Dead Rising is a notable action-horror game that introduced innovative gameplay mechanics. Its open world setting and time-based survival elements provided a unique experience. While it garnered praise for its creative approach and challenging gameplay, it was not without its shortcomings, though. Even the 2016 remaster failed to address all of these issues. Players took on the role of Frank West, a photojournalist investigating a zombie outbreak in a shopping mall. The 72-hour timer created a sense of urgency as Frank navigated the infected environment, rescuing survivors, uncovering secrets, and fighting off hordes of undead. How does Capcom revamp the game in the RE Engine?
Dead Rising shares thematic similarities with George A. Romero’s 1978 film Dawn of the Dead. Both works satirise consumerist culture, utilising the trope of a zombie apocalypse to critique the unchecked consumption habits of the masses. While Romero’s film focuses on the societal breakdown resulting from the zombie outbreak, Dead Rising expands upon this theme by introducing the concept of a corporate conspiracy to capitalise on the crisis.
The mall setting, a symbol of consumerism, serves as a microcosm of society in both works. Dead Rising further emphasises this connection through the abundance of items and weapons available to the player, reinforcing the idea of unchecked consumption. Photojournalist Frank West adds another layer of critique. His profession, often associated with sensationalism and exploitation, aligns with the anti-consumerist message of the game. Despite these similarities, Dead Rising offers a unique take on the zombie apocalypse genre.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster offers a unique blend of open world exploration and intense time management. Set amidst the chaotic aftermath of a zombie outbreak, Frank navigates Willamette Mall, a consumerist hub now overrun with undead. The narrative is driven by a ticking clock, forcing players to balance their exploration of the mall with the urgent pursuit of their primary objective.
The open world structure allows for a non-linear approach, but the core gameplay revolves around efficient time management and strategic decision making. Each mission, whether main or side, is subject to a strict time limit, and failure to complete them within the allotted timeframe can result in a variety of endings, including several “bad” endings. For the best ending, multiple playthroughs will need to be completed, as the game’s design encourages experimentation and learning from previous attempts.
The original Dead Rising had a unique gameplay experience that defies easy categorisation, blending elements of action, survival horror, and role-playing games. The RPG mechanics allow Frank to level up and acquire new skills. This progression system, combined with the rogue-lite elements of permadeath and reset upon failure, creates a dynamic and challenging gameplay loop.
While the original release was a testing experience, Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster introduces notable changes to the game’s balance. The increased photography points and doubled experience rate have significantly reduced the time required to reach the maximum level, potentially diminishing the sense of accomplishment and challenge for seasoned players. The remaster has overcompensated for the original’s difficulty, resulting in a less demanding experience.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster also includes significant improvements to various gameplay aspects. Weapon and item durability has been substantially increased, allowing for extended usage without frequent replacements. Survivor AI has undergone enhancements, resulting in improved pathfinding and self-preservation instincts. This allows Frank to more effectively guide survivors to safety zones.
The introduction of new control schemes further enhances the gameplay experience. The ability to attack using triggers rather than face buttons, a feature long desired by players, provides greater control and responsiveness. This revised control layout, particularly beneficial in the chaotic and often overwhelming world of Dead Rising, allows players to maintain camera control while simultaneously attacking, improving overall gameplay fluidity.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster‘s new quality-of-life features intended to improve the gaming experience, but exhibit some inconsistencies in their implementation. The fast-forward mechanic contradicts a core tenet of the Dead Rising series. The original appeal rested on the immersive simulation of being trapped in a mall, a theme explored in the classic film Dawn of the Dead. This tedium was a deliberate design choice, encouraging players to engage in frivolous activities to pass the time. The original Dead Rising balanced action-packed moments with periods of downtime. These lulls allowed for exploration, character interactions, and even playful interactions with the undead. The fast-forward feature disrupts this balance by catering to players seeking a more casual experience.
The autosave feature in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has significantly altered the core mechanics, too. While intended to reduce player frustration, the autosave function may inadvertently diminish the challenge and strategic depth inherent in rogue-lite gameplay.
The visual overhaul is generally excellent, though the aged up appearance of the protagonist, Frank West, and the casting of a new voice actor for the character of Brad are dubious. There was never any question that Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster wouldn’t look great in the RE Engine. Willamette Mall looks amazing and is laid out exactly as veterans will remember. In most angles it is on par with the Resident Evil remakes, but will impress with its massive quantities of the undead filling the screen at 60 frames per second, even on a low-powered Xbox Series S.
