Dead Space 3 will feature an unlockable Hardcore mode with permadeath
A "top secret additional story" in the works.
Dead Space 3's executive producer Steve Papoutsis outlined four of the game's optional modes that unlock when you beat the game once.
Most attention grabbing is a ZombiU-esque Hardcore Mode, in which you only have one life for the entire game (in case Dead Space 2's Hard Core Mode that only let you save three times was too easy).
Additionally, there will be a Classic Mode "for the DS1 veterans out there," said Papoutsis on the company blog. This mode will disable item crafting and all weapons will have to be constructed from blueprints, ala the original Dead Space. It will also only use "classic" aiming, i.e. no iron sights.
In Pure Survival Mode resources will only be acquired from downed enemies, so you won't find any ammo, health or weapon parts in the environment. "You'll have to choose what to craft every time you see a bench. Upgrade? Med Pack? Plasma Core? Think fast - there's a Waster right around the corner!" wrote Papoutsis.
Finally, there's the tried-and-true New Game+ Mode in which you start with all your upgrades and gear from the previous playthrough.
Looking ahead, Papoutsis noted that Visceral is working on "a top secret additional story that will be coming in a few weeks."
"We're not saying much, yet," he said, "but think 'disturbing' to get your imaginations going."
Dead Space 3 is due out in the UK on 8th February on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, where it was designed not to outshine its console brethren.
