Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster delivers an impressive modernization of the beloved 2006 classic, offering both nostalgia and improved gameplay for new and returning players. The remaster keeps the chaotic, sandbox zombie action intact while updating visuals, controls, and quality-of-life features that make it more accessible and enjoyable in 2024.
Great excuse to dig back into the franchise.
At the heart of Dead Rising remains the quirky protagonist, Frank West, a photojournalist trapped in the Willamette Mall during a zombie outbreak. The original game was known for its unique gameplay loop, where players had to manage time, complete story missions, and handle various side quests in a constantly ticking clock scenario. This core mechanic remains unchanged but refined for modern audiences. In Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster, players still navigate the mall, using anything they can find—from shopping carts to chainsaws—as weapons to survive waves of undead while uncovering the truth behind the outbreak.
One of the most noticeable changes is the graphical overhaul. Using Capcom’s RE Engine, the game now runs smoothly at higher resolutions with a steady frame rate. The mall environments are more detailed, and the sheer number of zombies on-screen at any time has been increased, creating a sense of overwhelming chaos. However, this boost in zombie population can occasionally feel excessive, as new hordes respawn too quickly, dampening the satisfaction of clearing an area.
Just as I remembered it, almost.
Another significant improvement is the control scheme, which has been modernized. Gone are the clunky, outdated controls of the original; Deluxe Remaster introduces more intuitive button mapping and smoother character movement. Frank’s dodge roll, for example, can now be performed with a single button press, which enhances fluidity during combat. This makes the gameplay experience much more accessible for newcomers while maintaining the game’s signature challenge.
One of the original game’s most frustrating aspects—the terrible survivor AI—has also been revamped. In the original, escorting survivors often felt like babysitting, as they would constantly get stuck or fail to defend themselves. The remaster fixes this with smarter AI, making survivors more responsive and able to navigate through hordes of zombies effectively. This overhaul alleviates much of the frustration while still maintaining the tension of trying to save multiple people at once.
Additionally, Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster introduces an auto-save system, which helps reduce the punishing nature of the original game. Players no longer need to worry about manually saving at bathrooms or losing hours of progress due to one fatal mistake. This small but crucial change makes the experience more forgiving without reducing the overall challenge.
Hopefully it means Dead Rising is coming back.
However, not all changes are universally appreciated. Some long-time fans have noted alterations to character appearances and voice acting, including Frank West’s design and voice, which differ from the original game. While these changes don’t break the experience, they are seen as unnecessary and might feel jarring to fans who were attached to the original versions.
Ultimately, Dead Rising: Deluxe Remaster strikes a delicate balance between maintaining the spirit of the original and introducing modern updates that make it more playable today. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, this remaster offers a thrilling and chaotic zombie-slaying experience that proves why Dead Rising remains a standout in Capcom’s catalogue.
