Dead Rising: A Review

The dead have risen, and it is good.

Tuesday saw the release of Capcom's latest foray into the survival horror genre, in Dead Rising, available on the 360. The title does not disappoint, breathing new life into a classic zombie setting. You begin as Frank West, photojournalist, surveying the wreckage of an outbreak of what authorities are calling "civil unrest." One thing leads to another, and before long, you're stranded at the Willamette Mall, with rescue a good 70 hours away. Inside, you meet an array of characters: hapless victims, violent criminals, perpetrators of a vast government plot, and of course, the walking dead.

Gameplay is outstanding. Just about everything that isn't nailed down can be used as a weapon against the zombie hordes, from potted plants and benches to coathangers and bowling balls (for a real treat, try wielding a showerhead), and you get experience for each corpse you fell. And Frank's camera? Not just window dressing! Snap shots of the action as you go along for even more experience. Points are awarded for a variety of genres, so a well-framed photo can earn you a handsome reward.

Unfortunately, the game shares some of the same ills as some of Capcom's earlier titles. Save points are few and far between, especially given the game's high degree of difficulty. The survivors on the escort missions suffer from a serious lack of AI, and the voice acting leaves something to be desired.

All in all, however, Dead Rising is a strong title. The graphics are excellent, and it offers some really fun updates to a favorite genre. This is a must-have for the 360, and one of the best games so far this year.