Do not be misled by the name Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster; this is more of a complete remake of Capcom’s classic zombie game. While the story and core gameplay remain the same, Dead Rising has undergone a significant visual upgrade and some gameplay adjustments to enhance the playing experience. It retains the essence of the original game but feels like a product of the modern gaming era. My hands-on experience with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster reveals a faithful modernization of a horror classic that still stands strong today.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster – Announcement Trailer
If you are unfamiliar with Dead Rising, it follows the story of Frank West, a photojournalist who infiltrates the quarantined town of Willamette overrun by zombies. Stranded in a zombie-infested mall for 72 hours, Frank uncovers the truth behind the outbreak and collaborates with government agents also trapped in the mall. Despite its dark themes, Dead Rising maintains a humorous tone with its clumsy protagonist.
The game serves as a satirical commentary on American consumerism, government interventions, and sensational journalism. Beneath the humor, there is a heartfelt narrative as Frank begins to show genuine care for others and witnesses the psychological toll of the zombie apocalypse on Willamette’s residents. Dead Rising thrives on emergent gameplay moments enabled by its premise.
The gameplay unfolds over a span of 72 in-game hours, with a ticking clock adding urgency to the missions. To achieve the best ending, players must complete all main cases within the given timeframe.
With dynamic gameplay systems that involve rescuing survivors and crafting weapons from found objects, each playthrough of Dead Rising offers unique experiences. This aspect has contributed to the lasting appeal of the game for fans over the years, and Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster preserves this essence. If you enjoyed the emergent gameplay of Capcom’s Dragon’s Dogma 2 earlier this year, you will appreciate the same in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster.
As a remake, or as Capcom calls it, a Deluxe Remaster, Dead Rising excels. It retains the core gameplay mechanics while introducing visual enhancements and minor gameplay tweaks. The revamped visuals breathe new life into the iconic setting of Willamette Mall. The game now features autosave and the ability to move while shooting, making it more user-friendly without compromising on the original charm.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster may not be as extensive a reimagining as Resident Evil 4‘s remake, but it succeeds in introducing a new generation to this classic zombie game. Fans of the original Dead Rising are likely to enjoy revisiting the game with Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, just as Dead Space fans did with its remake in January 2023.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster will be available on September 19 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, with a physical console release on November 8.
