The visual fidelity mode (which I will call the Ray Tracing mode for ease in this review) and Performance mode on Series X and PS5 rely on DRS and FSR2 for their intended outputs. The use of Frostbite means that 60fps, or even greater on PC, is an upgrade from the old 30fps of the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions. This is a tall order in anyone’s book, but when the source material is this strong the expectations are equally high. It is safe to say the results on a technical and artistic front are a rousing success and, dare I say it, even improve in some areas over the original. The visual upgrades continue with screen space reflections, significantly increased geometry and detail, and improved and fully re-made textures with impressive physically-based materials. Gore is a core pillar of the game, and improved dismemberment allows for skin to be chopped away revealing bone and sinew before the limb is finally cleaved off. Significantly improved models, facial animation, eye movement and materials all leap out over the original’s flat, single-shaded surfaces. These updates and changes are often subtle, diverting your expectations even for long time fans. Although the original was very forward-looking with its reliance on light and shadows, the team ensured that flickering lights cause dancing shadows and looming shapes in many old and new areas. Shadows are not only far more abundant, mixing shadow maps with screen spaced shadows, but also more accurate from multiple torches and electric strips. Improved occlusion comes from screen space ambient occlusion and even ray traced ambient occlusion on PC, PS5, and Series X. Far more light sources emphasize the dark and highlight focal points, which is used to build tension in the new game. As dark and grimy as the original was, the new game manages to make the original look bright in comparison. Let’s start with the changes from the 2008 original, which was an impressive game for the time and still holds up well due to its focused technology and strong art direction. The upgrades and rebuilt assets and models transform the entire game, and Isaac himself is now front and center with many of Dead Space 2’s improvements merged into the first game.

Here they have to turn down the lights for a gory, tension-soaked rebirth of Isaac aboard the doomed Ishimura. The weapon of choice is DICE’s long serving Frostbite engine which has been used for everything from Battlefield to FIFA. Motive studios have some space experience, but this war is of a much bloodier kind, and remaking such a cherished sci-fi tale is surely a daunting task.

Dead space pc review