Dead Rising has always been in the shadow of the more popular Resident Evil series from Capcom. However, it has gathered its own fan base over the years due to its unique characters, quirky tone, and zombie-infested gameplay. The franchise started in 2006 with the original Dead Rising game, allowing players to explore a mall filled with zombies and test their survival skills.
After the release of Dead Rising 4 in 2016, the series went quiet for a while. But now, Capcom is set to release a remake of the original Dead Rising game later this year, giving fans something to look forward to. Before diving into this new release, let’s take a look at the entire Dead Rising franchise and rank the games from worst to best.
Starting with the worst ranked game, the port of the original Dead Rising to the Wii was a disappointment, lacking the essence of what made the game great. Following that, Case West, a DLC adventure, was considered forgettable and bland by many fans. Dead Rising 4, although exciting in concept, failed to capture the essence of the series, making it a letdown for long-time fans.
Moving on to Dead Rising 3, the game marked a shift in focus for the franchise, emphasizing wacky weapons over the tense gameplay of the earlier titles. However, it still managed to provide an enjoyable experience for players. Case Zero, a prequel to Dead Rising 2, was praised for its fun gameplay mechanics and introduction to new features.
Dead Rising 2, considered a better game than its predecessor, introduced a co-op mode and weapon crafting system, although it lacked the memorable elements of the original game. The first Dead Rising game, despite its clunkiness, was praised for its unique tone, gameplay mechanics, and the pressure of the ticking clock, which added to the overall experience.
Finally, Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, a non-canonical retelling of Dead Rising 2, was hailed as the best game in the series. Bringing back the beloved character Frank West and incorporating the best elements of the franchise, it offered an enjoyable and entertaining experience for fans.
As the Dead Rising franchise prepares for a remake of the original game, fans can reflect on the evolution of the series and appreciate the unique elements that have made it a beloved part of the gaming world. Whether it’s surviving a zombie apocalypse in a mall or crafting wacky weapons to fend off hordes of the undead, Dead Rising has left its mark on the gaming industry and continues to attract new fans with each installment.