Is Frank West in Dead Rising 3? Examining the Iconic Photojournalist’s Absence
The short answer is: Frank West is not a main character in the base game of Dead Rising 3. While he doesn’t play a central role in the narrative of Dead Rising 3, Frank does make a playable appearance in a DLC add-on titled Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX Plus Alpha. This downloadable content features Frank, alongside other iconic characters from the series like Chuck Greene, Nick Ramos, and Annie, in a wild arcade-style experience. However, his absence as a primary protagonist in the main storyline is a significant point of discussion for many fans.
Frank West’s Limited Role in the Dead Rising 3 Universe
Though he’s not in the primary game, Frank’s absence from Dead Rising 3 is a deliberate move that highlights a shift in the franchise’s narrative focus. The developers instead introduced us to Nick Ramos, a young mechanic with a mysterious past, who becomes the central figure in battling the zombie outbreak in Los Perdidos, California.
The reason for this character change stems from the lukewarm reception to Chuck Greene’s character in Dead Rising 2. To revitalize fan interest and reconnect with the core fanbase, the series introduced Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, which allowed players to experience a modified version of the game as Frank West, and also Dead Rising 2: Case West, which features both Chuck and Frank. This strategy succeeded in bringing Frank back to the forefront of the series, leading to his eventual return as the main protagonist in Dead Rising 4.
While Dead Rising 3 intentionally sidelined Frank, it is important to remember that he’s not entirely excluded from the Dead Rising 3 universe. His presence in the DLC acts as a nod to his popularity and legacy, allowing players to revisit the series’ beloved protagonist, albeit in a non-canonical and arcade-style setting. In essence, his role in Dead Rising 3 is that of a cameo, a fun throwback rather than a pivotal element of the core game.
Why Was Frank West Absent from the Main Game?
The creative direction for Dead Rising 3 focused on establishing a new character and storyline. It was an attempt to broaden the world of Dead Rising while introducing new themes and a different play style. By passing the torch to Nick Ramos, developers wanted to forge a new narrative path, one that allowed for fresh storytelling possibilities and game mechanics.
The deliberate choice to move on from Frank West, at least in the main storyline, was a calculated risk. The developers understood that his return would be eagerly anticipated but also wanted to show they could expand the franchise in exciting, new ways. The introduction of Nick Ramos and the setting of Los Perdidos offered opportunities to explore different aspects of the zombie apocalypse scenario and to move the franchise further into a new generation.
The Return of Frank West in Dead Rising 4
After his absence in the main story of Dead Rising 3, Frank West made his triumphant return as the lead protagonist in Dead Rising 4. The narrative in Dead Rising 4 takes place a year after the events of Dead Rising 3, placing Frank back in the setting of Willamette. Once again, he finds himself embroiled in a major zombie outbreak, but this time it’s in a brand new Willamette, which features a mega-mall called “Willamette Memorial Megaplex.”
Dead Rising 4 aims to recapture the classic Frank West experience, complete with his photography skills, quirky dialogue, and improvisational approach to zombie-slaying. This game serves as a direct sequel to the original Dead Rising and brings back a character who is widely regarded as the face of the series.
While Frank’s presence in Dead Rising 4 was largely seen as a welcome return, the game’s overall reception was mixed. Many fans felt the game strayed too far from the series’ established formula, particularly with its tone and removal of the time limit. Nonetheless, Frank’s return in Dead Rising 4 solidified his ongoing importance within the Dead Rising universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Super Ultra Dead Rising 3 Arcade Remix Hyper Edition EX Plus Alpha?
It’s a DLC for Dead Rising 3 featuring a retro arcade-style gameplay, which has Frank West as a playable character alongside other series mainstays like Nick Ramos, Chuck Greene, and Annie.
2. Is Nick Ramos immune to the zombie virus in Dead Rising 3?
Yes, Nick is immune. He was part of an experiment conducted by Carlito Keyes as a child, which ultimately made him a carrier of the zombie cure.
3. Where does Dead Rising 3 take place?
The game is set in the city of Los Perdidos, California.
4. When does Dead Rising 4 take place in the timeline?
Dead Rising 4 occurs one year after the events of Dead Rising 3.
5. Who is the primary antagonist in Dead Rising 3?
General John Hemlock is the main villain, and he also serves as the final boss for the game.
6. Is there a time limit in Dead Rising 3?
While there’s no strict time limit in the main story, the game does feature a “Nightmare Mode” that reintroduces a time constraint, reminiscent of the earlier titles.
7. How many psychopaths are in Dead Rising 3?
There are seven psychopaths in the main story, each representing one of the seven deadly sins.
8. Can you drive vehicles in Dead Rising 3?
Yes, driving vehicles is a key part of gameplay, with 26 different options, and many can be used as weapons to mow down the zombie hordes.
9. What is the C Ending in Dead Rising 3?
Ending C occurs if you complete all chapters, and kill Gary at the club instead of searching for Rhonda.
10. What was the original reason why Off the Record was created?
Off The Record was created due to the lukewarm response to Chuck Greene’s character in Dead Rising 2, and it allowed players to play through the game as Frank instead.
11. Is there a main female villain in Dead Rising 3?
Yes, Hilde Schmittendorf serves as the head of security for General Hemlock and is also a boss fight within the game.
12. What was the main reason for Dead Rising 4’s mixed reception?
Dead Rising 4 received mixed reviews, in part, for veering too far from the series’ established formula, its tone, and the removal of the time limit.
13. What is Zombrex?
Zombrex is a medicine that prevents infected individuals from turning into zombies. Frank requires it in Dead Rising 2 and its spin-offs, though unlike Katey and Chuck, he can apply it to himself anywhere on the map.
14. Is there a co-op mode in Dead Rising 3?
Yes, Dead Rising 3 offers a co-op mode, allowing players to explore Los Perdidos with a friend.
15. Was Frank West bitten by zombies?
During the events in The Last of Us show, Frank West was indeed bitten several times on his way back, which led to him committing suicide instead of succumbing to infection.
In conclusion, while Frank West isn’t a major character in the main game of Dead Rising 3, his presence as a playable character in the DLC and his triumphant return in Dead Rising 4 underline his significance to the Dead Rising franchise. The decision to shift the focus to Nick Ramos in Dead Rising 3 was a strategic one, aimed at evolving the series while acknowledging the legacy of iconic characters like Frank West.