Yo gamers! Capcom has re-released Dead Rising I as a Deluxe Remaster, and we jumped at the chance to dive back into Willamette’s zombie-infested mall. So, is this flashback worth it? Verdict: it depends!
A classic brought up to date (well, almost)
Let’s be clear: this isn’t a complete remake. The basics of the game are the same: you’re still Frank West, a badass reporter who has to survive a zombie invasion in a giant shopping mall. The gameplay is as fun as ever: you can use anything and everything as a weapon, from baseball bats and chainsaws to shopping carts and mannequin heads. And frankly, slaughtering zombies with a frying pan still has its charm!
In terms of graphics, Capcom has made a little effort. It’s cleaner, crisper and the lighting is better managed. But don’t expect a visual slap in the face either. You can tell the game is a few years old.
Fun, but with a few wrinkles
Dead Rising’s greatest strength is its freedom. You can explore the mall at your own pace, rescue survivors, do side quests… And then, there’s the fun of letting off steam. You can really let loose and experiment with all kinds of improbable combos to kill zombies.
On the other hand, the game also has a few shortcomings that sting the eyes a little today. The controls are sometimes a little stiff, the camera can be temperamental, and the zombie AI isn’t always top-notch. And let’s not forget that the storyline isn’t exactly original.
So, are you in or out?
If you’ve never played Dead Rising, this Remaster is a good opportunity to discover a classic zombie game. On the other hand, if you’re a veteran, the interest is more limited. Apart from the slightly improved graphics, there’s not much that’s new.
