Why Frank West’s Appearance Changed in Dead Rising Remaster
The Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster has brought new life to Capcom’s original zombie-filled adventure, released over a decade ago on the Xbox 360. While the game has received significant upgrades in terms of graphics and gameplay, one of the most noticeable changes comes in the form of its main character, Frank West. Fans of the series were surprised to see a completely new model, face, and voice actor for Frank in the remaster, prompting questions about the reasoning behind this transformation.
The Remastering Process
Capcom’s decision to revamp Frank West’s appearance in Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster was not taken lightly. The game was rebuilt using the powerful RE Engine, known for its stunning visuals in other Capcom titles such as Monster Hunter and Resident Evil Village. This technological upgrade allowed for improved lighting effects and high-resolution textures, enhancing the overall look and feel of the game.
However, the most significant change that caught many players off guard was Frank West’s new design. In a recent interview with Inverse, the game’s art director, Satoshi Takamatsu, shed some light on the thought process behind the character’s makeover. Takamatsu explained that the team wanted to emphasize Frank’s “life-related frustrations” by redesigning him to appear older, gruffer, and more rugged than before.
Redefining Frank West
Takamatsu revealed that the initial plan was to enhance Frank’s original model while maintaining his iconic tough guy persona. However, as the team transitioned to a more realistic art style, they felt the need to reevaluate Frank’s character concept. The goal was to portray him as an “average joe” who is on the cusp of middle age and seeking redemption in his life, rather than just a stereotypical action hero.
To achieve this new vision of Frank West, the team deconstructed his various visual elements from previous iterations and rebuilt his character design from the ground up. They opted for a beefier physique to convey a sense of toughness and resilience, drawing inspiration from someone with a background in American football and a penchant for indulging in hearty meals and leisure activities like bowling.
Moreover, Frank’s facial features were given more wrinkles to enhance his expressions and convey a sense of weariness and experience. While some fans may have felt that the changes were excessive, Takamatsu defended the new design, stating that it aligns well with the more realistic tone of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster. Additionally, Capcom included the option to switch back to the original model for players who prefer the classic look.
In conclusion, the decision to overhaul Frank West’s appearance in the Dead Rising Remaster was a deliberate choice to deepen the character’s complexity and reflect his journey through the zombie-infested world. While some fans may have initially been taken aback by the changes, the new design ultimately adds depth and realism to Frank’s portrayal, making him a more relatable and nuanced protagonist in the updated version of the game.