Capcom’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings the classic zombie-slaying mayhem of the original Dead Rising back to life, offering a significant graphical overhaul and a handful of modern quality-of-life improvements. Released on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series S/X, this remaster isn’t just a nostalgia trip for long-time fans but also provides a fresh experience for new players venturing into Willamette’s infamously undead-filled mall. Has it stood the test of time?
At its core, Dead Rising remains the same game that set the bar for open-world zombie chaos in 2006. The narrative still follows Frank West, a journalist with a nose for trouble, who finds himself trapped in a mall filled with zombies after Willamette, Colorado, is quarantined. You quickly find out that the mall itself is a bit of a playground, filled with objects to turn into makeshift weapons, from traditional firearms to everyday items like benches and lawnmowers – with plenty of nods to classic horror films. This approach to combat, where creativity and resourcefulness are rewarded, is what made the original stand out. The remaster retains this aspect while adding a level of polish to make gameplay smoother.
Obviously, one of the biggest features of the Deluxe Remaster is its visual upgrade. Utilizing Capcom’s celebrated RE Engine, the game has been fully revamped graphically, and the difference is noticeable. Textures are more detailed, lighting is more dynamic, and character models, particularly Frank West’s, have a much more modern feel. The massive zombie hordes that Dead Rising is known for are now rendered in greater detail, with more zombies on screen than in the original. The blood spatter and facial expressions have also been significantly enhanced, adding a new layer of realism to the chaos.
The remaster also improves the overall accessibility of the game. Auto-save functionality, revamped controls, and an updated UI ensure that some of the frustrations of the original release are minimized. One major addition is full voice acting, which not only enhances immersion but makes the narrative sequences more engaging and cinematic in nature. These improvements help smooth out the original’s rough edges without fundamentally altering the experience.
That said, while the graphical and quality-of-life improvements are welcome, some of the game’s older mechanics show their age. The time-sensitive structure of the game, where you have just 72 in-game hours to uncover the mystery of Willamette’s zombie outbreak, remains intact. While this adds tension and urgency to the experience, it can also lead to moments of frustration, especially for players who prefer to explore at their own pace. The game encourages replayability by design, as it’s difficult to see and do everything in a single playthrough. The remaster doesn’t include any changes to this system, which might alienate players who found the original’s time limits restrictive if they went in thinking they were getting a tight narrative.
In terms of combat, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster maintains the satisfying yet chaotic nature of fighting off zombie hordes with anything you can find. Whether you’re wielding a chainsaw, baseball bat, or a toy store’s mannequin, the variety of weapon choices keeps things entertaining. However, the combat can still feel clunky at times, especially when swarmed by large groups of zombies. While the remaster refines controls, some of the stiffness that plagued the original remains.
The audio experience in the remaster, much like the visuals, has been given an upgrade. The remastered soundtrack complements the updated graphics well, and the sound design immerses you deeper into the atmosphere. The newly added voice acting is well-executed, with Frank West’s character, in particular, feeling more fleshed out. These elements help create an immersive atmosphere, making Willamette’s mall feel even more alive (or undead?) than before.
Ultimately, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a worthy revisit for fans of the original and newcomers alike. The graphical overhaul and quality-of-life improvements breathe new life into a beloved classic, though some of the original’s dated mechanics still linger. If you’re looking to relive the zombie-slaying madness with a fresh coat of paint, or if you’re a newcomer eager to experience one of the genre’s trailblazers, this remaster offers plenty of fun. However, for those who found the original’s time-sensitive structure or occasionally clunky combat frustrating, this version might not completely win them over.
Score: 8.1/10
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