Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
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Dead Rising 2 - PS3 Review
Dead Rising 2, developed by Blue Castle Games (now known as Capcom Vancouver) and published by Capcom, is the sequel to the 2006 hit Dead Rising. Released for the PlayStation 3 in 2010, Dead Rising 2 retains the series' signature blend of open-world exploration, survival horror, and dark humor. Set in the fictional Fortune City, a Las Vegas-inspired location overrun by a zombie apocalypse, the game puts players in the shoes of Chuck Greene, a former motocross champion searching for a way to save his daughter from a zombified fate.
While Dead Rising 2 improves upon many aspects of the original, it does have its shortcomings. Below is a comprehensive review of Dead Rising 2 for the PS3.
Story & Narrative
The narrative of Dead Rising 2 follows Chuck Greene, who is forced to fight through hordes of zombies after a viral outbreak turns the entire city into a chaotic hellscape. His primary goal is to find a cure for his daughter, Katie, who has been bitten and is at risk of turning into a zombie unless she regularly takes Zombrex, an anti-zombie drug.
The story revolves around Chuck's efforts to survive, find Zombrex for his daughter, and uncover the mystery behind the outbreak, all while dealing with the pressure of a public broadcast, as the city has been quarantined and the situation is being televised. As Chuck progresses, he meets a range of eccentric survivors, some of whom are helpful, while others complicate the situation.
While the plot is serviceable and sets up a decent framework for the game's missions, it ultimately takes a backseat to the action and exploration. The narrative doesnt have the same depth or emotional weight as other titles in the survival horror genre, but it does provide enough context to keep the player invested in Chuck's plight.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Dead Rising 2 retains the open-world structure of its predecessor, combining exploration, combat, and missions in a sandbox environment. The game focuses on allowing players to create chaos and survive in a zombie-infested world, all while managing time and resources.
- Combat & Weapon Creation: One of the highlights of Dead Rising 2 is its unique combat system. Players can use virtually any object in the environment as a weapon, from basic tools like baseball bats to more inventive weapons like a combination of a chainsaw and a paddle, or a pylon with fireworks strapped to it. The game encourages creativity, and there is a deep satisfaction in crafting and using outrageous, over-the-top weapons to mow down zombies in brutal and hilarious ways.
The combat is simple and satisfying but can sometimes feel repetitive. Fighting zombies can become a bit mindless as you face wave after wave, especially during later portions of the game, but the fun comes from experimenting with different weapons and strategies.
- Time Management: One of the more unique aspects of Dead Rising 2 is the time management mechanic. The game operates on a strict timeline, with certain events and missions only available at specific times of day. While this adds tension and urgency, it also means that you must carefully plan your actions to balance between story missions, side missions, and finding Zombrex for your daughter. The time-bas
