(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Dead Rising 2 Review
Written by SchaffinOSX (Retired Staff)

A chainsaw-equipped motorcycle. That’s how well-known developers Capcom decided to greet us with their sequel to the immensely popular “Dead Rising”. The approach this time is certainly different, leaving the small bit of practicality that can be found in zombie games behind. In the beginning we’re given an overview of the world state, as we are in all games with new protagonists, when we learn about the two primary opposing parties: Terror is Realty, a game show that condones the killing of zombies with the use of mentioned chainsaw-equipped motorcycles; and Citizens for Undead Rights and Equality (CURE), who believe in helping to cure the widespread infection, rather than trying to eliminate those who have it.

From the beginning of the game, as your ride your motorcycle, butchering everything around you thanks to the chainsaws jutting out of the sides, a couple of issues appear immediately: First, you notice that there are some control issues with the motorcycle. Upon taking a turn using the surrounding ramps, you can easily notice incomplete jumps, as if the game didn’t expect you to go that high into the air. It isn’t a game-breaking issue, but nevertheless a bad first impression; Next, we felt that there was little challenge. Although the difficulty was set to normal, the average player would expect to face at least some challenge when competing against your fellow cyclists to eliminate the most zombies for the cash prize.

Another concern, a concern also felt in the game’s predecessor, was the all too predictable development of the story. Let us take in the situation after winning the cash prize: Our protagonist in a building filled to the top with flesh-eating zombies, without the slightest climatic rise thus far. It should be clear to most that something will inevitably go wrong, and that’s exactly what happens. The story is by no means a bad one, but its similarity to that of its predecessor creates predictability, which for many gamers ruins what was intended to be a climactic moment. Spoilers aside, we see similarities in the stories of Dead Rising 2 and the original throughout the course of the plot. With most titles, this wouldn’t be of great concern, but considering Capcom’s experience in the gaming field, one could expect more from the story.

Once you delve into the game, the introductory scenes and missions completed, you realize that Dead Rising 2 isn’t similar to the original only in story, but also in the overall feel of the game. If you’re looking for an entirely new and exciting experience, you may want to invest your money elsewhere. The common response is this: “Dead Rising [1] was great, so what’s wrong with them being alike?” Absolutely nothing. The issue seen by many here is that they’re expecting a new, climactic storyline that stems off of that of the original game, when really you’re playing Dead Rising all over again, in a polished, slightly improved experience.

Speaking of improvements upon Dead Rising, we have a couple of key features implemented: Most important to most gamers is the new weapon combination system. At first, one may be confused because the beginning of the game itself doesn’t explain how it works. You’re told how to combine weapons, but until you get your first “Combo Card”, chances are you didn’t know you had any way to reference what combinations you can make. Although some combinations are utterly impractical, and the fact that some aren’t possible (i.e. using one drill and a bucket to create a bucket with three drills going through it), the combinations are fairly creative, and create a new aspect for players who like to veer away from the conventional path to beating games. No longer do gamers have to stick to their sledgehammers or axes, but now they can punch through the endless waves of zombies with the “Defiler”, which is both more powerful and more durable than the two separate items.

On the topic of zombies, one point needs to be made: There are tons. Now, you may say that there were also tons of zombies in the original Dead Rising. Though that is true, you’ll quickly come to appreciate that once deemed impossible situation. Whereas there were, say, 50 zombies in a given area, there are likely 75-100 in that area now. Despite this, you’ll find zombies to be fairly lacking in reactivity when you pass by them. You can pass by hundreds of zombies without being harmed, due to the fact that you move quicker than them. This is good when you’re rushing back to the Safe House to give your daughter the vital Zombrex, but not very enjoyable for gamers who want to have a challenge.

That brings us to Zombrex. Early in the story, we briefly see the wrist of Chuck Greene’s daughter, revealing what appears to be a zombie bite. For those of you who haven’t played a zombie game or watched a zombie movie in your time, regular people become zombies upon being bitten by another zombie. The only hope Greene’s daughter has for survival is Zombrex. Problem is, it’s extremely expensive, and only lasts for 24-hours. Going one minute over the 24-hour mark will force her to undergo the process of becoming a zombie, forcing your fellow survivors to eliminate her. Most people new to the game assume that finding / obtaining Zombrex is an easy task. What they quickly find is that, despite the initial reassurance that it can be bought at pawnshops, getting that precious Zombrex is rather difficult. Of course, as with all things, there are breaks now and then when simple opportunities to earn it come along, but more often than not, you’ll be rushing up until the last minute hunting it down.

Zombrex isn’t only the treasure to be found, though. There are many times throughout the course of the game where Zombrex forces decisions upon players. For example, one time during the game you walk into the store, where you find a poor man who direly needs a dose of Zombrex in order to avoid becoming a zombie. Given it’s so hard to find, you may find yourself leaving innocent people to die for the greater good of your daughter’s survival. If you’re someone who likes to save everyone in games such as this, it’d be beneficial for you to stock up on your Zombrex, come the tough decisions.

On top of all of the things taking place in Dead Rising 2, you’d expect there to be some sort of music in the background. Unfortunately, when you’re going through the mall killing hundreds of zombies, you’ll come to find that you’re in complete silence, or perhaps surrounded by the calm music many malls contain, completely conflicting with what is actually taking place. Capcom seems willing to permit combinations that are senseless, but unwilling to give their gamers something decent to listen to while tearing through hordes of the undead. If you own an iPod, you may want to start it up when you start playing Dead Rising 2.

If you’re someone who played the original Dead Rising to a great amount, you may find yourself bored after enjoying the slightly improved experience of Dead Rising 2 for a short time. The game is by no means bad, but its similarity with its predecessor results in predictability, and a feeling as though you’re playing the original all over again. If you enjoyed the first, however, this is likely something you’ll want to give a chance. If you’re still eager for hours on end of killing endless hordes of zombies, Dead Rising 2 is definitely a game for you.

OSX Rating:
8.7 / 10

Now this, this is Blog Quality!

You'd make a great Blog Team member

I have to spread :cry: :mad: +thanked <3

Keep up the great work :y:

Needs pictures.:y:

Still a great read, nice to see you back in action.