Capcom Unveils Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster: A Fresh Look at a Zombie Classic
Nearly a decade after the release of Dead Rising 4 in 2016, Capcom has announced a remastered version of the original Dead Rising game. Following the mixed reception of Dead Rising 4 and the subsequent quiet period for the franchise, this remaster marks a significant return for the action-packed zombie-slaying series.
The original Dead Rising, initially an Xbox 360 exclusive (2006), received an enhanced version across major platforms a decade later, preceding Dead Rising 4. Meanwhile, Capcom poured considerable resources into its sister franchise, Resident Evil, delivering acclaimed remakes (Resident Evil 2 and 4) and new mainline entries like Resident Evil Village. This success likely overshadowed Dead Rising for several years.
Now, eight years after the last Dead Rising installment, Capcom's Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is on the horizon. A brief 40-second YouTube trailer showcased the game's opening, featuring protagonist Frank West's iconic helicopter jump into a zombie-infested mall. While the trailer lacked platform specifics and a release date, a 2024 launch is highly anticipated.
A Polished Return for Dead Rising
Even with a previous enhancement for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2016, this remaster promises improved visuals and performance. The question arises: will sequels follow suit? Several are over a decade old. However, Capcom's remaster approach, at least for the original, suggests that full-scale remakes, like those seen in the Resident Evil series, are less likely. This likely stems from the proven success of the Resident Evil remakes, and simultaneously working on two zombie-themed franchises could be considered a risk. Despite this, the possibility of Dead Rising 5 remains very much open.
Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster joins a wave of successful remasters in 2024, including Persona 3 Reload, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and others. Its release would add to the growing number of Xbox 360-era remasters, such as Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Lollipop Chainsaw: RePOP.