I just downloaded the new Dead Rising 2: Case Zero demo, and IT IS AWESOME! Being a huge Dead Rising fan, I’ve been waiting for this one for a while now, and now it’s finally here, it is everything I expected and more.
This demo is more of a sub-game and is the prologue to Dead Rising 2. It introduces you to the initial story arc that includes the new protagonist Chuck Greene, a motocross superstar, and his daughter Katey. After becoming stranded in Still Creek, a small town on the outskirts of Las Vegas, the game quickly introduces the new time system, Zombrex. Unfortunately, Katey has been bitten by a zombie and needs a dose of Zombrex every 12 hours, no less. It’s up to Chuck to find the Zombrex and make sure to give it to Katey within in the time limit, otherwise its game over. Also, you must build a motorcycle from junk parts to leave this town before the military arrive.
Others would argue, but I think the time-management system for the series is the best part about it. This definitely kicks the game up a notch, forcing you to think more critically. Because what do you do when you finally reach that survivor and discover they’re infected and asking you for the only Zombrex you possess. This game wouldn’t be a zombie game if there weren’t survivors.
The controls and mechanics are the same as the first game except one thing, weapon combinations. The new system in Case Zero allows you combine multiple weapons to create a new combined weapon that is stronger and gives you a boost in PP (experience). Nothing is more satisfying than knowing the nail-bat your crushing zombie skulls with is something you put your heart and soul into building. Other combined weapons include a drill bucket, electrified rake or, my personal favorite, the chainsaw paddle.
All in all, I am super stoked for the full Dead Rising 2 to hit stores later this month. It’s everything I wanted in Dead Rising and more, and I cannot wait until I’m on the Vegas Strip mowing down hundreds of zombies with chainsaws attached to the handlebars. For anyone who enjoys survival horror, zombies, leveling systems and replay value, this game is definitely for you.
Saif is a production sound mixer/boom operator in the L.A. film industry. When he's not on set, he's usually gaming it up. It's another one of his passions and sometimes guilty pleasures. Some of Saif's favorite games include the Metal Gear Solid series, Final Fantasy 7, Xenogears, the Zelda series, Mirror's Edge, Portal, Super Street Fighter 4 as well as any other unique and/or adventurous games. He'll play all types of games except sports. Games with replay value are the best, though. Saif doesn't really write that much, but he feels he has a lot to say, at least about videogames.
