Dead Rising 4 vs. Frank’s Big Package: What’s the Real Difference?

The core difference between Dead Rising 4 and Dead Rising 4: Frank’s Big Package is primarily one of scope and platform availability. Dead Rising 4 is the base game, originally released as a timed exclusive for Xbox One and PC in late 2016. Frank’s Big Package, released later, is a special edition of the game specifically for PlayStation 4, designed to offer the complete experience in one comprehensive package. Essentially, Frank’s Big Package is the definitive edition, containing the full base game plus all downloadable content (DLC) and bonus content released for Dead Rising 4. This means PlayStation 4 owners who wanted to get in on the zombie-slaying action were able to do so with all bells and whistles included. In short, Frank’s Big Package is not a sequel; it is a complete edition of the original game.

What Does Frank’s Big Package Include That the Base Game Does Not?

The main selling point of Frank’s Big Package is its inclusion of all additional content that was sold separately for the original Dead Rising 4. This effectively transforms a previously fragmented experience into a complete, more satisfying one. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• The Full Base Game: You get the core Dead Rising 4 experience, including the main story where Frank West returns to Willamette during a Christmas zombie outbreak.
• All DLC: This includes the Stocking Stuffer Holiday Pack, the Frank Rising DLC, and the Super Ultra Dead Rising 4 Mini Golf DLC.
  • Frank Rising features a separate storyline where Frank becomes infected and struggles to survive his new condition. It offers different gameplay mechanics and multiple possible endings depending on the player’s choices.
  • Super Ultra Dead Rising 4 Mini Golf adds a wacky mini-golf mode with a zombie-themed twist, providing an alternative, more lighthearted gaming experience.
  • Stocking Stuffer Holiday Pack provides new weapons, outfits, and vehicles inspired by the holiday season.
• All Bonus Content: This includes various cosmetic packs and weapons, enriching the main game:
  • Street Fighter Outfit Pack: Allows Frank to dress up as classic Street Fighter characters.
  • My Bloody Valentine Pack: Offers new Valentine’s Day-themed weapons and outfits.
  • Candy Cane Crossbow, Slicecycle, Sir-Ice-A-Lot, Ugly Winter Sweater, and X-Fists: These are some examples of additional gear that can be found in Frank’s Big Package.

By bundling all of these together, Frank’s Big Package essentially removes the need for PlayStation 4 players to purchase extra content separately. This made the game a more appealing and complete purchase for those who had not previously been able to play.

Why the Need for Frank’s Big Package?

The decision to release Frank’s Big Package was largely due to Dead Rising 4‘s initial exclusivity agreement with Xbox One and PC. This left a segment of the gaming market, specifically PlayStation 4 owners, unable to experience the game. To capitalize on that segment of the market, Capcom packaged all the extra content they had made for the title into one new retail release for the Sony console.

The content included in Frank’s Big Package also addressed a few criticisms of the original Dead Rising 4 by adding more options and a new, more involved gameplay loop in the Frank Rising DLC. This made the title more appealing to fans.

Is It Worth It?

For PlayStation 4 owners, Frank’s Big Package is the only way to experience Dead Rising 4. Given that it is the complete version of the game and includes all downloadable content, it’s generally considered the best value version of the game. For those who already played the base game on Xbox or PC, the additional content may or may not justify the price point, depending on interest in the DLC.

Ultimately, Frank’s Big Package is aimed at those who enjoy chaotic zombie-slaying experiences with a touch of dark humor, and who wanted a complete single-purchase option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Frank West the Main Character in Dead Rising 4?

Yes, Frank West returns as the main protagonist in Dead Rising 4. He is an older version of the character who was present in the original Dead Rising game and is now a college photography teacher.

Does Dead Rising 4 Have Multiple Endings?

Yes, the Frank Rising DLC for Dead Rising 4 has three known endings, which are determined by player choices during the DLC’s narrative.

How Does Dead Rising 4 Connect to Previous Games?

Dead Rising 4 is set one year after the events of Dead Rising 3. Frank returns to Willamette 16 years after the original game’s events, amid a new zombie outbreak at a newly built megamall.

Why Did Dead Rising 4 Receive Mixed Reviews?

While it has its fans, Dead Rising 4 was often criticized for its attempt at humor, which some felt fell flat, and for taking a more linear approach to the Cases compared to previous games. Its sales also fell short of expectations, further contributing to the mixed reception.

Was a Dead Rising 5 Ever Planned?

Yes, a Dead Rising 5 was in development at Capcom Vancouver but was ultimately cancelled due to financial difficulties at the studio.

Is There a Best Weapon in Dead Rising 4?

Many consider the Laser Sword to be one of the best weapons in Dead Rising 4, thanks to its ability to slice through multiple zombies.

Why Does Frank Need Zombrex in Dead Rising 4?

Following the events of the first game, Frank West is infected with the zombie parasite and requires an injection of Zombrex every 24 hours. Without it, he will turn into a zombie.

How Old Is Frank in Dead Rising 4?

Frank is 54 years old in Dead Rising 4, having been fighting zombies for over 16 years.

Is Frank’s Big Package Only Available for PS4?

Yes, Frank’s Big Package is exclusively available for the PlayStation 4.

Are There Psychopaths in Dead Rising 4?

Yes, but they are called “maniacs” in Dead Rising 4, and there are significantly fewer of them compared to previous installments.

How Long Does It Take to Beat Dead Rising 4?

A playthrough of the main story of Dead Rising 4 takes around 10 hours. However, players aiming for 100% completion can expect to spend 30 and a half hours or more.

Did Dead Rising 4 Sell Well?

While it sold over a million units in its first month and two million in its launch window across all platforms, Dead Rising 4 ultimately sold less than half of what Capcom had expected, leading to its reputation as a commercial disappointment.

What Is the Main Story of Dead Rising 4?

The main story focuses on Frank West’s return to Willamette during another zombie outbreak, this time occurring in a new megamall. The game is broken into seven primary Cases.

Is Dead Rising 4 a Difficult Game?

Dead Rising 4 is generally considered to be less challenging than previous games in the series, though it can still provide a fun and engaging experience, particularly with all of the weapons and combo options.

Is There a Dead Rising Movie?

Yes, there is a movie titled Dead Rising: Watchtower, released in 2015, which is based on the video game series.