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How Metascores Are Calculated
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1942: Joint Strike
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Dead Rising follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety but it turns out to be anything but. It will be a true struggle to survive the endless stream of enemies, but players will have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob and search for the truth behind the horrendous epidemic. Dead Rising features an open level of freedom and offers a vast array of gameplay possibilities. As part of a real time system, time is dynamic in Dead Rising, marching on whether Frank is actively engaged or if he is stationary. Time also plays a role as zombies become more powerful when the sun goes down. Though they move slowly during the day, the zombies become stronger and faster at night, making it even more dangerous for players to survive. The unprecedented numbers of enemies come in never-ending waves and consist of a diverse population of former humans that have retained some memory of their previous lives, which is reflected in their behavior and appearance. The variety of different stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players will also encounter other survivors along the way and by helping them can acquire valuable clues as to what has happened.
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Yahoo! Games
The spaced out save points create a wonderfully rare sense of dread. You'll want to stock up on inventory and weapons before attempting a particularly difficult passage. And you're not always secure whether you're going to make it. This is where Dead Rising's sandbox zombie killing comes into its own.
 95
Play Magazine
In many ways, Rising is a spiritual successor to Capcom's "Resident Evil." This zombie epic, however, has brains and a heart to go with its blood and gore. [Sept 2006, p.55]
95
Games Master UK
Like a huge toybox full of rotting flesh and ridiculous attention to detail. Just brilliant. [Oct 2006, p.72]
93
Game Informer
The game is huge on replay in the main mode and offers even more after the tale is done. [Sept. 2006, p.94]
92
Gaming Illustrated
I haven’t had a gaming session like this in a long time. It’s one you kick the roommates off of the TV for or call in sick to work for.
92
XboxAddict
This game could have been one of the greatest games of all time. You could replay it hundreds of times, and it just wouldn’t get old. Instead, the game has been crippled by the horrible save system, lousy boss battles, a tedious 2nd part of the storyline, and a lack of a true “free roam” mode.
92
Xbox World Australia
Hands down, Dead Rising is the most polished game I have played yet on the Xbox360. It has inventive gameplay, an entertaining if predictable story, superlative presentation, a good helping of humour, and a whole lot of depth beyond just killing zombies.
91
Gaming Age
Capcom has done much, much more than just put a camera around a guy's neck and drop him in a mall full of zombies. There's a tightly woven story, the elements of which are actually part of the game...Dead Rising is one of the highest notes of the year, on any platform.
91
Gamezilla!
The presentation of Dead Rising is close to being the best I’ve ever seen. Massive amounts of zombies, store shelves that are completely stocked with goods (the supermarket is especially impressive), and a creepy soundtrack frames the game well.
90
Extreme Gamer
One of the most engaging survival horror games to be released in the last few years. Dead Rising offers a lot to gamers in the way of action, suspense, stress, and humor.
90
Game Over Online
The first absolute must-have exclusive for the 360...Dead Rising revolves around beating zombies to death with unconventional weaponry, and I submit to you that this is something that everyone can enjoy. Everyone.
90
Official Xbox Magazine UK
The greatest triumph is that it'll make you laugh and go 'wow' for the entire seven hours and then some. [Oct 2006, p.8]
90
Jolt Online Gaming UK
The story mode can be frustrating, but never fatally so, and in any case the combat is ridiculously moreish and often highly amusing.
90
RewiredMind
A superb game. Probably the best title on the 360. The flaws are forgivable because it’s simply fun to play. If you are anal for completing a game in its entirety you’ll be on this forever. It’s a practical impossibility to complete all the missions and sub-missions in the 72 hour-mode (it actually lasts about 10 real-time hours).
90
Sydney Morning Herald
A triumphant survival horror blockbuster with strong replay appeal, but some players will lack the patience to cope with its considerable demands.
90
X360 Magazine UK
Dead Rising features arcade-quality gameplay wrapped around a classic movie theme and sprinkled with tons of extras. Worth buying an Xbox 360 for - everyone should play this game. [Issue # 11, p.72]
90
XGP Gaming
Another technical point of the game that’s stunning is the amount of zombies that can be on the screen at any given time.
90
360 Gamer Magazine UK
Sometimes tense, sometimes hilarious, it's a must have for all 360 owners. [Issue #15]
90
Xboxic
While it does have some minor problems such as no multiplayer, a weird save system and repetitive missions sometimes, the game makes up for itself by being pure fun and insane. If you love slashing zombies in half and smashing zombie heads in, if you love a free roaming open ended story, and if you love video games, you’ll love Dead Rising.
90
GameSpy
One of the most uniquely imaginative horror games ever created... Despite the fact that there are some frustrating elements (namely the save system and AI), Dead Rising is a straight-up blast from start to finish.
90
PGNx Media
It doesn’t take itself too seriously, gives you more weapons and zombies than you know what to do with, and it’s funny in that B-movie kind of a way. The gameplay is fast and exciting, too.
90
AtomicGamer
Dead Rising is not for everyone, as it does include tons of violence and gore, but the sheer number of possibilities in this game make it a wonderful addition to almost any Xbox 360 owner's library.
90
Thunderbolt
This is not a zombie stop-gap until "Resident Evil 5" is out; this is an actual game that you do not want to miss...****ing great fun!
89
Console Gameworld
It is certainly the most fun you’ll have had killing zombies since "Zombies ate My Neighbors" debuted on the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis way back before many of you were born.
89
Pelit (Finland)
The survivor AI stinks and the lack of a persistent world hurts the atmosphere. Still, as far as sick and bloody violence goes, you could do a lot worse than Dead Rising. [Oct 2006]
88
IC-Games
You might hit problems reading text on a standard television but that shouldn’t really spoil the game as even on a normal widescreen the game looks outstanding.
88
netjak
Dead Rising is one of those games you seriously have to ready for, because if you play with the intention of getting the best possible ending, you WILL be busy. If you’re just looking to smash the undead, you definitely won’t get the full enjoyment of what this game has to offer.
88
Cheat Code Central
In many ways, however, Dead Rising surpasses "Resident Evil" in terms of providing pure excitement without cheap "dog smashing through a window" tricks. Though flawed in many areas, Dead Rising is a thoroughly entertaining zombie-smashing experience.
87
Team Xbox
The astounding level of variety that is packed into the game is wonderful to see.
87
Next Level Gaming
The save system could have been setup better but other then that; the game play is immensely enjoyable.
87
Gamers' Temple
It is innovative (well, as a game not based on "Dawn of the Dead") and well-produced, and a zombie killing good time.
87
DailyGame
Deeper than your typical button masher, and it has the best Achievements list yet. The quirky save system can be a total annoyance, though.
87
GamerNode
In the end, despite a few minor flaws and annoyances, Dead Rising is easily one of the best games of the year, and I haven't had as much fun playing a video game in a long, long time.
86
Game Almighty
With so many missions available, Dead Rising is sure to keep its players busy.
86
Gaming Target
The game has some annoyances with its level-up system and minor problems with load times and survivor AI, but the ways in which you can kill the zombies are endless, and the story and presentation actually creates a narrative more compelling than most would expect.
86
Worth Playing
Dead Rising is one of those games where the amount of enjoyment you will glean out of it is directly proportional to your patience.
85
Gamers Europe
All in all, I absolutely loved this game. It's not without its flaws - the levelling up is, initially, a pain as Frank simply starts out too weak to be any use, but the size of the mall and the amount to do means that you will actually want to replay things until you get it right.
85
Digital Entertainment News
Own a 360? Like action? Like zombies? You need this game. Unelss you have a small standard television, because then you won't be able to read the text of what's being said.
85
eToychest
If you plan on seeing everything the game has to offer, which includes six separate endings, as well as Overtime and Infinite modes, you've got a lot of zombie killing ahead of you. It’s been a long time coming but Dead Rising has been worth the wait.
85
GameZone
The game has a good feel to it, and while you do use an awful lot of moves in the game (more as you advance) you will eventually find a nice groove and be able to get things done. The targeting for the guns does stink, though.
85
Electric Playground
It's funny, dramatic, mysterious, and full of satisfying moments. I find it's a great game to work out some frustrations on. Just picking up a bat and wading into a crowd of moaning, shambling monsters is a wonderful stress reliever.
85
MS Xbox World
Once you look beyond the mindless killing and embark on the other styles of play the game allows then you are left with something far more fulfilling.
85
Official Xbox Magazine
If you can stomach the entrance exam for learnning the game's tough ropes, Dead Rising's got your name written all over it. [Oct. 2006, p.67]
85
Game Chronicles
With a nearly endless variety of items to utilize in killing a plethora of undead, there are hours of enjoyment in store for any would be zombie slayer. There is also an intriguing story lurking behind the curtain of blood that isn’t fully realized unless the game is played through a couple times to max out Frank’s stats and moves.
84
Kombo
While it's a lot of fun to play and provides quite a bit of replay value, the horrid save system and some other minor annoyances keep Dead Rising from rising to the status of instant classic.
84
GameBrink
A unique, inventive, and fun game that youll most likely want to play and own due to its huge amount of replayability from random slash-a-thons to side quests and item discovery; you can spend a whole lot of time in this game. Then again if the save system and RPG leveling system turn you off you might be better off renting it first.
84
GameSpot
Dead Rising's gory, ridiculous, and entertaining action, coupled with its real-time structure and campy stylistic touches, make it one of the most unique games currently available for the Xbox 360.
83
IGN
The game provides an incentive for every aspect, making each worth pursuing. It's a game that somehow remains cohesive despite having so many seemingly unrelated aspects.
83
GameShark
A total blast. Literally, there is so much to do in the game: heat up a frying pan and make it melt off zombie’s faces, put stuff in a blender and get a power up, use the microwave to warm up some food, use CD’s and throw them at the big building blocks guy to get 10,000 points, etc. It is amazing how much depth was put into this game.
83
Talk Xbox
The thought, “taking a sledgehammer to a zombie’s face would really take the edge off of my day right now, I wonder how much I can get Dead Rising for” will creep into your head and again and again. Eventually you will own it. It’s just that simple of an issue and that addictive of a gameplay.
83
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The save function is a complete disaster, and it's especially bad when you're forced to save without the health and materials to survive from that point on.
83
Game Revolution
The whole thing is simply great fun, a sort of malleable tour through the Dawn of the Dead films that clearly inspired the game. There’s a party in my Xbox 360, and all you zombies out there are invited.
83
Planet Xbox 360
Dead Rising provides a very entertaining experience and the gameplay is solid. It still doesn’t change the fact that the gameplay is very simple, and can sometimes even be frustrating. The save system in Dead Rising is one of the worst in recent games.
82
Gamer 2.0
A great game that has some hampering issues in its gameplay; things that shouldn’t be a problem, like the save system, cheap bosses, and dumber than a stump partner A.I. All that aside, though, Dead Rising is a fantastic game that strays far enough away from the moody style Resident Evil has stapled in the zombie genre.
80
ZTGameDomain
While the challenge is a welcome change of pace from the slew of unbelievably easy games that we’ve seen released lately, it seems that the developers are just milking the game for replay value.
80
EuroGamer
It may not be licensed by George A. Romero, but it was certainly inspired by him, and it replicates a lot of the feelings he inspired in the viewer.
80
Armchair Empire
Though Dead Rising pulls its inspiration from the George Romero classic Dawn of the Dead, the expected hokiness of the plot and dialogue is surprisingly absent (same for any obvious social commentary).
80
AceGamez
With excellent sound, superb graphics, an intriguing and entertaining storyline and a very solid fighting engine, Dead Rising is a great action title with some very odd choices in game structure that will likely infuriate you, but shouldn't stop you from playing what is otherwise a great game that's pushing the genre, and the power of the Xbox 360, in a diverse number of unique ways.
80
Deeko
The level of destruction I've left behind is something to behold. Broken windows, plants, smashed benches and trash bins are just a few things that have been zombie magnets. I wonder who pays for all of this destruction?
80
VGPub
Dead Rising was the closest to a perfect original game that has been made in quite some time. It's unfortunate that the game was weighed down by bad decisions and poor planning.
80
1UP
A relentlessly inventive game worth the price of entry...The experience is flawed -- some might say hampered -- by the save system and curiously designed game structure. But whether you 'get it' or not, Dead Rising nevertheless provides a wealth of secrets and mysteries for both eager gamers and the adventuresome.
80
GamePro
The expansive environments are divided by too-frequent load screens, the story elements fall limp more often than not, and corralling idiotic survivors can try your patience, but the visceral thrill of taking zombies apart is so varied and enjoyable that such disappointments are forgiven. Dead Rising isn't game of the year, but it is a whole lot of mindless fun.
80
Games Radar
It's this severe push for gamers to be determined and persistent enough to explore every nook and cranny in Dead Rising that makes it either a splendid, geeky Pandora's Box full of unrelenting challenge and rewards or controller-smashingly difficult because of its hardcore mentality.
80
Gaming Nexus
Dead Rising is an action-packed romp through a mall full of zombies. If that's not a recipe for a good time then you've never mowed down a group of zombies with an actual lawn mower!
80
games(TM)
Brimming with character, with the power to shock you, make you laugh and send you into a testosterone-fuelled rage I just five minutes, it’s a genuine showcase for the power of 360 and the ingenuity of Capcom. This is next-gen gaming. [Oct 2006, p.108]
80
Times Online
Zombie hunters beware, though. The vibrating handsets make being caught an unpleasant experience.
80
PALGN
Capcom's "sheer numbers" approach to the zombie game, along with a refreshing level of variety and just a hint of campiness results in Dead Rising being a heck of a lot of fun.
80
Boomtown
At the end of the day you get a very good game here, albeit a bit on the short side at about 5 hours long.
80
NTSC-uk
Despite the gripes and bugs which could have done with polishing out (such as bosses refusing to die when on zero health, clipping of people through walls/clothing and suddenly respawning zombies), Dead Rising still manages to be an obscene amount of fun and offer some exemplary gaming moments.
80
Total Video Games
The game is so much more then the button-bashing romp that it initially appears to be, concealing a game with a surprising amount of freedom but one with a great sense of urgency and structure.
80
DarkStation
Taking out hordes of zombies has never been this fun, as Capcom gives you the freedom to bash away with solid controls and luscious next-gen visuals.
80
WHAM! Gaming
A lot deeper and a lot tougher than it seems at first glance, Dead Rising is an old-school game posing as next-gen zombie slayathon. It can be frustrating as hell, but like the swarms of undead who don't know any better, you'll keep coming back for more.
80
Edge Magazine
Thematically eccentric, mechanically shambolic and technically stunning, Dead Rising is the kind of infectious experience that yearns for a sequel. [Oct 2006, p.80]
80
VideoGamer
Even with its problems, Dead Rising is a ton of fun to play, offers a respectable narrative, and come on, you can use a lawnmower for cryin' out load. Enough said.
80
My Gamer
Gamers looking for something to get them through the summer months will find Dead Rising a welcome addition to their library. Welcome back my undead friends, welcome back
80
Four Fat Chicks
Part platformer, part pure action, part open-world adventure, there are a number of ways to enjoy Dead Rising.
79
The New York Times
[The save structure] makes for a fascinating but infuriating experience reminiscent of the movie “Groundhog Day”; you have to keep reliving the same three days over and over, each time saving a few more people and killing a few more psychopaths until you perfect your game.
75
Detroit Free Press
The only thing keeping this from becoming an instant classic is the presentation. The visuals aren't very detailed, and the onscreen text (used for interacting with characters and objects) is painfully small and virtually unreadable on a standard-definition television.
75
Electronic Gaming Monthly
No game encapsulates that apocalyptic dichotomy like Dead Rising, a million-zombie-march brawler that just happens to be the best s***ty game you'll ever play. [Sept 2006, p.92]
70
GamerFeed
Mowing over bodies with a lawnmower, decapitating them with hedge clippers, and knocking them over with bowling balls is immensely entertaining and worth the price of admission...But be warned! While Dead Rising isn't a difficult game to complete, its boring escort missions/fetch quests (as well as the single player game's strict adherence to the schedule) make it less than stellar.
70
GameCritics
Except for the mentioned flaws it is spot on design-wise and and the enjoyable zombie theme and a tasteful art direction accompanied by a good soundtrack ranging from creepy keyboard-tunes to spot on wishy-washy mall muzak helps to propel a great atmosphere, which is just satirical enough to avoid taking itself too seriously.
60
Gamestyle
Like many zombie flicks in history, this is for a cult audience only. It's a genuine shame but it just isn't very good.
Ian R. gave it a6: Cone Head gave it a9: Luke D. gave it a6: Dan E. gave it a9: Tom K. gave it a7: Matt F. gave it an8: Chris F. gave it a10: |
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