Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

As a seasoned survivor of countless zombie apocalypses, I’ve seen my fair share of gaming mayhem. But let me tell you, Capcom’s Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has left me breathless and blood-soaked. This isn’t just a remaster; it’s a resurrection!


Before Dead Rising debuted in 2006, numerous zombie games existed, yet none managed to perfectly blend gruesome gore with social and consumerist satire, inspired by George A. Romero’s iconic 1978 film, Dawn of the Dead. This game offered swarms of zombies, copious amounts of blood, biting wit, and an over-the-top sense of absurdity. It was one of the most striking titles during the Xbox 360 era, representing a significant leap in gaming, a game worth demonstrating to friends as proof of our progress. Despite its humor, it wasn’t without flaws.

The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster doesn’t just address nearly all the problems present in the original; it leverages the exceptional capabilities of the RE Engine to modernize the IP for 2024, making it likely that you might find the prior game and its follow-ups less appealing.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster stays true to its roots by maintaining the fundamental elements of its origin. Players assume the role of Frank West, a charming yet somewhat arrogant hard-boiled journalist, who finds himself in a Colorado mall transformed into a maliciously designed playground filled with hordes of shambling zombies and an assortment of characters to interact with. Some of these individuals are vital for the narrative that unfolds, while others have lost their humanity, turning them into formidable boss battles.

The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster offers a time-skipping feature, which can be activated at save points, providing some flexibility in decision-making while adhering to the game’s structure. There are aspects related to the flow of time that need attention – for instance, zombies become faster and deadlier during nighttime. As you play, you advance the story, rescue survivors from the grasp of the undead, earn Performance Points (PP) by taking pictures, and, naturally, eliminate as many infected as possible using a variety of creative weapons at your disposal. However, you’re not bound to follow the game’s plan – you can simply enjoy roaming around the mall, causing chaos, killing things, and discovering numerous interesting items. It’s just as enjoyable to deviate from the prescribed path as it is to stick to it!

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

The Willamette Mall area offers numerous activities and sights, and it now boasts a breathtaking appearance due to enhanced lighting, upgraded character designs, and a more user-friendly heads-up display (HUD). Gameplay has been significantly improved by various adjustments, such as the capability to move while aiming, and a smoother execution of basic moves like repeatedly pressing a button to ward off a zombie grab, instead of the bothersome analog stick maneuvers from the past. New skills you acquire during gameplay can be assigned to different keys, in contrast to the thumbstick acrobatics from 2006. For those who prefer the classic style, there’s an option to play with the original control setup.

In the mall, weapons are abundant, and each playthrough presents a unique method of causing harm. The problem of item durability has been addressed, so every time you grab an object – whether it’s a handgun, a shopping cart, or a stun gun – a useful gauge appears to show how many uses you have left before it breaks.

In this new version of the game, characters from the original have been developed further and play more significant roles in the storyline. One such character is Otis, who now has a full voiceover. Previously, you could get radio calls from Otis that might have put you in danger, but not anymore. As for other key figures, some debatable decisions about their portrayal have been rectified as well.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

One way to rephrase the given text while maintaining its essence and making it more natural and easy to read is:

In this expansive mall, you’re free to look for useful items for yourself and your companions. You can locate and eat edible goods, but also find spots where you can prepare meals to restore your health. There are also books you can uncover that grant you bonuses and special abilities. Some of the Skill Books you might stumble upon are incredibly diverse in their content and impact.

In this aspect, there are certain charming elements, one of which is a side quest involving Japanese tourists that necessitates Frank learning some Japanese for communication and mission completion. This element is presented with authentic humor and warmth, showcasing the effort Capcom has put into enhancing and enriching Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. There are numerous secrets like this hidden throughout, along with rewards granted for accomplishing tasks.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

During intense moments, it’s possible to overlook the fact that character Frank is fundamentally a journalist by nature, and his primary skill lies in taking striking photographs. You can earn points for various types of photography. For instance, snapping images of chaotic, bloody scenes will earn you ‘Brutality’ points, while capturing dramatic moments with significant plot developments or emotional interactions between characters increases the ‘Drama’ score. Fortunately, the controversial ‘Erotica’ genre from the previous game, which incentivized inappropriate and edgy photos of female characters, has been removed. The camera that Frank uses has been upgraded since we first encountered him, and you can enhance his equipment with features like a flash as the story progresses. Additionally, rewards for taking well-composed shots are more generous in this game, providing a quick and rewarding way to boost Frank’s level. Consequently, you’ll likely find yourself using the camera more frequently here compared to the original game.

The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster stands out as an impressive upgrade. It’s larger, improved, more gruesome, and even more enjoyable to experience compared to a game that I might have had some nostalgic bias towards upon reflection. There are numerous secrets to uncover, many items to unlock (the unique costumes, the subtle nods to Capcom history, quite impressive!), and of course, the multiple branching endings that were characteristic of the original journey. Each playthrough is unique as you almost always discover something new to explore or interact with. This is another successful venture for Capcom, breathing fresh life into a cherished game, making it appealing and essential for contemporary gamers.

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2024-09-17 18:16