Original or Remake (?)

[Maxpot]

All I know about Dead Space is that it exists.

I want to complete all three Dead Space, but I don't know where to start: Dead Space (2008) or Dead Space (Remake)? What do you recommend?

They write on the Internet that there is no difference (only graphically), but I am asking you directly.

[sinsorrow1]

I like the remake, but I think the original is better. Maybe because I've played the 3 games to hell and back when they came out. Man the original was awesome back then, a unique gem!

There are a lot of differences between the original and the remake, to name a few:
- in the original first game the main character is silent, in the remake he talks (which for me takes something away from the experience, mind you he talks in DS 2 and 3 and it is completely fine, but here he sounds different, maybe different voice actor? I don't know, it's just not the same for me)
- he looks slightly different
- a lot of new/slightly altered dialog
- new/slightly altered missions
- new/slightly altered areas
- new/slightly altered enemies
- different weapon stats/upgrade trees
- same anti gravity flight mechanics as in DS 2 and 3
- unlockable alternate ending
- better graphics

If you are "older" (27+), played a lot with different games and don't mind some outdated graphics, I'd say play the 3 original games, then the remake. If you are younger, didn't play many games or don't like older graphics, play the remake instead of the original DS.

[upuaut2]

remake graphics wise no doubt

[Zephyr]

I played the original more than 10 years ago and I hardly remember it. What I still remember is the "clunkyness" of controls and UI elements. Otherwise I know that I enjoyed the game and I even found it pretty scary.

The remake is certainly 100% better in terms of UI, modern gameplay and graphics. The lighting and dark scenes are eceptionally well done, some of the most beautiful graphics there for this type of game. The rest is very faithful to the original overall from all I hear and can remember, but the game is not that scary anymore. That comes with age I guess and a "getting used to this" effect that I have other horror games to blame for. It also does not help that Dead space is in fact quite easy, the main character is no soldier, but he certainly cuts (literally) through the alien threat like an elite spec ops :). And that happens even on the hardest difficulty, without perma-death.

Overall very good game, though. In both versions.

[burumanet]

I loved the original. Always will. Played it several times from beginning to end back in the day on the 360. The new version looks really nice but I've had it hard crash on me twice already.

It's important to note that the original game does NOT include achievements in the PC version. Had I known that, I would not have re-purchased it on PC last year. I just assumed EA had made the achievements available across all platforms but they skimped on the PC version. Very disappointing. The remake includes achievements.

[Hiroshi]

The original game has probably the worst balance i've ever seen in a game in terms of enemy encounters. A bit wonky with the aiming, you have to fidget with the settings a bit.

Upgrade path for weapons is streamlined and more linear, no more wasted nodes for example.

Isaac talks in the remake but not the original, it can bother some people. I would advise if you could to buy both and play both, there is a sale coming soon and you could get them for cheap.

I would tell you to avoid Dead space 3 but I guess if it's on sale it's worth picking up for cheap.

[Pack 4 Potatoes]

Originally posted by Zephyr:

I played the original more than 10 years ago and I hardly remember it. What I still remember is the "clunkyness" of controls and UI elements. Otherwise I know that I enjoyed the game and I even found it pretty scary.

The remake is certainly 100% better in terms of UI, modern gameplay and graphics.

Isn't it the same UI?

[Pack 4 Potatoes]

So I'll join the minority of people who prefer the original. The remake changed the weapons, characters and twist at the end. Ever so slightly, but enough to bother me.

In terms of what you should get. Well, you can get the original 3 games for $5 each during a 75% off sale on a Steam. Remember to get the Awakened DLC for DS3, as it is a bonus chapter that is the true ending of the game.

Playing the original on Steam will be buggy. I think there are mods to fix that for the most part. An alternative is playing on a modern xbox, which will upscale the old games. Probably the best way to play it, really, as you won't get any bugs. Personally I play them on a PS3 and widescreen CRT TV, so no need to upscale.

Ubfortunately, the original games are not on sale right now and the remake is, so you might go with that.

Also, there is a 4th game, called Extraction. It is a prequel only released on the Wii and PS3. It's an on-rails motion control shooter. Alternatively, there is an animated movie which also serves as a prequel to the series. I don't recommend watching the prequel until after you played the first game, as it will ruin the mystery.

[Summoner]

Dead Space 2 is still the best game in the franchise in my opinion. If you are not invested in any way, I would personally pick the DS remake, then DS2 and skip 3 completely. Why? Because DS remake significantly changed how the game is played and I think it's not for the better or worse, it's just different. So for the maximum variety this franchise has to offer, these two titles provide the most. Original DS1 is like DS2 except DS2 improved the gameplay loop and has more consistent experience that doesn't drop off as you progress through the game.

Dead Space 3 is not a good game and it's locked behind EA's DRM. You have to create an EA account, install their launcher, and be always logged in and online to play it. EA servers are not reliable either.

[Zephyr]

Originally posted by Pack 4 Potatoes:

Originally posted by Zephyr:

I played the original more than 10 years ago and I hardly remember it. What I still remember is the "clunkyness" of controls and UI elements. Otherwise I know that I enjoyed the game and I even found it pretty scary.

The remake is certainly 100% better in terms of UI, modern gameplay and graphics.

Isn't it the same UI?

Could be, if I am honest I cannot remember, but it is easier to manage. I think I remember that rebinding keys was not so great when I played the original. Maybe it is just that.

[Pack 4 Potatoes]

Originally posted by Zephyr:

Originally posted by Pack 4 Potatoes:

Isn't it the same UI?

Could be, if I am honest I cannot remember, but it is easier to manage. I think I remember that rebinding keys was not so great when I played the original. Maybe it is just that.

Well, I recommend using a controller for these games, as they were built with thumbsticks in mind. Supposedly, it helps with the V-sync issues as well.

[sinsorrow1]

Originally posted by Pack 4 Potatoes:

Isn't it the same UI?

Yes, it pretty much is, except maybe the map, which was 3d in the original and now it's a worse downgraded 2d wersion.

Originally posted by Pack 4 Potatoes:

Well, I recommend using a controller for these games, as they were built with thumbsticks in mind. Supposedly, it helps with the V-sync issues as well.

Just no. Playing a game where precision shooting is key with a controller is one of the worst things you can do. It is like playing with cheats and godmode enabled, the aim assist will do everything for you and take away from the experience. EDIT: I'm sorry, I should not judge others, I know some people only have like 2 hours to play each week or less. You can play your game however you want and enjoy yourself.

[Summoner]

Originally posted by sinsorrow1:

Just no. Playing a game where precision shooting is key with a controller is one of the worst things you can do. It is like playing with cheats and godmode enabled, the aim assist will do everything for you and take away from the experience.

The aim assist is disabled by default I think, and if not you can disable it. I am playing with a controller on hard and I am not using aim assist, it adds to the experience for me because it simulates the difficulty of aiming in real life somewhat. With mouse it's significantly easier to be precise.

[Lithurge]

Gameplay wise it doesn't feel massively different to me, although they've opened things up quite a lot which feels more modern. But I do find it odd that Isaac is talking, it does change the ambience quite a lot.

They've also changed the character model, so he looks quite different to the Isaac in the 2nd and 3rd games.

Personally I'd lean towards playing the original version if you plan to play through all 3 simply for consistency of character.

You may need to fiddle with framerates though, the 1st one had a physics bug where you couldn't get through one of the early doors if it was above 30fps. Not sure they ever fixed that.

[Maxpot]

I listened to you. thank you guys very much)

[Zephyr]

Originally posted by Lithurge:

Gameplay wise it doesn't feel massively different to me, although they've opened things up quite a lot which feels more modern. But I do find it odd that Isaac is talking, it does change the ambience quite a lot.

For me this is one of the best changes! Isaac finally learned to talk. Wow. I mean it is quite odd to say absolutely nothing to your team mates in such a stressful situation when they are telling you their plans and what they expect from you, is it not? This way it feels way more natural.

The "silent approach" is a classic, of course, but it feels very dated and usually more is expected for good storytelling by now.