Is Frank West Back in Dead Rising 4? A Deep Dive into the Undead Saga
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Yes, Frank West is the protagonist of Dead Rising 4. After a controversial absence in some other titles, the wisecracking photojournalist returns to the zombie-infested town of Willamette, Colorado, sixteen years after the original outbreak that catapulted him to (temporary) fame. However, his return is anything but straightforward, and his character arc in this installment is…complicated, to say the least. Let’s delve into the complexities of Frank’s role in Dead Rising 4, along with some frequently asked questions.
Frank’s Journey in Dead Rising 4: More Than Just a Photo Op
Frank’s return isn’t just a nostalgia trip. He’s no longer the wide-eyed rookie reporter eager to capture the scoop. He’s a seasoned, albeit somewhat jaded, photography teacher. The game sees him coerced back to Willamette following a tip from a student, setting the stage for another chaotic Christmas.
While the core gameplay remains familiar – smashing zombies with improvised weapons, snapping gruesome photos, and uncovering a sinister conspiracy – Frank’s portrayal is noticeably different. Some fans welcomed his return, while others criticized the changes to his personality and appearance. The humor is cranked up, sometimes to the detriment of the overall tone.
One of the more significant plot points involves Frank’s transformation into an Evo zombie. This occurs after a helicopter crash, and he relies on an experimental serum to maintain his human consciousness. This aspect of the story is further explored in the Frank Rising DLC.
The Controversy Surrounding Dead Rising 4’s Frank West
The reception to Frank’s portrayal in Dead Rising 4 was mixed. Some felt that the character had lost some of his original charm and edge, replaced by an over-the-top comedic persona. Others defended the change, arguing that it was a natural evolution of the character after years of battling the undead. The voice acting change was another sticking point for many fans. The original voice actor, T.J. Rotolo, was replaced by Victor Zinck Jr., which further contributed to the feeling that this was a different Frank West than they remembered.
Ultimately, Dead Rising 4’s Frank West is a complex and divisive character. He’s still the zombie-slaying photojournalist we know and love, but he’s also been reimagined in a way that didn’t sit well with all fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Frank West and Dead Rising 4
Here are some of the most common questions surrounding Frank West and his role in Dead Rising 4:
1. Is Frank Dead in Dead Rising 4?
While Frank does technically die and become an Evo zombie towards the end of the main game, he isn’t permanently dead. The Frank Rising DLC picks up after his transformation and allows players to control zombie Frank. However, the canonical fate of Frank after the events of the DLC is left ambiguous, leaving his ultimate fate somewhat open to interpretation.
2. Is Frank West in all Dead Rising games?
No, Frank West is not in every Dead Rising game as the main protagonist. He is the lead protagonist in Dead Rising 1 and Dead Rising 4. He also makes a cameo appearance or is playable in some of the spin-offs and DLC.
3. What is the difference between Dead Rising 4 and Frank’s Big Package?
Dead Rising 4: Frank’s Big Package is a complete edition of the game that includes all previously released DLC, including the Frank Rising story expansion. It also features the Capcom Heroes mode, which allows Frank to dress up as iconic Capcom characters.
4. What happened to Frank West after Dead Rising 4?
The story ends inconclusively. He’s last seen as an Evo zombie in the Frank Rising DLC. The future of the Dead Rising series remains uncertain, so the canonical fate of Frank West remains unconfirmed.
5. How old is Frank West in Dead Rising 4?
Frank West is approximately in his early 50s in Dead Rising 4. In Dead Rising 1, he was 36 years old, and 16 years have passed between the two games.
6. What is an Evo Zombie?
Evo zombies are a mutated type of zombie introduced in Dead Rising 4. They are stronger, faster, and more intelligent than regular zombies. Frank West becomes one of these after the helicopter crash.
7. Why was Frank’s voice actor changed in Dead Rising 4?
Capcom never officially stated the reason for replacing T.J. Rotolo. Rumors suggested various reasons, including budget concerns or creative differences. Regardless of the reason, the change was met with criticism from many fans.
8. Is there a time limit in Dead Rising 4?
No, Dead Rising 4 does not have a time limit. This was a controversial decision, as the time limit was a defining feature of the earlier games. However, Capcom removed it in Dead Rising 4 to make the game more accessible and allow players more freedom to explore.
9. Did Dead Rising 4 sell well?
No, Dead Rising 4 did not meet Capcom’s sales expectations. While it did sell over a million copies, it was considered a commercial disappointment compared to previous installments.
10. Where is the Frank West statue in Dead Rising 4?
The Frank West statue is located in the North Peak area, specifically on top of the “Nickolls Ink” building. Players need to climb onto a nearby truck and traverse the rooftops to reach it.
11. What year does Dead Rising 4 take place?
Dead Rising 4 takes place in 2022, sixteen years after the original Dead Rising.
12. How did Frank get infected in Dead Rising 4?
Frank gets infected during the helicopter crash at the end of the main story of Dead Rising 4. The exposure to the zombie virus in the crash reanimates him as a mutated evo zombie.
13. Why was Dead Rising 5 cancelled?
Reports suggest that Dead Rising 5 was in development at Capcom Vancouver but was cancelled due to layoffs and the eventual closure of the studio.
14. What makes Frank West a compelling character?
Despite not having superhuman powers, Frank’s relatability and human flaws make him a memorable character. He is portrayed as funny, sarcastic, and sometimes even a bit reckless. He shows resourcefulness, uses wit, and relies on photography to solve puzzles. He is not a military personnel; therefore, it makes him more close to an average person, making him even more relatable than other video game protagonists.
15. What are some educational values in Dead Rising?
Even though it may seem unlikely, violent video games such as Dead Rising can have educational values. These values include but are not limited to the following: problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, resource management, collaboration, adaptation and improvisation, historical awareness, and narrative exploration. Learn more about video games and the educational opportunities that they provide, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Legacy of Frank West: More Than Just a Zombie Killer
Whether you love or hate his portrayal in Dead Rising 4, there’s no denying that Frank West is a significant figure in the zombie game landscape. His blend of humor, resourcefulness, and sheer determination has resonated with players for years. While the future of the Dead Rising franchise remains uncertain, Frank West’s legacy as the original zombie-slaying photojournalist is secure. He will continue to be remembered and appreciated for a long time to come. The complexities and lessons we can learn from gaming are vast, and there are organizations that are leading the charge to help the population at large. The Games Learning Society is leading the research to explore the educational values that exist in violent video games. Go to https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to learn more.