Brought back to life with Capcom’s RE ENGINE, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is the definitive remaster of the classic Dead Rising game from 2006. Zombie slayers can experience a fresh take on the zombie genre with incredible action, over-the-top combat, hordes of weapon choices, eccentric costumes, and a comedic yet compelling storyline.
Developed by: CAPCOM
Played on: Steam
Length: 10 hours (22 hours for completionists)
A review key was provided by CAPCOM.
Eighteen years after its original release, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster breathes new life into the franchise’s first outing with boosted graphics and playability powered by the RE Engine. The remaster is CAPCOM’s attempt at pulling long-time fans back into the franchise, while introducing its eccentric zombie paradise to newcomers. But what does it feel like to jump into Dead Rising almost two decades after its initial release?
If you’re unfamiliar with the franchise, its first game follows the story of a hard-edged (read: asshole) photojournalist named Frank West who is on the hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. His investigations lead him to the small suburban town of Willamette, Colorado which is being overrun by flesh-hungry zombies. Trapped in the shopping mall at the center of the outbreak, you have 72 hours to discover the truth and make it out alive.
After playing the remaster, it has never been clearer to me that Dead Rising is a game that couldn’t be written today. From its hilariously offensive take on American consumerism, to the stereotypical portrayal of its female cast, and even its frustrating escort missions that would drive modern day players insane. It is a perfect capsule of its time, and with the context of the modern day gaming landscape, adds a whole new layer of nostalgia and juvenile delight to this already-beloved title.
There is a lot about Dead Rising that still works, even today. The 72-hour mode is still a great starting point, adding urgency and structure to this otherwise wild experience. The gratuitous gore and musou-like combat is a great stress reliever, and it is always fun to run around whacking zombies with unconventional weapons. Having played later installments, the remaster is missing the crafting mechanic that came to define the franchise, but it remains a decently fun experience even with vanilla weapons.
There are a couple of much-appreciated quality of life changes to the remaster, most notably an improved AI for escort mission NPCs. Each NPC now has preferred items, which increases your affinity with them and makes them more effective in combat. It doesn’t make the escort missions any less annoying, but it does make it slightly easier to manage when NPCs are able to fend for themselves.
By far the best addition is a clothing locker similar to Dead Rising 3, which saves the outfits you find throughout the mall. It is also where you can customise your playthrough with DLC costumes and soundtracks from other CAPCOM titles. So if you’ve ever wanted to practice your tongue game as a Licker, moist squelchy feet included, then look no further than the Resident Evil DLC.
More than anything, playing Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster was a bittersweet reminder that Dead Rising was lightning in a bottle. With even its latest instalment, Dead Rising 4, failing to recapture the initial magic of the franchise, it is worth playing the remaster just to see where everything first began. Long-time fans can also consider revisiting this one for the memories but don’t expect anything to be too different.
As for me personally, I’m hoping this means that CAPCOM is working their way up the roster and they’ll remaster Dead Rising 2 next. Well, a girl can dream.
Verdict: Now With 100% More Tongue
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a perfect capsule of its time, from its hilariously offensive take on American consumerism, to its B-grade horror movie stereotypes. Boosted graphics and key quality of life improvements makes it worth revisiting for long-time fans, while serving as a solid introduction to the franchise for newcomers. Still, we’re holding our breath for that Dead Rising 2 remaster next.
Get the game on Steam, and top up your Steam Wallet on Codashop.
You can also watch this writer’s playthrough of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster on YouTube.
