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The Undead Saga of Frank West: A Deep Dive into What Happened to Frank in Dead Rising

Frank West, the iconic freelance photojournalist, is synonymous with the Dead Rising franchise. His journey is a rollercoaster of zombie outbreaks, witty banter, and close calls. So, what exactly happened to Frank across the series? Let’s break it down. In the original Dead Rising, Frank is drawn to the town of Willamette, Colorado, by rumors of a strange military lockdown. He quickly finds himself in the middle of a zombie outbreak, a situation he initially intends to exploit for a career-defining scoop. He fights his way through countless infected, rescues survivors, and unravels the conspiracy behind the chaos, which stems from genetically modified wasps that cause the zombie plague. He is also infected by the zombie virus during his ordeal. Ultimately, Frank escapes Willamette through tunnels with the help of Isabela Keyes, a scientist who is attempting to understand the origins of the virus, and they expose the truth about the outbreak to the public. While he escapes, he’s carrying the zombie parasite and requires Zombrex injections to prevent him from turning. He continues to grapple with this infection and becomes involved in further outbreaks in subsequent games. In Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, Frank revisits the events of the second game, now as a playable character. He finds himself again in the thick of a zombie infestation at Fortune City, Nevada. In this alternate telling of the events, Frank faces the same challenges but from his perspective and with a new set of experiences and his unique photographic skill. Dead Rising 4 sees Frank return to Willamette sixteen years after the first outbreak. Now a college photography teacher, he is pulled back into the chaos when another outbreak occurs. Frank discovers new details about the virus and finds ways to enhance his abilities through special exo-suits. In Dead Rising: Frank Rising, DLC to Dead Rising 4, Frank is bitten repeatedly by zombies, succumbs to the infection, and dies.

Frank West’s Trials and Tribulations

Frank’s journey is not just about survival; it’s about his struggle with the consequences of his actions and the ever-present threat of the zombie virus. His character development is marked by his initial selfish desire for the scoop evolving into a begrudging, and sometimes outright, act of heroism. The core of his character lies in his resilience, sardonic humor, and his ability to adapt in the most absurd situations. His infection, which becomes a recurring theme, highlights the constant danger he is in. Each game explores different aspects of his personality, making him a complex character who has managed to survive in a world overran with zombies.

The Evolution of a Protagonist

Frank’s evolution from a self-serving photojournalist to a somewhat reluctant hero is a cornerstone of the Dead Rising series. He isn’t a typical action hero, but rather a flawed individual whose sharp wit and resourcefulness become essential tools for survival. In the first Dead Rising, Frank is driven by the desire to get the story. As the series progresses, his reasons become more nuanced, shifting to protecting the innocent and occasionally seeking a better life for himself. This is why in Dead Rising 4 he is teaching at a college, away from the chaos of prior events. It also shows why he is initially hesitant to join the fight again when the zombies return.

Frank’s Infection and the Zombrex Dilemma

The zombie parasite and Frank’s need for Zombrex are significant plot points. This element adds tension and stakes to his narrative, as failure to obtain the drug leads to his zombification. Unlike other characters who also need Zombrex, Frank can inject it anywhere in the city, which is both a gameplay mechanic and an acknowledgment of his resourcefulness. This constant need for Zombrex and the pressure it creates add to the high stakes nature of the games. He cannot just simply walk away from the zombie outbreaks that he now finds himself in.

Frank’s Fate in Dead Rising 4

Frank’s story takes a darker turn in Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising. In this DLC, he is repeatedly bitten by zombies and ultimately dies, due to the Cordyceps brain infection, a departure from the usual survival narratives of the series. He attempts to end his own life as he doesn’t want to turn into a mindless zombie. Even in his final moments, his interactions with other characters are laced with his trademark cynicism. Despite his demise, Frank remains a fan favorite, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. This makes the end of the DLC particularly noteworthy as it breaks away from the more typical upbeat nature of the series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Frank West in Dead Rising

Here are some frequently asked questions about Frank West, providing even more insight into his role in the Dead Rising universe:

How did Frank survive the events of the first Dead Rising?
Frank, with the help of Otis, who stole a military helicopter and helped rescue other survivors, escaped Willamette through tunnels with Isabela. Together, they exposed the truth of both incidents to the public.
Is Frank West a playable character in Dead Rising 2?
While Frank isn’t in the core story of Dead Rising 2, he is the protagonist in Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, a remake that revisits the second game’s events through Frank’s perspective.
What is Zombrex, and why does Frank need it?
Zombrex is a drug that suppresses the zombie parasite infection. Frank needs a dose every 24 hours to prevent him from turning into a zombie due to the bite he suffered in the original Dead Rising.
What is the Cordyceps infection?
The Cordyceps brain infection is the term used to describe the process by which the zombie parasite overwhelms the human host. Frank succumbs to this infection in Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising.
How old is Frank in Dead Rising 4?
In Dead Rising 4, Frank is 54 years old, having been fighting zombies for 16 years since the first game.
How did the zombie infection begin in the Dead Rising universe?
The zombie outbreak is caused by genetically altered wasps, created in an experiment meant to lower the costs of breeding cows.
What is Frank’s profession when not battling zombies?
In Dead Rising 4, Frank is a college photography teacher, a far cry from his adventurous photojournalism days.
Why is Frank initially drawn to Willamette in the original Dead Rising?
Frank initially goes to Willamette to investigate rumors of a military lockdown, hoping for a big story that can elevate his career.
Does Frank have any unique abilities compared to other survivors?
Frank has a talent for photography, allowing him to gather evidence and capture unique moments. He also has a knack for crafting improvised weapons.
Who is Isabela Keyes and what role does she play in Frank’s story?
Isabela Keyes is a scientist who helps Frank escape from the Willamette outbreak in the first game. She provides scientific insight to the source of the zombie outbreak and helps Frank spread the information to the public.
Is Frank a hero or an anti-hero?
Frank’s character leans more towards anti-hero. While he does help other survivors and take on the forces that created the outbreaks, he is often motivated by his own desires such as personal fame and glory.
What ultimately happens to Frank in Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising?
In the Frank Rising DLC for Dead Rising 4, Frank dies after being repeatedly bitten, succumbing to the Cordyceps brain infection. He is not cured in this DLC, despite his best efforts to survive.
Does Frank appear in any of the other Dead Rising games aside from 1, 2: Off the Record and 4?
Frank has some non-canonical appearances in other games including Dead Rising: Chop till you Drop (Wii remake of the original Dead Rising) and the mobile game, as well as a playable character in Super Ultra Dead Rising 3.
How does Frank’s age impact his characterization in Dead Rising 4?
Frank’s age adds a layer of weariness to his character in Dead Rising 4. He’s more sarcastic and initially less eager to engage with the chaos, but his experience makes him a more effective fighter. He knows how the outbreaks happen, and how to survive them.
What is the significance of the princess wasps in Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising
In Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising, collecting all the Princess Wasps before entering Blackburne’s lab is essential to get the best ending where all of Hammond’s team and Frank escapes. Failure to collect them all means only Frank and Dr. Blackburne escape alive.

Frank West’s story in the Dead Rising series is a compelling mix of action, humor, and horror. His evolution from a fame-seeking journalist to a reluctant hero, coupled with the challenges posed by the zombie parasite and the constant outbreaks, make him a memorable and iconic character in the video game world. His story, while tragic, is a testament to the character’s legacy within the series.

What happened to Frank in Dead Rising?