Wow. Can you believe that It’s been almost 16 years since the release of the first Dead Rising game? And likewise, the exact time since we were introduced to the one and only Frank West? Time flies, indeed.
However, before we explore the intricate details of the game series, let’s take a closer look at the genre itself. Let’s explore one particular genre that occupies Dead Rising. You know…
The beat ’em up genre. Now, aside from being a survival horror and back and clash game, Dead Rising is a beat ’em style of a video game as well. It’s one of Capcom’s star products for sure. Furthermore, we have several of the Dead Rising games on sale here at IndieGala (unfortunately not the original one, for now, but the sequels). So, why not explore the genre first? Besides, the list of zombie killing movies will just have to wait in this post.
But what is so special about the beat ’em genre? And is it a dying form of the genre as some like to call it?
Dead Rising and beat ’em genre
Also known as brawler games, beat ’em games are mostly associated with the arcades. At least they were for so long. But, since the slow and painful death of the arcades, it’s been though. But so though that the genre is dying as well?
Not necessarily. Although it seems like a gone and forgotten genre of games, it’s not gone and definitely not forgotten. Some great companies still harbor and nurture this type of genre, and Capcom is one of them.
And yes. The gameplay of the beat ’em games remains simple today, as it was back in the ’80s. You know, when Kung Fu Master first appeared on the market. Sure, some might consider them shallow, simple, and repetitive. However, the appeal and the thrill of fighting multiple bad guys (at once) remains the same indeed.
For the same reason, it’s still fun to kick some zombie butts, and that’s why Dead Rising has been such a popular game since 2006.
Dead Rising: What’s it all about?
You’re Frank West in Dead Rising. Let’s start there. Frank is a photojournalist who becomes trapped in a town of Willamette. The town, however, is suffering from a zombie outbreak, and it’s up to you to navigate Frank’s survival during the outbreak. Salvaging resources, scavenging for food, weapons, and rescuing other survivors will become a mission in Dead Rising. Your mission.
Ultimately, the inspiration behind the Dead Rising comes from some of the best zombie movies of all time. The George A. Romero is indeed a particularly strong influence, and especially his cult classic Dawn Of The Dead.
But, let us get to the point of this post. The Zombie killing, and walking dead bashing movies that we all love dearly. Besides, if we have the undead in Dead Rising- the game, it’s only fitting to mention the movies who feature them as well.
So which are the most fun movies on the subject? Here are some of our picks.
Warm Bodies
In addition to having one of the most gorgeous looking zombies ever (Nicholas Hoult of course), Warm Bodies is so fun to watch. It blends comedy, romance, and the zombie genre perfectly. It’s also a nice refreshing spin on life after the zombie apocalypse.
Hoult is R in Warm Bodies. A zombie with slight human characteristics. He also begins to transform back into a human. But at the start of the movie, he’ll develop a crush on Julie (Teresa Palmer), and things will get sweet and weird at the same time. She’s a survivor of the apocalypse and their relationship will become an integral part of his transformation.
In contrast to other movies, Warm Bodies is told through the zombie perspective. Most noteworthy is the voice-over form Hoult which serves as an exposition to the story. It’s a really good movie indeed.
The Dead Don’t Die
Jim Jarmusch previously tackled vampires, assassins, and aging Casanovas. But with The Dead Don’t Die he indeed, dived into the zombie-comedy genre.
Hence the name The Dead Don’t Die. Featuring Bill Murray and Adam Driver, Dead Don’t Die, is Jarmusch’s attempt to bring silliness and curiosity. It has a deadpan, it has zombies and an eclectic supporting cast. Besides, who else (aside maybe John Waters) would put Tilda Swinton, RZA, Selena Gomez in one place? Plus to have Iggy Pop and Carol Kane in the zombie roles.
You can see the director’s admiration and respect for the genre in The Dead Don’t Die. It’s personally one of my favorites. Worth the watch.
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
In all honesty, it’s sad how underrated Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is. It deserves so much love indeed. And as the title suggests, the movie is exactly about that. Three Boy Scouts dealing with zombies in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
Don’t be confused by the title people! This is a decent horror-comedy movie that deserves much more attention. With the fantastic Tye Sheridan and Logan Miller, the movie also features the Oscar winner Cloris Leachman as well. It’s hilarious and worth giving it a shot indeed.
Zombieland
A true instant classic indeed. Not to mention Zombieland has an incredible cast and fantastic action. Regardless of your opinion on the younger cast, you just can’t help but adore Woody Harrelson in the role of Tallahassee- the zombie killer. Furthermore, did you noticed that each of the characters was given names based on actual geographical locations?
Next, Zombieland showed us how gore and comedy can live in peaceful harmony. The comedic timing is on point and the zombies remain the focus throughout the entire movie. It’s an incredibly funny and scary movie filled with wit, sass, and pop culture references. It even has a 2019 sequel.
Dead Rising: Your picks
What are your favorite beat ’em up games? Do you like Dead Rising, how about the co-op sequels or even the newest one in the series? What about your favorite zombie comedies? Tell us all about it. We’d love to know.
