Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Review (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S & PC)

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is an epic return of one of the craziest and most entertaining zombie games of the season. This revamped classic brings a fresh twist into this zombie series without reinventing the wheel. But this time, Capcom has focused on enhancing the visuals with a stunning upgrade while staying true to the charm that made the original a fan favorite. But does it truly capture the spirit of the game we all know and love? The answer to this question lies between these sentences with a review of the features  that make Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. 

Why We Can’t Look Away

One aspect that has always been outstanding in Dead Rising is the franchise’s hero, Frank West. Frank is not the typical protagonist people follow or support in the movie. He is a photojournalist involved in a zombie apocalypse. 

Now, here is the twist: instead of becoming a hero, he wants to get the perfect picture. Imagine being trapped in a mall filled with zombies, and your first instinct is to get the perfect shot. That’s Frank for you. Most of the time, players are surrounded by zombie apocalypse games where all characters strive to save the world. Frank’s sarcasm makes the game lively and relatable. 

By the time you are fighting zombies at the mall, you will begin to understand why Frank has such an attitude. His jokes are dry, which makes the game not too serious, and that’s a good thing. You’ll find yourself laughing, groaning, and sometimes even feeling sympathetic for him as he navigates this nightmare.

Chaos at the Mall

The mall in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is where the real fun begins. Picture this: you’re in a massive, open-world shopping mall, but instead of hunting for the latest sale, you’re searching for weapons to defend against hordes of zombies. 

Every store is packed with possibilities, and the variety of items keeps the gameplay fresh. You can grab everyday objects like golf clubs or frying pans, but why stop there? Chainsaws, lawnmowers, and even motorbikes are up for grabs.

One of the coolest things about the mall is how it encourages exploration. Each area is distinct, offering something new to discover. You can move from the food court to the hardware store, constantly encountering different environments and challenges. This variety keeps things exciting, so you never get bored as you hack your way through the zombies.

The game thrives on creativity. You can combine weapons to make something even more dangerous or find the quirkiest item to take down zombies. Additionally, the layout is well-designed, ensuring that every corner has something new to interact with. You might stumble upon a zombie dressed as a clown or find a shopping cart to use as a weapon; anything can happen.

A Mixed Bag

When it comes to remasters, the first thing that catches your eye is always the graphics and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is no different. Capcom has certainly made some noticeable upgrades. The lighting is brighter, the textures are crisper, and the animations flow more smoothly.

However, not every part of the game received equal treatment. Indoor areas, particularly the mall, have benefited the most from these improvements. The detailed textures and improved lighting make these environments feel more immersive. 

Unfortunately, the outdoor sections still seem a bit dated. The contrast between the two areas can be somewhat underwhelming. This inconsistency in graphical quality becomes more noticeable when transitioning between environments.

Character models also saw some changes, but reactions to these updates may vary. While some players might appreciate the more polished designs, others may prefer the original look of the characters. It’s ultimately a matter of personal preference.

Overall, the graphical updates are solid but far from revolutionary. Capcom clearly focused on refining the existing visuals rather than overhauling the game. The remaster may not stand up to the graphical standards of modern zombie games. However, it still offers a significant upgrade for a nearly two-decade-old title, making it more accessible and visually appealing to today’s players.

Still a Thrill

One of the most iconic features of Dead Rising has always been the massive zombie hordes. In the Deluxe Remaster, they’re still as thrilling as ever. Even years after its original release, mowing down waves of zombies feels just as satisfying. 

Frank West’s ability to take down and even run across the heads of zombies makes you feel like a zombie-surfing ninja. The crowds of zombies provide endless opportunities for creative combat. Consequently, it allows players to experiment with different weapons and strategies. This massive danger keeps the adrenaline pumping throughout the game.

While modern gamers may be used to large-scale enemies in more recent titles, Dead Rising still holds its own. In the remaster, the zombie hordes continue to be a standout feature, delivering moments of pure fun and chaos. If you are in for survival, the thrill of battling these massive crowds remains one of the game’s greatest strengths.

Humor in the Face of Horror

Who laughs during a zombie apocalypse? Frank West does, and he does it best in Dead Rising. The game’s unique blend of humor and horror is what sets it apart from other titles in the genre. Instead of going down the dark and grim path, Dead Rising embraces a lighthearted tone.  

Frank’s sarcastic one-liners and the ridiculous situations he finds himself in help break the tension. The game lets you smash zombies with an inflatable hammer, and if that’s not enough, you can dress Frank in an outlandish costume while doing it. 

The humor isn’t just limited to gameplay; it’s also embedded in the story and side quests. You’ll encounter survivors who believe they’re superheroes or stumble upon zombies dressed in clown costumes. These moments bring a refreshing touch to the action, keeping things from getting repetitive or overly intense.

What makes Dead Rising special is the balance between humor and survival. While the zombie threat is real, the game constantly offers moments of pure humor. It’s this mix of fun and intensity that gives Dead Rising its unique identity. It’s a reminder that, in the face of horror, it’s okay to have a little fun.

Slay the Zombies

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster stays true to the original. It maintains the endless ways to take down zombies, keeping the combat system just as engaging. Players still have access to a huge variety of weapons and combinations. From bats to chainsaws, the remaster preserves the creative arsenal that fans loved, making every encounter unpredictable.

The freedom to experiment is one of the game’s highlights, and the Remaster doesn’t lose that. You can still duct-tape weapons together to take down hordes. Ultimately, every weapon feels unique, and the Remaster’s updated graphics make it even more satisfying to unleash chaos.

In addition to creative weaponry, the tactical elements remain intact. The remaster lets you set traps, use the environment, or plan strategic attacks, giving more depth to the gameplay. This balance between chaos and strategy keeps players on their toes. It ensures that the game doesn’t just rely on mindless action.

What’s New?

One of the best updates in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is the auto-save feature. In the original game, you had to manually save at restrooms. If you died before saving, you lost all your progress. Now, the game saves automatically when you move between areas, like leaving the safe room or entering the North Plaza. This small change removes the stress of constantly saving and keeps the action going.

The remaster also comes with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. While it’s not a full remake like Resident Evil, it improves the original without changing the main vibe. The game uses Capcom’s RE Engine, offering sharper textures, improved lighting, and smoother animations. These updates give the game a modern look but still feel like the 2006 classic fans loved.

Cutscenes and conversations run on the same rigging as the original. However, the updated graphics make everything look more polished. This remaster strikes a perfect balance between staying faithful to the original and making it feel fresh. The improved visuals and performance create a more enjoyable experience without losing the charm of the original zombie chaos.

Verdict

So, is Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster worth playing? Absolutely, especially if you were a fan of the original. The game captures the chaotic, zombie-slaying fun that made the original a hit while offering modern improvements to keep it relevant. The humor and creativity of the gameplay remain intact, making it a nostalgic trip worth taking. For newcomers, this remaster serves as a great introduction to the franchise. 

That said, the Remaster isn’t without flaws. Some areas, particularly outdoor environments, still feel a bit dated. Frank’s updated facial features, with his harsher expression, may not appeal to everyone. However, these issues don’t take away from the overall fun. 

While it may not be a complete overhaul, this remaster delivers enough to make it worth your time. It’s a reminder of why Dead Rising became an action-adventure classic, and for fans of zombie games, it’s a must-play.