The Dead Space remake on PS5 is even more immersive, allowing you to feel what Issac would feel using haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
Sci-fi horror classic Dead Space has had a long overdue remake for PC and current gen consoles, and the developers have ensured it will be even scarier on the PS5 by harnessing the DualSense controller's features. The Dead Space remake is actually different to the original in more ways than one. So alongside all of the in-game changes, like alternative endings and added voices, the DualSense controller adds another level of immersion using haptic feedback.
Developer Motive detailed how the PS5 DualSense 'deepens gameplay' over on the PlayStation blog. Whether it's firing a weapon, fending off Necromorph attack, or an asteroid cloud bombarding the ship, the controller's haptic feedback puts you on the receiving end of the impact of these events to give you a little taste of what Isaac is having to deal with.
Motive delves into how it utilises the haptic feedback to make the in-game weapons feel more substantive, which is something we've seen with other titles on the console, like Horizon Forbidden West. Of course, we're dealing with an industrial, sci-fi arsenal here, rather than a hi-tech bow and arrow, so the implementation has its own unique spin.
Isaac's trusty plasma cutter – originally intended for mining operations but versatile enough to use for chopping up Necromorphs – is just one of an array of weapons benefitting from the DualSense features. You'll feel a small kickback in the form of vibrations through your controller after you fire, and the adaptive triggers push back up, to 're-initialise' for the next shot.
The flamethrower uses a similar trigger effect, but has a subtle difference; you'll be able to feel a 'low vibration' on the trigger as the gas spewing from the nuzzle lights up and turns into a flame.
The pulse rifle is another example of the haptic feedback making for satisfying combat. You can pull down on the trigger to empty the clip, releasing round after round into your target, but the controller will now buck with each round that leaves the chamber.
Outside of general combat, the haptic feedback also plays a part in movement and abilities. When you're in zero gravity areas, you can activate Isaac's magnetic boots so you don't uselessly float off, bouncing off walls for all eternity. The haptic vibrations kick in with each step so you can feel the impact of each step he takes
And of course, the DualSense's speaker hasn't been neglected. You'll get audio cues when you perform particular actions of pick up items. It basically acts as Isaac's RIG through radio.
Battery-draining gimmick?
Bear in mind that enabling all of these features will take its toll on your PS5 DualSense's battery life. The controller isn't known for its long life during gaming sessions, so be prepared to play wired, or trade it for your backup DualSense that's been recharging in your cradle.
And if you like to kick the immersion up a notch with headphones, you should definitely think about turning off the controller's speaker features because you won't be able to hear them and it's sucking up juice for no good reason.
The DualSense features can be fun, and add an extra layer of immersion to gameplay, but the trade-off is reduced battery life that forces you to either buy a secondary controller or tether yourself to the console with a charging cable. It's not ideal.
We could debate whether the speakers and haptic feedback are a passing fad, or a worthwhile hardware upgrade, but for now, it's a matter of personal taste. The Wii U's tablet screen was an innovative idea but was quickly abandoned as a novelty. The haptic feedback and controller speakers are less so, but there are cons to using them that affect gamers more directly than a second screen.
But they're going nowhere for now, so remember to toggle any optional DualSense features off if you'd rather opt for longer battery life over some bingles emanating from your controller.
