Arizona Sunshine Remake Review: Fred’s Back and He Looks Better Than Ever

As a diehard zombie enthusiast and VR gaming connoisseur with over 15 years of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that the Arizona Sunshine Remake is a masterpiece. Having just completed both Arizona Sunshine and its sequel back-to-back, I was more than ready to dive into this remastered version.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been fortunate enough to get an early sneak peek at the Arizona Sunshine Remake before its launch on various VR platforms. Being a die-hard fan of the original game and having recently completed Arizona Sunshine 2, I couldn’t wait to dive back into the action and splatter some zombie Fred heads!

In this new version of Arizona Sunshine, several aspects from the second game are incorporated, making them quite noticeable compared to my recent experience with the initial release. Since I had just played the original game, the enhancements stood out vividly.

Read on to check out my full Arizona Sunshine Remake review.

Zombies, Take Two

As a gamer, Arizona Sunshine stands out as one of my favorite zombie-slaying series ever to grace a gaming platform. It’s not just one of the best virtual reality (VR) zombie games, but one of the best zombie games, full stop. The original game establishes the setting masterfully, and since its release in 2016, it played a significant role in popularizing VR shooters.

Last year, I was thrilled to see the launch of Arizona Sunshine 2, which garnered widespread acclaim! Among its many charms, there’s this adorable canine companion named Buddy. Let me just hint at it – you can even give him a good old scratch behind the ears!

In the gaming world, Arizona Sunshine: Remastered breathes new life into the original’s captivating setting while incorporating the advancements in gameplay and combat from its sequel. The visuals on screen (or through my VR headset) are nothing short of awe-inspiring, but what truly sets it apart is the heightened sense of immersion – it feels more real, more immediate, and most crucially, more intense.

In this updated game version, players now have a wider selection of tools at their disposal, including melee weapons and two-handed guns. You’ll be able to acquire your first melee weapon quite early in the game. There’s an intriguingly intense multiplayer mode for cooperation, which is worth checking out. Furthermore, the zombie models have never looked more menacingly realistic.

Worth Every Penny

Arizona Sunshine Remake Review: Fred’s Back and He Looks Better Than Ever

The Arizona Sunshine Remake may be relatively short, clocking in at around four hours, but it’s jam-packed with content. It’s primarily a linear experience with occasional puzzles, but the main draw is its intense combat mechanics. The sensation of eliminating “Fred heads” or slicing them up with various weapons is incredibly rewarding.

I’d put it this way: “The story isn’t as engrossing as Arizona Sunshine 2, but it serves as a great ‘beginner’s episode,’ laying the groundwork for the sequel. In terms of playing sequence, start with the Arizona Sunshine Remake and then jump directly into Arizona Sunshine 2.

Among the aspects I greatly enjoy in these games are the witty remarks by Sky Soleil, which continually recharge my energy during the whole narrative (on two occasions). Combined with the visually stunning designs from Vertigo Studios, this combination keeps me completely engaged and attentive.

In essence, the remake of Arizona Sunshine is an investment well worth making, even up to ten times its cost. It’s an exceptional VR shooting game and one of the most engaging I’ve experienced on Meta Quest 3 since getting my headset. I can hardly find any issues with the game, though if there’s one minor criticism, it’s that it leaves me yearning for more by the end. Is that truly a flaw?

Arizona Sunshine Remake Verdict

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but sing praises about the Arizona Sunshine Remake – a captivating VR shooter that delivers an unparalleled gaming experience. The combat mechanics are nothing short of brilliant, and the immersive environment truly transports you into a post-apocalyptic world.

Arizona Sunshine Remake Review: Fred’s Back and He Looks Better Than Ever