remained intact. However,Dead Space 3tipped the scales fully in the direction of blockbuster, sci-fi action, removing just about any semblance of horror. The debate about whetherDead Space 3is a good game has been raging for over a decade, but it’s clear that it strayed from the original vision for the series, and a fourth game should avoid the same pitfalls.
Often considered criminally underrated, 2022’sSignalisranks among the best survival horrorgames to come out of the indie scene over the course of the past few years. The avant-garde title from developer duo Rose-Engine draws from seminal franchises likeResident EvilandSilent Hill, mixing in enough experimental elements to stay exciting and engaging throughout. Its bold presentation and narrative choices result in a horror experience that, while wearing its inspirations on its sleeve, is unlike any other survival-horror title.
Signalisfollows Elster, an android with a psyche based on a real person’s memories and personality, as she aims to uncover the secrets of an off-world mining establishment gone wrong, and her own past. The combination ofSignalis' otherworldy sci-fi level design, focus on psychological horror, and tense yet subtle setpiece moments make it hard to turn off, and the endlessly eerie and mystery-laden story is not only enthralling, but highly reminiscent of the firstDead Space.
Although the excellentDead Space 2managed to still be a successful horror experience while cranking up the action, the continuation of its predecessor’s ruthless psychological horror is a big part of what makes it so special. 2008’sDead Spaceis all about Isaac’s guilt and trauma regarding the suicide of Nicole, his girlfriend. The intensity of these emotions leave him psychologically tormented and wracked with delusions and denial, which permeates the entire game. So, while thecruel twist ending ofDead Spaceis shocking, the real story is about Isaac’s ongoing psychological issues, alongside the mysteries of his past and his relationships with both Nicole and, to a lesser extent, his mother.Signalisstrikes many of these same chords, and arguably does so more effectively.
The secrets of Elster’s past and her nightmarish visions are presented in a highly unsettling way, always leaving players wondering what exactly is going on. It’s not likely thatDead Space, as a mass-market AAA series, would experiment as much asSignalis, but learning from how the latter leverages things like sound design, cutscenes, and stark changes in perspective (moving from fixed-camera third-person to first-person, for instance), could help the next game in the franchise buttress the impact of its horror. Moreover, paying attention to howSignalisconveys its central plot elements and themes of guilt and regret could help the nextDead Spaceget back in touch with its roots, especially after goingfull action-shooter withDead Space 3.
Dead Space
EA’s Dead Space franchise is a series of survival horror games set in space, predominantly on enormous spaceships.The franchise’s gameplay takes inspiration from the iconic Resident Evil 4 and boasts an excellent range of enemies and weapons that ensure players are kept on their toes throughout the horrifying experiences.
