Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster revives Capcom’s classic zombie survival game that originally launched in 2006 on Xbox 360. This reimagined version takes Frank West, the iconic photojournalist, back to Willamette, Colorado, where he finds himself trapped in a shopping mall filled with the undead.
Over the years, Dead Rising has gained a cult following for its unique blend of survival horror, dark humor, and open world gameplay. Now, nearly two decades later, Capcom is reintroducing the chaotic sandbox experience that made the game stand out, offering updated visuals, refined mechanics, and quality-of-life improvements that honor new players and longtime fans alike. With Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster, Capcom proves that they know how to honor their legacy while bringing the experience up to modern standards.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster Details
Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S and computers
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genres: Action-adventure
Mode: Single player
ESRB Rating: M (Adult 17+)
Returning to the Willamette: A race against time
Set against the backdrop of a zombie outbreak in the fictional town of Willamette, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster puts you in the shoes of Frank West, a fearless photojournalist looking to tell the story of a lifetime. Arriving by helicopter, Frank quickly realizes that he is in over his head, as he must survive not only endless waves of zombies but also a series of eccentric survivors and psychopaths, all within a tight 72-hour window. A ticking clock keeps you on your toes with every move, whether you’re rescuing survivors, uncovering secrets, or simply trying to survive.
One of Dead Rising’s distinctive features is its branching storyline, influenced by your actions and decisions. Multiple endings add replayability and challenge you to time wisely in the face of constant threats. This remaster maintains the original story while enhancing the experience through smoother cutscenes and fully voiced interactions, making Frank’s journey feel both familiar and modern.
Zombie killing, your way
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster’s gameplay is pure zombie mayhem. The freedom to use almost anything as a weapon, from chainsaws to dolls, gives you a playground of destruction in a giant mall environment. One of my favorite things about Dead Rising is the ability to use almost anything as a weapon. I found myself grabbing the strangest things—everything from umbrellas to sledgehammers—just to see how much chaos I could cause.
Time-sensitive missions, combined with sandbox elements, create a mix of strategy and chaos that makes each game unique. Combat feels more responsive than before, thanks to refined remastered 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 boss encounters.
A key part of the gameplay is Frank’s camera, which awards you 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 taking on psychotic bosses, keeps the gameplay fresh, offering a mix of action and strategy that requires quick thinking under pressure.
Quality of Life improvements for modern audiences
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster introduces several quality-of-life features that enhance the original experience while respecting the classic gameplay. The addition of autosave, a quick save function, and more easily accessible save points are welcome changes. In the original game, save points were few and far between. I admit, the original storage system was a pain. Back then, the stress and anxiety of finding the nearest bathroom (yes, to save your game) was almost as intense as fighting zombies. Now, with autosave and faster saving options, you can explore and take risks without worrying about losing half an hour of progress.
Despite improvements in the remaster, the surviving AI remains one of the few unchanged aspects, retaining its unique and sometimes clunky behavior. Escorting survivors through zombie-infested hallways can still lead to moments of frustration as they get stuck on obstacles or get off track. And while the AI’s stubbornness still leads to ‘lost in the mall’ moments, it’s almost like a throwback to the uniqueness of the original Dead Rising. Of course, I’d like a smoother experience, but as strange as it sounds, part of me enjoys the nostalgia of herding confused survivors through zombie-infested corridors.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster brings back the layered replayability of the original, with unlockable modes that allow for new experiences outside of the main campaign. This mode lets you test the limits of your abilities against hordes of zombies, providing an extra level of challenge for those looking for more than just story completion. The addition of a costume pack, including a Resident Evil-inspired outfit, adds a fun touch, and new background music playing in the mall based on Frank’s costume adds fresh personality to each session.
Visual overhaul to RE Engine
Capcom’s choice to use the RE Engine pays off, giving Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster a visual upgrade that modernizes the chaotic mall scene. Higher-resolution textures, better lighting, and improved shadow effects make the world of Willamette feel more alive—ironic, considering the hordes of zombies that inhabit it.
Updated character models bring a new level of expressiveness to Frank West and the other main characters, allowing their personalities to shine through even in moments of dark humor. Frank’s signature comically large nose, a beloved detail, is more pronounced than ever, providing a nostalgic nod to longtime fans.
Additionally, the user interface has been overhauled, making it easier to navigate inventory and track weapon durability. The layout is now cleaner and more intuitive, so you can focus on the action without having to fumble through menus. These improvements make the game more accessible, allowing longtime fans and newcomers to jump right into the action.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster balances nostalgia with modern polish making it the definitive version of Frank West’s chaotic adventure
Death Rising Deluxe Remaster is the return of one of Capcom’s most beloved games. This remaster balances nostalgia with modern polish, making it accessible to new players while still honoring the core elements fans love. With updated visuals, smoother gameplay, and quality of life improvements, 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.
| Excess | Counter |
|---|---|
| Improved controls make combat smoother and more intuitive. | The AI for surviving NPCs is still clunky and can be frustrating. |
| Autosave and quicksave features reduce frustration. | Some of the original awkwardness in the controls remains. |
| Updated visuals bring new life to the Willamette mall environment. | Lack of new content other than visual and quality of life updates. |
| A nostalgic costume pack adds a fun, personal touch. |
Overall rating of Dead Rising Deluxe Remastered
Game: 4/5
Chart: 4.5/5
Voice: 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 solid foundation for future titles. Whether you’re reliving the 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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