Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster review

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster revives Capcom’s classic zombie survival game that originally launched in 2006 on the Xbox 360. This reimagined version brings Frank West, the iconic photojournalist, back to Willamette, Colorado, where he finds himself trapped in a shopping mall overrun with the undead.

Over the years, Dead Rising gained a cult following for its unique blend of survival horror, dark humour, and open-world gameplay. Now, nearly two decades later, Capcom reintroduces the chaotic sandbox experience that made the game a standout, offering updated visuals, refined mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements that respect both new players and longtime fans. With Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Capcom proves they know how to honour their legacy while bringing the experience up to modern standards.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered details

Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Genre: Action-adventure
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)

Back to Willamette: A race against time

Set against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak in the fictional town of Willamette, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster places you in the shoes of Frank West, a daring photojournalist out for the story of a lifetime. Arriving by helicopter, Frank soon realizes he’s in over his head, as he must survive not only the endless waves of zombies but also an array of eccentric survivors and psychopaths, all within a tight 72-hour window. The ticking clock keeps you on edge with every move, whether you’re rescuing survivors, uncovering secrets, or just trying to survive.

One of Dead Rising’s signature features is the branching storyline, influenced by your actions and decisions. Multiple endings add replayability and challenge you to manage your time wisely in the face of constant threats. The remaster retains the original story while enhancing the experience through smoother cutscenes and fully voiced interactions, allowing Frank’s journey to feel both familiar and refreshingly modern.

Zombie slaying, your way

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster’s gameplay is pure zombie mayhem. The freedom to use nearly anything as a weapon, from chainsaws to mannequins, gives you a playground of destruction in a gigantic mall setting. One of my favourite things about Dead Rising has always been this ability to use pretty much anything as a weapon. I found myself grabbing the strangest items—everything from umbrellas to sledgehammers—just to see how much chaos I could cause.

The time-sensitive missions, combined with sandbox elements, create a mix of strategy and chaos that makes each playthrough unique. Combat feels more responsive than ever, thanks to the remaster’s refined controls, including the ability to move while aiming. This simple adjustment, along with the option to dodge attacks, makes fighting the undead more intuitive and fluid, especially during intense encounters with bosses.

An essential part of the gameplay is Frank’s camera, which awards you with experience points, or Prestige Points, based on photos that capture horror, drama, and comedy. This mechanic encourages you to engage creatively with the environment, adding depth to Frank’s role as a photojournalist. The variety of side missions, from escorting survivors to facing off against psychotic bosses, keeps the gameplay fresh, offering a blend of action and strategy that requires quick thinking under pressure.

Quality-of-Life improvements for a modern audience

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster introduces several quality-of-life features that enhance the original experience while respecting its classic gameplay. The addition of auto-saving, a quick save function, and more accessible save points is a welcomed change. In the original game, save points were few and far between. I’ll admit, the original save system was a pain in the butt. Back then, the stress and anxiety of finding the nearest bathroom (yes, to save your game) was almost as intense as fighting the zombies. Now, with auto-saves and quicker save options, you can explore and take risks without worrying about losing half an hour of progress.

Despite the remaster’s improvements, the survivor AI remains one of the few unchanged aspects, retaining its quirky, occasionally clunky behaviour. Escorting survivors through zombie-infested hallways can still lead to moments of frustration as they get stuck on obstacles or wander off course. And while the AI’s stubbornness still leads to some ‘lost in the mall’ moments, it’s almost like a throwback to the original Dead Rising quirks. Sure, I’d love a smoother experience, but as strange as this might sound, part of me enjoys the nostalgia of herding confused survivors through zombie-packed corridors.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings back the layered replayability of the original, with unlockable modes that allow for new experiences beyond the main campaign. These modes let you test your limits against the zombie horde, providing an extra level of challenge for those seeking more than just story completion. The addition of costume packs, including outfits inspired by Resident Evil, adds a fun touch, and new background music that plays in the mall based on Frank’s costume injects fresh personality into every session.

Visual overhaul in the RE Engine

Capcom’s choice to use the RE Engine pays off, giving Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster a visual boost that modernizes the mall’s chaotic atmosphere. Higher-resolution textures, improved lighting, and enhanced shadow effects make the world of Willamette feel more alive—ironically, given the zombie horde occupying it.

The updated character models bring a new level of expressiveness to Frank West and other key characters, allowing their personalities to shine even in moments of grim humour. Frank’s signature comically large nose, a beloved detail, is more defined than ever, giving longtime fans a nostalgic nod.

Additionally, the user interface has been overhauled, making it easier to navigate the inventory and keep track of weapon durability. The layout is now cleaner and more intuitive, so you can focus on the action without fumbling through menus. These improvements make the game more accessible, allowing both long time fans and newcomers to jump right into the action.

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster balances nostalgia with modern polish making it definitive version of Frank West’s chaotic adventure

Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is a thoughtful return to one of Capcom’s most beloved games. The remaster balances nostalgia with modern polish, making it accessible to new players while honouring the core elements that fans love. With updated visuals, smoother gameplay, and respectful quality-of-life enhancements, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster feels like the definitive version of Frank West’s chaotic adventure. Capcom’s work here is a promising indication of what a revitalized franchise could look like.

Overall assessment of Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered

Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 3.5/5
Lasting appeal/Replayability: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5 (80%)

If you’re like me and hoping to see more from Dead Rising, this remaster serves as a strong foundation for future titles. Whether you’re reliving memories or experiencing it for the first time, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster captures the essence of the original in a way that feels fresh yet faithful.

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