Dead Space Fans Slam Isaac Clarke’s $35 Costume in EA’s New Skateboard

Fans of the Dead Space series have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the price of a new crossover pack in EA’s free title, Skate, currently in early access. The pack includes a cardboard Isaac Clarke costume, a themed skateboard, the Necro Stomp emote and several stickers. The pack is priced at 3,350 San Van Bucks, the game’s virtual currency, but the pricing structure requires players to spend a minimum of $35 to acquire the necessary in-game funds. Although a USG Ishimura t-shirt is available for free, the cost of the entire set has drawn criticism for being excessive.

While this isn’t the first collaboration between Dead Space and Skate, as there was a free Isaac Clarke skin in Skate 3, the new pack continued the debate over microtransaction practices. Some players have made comparisons between the original Skate 3 unlock and this new version, pointing out that when the costume was free, it felt more like a fun Easter egg than a monetized item. However, others have suggested that the exaggerated cardboard look of the new costume might be intentional, aiming for a Halloween costume aesthetic rather than a direct replica of Isaac Clarke’s iconic armor. Despite this, the $35 price remains a sore point.

However, not all community feedback has been negative. One Reddit user offered a more nuanced view of the game’s direction: “On the one hand, I get it. I would definitely have preferred this game to be a traditional single player Skate game where everything is included in the purchase price. On the other hand, I’ve been playing and loving the new Skate. You get tons of cosmetics for free if the virtual dress up portion of the game is your bag. real skate brands.”

The user went on to say that he paid $25 for the Supporter Pack and felt the overall value was strong, citing access to branded items and a surprisingly generous season pass system. “A traditional Skateboard would never see the light of day these days, so if it had to be F2P to be made, I’d rather have that than nothing, because there’s a lack of good skateboarding games these days.”

Reactions online reflected a mix of disappointment and cynicism. “Hopefully one day Dead Space will reach a state as an IP where it’s not just relegated to a simple skin in a mediocre game that’s always online to drive microtransactions,” another Redditor wrote.

Another fan on Twitter commented: “You can buy three Dead Space games with this money (and probably three Skate games).” While some appreciate the ongoing crossover between two beloved EA properties, many say the current execution – and its price – detract from what could have been a celebratory moment for both franchises.

Still, the price tag has particularly sparked frustration among Dead Space fans, many of whom are discouraged by the franchise’s uncertain future. Despite the critical success of the Dead Space 2023 remake, EA has reportedly abandoned plans to remake Dead Space 2 and a potential Dead Space 4, reassigning developer Motive to the Battlefield franchise. Since then, Isaac Clarke has been relegated to appearances in other games like Fortnite and Battlefield 2042.