Live-service games and crossover cosmetics are often a match made in… well, somewhere divisive. For many, they’re an accepted part of the free-to-play model, but others struggle to imagine characters like Godzilla or Nicki Minaj suddenly wielding assault rifles in a battle royale. The latest such crossover brings Isaac Clarke from Dead Space, trading the terrifying halls of the USG Ishimura for the urban landscapes of Skate.
However, Isaac Clarke’s appearance here is a far cry from his iconic suit. While his Dead Space armor was never cutting-edge, his Skate counterpart is designed to look like a makeshift, cardboard and duct-tape cosplay. This intentional choice helps it blend with Skate’s visual style, yet it still feels distinctly odd.
Then there’s the price tag. While many free-to-play PC titles rely on similar monetization strategies, this complete set will set you back 3,350 San Van Bucks—which translates to a staggering $29.98 or £26.48. For that, you get the character skin, along with decals for your skateboard deck, trucks, and wheels, three stickers, an emote, and an avatar.
To put this into perspective, the acclaimed 2023 Dead Space remake typically costs roughly twice this amount at its full retail price. However, it frequently goes on sale, having been seen for as little as $11.99 or £9.99 on platforms like Steam. You could even pick up the full game at Walmart for just $19.99, leaving you enough spare cash for some actual snacks instead of a digital outfit.
This crossover is particularly frustrating given the uncertain future of the Dead Space franchise. With developer EA Motive now absorbed into Battlefield Studios to focus on Battlefield 6, new adventures for Isaac Clarke seem a distant dream. While you *can* purchase this cardboard cosplay skin in Skate if you’re truly desperate, it simply doesn’t compare to dismembering alien-zombies on the Ishimura.
While there’s a slim chance this collaboration might introduce new players to the Dead Space universe, right now it feels like an overpriced, poorly conceived addition that only makes us long for a more promising future for the series.
If this news has you yearning for some skateboarding action, check out the best skateboard games available. Alternatively, if your preference leans towards cosmic horrors, our roundup of the best space games has you covered.
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