Welcome back to Willamette Parkview Mall!
Unlike its Capcom counterpart Resident Evil, Dead Rising took a unique approach to zombie action when it debuted as an Xbox 360 exclusive in 2006. Its sandbox-style gameplay allowed for a mix of chaotic fun and creativity. So, it’s exciting to see Capcom reviving the series with a fresh take on the original game. Having spent some time with the first two days of the 72-Hour mode, I’m thrilled to report that the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is shaping up to be a fantastic return to this beloved franchise.
To clarify, the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is not a remake but a remaster. The core story remains the same: you play as Frank West, a daring photojournalist who must navigate a zombie-infested mall in a small Colorado town while uncovering the outbreak’s origins.
Unlike the 2016 HD re-release, this Deluxe Remaster uses the RE Engine, resulting in enhanced lighting, improved facial animations, and more detailed environments. The once-familiar Willamette Parkview Mall now feels refreshed and immersive, thanks to these modern upgrades. The vibrant playground of the original game has been meticulously detailed, encouraging players to explore and appreciate the enhancements.
Enhanced Gameplay Experience
In addition to the visual improvements, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster introduces significant quality-of-life updates. Combat has been streamlined for a smoother experience, including the ability to move while aiming, which is especially useful with firearms.
The game also improves the mechanics for dealing with zombie grabs. Instead of twisting the thumbstick, you now press a button to free yourself from a grab. Additionally, new moves like Kick Back allow for counterattacks, which are executed with different button inputs. Skills have been refined for easier use, with improvements such as the Flying Dodge, which now requires a single button press to evade zombies instead of rapidly moving the thumbstick.
While the new control scheme may take some getting used to, there is an option to switch back to the “Classic Controls” if you prefer the original setup. This option maintains the old restrictions, such as not being able to move while aiming.
Overall, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster combines nostalgic gameplay with modern enhancements, making it an exciting update for fans and newcomers alike.
One of the standout improvements in the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is its handling of item durability. Instead of tracking item wear manually, the game now features a durability bar that appears whenever you select an item from your inventory. This small blue bar makes it much easier to monitor your equipment’s condition. Additionally, firearms have been significantly enhanced. The handgun, in particular, is much more effective; a well-aimed shot can take down a zombie with a single bullet, and with precise aiming, you can even shoot off a zombie’s head.
AI has seen some upgrades, though there’s room for improvement. While I didn’t explore the entire 72-hour mode, the boss fights I encountered suggested that the AI could still be a bit lacking. On the bright side, the AI for the survivors you can rescue has seen considerable improvements. They are now easier to escort without constant worry of them getting grabbed or attacked, even when armed. Additionally, entrances to air ducts and the security room now feature steps, simplifying navigation for the survivors.
Freedom to Explore
Dead Rising has always been celebrated for the freedom it offers. Players can focus on the main storyline or divert their attention to side quests and saving survivors, or simply enjoy running around the mall and dispatching zombies.
Otis still provides most side missions, but the way you interact with him has been refined. In the original game, answering Otis’s calls could leave Frank vulnerable, and the calls would often be cut short if attacked. In the remaster, you can now skip Otis’s dialogue with a button press, which speeds up interactions. This improvement also applies to conversations with other NPCs, reducing the time spent on lengthy dialogues.
Enhanced Photography Mini-Game
The photography mini-game has also been significantly upgraded. You can now move while aiming your camera, and new features include an auto-focus button and camera tilt options. Frank can also upgrade his camera with parts found throughout the mall, including a flash.
The distribution of Prestige Points (PP) has been adjusted to offer more ways to earn experience. For example, taking photos of PP stickers around the mall can yield up to 5,000 PP points for perfect accuracy, a substantial increase from the original game. This makes the photography aspect more engaging and rewarding.
Final Thoughts
Although I only had the chance to explore the first two days of the 72-Hour mode, it’s clear that the Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings significant enhancements to the game. While the specifics of the Overtime and Infinity modes remain unknown, the ability to fast-forward time in the main story mode is a welcome addition. This feature allows players to progress more quickly if they’re focusing solely on the main storyline.
My time with the game has left me optimistic about its full release. If the remaster’s improvements extend to all game modes, Capcom could deliver a stellar update. Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is set to hit digital stores on September 19, with a physical release slated for November 8.
