It was confirmed that the longstanding timer mechanic was set to be removed, and multiplayer was going to be confined to a single mode separate from the campaign. Even the long-awaited return of the first game’s protagonist, Frank West, wasn’t enough to inspire much confidence in the sequel.
Now, critics have had some time to get to grips with the game, and are starting to share their thoughts online. The question is, can Dead Rising 4 live up to the three mainline instalments that it was preceded by?
Game Informer (Jeff Cork)
Score: 8.75/10
IGN (Brandin Tyrrel)
Score: 8.1/10
Hardcore Gamer (Kevin Dunsmore)
Score: 4/5
Gamespot (Scott Butterworth)
Score: 7/10
US Gamer (Mike Williams)
Score: 4/5
Destructoid (Chris Carter)
Score: 7.5/10
While there are some problems with Dead Rising 4, it’s fair to say that most critics seemed to have enjoyed their time with the game. In a release window well stocked with open-world adventures, there seems to be plenty of compelling reasons to make a trip to Williamette.
The game’s setting is packed with things to do, by all accounts, which is a crucial component of any game in this genre. Beyond that, the core combat seems to be as satisfying as it ever was — and the return of Frank’s camera-based gameplay has been highly praised across the board.
Of course, complaints about the removal of the timer and the game’s minimal co-op content shouldn’t be overlooked. However, its strengths should go a long way toward helping players overlook some of the changes made to the formula of the franchise as a whole.
Dead Rising 4 may not please everyone, but fans of its beat-em-up gameplay and its creative and comedic weaponry will be well served by the sequel. On the other hand, those who appreciated the original game for its strict time limit and high degree of challenge will perhaps be better off waiting to see if the previously announced Frank Rising DLC is a better attempt at catering to their tastes.
Dead Rising 4 is scheduled to release for Xbox One and PC on December 6, 2016.
