As a high schooler in 2006, I spent countless hours and almost all my savings renting time on an Xbox 360 at a local mall store. After two years of persistence, I finally saved enough to own the console and dive into Capcom’s Dead Rising. Now, nearly two decades later, the series continues to offer an endearing yet flawed experience in the open-world zombie genre. The newly released Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster may not introduce a fresh installment, but it celebrates the series’ unique voice with a return to its roots.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster (DRDR) is not a remake; rather, it is a remaster that stays true to the original game while implementing some much-needed quality-of-life improvements and visual enhancements. The core experience remains intact—players will still navigate the chaotic mall setting, face off against the zombies, and experience the bizarro antics of photojournalist Frank West. However, some game mechanics, which were awkward even at launch, have not aged well, potentially limiting its appeal in 2024.
The game’s premise follows Frank as he investigates a zombie outbreak in a mall in Willamette, Colorado. His mission evolves from uncovering the root cause of the plague to surviving the onslaught of the undead while assisting fellow survivors trapped alongside him. Unfortunately, escorting non-playable characters (NPCs) back to safety often leads to frustration due to their unpredictable behavior in a zombie-infested environment.
Throughout the game, players encounter a blend of moments—from serious missions to absurd situations—contrasting comedic elements with a darkly humorous tone. Frank’s various escapades, including the use of outrageous novelty weapons, keep the experience entertaining. Each encounter with bosses, dubbed “psychopaths,” presents a satirical take on various facets of American culture through exaggerated and caricatured representations.
While exploring the mall, players must navigate a universal timer that adds tension to mission completion—balancing the need to complete objectives with the ever-present undead threat creates a unique gameplay dynamic. Secrets, shortcuts, and the ability to utilize vehicles, despite clunky controls, contribute to the immersive environment.
DRDR also introduces modern gaming features that improve upon its predecessor. Players can now move and shoot simultaneously, and a top-screen compass provides crucial navigation guidance. One of the most meaningful additions is the ability to advance the in-game time, allowing players to streamline their experience between main objectives.
Auto-save functionality drastically enhances gameplay flow, eliminating the stress of losing progress due to forgotten saves. The updated visuals, courtesy of Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, provide a fresh aesthetic while retaining the original charm of the game.
Overall, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster successfully revitalizes a classic title. While its flaws may be more pronounced today, the enhancements and nostalgic elements create an enjoyable experience. As we look toward the future, fans hope for a new installment that addresses past shortcomings, but for now, this remaster delivers a fond revisit to the world of Dead Rising.
