New kid on the block Dead Space took on the 13 year old mega-franchise Resident Evil when it was released in October 2008. It borrowed many gameplay features from Resident Evil 4 which undoubtedly helped make it a success, but it also added its own unique flavour to the genre and in this article I examine whether it has done enough to actually steal the crown from the game series which defined the genre.
Does Resident Evil 5 or Dead Space offer the player a better Survival Horror experience?
In order to answer this question properly; I want to look at the actual cause of the horror in each title. What enemies are there that provides those hide-behind-the-sofa-moments ?
In Dead Space the enemy primarily consist of Necromorphs. These are alien microbial organisms that can reanimate the dead using a process called “Recombination “. This would be enough to get the best of us staining our pants, but the threat isn’t just physical. The Alien Planet itself can send a mental signal to anyone near it, and its goal is to make us go insane and cause harm to ourselves or others. This then gives the Necromorphs a plentiful supply of bodies to infest. Disturbing? Hell yes!
Resident Evil 5 on the other hand has an often contradictory and convoluted plot. It isn’t always clear who or what the main threats are, but this isn’t strictly important. Whether it’s the T-Virus, G-Virus or Las Plagas; all the games in the series feature biological weapons which cause humans and animals to mutate and become zombified. It doesn’t take a massive leap of the imagination to conclude that with current science, deadly biological viruses being developed is a likelihood and therefore its premise is arguably more reality based than Dead Space. Resident Evil 5s closer basis in reality should provide us with more scares.
Both games share remarkably similar enemy types, which mutate and reanimate human corpses, and both horror elements could be considered different types of Zombie.
It’s the fear and tension these “Zombies” generate that is going to make the real difference in our perception of these two games and these feeling are ultimately determined by our protagonist’s abilities and how we as players can use them. The locations we encounter the enemy are also important, since they provide the atmosphere and backdrop necessary to immerse us in the experience.
The hero of Dead Space is an everyman Miner called Isaac Clarke. It’s important to stress he is not a trained combatant and has to improvise with the sci-fi mining tools he has to hand in order to survive. Resident Evil 5’s main character is Chris Redfield, he is an ex paramilitary, built like a tank and has plenty of weapons and ammunition at his disposal. He isn’t alone either, throughout the entire game you have an ally called Sheva and she can either be controlled by a friend, or the AI.
There is only one environment type in Dead Space, the stricken mining ship; The Ishimura. This provides a claustrophobic atmosphere since there is no apparent escape from your torment and you can be assailed by Necromorphs from almost anywhere because of the ship-wide ventilation system. It could however be in danger of feeling repetitive but the pacing of the story and action enhances what could become corridor boredom.
Resident Evil 5’s levels on the other hand are far more varied taking us from desert towns, and jungles to mines and laboratories. The lighting is very different to previous Resident Evil games. For a start it’s not very dark. This may seem trite to pick on, but the horror genre in films and in games uses the darkness to build on our instinctual fear of the unknown... and despite the environments being made beautifully and filled with plenty of grisly cues to the horror surrounding you. The simple fact is that the brighter environments make the experience less scary
Both games feature an over the shoulder camera popularised by Resident Evil 4 and both use similar inventory systems, such as using the D-pad to select items quickly. The main difference is in movement. Dead Space allows you to take aim and fire your weapon whilst you are moving either slowly forwards or backwards, whereas in Resident Evil 5 you have to stand stationary. This should make Resident Evil 5 more scary in theory, but it actually feels more like an annoying last gen leftover. Indeed being able to move and shoot at the same time in Dead Space doesn’t detract from the fear one bit, and with Resident Evil 5s more action oriented approach (it even has a cover system) it’s a strange omission.
But it’s arguably the co-op gameplay which detracts from the atmosphere in Resident Evil 5 the most. You always have Sheva with you, so unlike Isaac Clarke who has to fend for himself the majority of the game, Chris Redfield is rarely alone. Indeed Sheva will even revive you when you are close to death and this can make Resident Evil 5 feel a little too much like Gears of War at times.
Not only that but it makes the game much easier than Dead Space. Game difficulty in itself adds an extra layer of tension to the experience and because you can be revived, and find plenty of supplies the fear quickly dissolves, and what you are left with is an action shooter.
Resident Evil 5 has moved away from its survival horror routes and it just doesn’t provide the same level tension, scares or horror you expect from the long running franchise.
It’s a disappointing blow to loyal Resident Evil fans, but if you can accept the changes to the gameplay Resident Evil 5 still offers an outstanding action-horror experience even if it does contradict the plots of the previous games somewhat.
This leaves Dead Space as the only capable game of claiming the title of best survival horror game.
There are some contenders like Alone in the Dark, and Siren: Blood Curse, but neither rival Dead Space in their quality of production. And titles like Alan Wake which could challenge Dead Space to the throne are still a long while from release.
If you are a horror fan and are yet to experience Dead Space, now is the time to board the Ishimura, just remember to take some spare underwear.
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I have to say that despite my loyalty to the RE series, dead space is a scarier, smarter made game overall. The lighting is brilliant, there is a smart implementation of a of a faceless, silent hero, which does wonders for the atmosphere, and the soundtrack is great for revving you up.
There isn't ever any sense of panic due to a lack of supplies in RE5, whereas dead space is a true survival horror game. IMO it's a way better experience, although ironically, the length of the game (whereas I have heard complaints of RE5 short length) is almost discouraging. I like survival horror games, but only when I play them with friends and we can beat them in a weekend, but I suppose that is a minor complaint. I may even purchase it soon simply as a tribute to the makers, I'm usually a renter of these games, but the quality, length and underdog status of the game makes me feel I should support the cause.
Little known fact: "Isaac" is named after Isaac Asimov, a prominent science fiction writer. I plant to read the foundation soon. How about that, a game inspiring me to read? That's one for the papers.
Hell, I already wrote a blog (see below this blog) about RE5's status as essentially a slap in the face of RE fans.
ALSO: the scene in deadspace with the guy at the end of the darkly lit hall who's just repeatedly banging his head on a pipe with his back to you with maaaaad scary shadows is god damn terrifying. Way to go EA.
Isaac Asimov is a great writer, I've only read some of his short stories though.
I appreciate the comment, anychance you could approve the blog for submission?
tomorrow's my 30th day as a member, so I'll be able to approve it tomorrow.
both are damn fine games imo, but i have to admit Dead space was scarier, still RE5 was great
Thanks to the community here on N4G I've read so many good things about Dead Space it will definately be my next purchase.
One other game I was convinced to buy after reading so many good things was Shadow of the Colossus... and that ended up being my favorite game of all time.
Back on topic. I downloaded the animated comic book from PSN(for free). I haven't watched them yet but I also downloaded Dead Space: Downfall the animated movie. Apparently you're supposed to watch the comic, then the movie, then play the game. I plan to do all of them.