Was There DLC for Dead Space? Exploring the Add-On Content of the Horror Classic
The question of whether the original Dead Space had downloadable content (DLC) is a common one among fans of the series, and the answer is a bit nuanced. While Dead Space (2008) did technically receive DLC, it was not handled in the same way as its sequels. Unlike Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3, the original game’s DLC was limited to cosmetic and weapon upgrades, and it wasn’t available on all platforms, with PC players being left out. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics and explore the DLC landscape of the Dead Space franchise.
The Original Dead Space and its Limited DLC
The original Dead Space, released in 2008, did receive some post-launch content. This downloadable content primarily consisted of new RIGs (suits), weapon skins, and upgraded versions of weapons. However, it wasn’t the story-driven or expanded gameplay experiences that DLC often provides. The content focused on offering players a slight advantage or a different visual experience. This content was available on consoles.
Content Details
The DLC included enhanced weapons that were more powerful than their standard counterparts, such as the “Tank” line gun, flamethrower, and force gun. It also provided new suit options with different aesthetics, giving players some customization options. In order to access this content, players were typically required to visit the in-game store where they could obtain these items for free after purchase.
PC Players Left Out
A crucial point to note is that PC players never officially received this DLC for the original Dead Space. While console gamers could purchase and enjoy these upgrades, PC users were effectively excluded from this extra content, which some fans saw as a significant oversight. This has been a point of contention among the PC community for years, with many expressing disappointment at the lack of support. EA did eventually offer PC gamers access to the Dead Space 2 DLC packs for free via a patch, but the original game remained without official support for PC.
Dead Space 2 and 3: More Robust DLC Offerings
The sequels to Dead Space took a different approach to DLC, with more robust content being offered to players.
Dead Space 2 DLC
Dead Space 2 released downloadable content that provided players with additional weapons, suits and even a DLC pack titled, “Severed” which offered a new campaign experience. This expansion was a more comprehensive addition, offering a new story element and added replay value. It was available for purchase on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live and was released on March 1, 2011 in the U.S., and March 2, 2011 in Europe.
Dead Space 3 DLC
Dead Space 3 also featured downloadable content, most notably a story expansion called “Awakened”. This DLC delved deeper into the narrative of the game and focused on increasing the horror elements, which fans had felt was lacking in the base game. “Awakened” was released on March 12, 2013 on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, PC and Origin.
DLC Availability
Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3 DLC were generally available across all platforms, including PC, Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network. This marked a significant shift from the original game’s fragmented approach to add-on content.
Dead Space Remake and New Features
The Dead Space Remake, released in 2023, didn’t receive any direct DLC. Instead, it focused on improving the base game with new mechanics, such as the Security Clearance system, which allows players to backtrack through the USG Ishimura to discover new areas and obtain additional collectibles. It also introduced a secret ending that can be unlocked by collecting Marker Fragments. The remake is not a DLC of the original, rather a full reimagining of the original.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions about Dead Space DLC
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the DLC situation of the Dead Space series:
1. Did the original Dead Space have story-based DLC?
No. The original Dead Space DLC was limited to cosmetic items and weapon upgrades. There were no additional story-based missions or campaigns released as DLC for the 2008 game.
2. How do you access the DLC on consoles for the original Dead Space?
After purchasing the DLC on the console marketplace (Xbox or PlayStation), you could access the downloadable content through the first in-game store. The content would then be available for free.
3. Was the original Dead Space DLC available on PC?
No. The original Dead Space DLC was never officially released for PC. This was a point of disappointment for many PC gamers, who were left without the extra items available on consoles.
4. What kind of items were included in the original Dead Space DLC?
The DLC included new RIGs (suits), weapon skins, and enhanced versions of some weapons like the line gun, flamethrower, and force gun, which were more powerful than the base versions.
5. Did Dead Space 2 have DLC, and what did it include?
Yes. Dead Space 2 had significant DLC, including new weapons, suits, and a story-based campaign titled “Severed”. The story-based DLC allowed players to play as Gabe Weller and Lexine Murdoch.
6. When was the DLC released for Dead Space 2?
The DLC for Dead Space 2 was released on March 1, 2011 in the U.S. and March 2, 2011 in Europe.
7. Was Dead Space 2 DLC available on PC?
Yes, unlike the first game, Dead Space 2 DLC was available on PC as well as on consoles.
8. What was the story DLC called for Dead Space 3?
The story DLC for Dead Space 3 was called “Awakened.” This DLC emphasized horror elements and expanded on the game’s story.
9. Was Dead Space 3 DLC also available for PC?
Yes, “Awakened” was released for PC, Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, ensuring all platforms could experience this additional content.
10. What is the best suit in the original Dead Space, and is it DLC?
The Unitologist RIG is often considered the best suit in Dead Space and was obtained as DLC. This suit could provide an easy way to complete your first playthrough.
11. How many suit upgrades are available in the original Dead Space?
The maximum suit level achievable in a standard playthrough is Level 5. The Level 6 suit is only available through New Game Plus.
12. Does the Dead Space Remake have DLC?
No. The Dead Space Remake does not have any DLC. Instead, the remake features a number of improvements and changes to the original formula including a security clearance mechanic.
13. What is the ‘Impossible Mode’ in the Dead Space Remake, and what does it reward you with?
The ‘Impossible Mode’ in the Dead Space Remake is the hardest difficulty mode of the game. Upon completion, players are rewarded with the Burnished Suit and the Hand Cannon weapon.
14. How do you unlock the secret ending in the Dead Space Remake?
The secret ending is unlocked by finding and collecting all the Marker Fragments hidden throughout the Ishimura.
15. How do I obtain the Hacker Suit in the original Dead Space?
The Hacker Suit is found by obtaining the schematic in the Conduit Room, off the hallway with the TST billboard in Chapter 2 and purchased for 20,000 Credits. It makes the hacking minigame obsolete due to a passive upgrade.
Conclusion
In summary, the original Dead Space did have some DLC, but it was very limited in scope and was not available to PC players. Dead Space 2 and Dead Space 3 followed up with more robust DLC offerings, including additional campaigns and more involved content. The Dead Space Remake, on the other hand, chose to focus on improving the original experience with mechanics and additions to the base game rather than with purchasable content, offering a fresh take on the classic horror adventure without relying on post-launch DLC. Understanding the nuanced approach to DLC across the Dead Space trilogy helps fans better appreciate the evolution of the series and its support across various platforms.