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Dead Rising 2 High Stakes Edition is a gamble
In honor of Dead Rising 2's Vegas-like Fortune City setting, Capcom is taking pre-orders on an exclusive gambling-themed limited edition of the game -- which means you now have your choice of DR2 special editions. The "High Stakes Edition," available only from Capcom's online store, includes the game; a poker set with 100 poker chips, bloody playing cards, dice, and a dealer chip; a Fortune City visitor map (which doubles, conveniently, as a map of the game's locations); and a Terror is Reality ticket with a voucher for a "Psycho" costume and skill pack. One of the $90 bundles will include a golden Terror is Reality ticket, which will entitle the lucky winner to a six-foot "Burt the Zombie" replica. That's right, you pay $90 for the chance at winning a big prize (well, among other things). That's gamblin'. Kind of. We'd argue that the real winner is anyone not burdened with a giant zombie statue.
Dead Rising 2 preview: My 5 favorite weapons so far
Having finished the first two in-game days of Dead Rising 2, I've come to the same conclusion as our earlier previews: that the game is basically just more of the things you liked about the first Dead Rising. Rather than evaluate the many similarities and few differences between the two games -- we'll save that for the review -- I've come up with a much more valuable use of your time: A list of 5 of my favorite weapons I've created so far, how they work and where you can find them. Fair warning: Here there be spoilers. It's not for those who want to savor the sweet sense of weapon-making discovery themselves.
PSA: Zombrex Dead Rising Sun webisodes on Xbox Live
Perhaps you felt a tingling in the back of your skull today. A small, gnawing feeling. Don't be scared though, it's not a zombie nib on your brainpan, it's just your brain reminding you that the first webisodes of Zombrex Dead Rising Sun are now available on Xbox Live. Directed by none other than Dead Rising 2 producer Keiji Inafune, the movie is, shall we say, a little campy so far. Be sure to stock up on popcorn and Jujubes: more webisodes will be released every week this month. [Thanks, Donald] %Gallery-97567% Xbox.com: Add Webisode 1 (HD) to your Xbox 360 download queue Xbox.com: Add Webisode 2 (HD) to your Xbox 360 download queue Xbox.com: Add Webisode 3 (HD) to your Xbox 360 download queue
Dead Rising 2 Fortune City map unveiled
The shambling, groaning launch of Dead Rising 2 may still be over a month away, but that doesn't mean eager players can't start planning their zombie assaults now. Capcom has released a map of Fortune City, complete with a handy list of the various shops and locations littered about. A few locations guaranteed to house convenient implements of zombie death: SporTrance, KokoNutz Sports Town, High-Noon Shooting Range and, of course, Army Surplus Gift Store. Unfortunately, we're not seeing any cutlery stores on this thing, which could make the search for a katana a little difficult. In other zombie slaughtering news, 360Sync has revealed the Achievements for the Dead Rising 2 prequel, Case Zero. Said Achievements are rewarded for building weapons, spending money at the pawn shop and, naturally, killing zombies.
Dead Rising 2: Case Zero infects XBLA August 31
Better refill your Zombrex prescription: Capcom is letting Dead Rising 2: Case Zero out of quarantine and into Xbox Live Arcade on August 31 -- the original release date of the full Dead Rising 2 game (that's now dated for September 28). Capcom has also released a new trailer for Dead Rising 2, which you'll find after the break. Case Zero, a standalone experience, serves as a prologue to Dead Rising 2. Chuck Greene fights to escape the town of Still Creek and obtain the Zombrex he needs to keep his daughter Katey from coming down with a case of finding human flesh yummy. The prologue won't take a bite out of your budget: Capcom is pricing the XBLA-exclusive Case Zero at 400 Microsoft Points ($5).
Capcom prescribes Dead Rising 2: Zombrex Edition to North America
The European special edition of Dead Rising 2 may include a tiny, plastic zombie, but the North American special edition trumps it by helping you avoid becoming a zombie yourself. The Dead Rising 2 Zombrex Edition, available on both PS3 and Xbox 360, includes a syringe of life-saving Zombrex medicine (which looks suspiciously like a pen), along with a Zombrex safety information card, sales brochure, and 25-page prescription pad. The steelbook case also includes materials not related to fictional anti-undeadifying pharmaceuticals, including a Dead Rising 2 artbook, and a disc with a "Making of" featurette. The Xbox 360 version will also include the Zombrex Dead Rising Sun film, while the PS3 version will include a voucher for a dynamic theme. The Zombrex Edition will be released on the same September 28 date as the regular version, and will retail for $79.99 -- isn't it worth the extra $20 to have the peace of mind that only anti-zombie medication can provide? %Gallery-97578%
Get a weekly dose of Zombrex starting August 4
Those of you eagerly awaiting Keiji Inafune's directorial debut in the awkwardly named Dead Rising movie, Zombrex Dead Rising Sun, will be able to get their fill of zombie drama (or "zomba") from August 4 on Xbox Live. Each week, two or three chunks of the short film will debut on Xbox. They'll be made available on DeadRisingSun.com a week later, with the exception of two episodes that will be shown on both places simultaneously. We've listed the schedule after the break, because it's a lot easier to explain it that way. Bottom line: your entire August is now booked up with extremely brief movie dates. Right now, you can check out some new stills from the film in our gallery, and a trailer at DeadRisingSun.com. %Gallery-97567%
Dead Rising 2 'Outbreak Pack' staggering to Europe, Capcom 'not bringing' it to North America
What you see above is the Outbreak Pack for Dead Rising 2. It's a limited edition version of the game that comes with everything pictured: a zombie action figure, accessories, voucher for a premium theme and other console-specific goods. It'll release alongside the standard edition in Europe on October 1. We wanted to know about the potential for a North American release, so we contacted Capcom. A rep told Joystiq "we are not bringing the Outbreak Edition to North America," yet offered that "something special will be announced for North America very soon for Dead Rising 2." As soon as we know, we'll be sure to pass the info along. %Gallery-44178%
Capcom launches Dead Rising 2 site, reveals final box art
The official box art, and a new website, for the recently delayed Dead Rising 2 have shambled out. The website, TapeItOrDie.com, follows the exploits of four characters who will help you "discover exclusive content" in the zombocalypse sequel. The website is expected to update weekly, and looks like it'll be a great source for learning how to MacGyver new weapons in the game. As for the box art, it shows protagonist Chuck Greene sporting the quite handy (for beheading) kayak paddle with duct-taped chainsaws -- if only Frank West had that for his cover shoot instead of a big old busted TV. %Gallery-97158%
Unedited Dead Rising 2 classified in Australia
Australia's OFLC has passed Dead Rising 2 with an MA15+ classification. The game's Aussie distributor tells Gamespot the zombie-survival splatterfest was rated without any edits. Dead Rising 2: Case Zero also passed with the MA15+ rating. A Capcom representative informed Joystiq they don't believe edits were ever made to the original Dead Rising or Chop Till You Drop (its Wii incarnation) for their MA15+ ratings. The reason why Dead Rising 2 is getting attention for its classification is because of the difficulties Left 4 Dead 2 experienced last year. Valve's game was eventually classified with significant reductions in gore. From our preview time with Dead Rising 2, the game has plenty of gore to spare. Australia's continued lack of an R18+ rating makes the system seem arbitrary when faced with situations like this.
Dead Rising 2 release date a shambles, delayed to Sept. 28
How much time does Dead Rising 2 developer Blue Castle Games need to get its upcoming zombie apocalypse sim ready for consumption by the living? At least one month, it seems, as the game's North American release date has been pushed back to September 28 (from a previously stated late August release). Capcom sent over word this morning of the delay, oddly pointing out that it's "happy to confirm" as much. No explanation of the delay was offered (we're asking!), though we suspect Blue Castle probably had to re-articulate the limb separator subroutines and upscale the procedural chainsaw collision detection ... matrix. It's technical stuff, you wouldn't understand.
'Zombrex Dead Rising Sun' film distributed for free this summer
The Dead Rising movie, Keiji Inafune's directorial debut, will be shambling to North America and Europe this summer, under the title Zombrex Dead Rising Sun. Capcom will release the film online serially, chopped up into eight pieces like a particularly unlucky zombie, including an English dubbed version, as well as releases with Italian, French and Spanish subtitles. Oh, and it'll be free. Zombrex Dead Rising Sun (good thing it's free with a title like that) is the story of two brothers trying to survive against hordes of zombies. How will they possibly make it? A wheelchair with a chainsaw attached is a pretty good start. Check out our gallery below for some behind-the-scenes photos and enjoy the trailer after the break. %Gallery-96316%
Interview: Keiji Inafune on Dead Rising 2, character design and difficulty
Capcom's Global Head of Production, Keiji Inafune, who started with the company over 20 years ago as an illustrator, oversees production of the publisher's major franchises, including Resident Evil, Lost Planet, Street Fighter and Dead Rising. We talked to Inafune at E3 about the design decisions and criticisms of the Dead Rising series, as well as Capcom's ongoing attempt to balance east and west game design philosophies. (Don't forget to check out our preview on Dead Rising 2 for more.) %Gallery-44178%
Preview: Dead Rising 2: Case Zero (XBLA)
Capcom is doing something pretty interesting with the release of Dead Rising 2. Prior to its August 31 launch, Capcom will put out Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, an Xbox Live exclusive prequel sans co-op that takes place two years after the original and three years prior to the second game. In short: it's distilled Dead Rising 2 on a much smaller scale.
Preview: Dead Rising 2 (single player)
Even though things have changed for Capcom's sequel, Dead Rising 2 -- new developer in Blue Castle Games, new protagonist in Chuck Greene and a new venue that swaps out the tried-and-true mall setting for the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas -- it felt very familiar. From the largely unchanged controls to the helpful security guard passing you updates on your walkie talkie (thankfully, this time around the text is actually legible) on to the survivor escort system, Dead Rising 2 is a sequel in the most literal sense.
Playboy mags make Dead Rising 2 more inappropriately sexy
What better combination could there be than the sexy ladies of Playboy magazine and rotting, unnaturally ambulatory corpses? Capcom and Playboy have reached an agreement wherein Playboy magazines and imagery will be seen throughout the world of Dead Rising 2, in the form of magazines, as well as billboards and other advertisements. Judging by the costume in one of the new screens, Fortune City is host to a Playboy Club as well. Playboy is just one of the publications used for the game's new "magazine system," which, like Dead Rising's book system, will offer enhancements to the player's stats. Playboy imbues Chuck Greene with a "unique and special upgrade" -- good that it has an actual gameplay purpose, because on its own, stopping to check out some babes while on the run from thousands of undead monsters is highly questionable, both in terms of tactics and just plain sanity. %Gallery-94955%
Capcom fiscal 2011 strategy: Shorter dev cycles, more new franchises
Capcom has made a real attempt in recent years to break down the firewall between western and eastern development, something it's still struggling with if "sluggish" sales in 2009 are any indication. But according to a recent report (warning: PDF link) circulated to investors, the company's still refining its approach and hopes to "create games faster by using a hybrid approach combining internal and outsourced development." According to the strategy report, that will translate to more new franchises from the company, -- something it hasn't had much luck with lately, with Bionic Commando, Dark Void and Spyborgs all failing to perform exceptionally well either critically or at retail. Perhaps some of these new IPs will become downloadable, as the company says it plans on digitally distributing more games in fiscal 2011. Capcom also used the report to show high hopes for its upcoming slate of titles, with a projected 3.6 million units sold for Monster Hunter Freedom 3, 3 million for Dead Rising 2, 2.2 for Lost Planet 2 and 2 million for Marvel vs. Capcom 3. That's certainly optimistic, considering the company's biggest seller in FY 2009, Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, sold 1.35 million copies.
Dead Rising 2: Case Zero prequel detailed
Back during X10, Capcom revealed Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, the stand-alone prologue exclusive to Xbox Live Marketplace that will bridge the gap between the first and second game. It will introduce the sequel's protagonist, Chuck Greene, father and master of duct taping stuff, as he works to free himself and his daughter from the desert town of Still Creek -- two years after the events of the first game, but three years before the events of the sequel. Shacknews managed to secure the details while at Captivate in Hawaii, and says Capcom promises Case Zero will have "unique content not available in the full retail release of Dead Rising 2." Sadly, there's no mention of price or release date for Case Zero, but rest assured: You still have plenty of time to stock up on Zombrex before Dead Rising 2 launches on August 31. Editors' note: Joystiq did not attend Captivate this year. We determined the perceived environment, and associated downtime, of the event was not in accordance with our editorial policy. We expect to provide firsthand preview coverage of all Capcom titles shown at Captivate during E3 this June. For more information on our policies, click here.
Dead Rising 2 to have online co-op (and a drug called Zombrex)
Download in HD from Big Download Chuck Greene may know his "way around a zombie or two," as he says in this new trailer from Dead Rising 2, but he'll be facing down thousands at a time in Fortune City. Greene's daughter Katey will also be along for the ride -- she's bitten by one of the walking dead early on, and will require a daily dose of a drug called "Zombrex" during the game's 72-hour span "to stop [her] from joining the ever-growing zombie horde." Greene also comes across two supporting ladies -- one is a short-haired army jacket-wearing girl who goes on about conspiracies and "false accusations," and the other is a bombastic reporter who brings new meaning to the word "teaser." Capcom has also announced details of the game's online co-op system. Players will be able to use an "in-game transceiver to call for assistance at any time," and when your buddy shows up, it's game on for tactics like luring zombies into a kill zone or racing around on skateboards (no really -- check the gallery below). That's in addition to the "Terror is Reality" minigame versus mode that we got to play a little while ago, which will pit up to four players against each other in a game show setting. Dead Rising 2 will be out for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC in North America on August 31, and in Japan and Europe a few short, zombie-free days later. %Gallery-91175%
Capcom: First Dead Rising 'felt too Japanese'
If you're wondering why Capcom sought the Canadian influence of new developer Blue Castle Games for Dead Rising 2, producer Shinsaku Ohara has a bit of insight. He told CVG that Capcom "wanted to do it better for a Western audience this time," saying that Dead Rising "was built in a very Japanese style." Too Japanese, in fact, according to Ohara. Now, with the help of Blue Castle, Capcom is creating something that is "much closer to feeling like a Western game," in a collaborative process that is resulting in "crazier" ideas than before. Like duct-taping weapons together, or a zombie game show. We're crossing our fingers in the vain hope that the Servbots weren't singled out as "too Japanese" to find their way into Dead Rising 2. %Gallery-44178%
