2023 started off with a bang for horror fans. They got to play the remake ofDead Space, which both critics and fans adored. It was one of the better horror games on the first wave of HD consoles. The original still holds up, especially through backward compatibility via the Xbox family of consoles.
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Still, it was great to play it with some modern settings too. The same can be said about theResident Evil 4remake. Its various ports are still great, but getting a modern version was also good. Many will be wondering though, of the two big horror game remakes, which was better:Dead SpaceandResident Evil 4?
Changes: Resident Evil 4
Both games do not change a lot with their respective remakes.Dead Spaceis almost like a shot-for-shot remake with it feeling more like a remaster. There are some improvements, like with the meteor turret section, but it lacked surprises overall.
Resident Evil 4’smotto should be “expect the unexpected” because it tries new things to keep players guessing. The core is still there, but it at least feels like it is trying something new comparatively. Some of thechanges in theResident Evil 4remakeactually make the game harder, but that’s okay.
Resident Evil 4has a great selection of guns; from the Broken Butterfly magnum pistol to the new Bolt Thrower crossbow. They’re fun to use, but they are standard for a game with guns. AsDead Spaceis set in the future, it got to be more creative with the weaponry.
From the starting pistol of the Plasma Cutter to the more involved Ripper,Dead Spacewins almost by default. Both games at least get post-game content right. It will be hard to resist going throughNew Game+ mode right away inResident Evil 4andDead Spacewith fully tricked-out gear.
Main Characters: Resident Evil 4
The biggest change, toDead Space’scredit, is that the protagonist of Isaac Clarke was given a voice. He did get a voice in the sequels, which is why it felt important to include that upgrade in the remake as well. Despite being able to talk though, Isaac doesn’t say much to himself about his horrific situation.
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Leon S. Kennedyis a classic character in theResident Evilseries. He talks more consistently in the remake about his given situations, especially when Ashley is around. Outside of combat, Leon is just a more likable guy inResident Evil 4compared to Isaac, who comes across as a bit flat.
Resident Evil 4was a new step for the series to turn it more into anaction horror game. It was intense at times, but it wasn’t scary and sadly the remake didn’t make the game any more creepy. Dead Space, on the other hand, blended action and horror well together.
Part of that was because Isaac was isolated from people for most of the experience. Also, space is just a spooky place to be. The remake uses new technology from sound and lighting to make an absolutely terrifying game; even though Isaac is technically more heavily armed than Leon.
Environments: Resident Evil 4
The USG Ishimura is a creepy ship inDead Spaceand certainly adds to the great horror, but the variety is lacking for environments. That’s something that the other remake has covered, with plenty of incredible locations for players to explore throughout the game.
Players beginResident Evil 4in a creepy village, fighting off random citizens for dear life. They then venture off into a castle, check out some mines, and the rest won’t be spoiled here. The game is more engaging because it will keep players guessing for those that never playedResident Evil 4.
Puzzles, insurvival horror games, can be hit or miss. Some players may like them if they are well thought out and others may dislike them for getting in the way of the action.Resident Evil 4falls into the latter category because they are finicky and not fun.
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The remake adds more complicated puzzles but not in a good way. The puzzles in both versions ofDead Spacemake sense for what Isaac is doing on the ship from blasting meteors to fixing a satellite relay.
Bosses: Resident Evil 4
Dead Spacedid not have many bosses the first time around and the remake doesn’t add any. It’s a shame, really, because, again, a remake of any game should strive to add more things while keeping the core alive.Resident Evil 4does exactly that and makes what were already memorable bosses for the series better.
Some of them are really intense too like one wherein players have to fight two chainsaw maniacs in a small cramped room while protecting Ashley. The more giant bosses, like the fight withEl Gigante inResident Evil 4, are great too.
Verdict: Resident Evil 4
2023 could not be better for horror fans with both of these remakes. They will also probably be in a lot of top ten lists at the end of the year. As a whole though, even thoughDead Spacedoes a lot well,Resident Evil 4marginally beats it out.
The very idea thatResident Evil 4tries to change things up was enough of a reason to make it the clear winner. The lack of change was the most disappointing thing aboutDead Spaceand is ultimately what makesResident Evil 4the better of the two remakes.
TheResident Evil 4remake was released on July 16, 2025, and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.
