As someone who's been covering the gaming industry for over a decade, I've seen countless remakes and remasters blur together until I can barely tell them apart anymore. That's why when I first heard about Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster (DRDR), my immediate question was...
Wait, is this actually a remake or just another remaster?
Let me be perfectly clear here - DRDR isn't a remake. The title itself gives that away, but honestly, the line between remake and remaster has become so blurred recently that I need to stress this point. This game is, in most major ways, the same experience we had back in 2006. They've given it a visual overhaul that's genuinely impressive, and there are some quality-of-life fixes that modern players will appreciate. But the core experience? That's still the same game I played in my college dorm room, for better or worse.
So what exactly has changed in this "deluxe remaster"?
The changes come largely in two areas that I've noticed during my 15+ hours with the game. First, the visual upgrade is substantial - we're talking completely rebuilt character models, enhanced lighting that makes the mall actually feel alive, and textures that don't look like they're from the early 2000s. Second, the quality-of-life improvements are welcome, though I wish they'd gone further. The inventory management is slightly less clunky, and some of the more frustrating mechanics have been smoothed over. But here's the thing that struck me - the bones of the original game remain completely intact. The dimensions of the mall setting are identical to what I remember, right down to that weird food court layout that always confused me.
How does this compare to other recent remasters?
Having played through about 47 different remasters in the past three years (yes, I'm counting), I'd place DRDR somewhere in the middle of the pack. It's nowhere near as transformative as the Demon's Souls remake, but it's significantly better than those lazy "HD ports" we sometimes get. The developers clearly understood what made the original special while recognizing which aspects needed modernization. That said, I can't help but feel they missed an opportunity to fix some of the original's more dated elements.
What aspects haven't aged well?
Oh man, where do I begin? Several of the game's systems were awkward even back in 2006, and they've aged about as well as milk left in the sun. The survivor AI still makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes - I've lost count of how many times I've watched them walk directly into zombie hordes despite my careful instructions. The camera angles during certain cutscenes feel downright archaic, and Frank's movement has that tank-like quality that modern gamers might find frustrating. The tonally chaotic cutscenes that seemed so fresh and innovative in 2006 now feel... well, just chaotic. There's a certain charm to it, I'll admit, but it definitely puts a cap on the game's appeal in 2024.
Is the combat system still satisfying?
Here's where things get interesting for me. The feel of protagonist Frank West's wrestling moves and melee attacks - that's all as it was before, and honestly? It still holds up remarkably well. There's a weight and impact to the combat that many modern games still struggle to replicate. Slamming a zombie with a custom-made baseball bat or executing one of Frank's signature wrestling moves feels as visceral as ever. This is one area where the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" approach absolutely paid off. It's like riding a bike - the muscle memory came rushing back within minutes.
Who should actually buy this remaster?
If you're a hardcore Dead Rising fan like myself, this is an easy recommendation. The visual upgrades are significant enough to justify another trip through the mall. For newcomers? I'd be more cautious. The game retains all its original quirks and frustrations, which might be off-putting if you're accustomed to modern game design. It's like trying to complete your Q253 PH Casino login process in 5 simple steps - sometimes older systems require patience and tolerance for jank that not everyone possesses. There's a learning curve to both, and neither holds your hand through the process.
What's your final verdict?
After spending what feels like an eternity in that mall (and loving most of it), I'd give DRDR a 7.5/10. It's a competent remaster that understands what made the original special, but I can't shake the feeling that it could have been so much more. The developers played it safe when they should have been a bit more ambitious. That said, there's still nothing quite like the original Dead Rising experience, and this is undoubtedly the best way to experience it in 2024. Just be prepared for some dated design choices that no amount of visual polish can completely mask.
The truth is, revisiting Willamette Parkview Mall through this remaster has been equal parts nostalgic joy and frustrating reminder of how far game design has come. It's like reconnecting with an old friend only to remember all their annoying habits - you still love them, but man, some things are better left in the past.
