This article contains spoilers about Dead Space.
The Dead Space remake is here, and (spoilers) it's very good. The game's most notable change may very well be its (further spoilers) secret conclusion.
The reveal of Dead Space's secret conclusion is unlikely to enthuse franchise fans, but it's a fascinating alternative conclusion that may have an influence on the series' future. You'll need to unlock it before you can. Here's how you do it.
How to Unlock the Secret Ending in Dead Space Remake
To get to Dead Space's secret conclusion, you first need to unlock the remake's New Game+ mode. That mode requires you to defeat the base campaign on any difficulty and under any conditions. From there, you'll be able to play through the remake's New Game+ campaign, which allows you to retain your previously unlocked weapons and upgrades, but also new and more challenging enemies.
The New Game+ campaign includes a few hidden objects, including "Marker Fragments." The bad news is that you can easily miss them if you don't get to the secret ending. Even so, it's best to collect them in order if at all possible.
Every Marker Fragment Location in Dead Space Remake
In the majority of chapters, there will be one Marker Fragment. However, some chapters have no Fragments and a couple of chapters have multiple Fragments. Again, your best bet is to keep an eye on them while you play rather than try to return to them later.
During Chapter 1, Melee attack the bookcase next to the Data Board, and you should discover the first Marker Fragment.
In Chapter 2, go to Dr. T. Kyne's office. There, you'll find a different shelf that looks similar to the one you had to find the first Marker Fragment. This time, though, you'll need to use your Kinesis ability to move the shelf and locate the second Fragment.
Locate the Power Sub-Station 03 area during Chapter 3. That area should be identified via a sign on the wall. At the back of that area (behind the sign), a Fragment is sat in a corner.
Look for a "Break Room" sign next to a door on the third floor of the bridge in Chapter 4. The Fragment will be visible near some suspiciously placed candles.
During Chapter 5, enter Dr. C. Mercer's office, and you'll see a Marker just sitting inside. It's pretty easy to miss this one, as it's the first Fragment that many players might discover casually.
This Fragment will be found in Chapter 5, also located on the Medical Deck. The main story will take you to this area, but the Fragment itself is difficult to miss. Look at the top of the cryo chamber, and you should see it. You'll need to use Kinesis to bring it closer to you.
Keep an eye out for this Fragment piece found in the corner of a nearby room during the section of Chapter 6 that you'll need to inject the Wheezers. It should be very obvious when you're near Wheezer 6 or 7.
Keep an eye out for the Security Clearance Level 3 area when you need to find the Beacon in Chapter 7. A Fragment should be visible in that area.
Keep an eye out for a warning sign near the left of the communication control panel during Chapter 8 if you want to activate the Comms Array. You'll find the Fragment in that section.
There will be no new Marker Fragment in Chapter 9. Instead, you'll need to go to Chapter 10 and wait until you've reached the elevator in that area. Go to level B and disconnect the power cord. This will open the entrance to the Deluxe Bunks section. There, the Fragment will be located on a desk.
This Fragment is also found in Chapter 10. Go to Terence Kyne's Inquiry Desk room. There, you'll find a Fragment sitting on the desk.
The final Marker Fragment is usually relatively easy to spot. Once you have reached the Cargo Bay in Chapter 11, keep an eye out for a shelf in the southern part of the room. It should contain the last Fragment.
Once you have all 12 Fragments, head to the Crew Deck and look for the Executive Quarters. You'll find twelve pedestals in the Captain's Quarters area. You'll need to finish the New Game+ campaign in order to see the secret conclusion.
Secret Ending for the Dead Space Remake Explained
First and foremost, you must understand what happens in the base (or "original") Dead Space conclusion.
Issac defeats the Hive Mind and returns to his ship in one of the greatest jump scares in gaming history. The game then cuts to credits.
Issac defeats the Hive Mind and returns to his ship, but this time, he is not attacked by Nicole. In fact, an apparently mutated version of Nicole asks Issac if they're going home because there's "so much work to be done." Nicole replies, "Soon, I promise. Gotta build a little something first." He responds, "It's a surprise, sweetie. But I think you'll like it."
If you have never seen the original Dead Space 2, this conclusion might seem like a significant departure from the original finale. However, that's not entirely true. Issac was actually hallucinating as a result of the combined effects of the Markers (which created the Necromorphs) and...well, everything he went through. In fact, Dead Space 2 begins with Issac being locked in a hospital for three years.
The purpose of this secret ending is to bridge the gap between the end of Dead Space and the beginning of Dead Space 2, bolstering the notion that Issac was not just crazy at the end of Dead Space, but was also being controlled by the Markers to do their bidding and exert influence.
As others have pointed out, this final twist not only compensates for the fact that Dead Space veterans already know the original ending's jump scare is coming, but also helps address some earlier logic gaps. After all, there's a good possibility the original Dead Space team didn't know that they'd get the chance to remake the game or what they'd even do with the eventual sequel.
At least that's what we're hoping for. With any luck, we'll know for certain whether or when we get a Dead Space 2 remake.