Can You Save Anyone at the Beginning of Dead Rising?
The short and definitive answer is: no, you cannot save anyone at the very beginning of Dead Rising. The game is structured in a way that ensures certain initial deaths and outcomes are unavoidable. This is a key element of the game’s narrative and sets the grim tone for the zombie-infested shopping mall you are about to explore.
The opening scene, where you see people attempting to escape the mall’s main entrance, is not interactive. You witness their demise as part of the introductory cutscene, underlining the scale of the unfolding disaster and the limited power Frank West, the protagonist, initially has to affect the situation. There are also some specific instances detailed later that solidify this.
The Unavoidable Deaths and Narrative Structure
The Stairs Scenario
A particularly memorable and frustrating element in Dead Rising involves a couple arguing near a staircase. Despite your best efforts, you cannot save them. Even if you clear the zombies and patiently wait, the couple will inevitably shuffle towards the stairs. Upon reaching the first landing and if you follow them, the game considers them “dead.” This design choice reinforces the sense of hopelessness and futility prevalent in the early game. This is not to say that all deaths are unavoidable; it’s just that these specific ones are part of the narrative setup, emphasizing the brutal reality of the outbreak.
The Island Demands a Sacrifice
The game’s narrative practically states that some characters must be lost. The initial stages are designed to highlight the sheer overwhelming nature of the zombie apocalypse. As you explore Willamette Parkview Mall, you’ll encounter many survivors in need of assistance, and some might survive, but they are rescued much later and not the people initially seen being killed. The people in the opening cutscene and the arguing couple are meant to be a sacrifice to illustrate the dire situation.
Understanding Dead Rising‘s Design
The inability to save these initial characters isn’t a flaw in the game, but rather a deliberate design decision. It helps to set the stakes and establishes that Frank West is not a superhero who can save everyone. It drives home the point that, in this world, not all lives can be preserved and survival often comes with the loss of many.
This brutal opening is crucial for establishing the game’s themes of chaos, survival, and the limited control you have over the situation. You can’t undo the chaos, but you can fight to ensure more people survive. The game creates a sense of urgency from the outset, compelling players to strategize and become better equipped to handle the challenges ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I miss the helicopter in Dead Rising?
Missing the helicopter at the designated time has different consequences depending on whether it’s part of the main story or the final escape. If you miss a story-related helicopter, you get a “The Truth Has Vanished” ending. This allows you to continue playing until the end of the 72 hours. If you fail to return to the helipad on Day 3, you effectively “die”, forcing you to load your last save or start over.
2. What is the maximum number of survivors in Dead Rising at once?
The game implements an “Eight Survivor Rule”, meaning you can only have a maximum of 8 active survivors following you at any given time. This limit applies across Dead Rising, Dead Rising 2, and Dead Rising 2: Off the Record.
3. How many queens do I need for Isabella?
Isabella requires a total of 10 queens for her research. You can collect these from zombies that are being controlled by the zombees. It may take two trips to the maintenance tunnel, depending on how many you have when you first meet her.
4. Can I save any of the survivors from the very beginning of Dead Rising?
As previously established, no, you cannot save any of the survivors from the very beginning of the game. These deaths are scripted as part of the introduction. You will eventually be able to save other survivors but not the ones present at the beginning.
5. How many endings are there in Dead Rising?
There are a total of seven different endings in Dead Rising, determined by the player’s actions and progress throughout the game.
6. Can you save Brad and Jessie in Dead Rising?
Yes, you can save Brad and Jessie, but only if you don’t complete all of the cases, which limits you to ending B. If you complete all cases, they will not survive.
7. Who is the main antagonist in Dead Rising?
Brock Mason is one of the two main antagonists, alongside Russell Barnaby, in the original Dead Rising.
8. Does Dead Rising have a time limit?
Yes, Dead Rising uses a 72-hour in-game time limit, which translates to about 7.2 hours in real-time. You must complete cases, rescue survivors, and survive within this time.
9. Can you play as a female character in Dead Rising?
While Frank West is the primary protagonist of Dead Rising, Annie is the first playable female character in the series. She is introduced in the DLC Super Ultra Dead Rising 3’ Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX + α.
10. What is the maximum level in Dead Rising?
The maximum level in Dead Rising is level 50, achieved through multiple playthroughs. Reaching level 50 will also allow all of Frank’s stats to be maxed out.
11. Can Dead Rising be completed on the first playthrough?
It’s possible to complete Dead Rising on the first playthrough, although it is a challenge. It may be easier to try and get the best ending on your second or third playthrough after having a better understanding of the game.
12. Who do I play as in the original Dead Rising?
The protagonist of Dead Rising is Frank West, a photojournalist trapped in a zombie-infested shopping mall.
13. Which ending is considered canon in Dead Rising?
While Ending S was the originally considered canon, it was confirmed that Ending A is considered the true canonical ending as of Dead Rising 3’s Overtime Mode.
14. What progress carries over in Dead Rising?
Your level and unlocked items carry over between playthroughs. However, achievements or tasks that require certain in-game tasks, such as rescuing all survivors, must be completed in a single playthrough.
15. Can you save Simone in Dead Rising?
Yes, Simone can be saved. However, it’s crucial to complete the ‘Santa Cabeza’ mission in order to save her. If you do not, she will eventually die on her own.
Conclusion
The opening of Dead Rising is a stark introduction to a world where not everyone can be saved. The inability to rescue the initial characters isn’t a failure on your part but is a deliberate element of the game’s narrative, designed to set the tone for the brutal experience ahead. While you cannot save the initial wave of victims, you can learn to become a more effective survivor and rescue many others from the chaotic zombie apocalypse. This experience emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking, combat prowess, and time management as you navigate the challenges of the game.