Though Dead Rising 3 was met with the expected criticism of the crooked games media, the game was still solid and improved upon its predecessors in many ways. It also had also reached the apex of the series, and had cemented its theme of "Gore" upon arrival. While it may not have moved as many units as Dead Rising did for the XBox 360, Dead Rising 3 had to have did something right, because Microsoft had once again secured an exclusive entry in the established zombie-brawling series with Dead Rising 4. Deemed one of the worst-kept secrets in modern video game history in some circles, Dead Rising 4 and the glorious return of Frank West had become a reality. Although different in appearance with a complete graphical overhaul, it was announced in a publicly-released "Fact Sheet" that Dead Rising 4 - like Dead Rising 3 - would still be powered by the XBox One-based Forge Engine. The amount of clarity and detail in Dead Rising 3 was literally horrifying, and even though Dead Rising 4 uses the same engine, there's even more terrifying clarity and detail (similar to how Super Street Fighter II and Street Fighter Alpha were both on the CPSII hardware, but looked very different). Where Dead Rising 3 created a uniquely new theme different from the rest of the series, Dead Rising 4 looked deeply into its roots and refined that which has defined the series since its inception.

Dead Rising shared many similarities with Final Fight and Alien VS Predator, but it cannot be overlooked that the game had a style and feel, which is ultimately makes it so great even as I look back at it now. Themes from Capcom's older brawlers are still present in the Dead Rising series even after the first game. Parts of Dead Rising 4 still remind me of Alien VS Predator; weapons and items scattered in excess, mechanized human enemies, Frank ending up in dark rooms and elevators, switches used for environmental access, and other nuanced touches. Fans of AVSP will remember when the Predators encounter similar situations where things didn't "seem right", while asking, "Does anything on this planet work?" in a tone of sarcasm Frank West echoes in DR4. There's also a theme of using monsters for labor in both games (aliens being used in AVSP, zombies in DR4). It's amazing that the Dead Rising series is still able to maintain its playful exterior with such serious themes smoldering under the surface. Dead Rising 4 carries over all the quirky chaos that made the original Dead Rising one of the most successful brawlers Capcom has ever made. Yes, I classify the Dead Rising series as brawlers and/or side-scrolling fighters. Dead Rising 4 brings Frank West back, but it signifies much more than just his return; it's symbolic of the series return to its iconic roots. Dead Rising 4 isn't perfect, but you can definitely see Capcom was listening, and set out to bring the series back with a vengeance.