Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Review: Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse Never Looked or Felt Better

In our opinion, Capcom is the undisputed king of spinning the block. look no further than its remakes Resident Evil 2 and Resident Evil 4. Thus, they can maintain the same energy as Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster? Yes, they sure did.

Dead Rising was released exclusively on the Xbox 360 in 2006 and took its place among the many zombie survival games. However, it also stood out for being the only game to accurately capture what was so great about the legend, George A. Romero's 1978 classic, Dawn of the Dead.

While the 2006 version of the game was great, it still had its issues. Remember that tiny font? I sure do, and some other technical issues didn't take away from the greatness of the 2006 version, but they were still issues.

A true definitive way to experience Dead Rising

Source: Capcom / Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Fortunately, in 2024 Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster addresses most of these issues while using Capcom's RE Engine to bring the game up to 2024's graphical standards, truly making it the definitive version and dethroning the 2006 game.

The game's story remains unchanged outside of the new graphics layer and several quality of life improvements. You take control of photojournalist Frank West, who flies into a small Colorado town under military control. West wants to get to the bottom of things.

After a brief introduction to the camera mechanic, which allows Frank to take out his camera and take pictures of the chaos and gain experience, a brief helicopter chase leads to Frank landing at The Willamette Mall, where the fun.

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Just like in the original game, you have 72 hours to not only survive the undead nightmare but also discover the mystery of what started all the zombies, save as many people as you can to earn PP (Performance Points) to learn new techniques and boost your stats and occasionally meet a maniac along the way.

Source: Capcom / Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

You have to pay attention to time during your playthrough because certain events occur during the day/night cycle. The original characters from the first game have more gentle roles and Otis now has more dialogue than ever now that he has a voice.

What are the improvements and improvements in quality of life Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster?

Source: Capcom / Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

While the graphics are the most significant improvement to the game, the small quality of life improvements make this game an even more fun experience.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster allows you to skip time when you reach save points, giving you more freedom in how you spend your 72 hours in the mall as a player.

However, with the new ability to pass time quickly, you must remember the consequences when using the ability. For example, zombies become stronger at night and are much faster than during the day, when they are slower and easier to navigate.

Again, I have to point out the graphics, lighting effects, player models, and improved HUD that make the game so much smoother. Another major improvement is the ability to aim while moving and perform basic movesets with simple button presses instead of using the analog stick, improving gameplay. Both issues were my biggest complaints when playing the 2006 version of the game.

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You can also assign the skills you learn during your playthrough to different buttons. Another issue addressed is weapon durability. When you select one of the many items around the mall, be it a gun, chainsaw, bench, or umbrella, a bar indicates how many attacks you have left.

Source: Capcom / Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Otis is still in charge of handling outside missions and telling you where to find survivors. The best part is that now you can answer radio calls without worrying about being attacked by zombies.

Another fantastic addition is to import books or magazines that you find around the mall that will give Frank specific fans. During a side quest, Frank will meet two Japanese tourists, and when you pick up a book, Frank will be able to understand them and give them orders to bring them to the safe house.

The Survivor AI has also been greatly improved because I distinctly remember screaming at my TV when the NPC survivors were slow to respond to my commands.

Final verdict

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Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster it's not just an old game with a fresh coat of paint. While not at his level Resident Evil 2 or Resident Evil 4 Remakethis is still a great revamp of a great game to be playable by today's gaming standards.

All the necessary improvements have been made and the story is relatively unchanged but improved where it needs to be. it maintains the first game's challenge of keeping the OGs happy and overall, a still fun experience that doesn't play out the same on each individual playthrough.

If you want to experience the true gameplay Dead Risingthe Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster it's the way to go. It costs $49.99 or $59.99 if you choose the Deluxe Edition.

*Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster PS5 Key provided by developer*