Dead Rising Case Zero Review

Written by: Psyko113   

Dead Rising is one of the funnest games in the survival-horror genre. It blends well the gore and humor that a zombie situation could bring about. Dead Rising 2 seems to be doing no less. However, to bridge the gap between the two installments, Capcom has released Dead Rising 2: Case Zero as a downloadable game (and it's actually broken the record for DLC content!). Taking place a couple of years after the events in the first game, but well enough before the second starts, Case Zero introduces us to our new protagonist, Chuck Greene, and his daughty Katey. Katey, unfortunately, was attacked and bitten during the initial outbreak when her mother became infected.

But all is not lost, as there is a serum known as Zombrex (okay, I'll admit, I had to roll my eyes the first time I heard that one) which holds off the infections progress. With supplies running low and a swarm of the undead closing in on all sides, Chuck and Katey are forced to hole up in Still Creek (apparently 46 miles outside of Nevada).

Gameplay wise, there is little different here compared to the first Dead Rising. The only real addition is the ability for our new hero to create new weapons by combining multiple items. These continue in the more comical aspect to the game, as some of the creations are downright laughable...but they kick some serious zombie ass, so all is forgiven. The controls handle the same as in the previous game, so those who mastered that will have not problems here.

Graphics wise, the game does well enough. Some of the animations during the cinematics could have been spiffed up a little more (ie: put more effort into facial animation if you want to evoke emotion!), but it doesn't hurt the overall quality of the game. The voice acting is fairly decent as well; a few lines here and there that could have been better, but for the most part you believe in the characters.

The real aspect that makes this installment in the series shine is that the developers actually went through and made multiple endings, and they have programmed the game so that your statistics from Case Zero can carry over into Dead Rising 2, giving you a head-start on leveling up your character. This is great, since it gives the short game some replay value, rather than making it a glorified demo.

The playthrough time is fairly short; easily passed in a single sitting. But it's the quality behind it that makes this one worth it.

So, if you're a fan of Dead Rising, or one of the many eagerly awaiting the release of Dead Rising 2, then you should get your gore on with Case Zero!