Last month saw the return of Isaac Clarke in theDead Spaceremake, after nearly a decade of the character’s absence. TheDead SpaceRemake was released to positive reviews from critics and gamers, who praised the game’s terrifying atmosphere and improved gameplay. However, this wasn’t Isaac Clarke’s first reappearance, asFortniteadded him as a playable character three days prior.Fortnitewas a strange place to see the character return, but Isaac’s inclusion in the title offered fans a chance to celebrate his return in a fun and lighthearted way.
Isaac joinedFortniteas part of the “Strange Transmissions” Quest pack in the Gaming Legends series. Former additions to the series includeGod of War’s Kratos,Halo’s Master Chief, andDOOMGuy. However, there is a major difference between Isaac and these others. While Isaac has been out of the spotlight since 2013, the others have modern sequels that maintained their relevance over the years. His addition is a welcome surprise for fans of the series, and a refreshing way for a community of loyal fans to celebrate the franchise’s return after so long.
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Fortnite is an Especially Strange Environment for Isaac Clarke
Fortniteis no stranger to surprise crossovers, as the game built a reputation for allowing fans to experience beloved characters in a new light. However, Isaac’s inclusion is especially significant, and strange, given the source material.Dead Spaceis cherished for its incredibly dark atmosphere and gruesome violence, butFortnite’s Gaming Legends seriesoffered fans the chance to see Isaac in a world quite the opposite. Despite the contrast between the two titles, Isaac’s appearance inFortnitewas welcomed by fans, especially at a time when they were so close to getting their hands on theDead SpaceRemake.
The environment of bothFortniteandDead Spacecould not be more opposite. Instead of the dark, quiet, and ominous halls of the USG Ishimura,Fortnite’s maps are colorful and full of life. The disparity between the two led some to think acrossover betweenFortniteandDead Spacewas an unlikely reality. However, once it arrived, it felt like a great way to celebrate Isaac before he faced off against the onslaught of necromorphs in theDead Spaceremake.
The environment isn’t the only characteristic ofFortnitethat strikes a significant contrast to that ofDead Space.One of the series' hallmarks, and a point of deep connection between Isaac and fans, isDead Space’s horrific death animations. Over the course of the originalDead Spacetrilogy, Isaac Clarke could be dispatched in a variety of ways if players failed in combat or puzzle scenarios, often accompanied by a horrific animation. What’s more, even success in theDead Spaceseries led to harm befalling Isaac. Seeing Isaac added to a Battle Royale game, in which killing is celebrated with a silly dance or gesture, is the farthest thing from what fans were used to, and his ability to take part in these lighthearted features made his inclusion all the better.
Isaac’s Inclusion in Fortnite is the Perfect Way For Gamers to Celebrate His Return
Horror game protagonists like Isaac Clarke are often restricted to the genre. Horror in general is not as accessible as many other genres, as its dark and frightening nature elicits a unique reaction in different people.Fortnite, therefore, offers the greater gaming community a rare opportunity to celebrate Isaac’s return together.Bizarre gaming crossovers can benefit titles likeDead Space, as they not only offer veterans a chance to see characters in a new light, but they introduce new players to the IP in a neutral environment. Given how terrifying theDead SpaceRemake is, many gamers may not be able to experience its return first-hand. However, by adding Isaac toFortnite, a much larger audience can interact with the character in a way that is accessible to them.
As beneficial as a crossover event can be for a franchise, Isaac’s inclusion inFortnitewas first and foremost a gift to veteran fans.Fortnite’sdepiction of Isaac was a celebration of the character’s past before fans could experience his future. It even included references to lesser-known titles, such as the inclusion ofthe plasma saw fromDead Space Mobile. After waiting such a long time to see his return, there was something especially fun about veteran players getting to interact and play with Isaac in such a lighthearted way. With fans diving back into theDead SpaceRemake, many are celebrating the return of the cosmic horror juggernaut. However, it was Isaac’s strange and wonderful introduction inFortnitethat gave fans the chance to celebrate the character himself and welcome him back to the gaming spotlight.
Fortniteis available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
