Dead Space 4

[NANO]

Dead Space 4 was the planned fourth installment in the Dead Space series.

The game would have followed on directly from Dead Space 3, with humanity facing extinction at the hands of the Brethren Moons. Taking inspiration from the flotilla section in Dead Space 3, the notion was that the player (Ben Wanat has stated that he would have made Ellie Langford the game's protagonist) was trying to survive on a day-by-day basis, scavenging supplies while looking for survivors and withstanding Necromorph infected ships. The player would have their own ship. It was intended that the ships would be diverse, each with unique purposes, floor plans, and gameplay.

The game would utilize non-linear gameplay, being a hybrid between the chapter format of previous games, and the new, non-linear style. An idea floated around was that the player would start off in a section of space, follow a trail of carcasses to an abandoned space station, and scavenge fuel and a ShockPoint Drive. The retrieval of the drive would make their ship shock-capable, allowing them access to new sectors of space. Elements of the plot would be uncovered as the player explored new areas. As the game went on, the greater the range of exploration would be.

For weapons, it was indicated that the crafting system of Dead Space 3 would be re-examined. New Necromorphs that could function in zero-g would be introduced.

The ideas for the game were mainly confined to Visceral Games' story team. While they knew how the game would end, Wanat has refused to give away the ending, in case Electronic Arts returns to the franchise. He did however, provide hints, stating "I don't want to give away the lore, but I will say that we spent a bit of time working out the origin of the Necromorphs and what purpose humans held in this dark universe. Would players find a way out of the Necromorph apocalypse? I'd say yes, but they might be sorry they did. Sometimes you're better off with the devil you know..."

Ultimately, the game was never produced, as Visceral Games has moved on to other projects and later shut down.