FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Dead Rising 2

Released: September 28th, 2010

Developer: Blue Castle, Capcom

Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC

Rated: M for Mature

Dead Rising 2 is the sequel to Capcom’s surprising success Dead Rising that was released in 2006. This time around you play as a motocross superstar, Chuck Greene, who makes ends meet as a contestant on the pay-per-view TV show, Terror is Reality. When not duking it out with the undead, he cares for his daughter Katey who was infected in an outbreak that killed his wife years ago in Las Vegas. Katey’s “condition” is kept in check with a daily dose of a medication called Zombrex. After an episode of Terror is Reality, another outbreak begins.Our manly hero escapes to a safe house with his daughter and a handful of other survivors, finds out he’s being framed for the start of the outbreak and needsto clear his name within the 3 day time limit before rescue arrives. Oh, and he also has to hunt down Zombrex to give to Katey every 24 hours. And save survivors. And slay psychopaths.

Yep.

It’s not what one would consider to be a direct sequel to Dead Rising, but it is very reminiscent of it in many aspects so far. You go in and out of your safe haven using an air duct, find yourself lead into a mall, and your missions are relayed to you via radio. Ring a bell? It’s lack of change is forgivable in most ways.. except for the controls. The controls still leave a bit to be desired. The best word I can use to describe them is “clunky”. Not so irritating that I wanted to tear out my hair, but irritating enough for me to curse words you can’t say in front of children now and again. Dealing with clunky controls while being forced to face hundreds of the undead just doesn’t fly so well.

Luckily, the sometimes annoying controls don’t take away from the copious amounts of fun I’m having with this game. I’ve only sunk a couple hours into it and it’s got me hooked. There’s a certain void in my heart that only hitting zombie with an electric guitar can fill. I can't say too much considering I haven't played it through, but I will say that it's looking good.

Stay tuned, guys (and gals) because you’ll be sure to see my full review of Dead Rising 2 within the week.

Happy hunting!

-Decode (Shayla H.)