I don't think any of the changes they made to this game is bad. The more openness, the more lenient time, not really having to escort people; sure, this doesn't really make it dead rising, but it's still not bad. The game isn't bad to play, the combo weapons/vehicles are fun.
The story has some bombshells that make me Pog. Nick starts off weird because he is such a pansy but he becomes a badass.
The worst part of the game i think is there are way too many roadblocks to stop your vehicles, specifically the top right district has no clear road to drive through, very fucking annoying.