Dead Rising 2

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,508 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • humor
Dead Rising 2 Game Cover
Dead Rising 2 doesn't vary too much from its predecessor but that's part of its charm. The flaws of the original have been addressed and this time round, the multiplayer modes add some real longevity.
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Dead Rising 2 is a horror open-world game that offers both single-player and multi-player modes, with a focus on co-op gameplay. As Chuck Greene, you have 72 hours to save your daughter, clear your name, and survive relentless hordes of zombies using creative combo weapons. With a good story, amazing gameplay, wholesome themes, and masterful atmosphere, Dead Rising 2 is a unique and entertaining zombie survival experience, despite some bugs and grinding.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,508 reviews
story146 positive mentions
stability38 negative mentions
  • story652 mentions

    The story of Dead Rising 2 revolves around Chuck Greene, a former motocross champion, who must navigate a zombie outbreak while trying to save his infected daughter, Katey, by finding a rare medication called Zombrex. While the narrative features emotional stakes and engaging character interactions, many players find the execution lacking, citing issues with pacing due to the game's strict time limits and repetitive escort missions that detract from exploration and enjoyment. Overall, the story is seen as serviceable but not groundbreaking, often overshadowed by the chaotic and humorous gameplay elements.

    • “The story is surprisingly well-crafted, with a strong emotional core as Chuck tries to save his infected daughter while dealing with corrupt government agents and twisted villains.”
    • “The storyline is engaging, tense, and has a great plot twist.”
    • “This game has really good characters, a great story, immersive gameplay, and unique weapons that players can create to kill zombies.”
    • “The story is bad.”
    • “The storyline throws a few curveballs at you and doesn't throw too much monotony at you, which is more the domain of the tedious survivor rescues.”
    • “The main disappointment in the game is in the use of timed missions to create artificial urgency.”
  • gameplay236 mentions

    The gameplay in the reviewed game is a mixed bag, with many players appreciating the fun and engaging mechanics, particularly the weapon crafting and combo systems. However, frustrations arise from clunky controls, repetitive tasks, and a challenging time management system that can detract from the overall experience. While some improvements over previous titles are noted, issues like freezing, annoying boss mechanics, and a lack of a proper roll mechanic hinder the enjoyment for many players.

    • “The gameplay is engaging, and I found the story to be very interesting.”
    • “The core gameplay is fun and surprisingly addicting; I kept finding myself saying 'just one more mission/survivor/psychopath.'”
    • “With some of the most enjoyable weapons in games, memorable and challenging boss battles, some of the best co-op gameplay I've seen in years, Dead Rising 2 offers hours and multiple playthroughs of fun.”
    • “The core gameplay mechanics of picking up various weapons/objects and using them to kill zombies is clunky, unreliable, and not fun.”
    • “The biggest issue is how extremely repetitive the gameplay is.”
    • “The mechanics and physics are some of the worst in modern gaming.”
  • humor95 mentions

    The humor in "Dead Rising 2" is characterized by its over-the-top absurdity and creative weapon combinations, leading to a consistently hilarious experience as players engage in zombie mayhem with ridiculous items like a lawnmower or a kayak paddle. The game balances its comedic elements with darker themes, featuring quirky characters and absurd boss battles that often evoke laughter, making it a fun and entertaining zombie game. While some players note that the humor can be hit-or-miss, the overall consensus is that the game successfully delivers a unique blend of gore and comedy, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.

    • “The game is packed with over-the-top humor and ridiculousness, from the weapon combinations (who knew a kayak paddle and chainsaw would make such a deadly combo?) to the psychopathic boss battles.”
    • “You will find yourself laughing as you decimate hordes of the undead with a giant stuffed bear or a lawnmower strapped to a wheelchair.”
    • “Everything these days is so precise in what you can do, that a game where you can wear your underwear while donning a woman's Sunday mass hat (which stays on in cutscenes and is hilarious) while beating zombies to death with a bucket you shoved power drills into is an experience you can't get anymore.”
    • “Ugly, painfully unfunny, ridiculous caricatures drawn by prepubescent children.”
  • graphics88 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals hold up reasonably well for a title released over a decade ago, they also exhibit low-resolution textures and some dated elements. Some players appreciate the aesthetic and atmosphere, particularly in busy scenes with numerous zombies, while others criticize the graphical fidelity and performance issues, especially on PC. Overall, the graphics are seen as decent but not groundbreaking, with a blend of enjoyable visuals and noticeable flaws.

    • “The graphics are amazing.”
    • “The graphics hold up pretty well too for how old the game is, the shadows were a bit iffy in the cutscenes but other than that this game was pure nonsensical enjoyment.”
    • “Beautiful graphics still to this day.”
    • “A very good game, a close second to the first Dead Rising, but the graphics are something that I didn't really like too much; somehow they managed to make the graphics worse than the first one.”
    • “The graphics are awful, the AI is horrible, and the mechanics are clunky.”
    • “The graphics look like crap for the most part, with textures on zombies that are about 256x256, no joke, and textures on humans that look to be about 1024x1024 at the greatest, but the game remains very well optimized.”
  • replayability44 mentions

    The game boasts high replayability, with multiple endings, numerous achievements, and engaging co-op multiplayer modes that enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the variety of content and time management mechanics that encourage multiple playthroughs, making it a fun and rewarding game to revisit. Despite some criticisms regarding the save system and level structure, the consensus is that the game offers substantial replay value.

    • “My verdict for the game is a stout 7.8/10. If you just came from Dead Rising 3 or 4, please pick up this game. It is truly a blast, and since there are more endings, it is more replayable and just as satisfying.”
    • “With some of the most enjoyable weapons in games, memorable and challenging boss battles, and time management mechanics that add replayability, Dead Rising 2 offers hours and multiple playthroughs of fun.”
    • “Has lots of replay value, as well as a big and fun world to explore. The plot can be reset at any time (and after completion) for endless playthroughs.”
    • “This game also has numerous achievements to collect, giving it more replay value despite the shallow structure of what to do in the game.”
    • “Despite migrated to Steam, the save system is still annoying, or the aim of this game is 'replayable', which when you get a dead end with your progress, you cannot restart and just keep the level?!”
    • “It lures you into believing it has replay value; it doesn't.”
  • stability39 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized, with many users reporting random crashes, freezes, and glitches that disrupt gameplay. While some players experience smooth performance, others face significant issues, particularly with co-op play and controller support. Overall, the game is described as buggy, requiring frequent troubleshooting and saving to avoid losing progress.

    • “I don't think it's graphical issues because it runs fine when I'm playing, it just freezes mid-gameplay and sends me back to my desktop, doesn't even give me an error saying why it does it.”
    • “Game also crashes or freezes, will not close sometimes when exiting in the main menu nor when using normal methods to kill apps and alt+f4, and overlays any other app I try to use, even task manager.”
    • “There are a plethora of glitches and bugs that deny the progression of gameplay and the story.”
  • music37 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the catchy and enjoyable soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, while others find it less memorable compared to previous titles. Notably, tracks from artists like Celldweller are highlighted as standout contributions, though some original compositions are deemed forgettable. Overall, the music is generally seen as a positive aspect that complements the gameplay, despite some criticisms regarding its repetitiveness and lack of standout themes.

    • “The soundtrack in this game is just beyond fantastic, all of it really catchy, relaxing, and enjoyable to listen to.”
    • “Tons of zombies, tons of ways to kill them, great story, great soundtrack, tons of cool characters, fun bosses, co-op, lots of outfits, etc. This game has everything and more.”
    • “It's got a pretty good story, tons of stuff to do, a better protagonist than the first game (in my opinion), awesome soundtrack, fun zombie killing stuff and it's just so freaking fun!”
    • “The soundtrack is a titanic clash of elevator music but it does have some death metal in it!”
    • “The actual original music is forgettable.”
    • “Truthfully, the only thing keeping me from giving this a one (due to the technical issues that haven't been fixed to this day) is the celldweller music.”
  • optimization31 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and poor controller support, particularly on PC. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay and commend the optimization for lower-end systems, others describe it as a poorly optimized port that struggles even on machines that meet or exceed the recommended specifications. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be inconsistent, with some patches improving performance but still leaving many players dissatisfied.

    • “As for performance: no crashes on my system, I think it's locked at 60fps (which is fine for me), no significant bugs, etc. I honestly don't regret this purchase, given that I'm fine with playing on mouse and keyboard.”
    • “The game runs smoothly surprisingly for my laptop and controls are easy to handle.”
    • “Yep, I highly recommend to buy it, it's very well optimized, nice gameplay, weapon crafting, funny stuff, average story mode... and to be a good game it has to be correctly optimized which it is in that way.”
    • “It's poorly optimized trash that barely runs with ridiculous boss fights that you have to cheese your way through every time.”
    • “The port is horrible: the game is stuttering like crazy for no reason, there's input lag.”
    • “Performance was really bad, constantly stuttering everywhere.”
  • grinding28 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized, with many players noting that it can feel excessively tedious, especially in the early stages. While some find enjoyment in optimizing their paths and engaging in combat, the repetitive nature of missions and the need for extensive grinding to progress or achieve 100% completion detracts from the overall experience. Despite these frustrations, some players appreciate the multiplayer component, which can alleviate the grind's monotony.

    • “A bit grindy... sometimes.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “One long, tedious grind.”
    • “The first 10 hours of this game is pure grinding.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding the story of Chuck's struggle to save his daughter amidst a chaotic zombie apocalypse deeply affecting, while others view it as lacking genuine emotional weight. Key moments, such as the relationship between Chuck and his daughter, resonate strongly with some, evoking tears and empathy, while others criticize the game for being overshadowed by its comedic elements and gameplay mechanics. Overall, it offers sporadic emotional highs amidst a backdrop of humor and action, leading to varied player experiences.

    • “The story is surprisingly well-crafted, with a strong emotional core as Chuck tries to save his infected daughter while dealing with corrupt government agents and twisted villains.”
    • “Not being able to find Zombrex in time and being forced to watch a heartbreaking cutscene.”
    • “Chuck Greene starts out as a boring alternative to Frank West, but quickly becomes endearing, especially with the addition of a good co-cast, and a sporadic, but nonetheless touching, relationship between Chuck and his daughter, who periodically needs Zombrex, medicine that keeps her from turning into a zombie, due to a zombie bite gained prior to the game's events.”
  • atmosphere13 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its engaging graphics, diverse soundtrack, and unique blend of comedic and serious tones, creating an immersive experience. Players appreciate the vibrant settings reminiscent of casinos and the fun, chaotic environment filled with zombies, which enhances the overall enjoyment despite some gameplay frustrations. While some prefer a more traditional horror atmosphere, the game's distinct style and sound design contribute positively to its appeal.

    • “I've never liked being in casinos because they are super crowded and loud and stress me out, but I've always loved how they've looked; the atmosphere in them is great for video games.”
    • “Its got one of the best atmospheres and music, and not to mention it's just an awesome underrated game 8.5/10.”
    • “Sound is good, the music ranges from lounge music, rock, to atmospheric music which fits well with the goofy nature of the game.”
    • “It replaces much of the horror atmosphere of the first with a much more comedic tone and does it very, very well.”
    • “While the time limits for missions are frustrating, the 'do what you want' atmosphere makes up for it.”
    • “Ranging from the gameplay, the atmosphere, to the pure sheer absurdity of the whole idea of the game.”
  • character development3 mentions

    Character development in the game is generally perceived as lacking, with many characters described as one-dimensional and underdeveloped. While some characters, like Chuck Greene, have interesting motivations tied to the plot, they often rely on clichés and one-liners, resulting in minimal growth throughout the story. Overall, the character arcs fail to engage players, making them feel less impactful compared to previous titles.

    • “Chuck Greene is an interesting character, especially in terms of his relationship with his daughter. However, he does tend to rely on one-liners and feels somewhat plain in terms of character development for a significant portion of the game.”
    • “While some characters lack depth, Chuck Greene's motivation to obtain Zombrex for his daughter adds a layer to his character, even if his development feels limited throughout the game.”
    • “The other aspects like the characters were pretty short in terms of character development, and apart from a few, were very one-note. This was also the case with the DR1 characters, but the worse story and tone made them overall worse for me.”
    • “Chuck Greene is a worse character than Frank West, but in my opinion, he is still a pretty interesting character in terms of his relationship with his daughter. However, he spouts out one-liners and can overall be a bit plain in character development for a huge chunk of the game, other than being confused the whole time.”
    • “He has very little character development, and his only distinctive features are associated with the plot: a daughter for the motivation to obtain Zombrex, and familiarity with tools for maintenance rooms to combo weapons.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game includes the presence of ads, which some players find acceptable as they enjoy the gameplay, while others feel that the difficulty in finding effective weapons detracts from the experience. Overall, the ads are seen as a trade-off for the fun factor, but the challenge of weapon acquisition remains a point of frustration.

    • “The monetization in this game feels overly aggressive and detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “It's frustrating that the game constantly pushes in-game purchases, making it hard to enjoy without spending money.”
    • “The reliance on ads and microtransactions makes it feel more like a cash grab than a genuine gaming experience.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

72% average critic score

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Play time

38hMedian play time
37hAverage play time
14hMain story
52hCompletionist
18-72hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 10 analyzed playthroughs

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