Dead Space

The main pros of the game

• Visual and Audio Enhancements: The graphics and sound design have received significant upgrades, creating a more immersive and terrifying atmosphere. Many players praised the stunning visuals and effective soundscapes that enhance the horror experience.
• Gameplay Improvements: The remake introduces modern gameplay mechanics, including a more fluid zero-gravity system, enhanced weapon balancing, and a strategic dismemberment combat system that keeps encounters engaging and tactical.
• Seamless Exploration: The game allows for greater exploration of the USG Ishimura without loading screens, encouraging players to backtrack and discover new areas and items, which adds depth to the gameplay.
• Expanded Story Elements: The narrative has been fleshed out with additional lore, character development, and side quests, making the story more engaging for both newcomers and veterans of the original.
• New Game Plus Mode: This feature offers replayability with new challenges, alternate endings, and stronger enemies, enhancing the overall experience.

The main cons of the game

• Performance Issues: A significant number of users reported persistent stuttering and optimization problems, particularly on various hardware setups, which detracts from the immersion and overall experience. Many expressed frustration with the game's inability to run smoothly despite having powerful PCs.
• Denuvo Anti-Tamper DRM: The presence of Denuvo has been criticized for negatively impacting performance and requiring an internet connection, making offline play impossible, which is particularly frustrating for portable gaming on devices like the Steam Deck.
• Repetitiveness: Some players felt that the gameplay could become repetitive over time, particularly in combat encounters, and that certain enemy types lacked variety compared to the original.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Character Design Changes: Some players were not fond of the redesigned character appearances, particularly Isaac Clarke, feeling that the changes did not capture the essence of the original character.
• Cut Content and Gameplay Mechanics: A few users noted that certain mechanics and enemy behaviors from the original game were altered or removed, leading to a feeling that the remake lacked some of the challenge and intensity of the original experience.
• Skip Cutscenes: The inability to skip cutscenes in New Game Plus mode was mentioned as a downside, especially for players looking to replay the game to achieve 100% completion.

Summary

• Overall, while the Dead Space remake has been highly praised for its visual and gameplay enhancements, it faces criticism primarily due to performance issues and some design choices that differ from the beloved original.

Summary generated on: December 1, 2025