PLUS, Find out how this version stacks up against the whole series!

Back to where it all started…

I’ll never forget seeing Dead Rising for the first time, the amazing graphics, the amount of zombies on the screen and of course all the beautiful, bloody zombie carnage.  The original *Dead Rising* was THE iconic zombie killing game that helped put the 360 on the map way back in 2006. With the release of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Capcom promises a nostalgic return to the franchise's roots, but the big question is: Does the first game hold up to the standards set by its sequels, or does it simply feel outdated? Plus, as A HUGE Dead Rising Fan, I’ve played all the games multiple times so be sure to stick around to find out the surprising way this stacks up against all of the other entries in the franchise.

Gameplay Mechanics

First off, the gameplay is where this remaster truly shines. Thanks to improved controls, combat and navigating your through the undead horde feels much more fluid. Capcom has given players the option to switch back to the original controls, but to be honest, I’m not sure who would prefer those other than purist and sadist? As you slay zombies and rescue survivors, your character gains XP (or in this case PP) and grows more powerful, making each zombie evisceration add to a sense of growing progression that I loved.

“I completed the game after… 12 hours [to get] the good ending”

I completed the game after 9 hours with the bad ending, then went back and after a total of 12 hours got the good ending. At that point, my character was only a level thirty, but luckily the game encourages multiple playthroughs with New Game Plus, so the second I finished the first time, I just back in the game and started all over again with my previous progress and unlocks to chase that level 50 cap.

The infamous time mechanic remains intact from the first game, forcing players to navigate the mall within a three-day time limit to save as many survivors as possible. While this adds an interesting layer of challenge, it can also be frustrating at times when you find yourself scrambling to locate missing survivors who are hidden away in corners of the map. Or worse, when you get notifications that survivors are dead that you had no idea existed in the first place. No doubt I’ll be using a strategy guide on my next couple play throughs.

Story and Characters

The story hasn’t undergone any significant changes, which may leave some players feeling a bit underwhelmed. Frank West returns, camera in hand, ready to document the chaos in a manner that feels reminiscent of the original game. The narrative does a solid job of setting the stage for the franchise's lore and history, offering insights into the origins of the zombie outbreak. While the plot itself doesn’t offer much in terms of surprise, it does provide enough context for new players to appreciate the series’ humble beginnings.

Graphics and Art Style

Visually, the game has received a HUGE upgrade. As a graphics snob, as much as I love the original, it was pretty much unplayable. However, using the RE engine here, the graphics are more vibrant and detailed, showcasing improved character models and facial animations that enhance emotional engagement during cutscenes, even if they are just about zombie murders. The environments feel richer, and the diverse range of weapons and items adds to the undead ambiance. The fun animations during zombie takedowns have also seen a noticeable improvement, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the chaotic action.

Sound Design

The biggest compliment I can pay the sounds design is that it’s exactly what you would expect. Thankfully all NPC characters have voice acting this time around which is awesome. There is a fun throwback song to the 2000’s in the courtyard area. But most importantly, the lame mall music (or remember Muzak? Ha ha.) is fun and always persistent as you run around the shopping center like a maniac. And of course, the crazy bosses still bust out some campy lines, even if they are a bit more subdued than later in the series.

Replayability and Content

One of the standout features of this remaster is its replayability. After completing the campaign, players unlock Infinite Mode, which ramps up the difficulty and puts your survival skills to the ultimate test. Which honestly doesn’t sound too fun to me. However they thankfully added New Game Plus, allowing you to revisit the campaign with all your previous upgrades intact. This is a really necessary feature for any game, but especially a game that is about 9-12 hours long. Additionally, I do want to shout out the achievements/trophies in the game.  They are the perfect mix of story progression and random challenges that encourage players to try new approaches, such as walking on zombies’ backs or ramming them with vehicles. These goals are not only fun but also extend the gameplay and show the Devs really cared.

Personal Experience

Engaging with the *Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster* was a nostalgic experience, albeit one that left me wanting more. As a long-time fan of the series, I appreciated the opportunity to revisit Frank West's story and the iconic Willemette mall setting.

“The absense of… the weapon-crafting mechanic… cannot be understated”

However, the absence of some franchise hallmarks, like the weapon-crafting mechanic and the over-the-top moments the series is known for, cannot be understated and left me missing the other games in the series more than anything else.

Series Ranking

In end, the *Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster* is a fun, albeit familiar, trip through the world of zombie chaos. It successfully revitalizes the original experience while introducing quality-of-life improvements that enhance gameplay. However, it doesn't quite reach the heights of other entries in the series.

As a Dead Rising Super Fan, if I had to rank each game in the series, the order would be:

1.      Dead Rising 2: Off the Record

2.      Dead Rising 3

3.      Dead Rising 2

4.      Dead Rising 4

5.      Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

“It’s still pizza…”

That might sound like I’m insulting the game and I’m definitely not.  It’s a fun game, but unfortunately, without the iconic weapon crafting system and crazy, over-the-top antics the series is know for, it just not as good as the others. It’s like saying it’s cheese pizza. Sure, it’s not as delicious as stuffed crust pepperoni, sausage and jalapeno pizza, but at least it’s still pizza.

Verdict

While it may not be the best or have all the hallmarks of the *Dead Rising* series, it clearly serves as a reminder of the fun and chaos that started it all. But mostly just makes me want a part 5. For fans, this remaster is worth diving into, but it’s important to temper expectations a bit. And if you’re on the fence, waiting for a sale might be the smartest move.

Overall, the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a fun nostalgic return to Willemette, it’s might be the weakest entry in the series still offers several hours of fun.

Review Score: 7 out of 10

What I Loved

• Auto Save - literally & figuratively saves the day

• Gorgeous graphics and fun updated controls

• The time mechanic is a welcome return after so many open world games (it could use a bit more polish though)

• Lots of replayability

• Zombies. I just love killing zombies.

What didn’t work as well

• Missing the series iconic weapon crafting system

• Missing co-op

• Zombie “special moves’ don’t always work

• Zombies are a little too feisty and jump on Frank a lot

• Tracking survivors should be a bit easier - Users shouldn’t have to look everything online