Unraveling the Canon: What is the True Ending of Dead Rising 4’s Frank Rising?
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The question of canonicity often plagues video game fans, especially within series that boast multiple endings. Dead Rising 4: Frank Rising, the DLC expansion, is no exception. The story of Frank West’s mutation and struggle to survive presents players with several branching narrative paths. So, what is the canon ending of Frank Rising? While no official confirmation has been made by Capcom explicitly stating which ending is considered “true,” the ending where Frank escapes Willamette in the military helicopter with Paula is generally considered the most fitting and logically follows the established narrative. This ending aligns better with the overall direction of the series and leaves open future possibilities, making it the most widely accepted canon ending within the fanbase.
Analyzing the Frank Rising Endings
To understand why the “escape with Paula” ending is considered the most likely canon, let’s examine all the possible endings in Frank Rising
Ending 1: Frank Escapes with Paula
In this ending, Frank successfully manages to get Paula to the extraction point. They board the helicopter, leaving the zombified remains of Willamette behind. This outcome feels the most complete and fitting. It allows Frank to maintain a sense of agency, preserving his status as a survivor rather than a full mutation. This ending is also the least conclusive, which leaves the story open for more possible installments in the franchise.
Ending 2: Frank Escapes Alone
In this ending, Frank escapes by himself in the military helicopter, leaving Paula behind. It’s an incredibly grim ending for Frank, where he sacrifices her so he could live. This option makes him appear cowardly and less likeable and it also means that he is not really a hero anymore. It is likely that Capcom would not choose this ending to be canon as it changes Frank’s character arc too much.
Ending 3: Frank Times Out
This ending occurs when the player fails to complete the objectives before the timer runs out. Frank succumbs to his zombie mutation, becoming a mindless creature with no agency. Given the implications, this ending is the least likely to be canonical, as it permanently removes Frank from the narrative and limits his potential future appearances in the series. It’s effectively a “game over” rather than a conclusion to his story.
Why the “Escape with Paula” Ending is Most Likely Canon
Several elements point to the “escape with Paula” ending being the most likely canon choice:
- Character Preservation: This ending allows Frank to maintain his identity and agency. He escapes as a hero, not just another mindless zombie.
- Narrative Consistency: The ending aligns more with the overall themes of the Dead Rising series, where protagonists generally strive for survival and rescuing others, rather than succumbing entirely.
- Future Story Potential: An ending where Frank escapes alive and (mostly) well opens the door for potential future storylines involving him.
- Fan Acceptance: While there’s no official declaration, the “escape with Paula” ending is broadly accepted within the Dead Rising community. It’s the ending most commonly discussed and considered the most fitting.
While the other endings present different possibilities, the “escape with Paula” ending provides the best blend of resolution and narrative potential. It allows Frank to move forward, potentially playing a role in future events within the Dead Rising universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Frank Rising’s Ending
1. Is there an official confirmation on which Frank Rising ending is canon?
No, Capcom has not officially stated which ending of Frank Rising is considered canon. The “escape with Paula” ending is the most widely accepted based on thematic and narrative consistencies, but it is ultimately fan speculation.
2. Why is the “escape with Paula” ending considered the most likely canon?
It preserves Frank’s character, aligns with the series’ themes of survival, and allows for future storylines. The other endings either render Frank a full zombie or leave him as a cowardly character.
3. What happens in the “Frank Escapes Alone” ending?
Frank escapes by himself in the military helicopter, leaving Paula behind to die.
4. What happens if you “Time Out” in Frank Rising?
Frank succumbs entirely to his zombie mutation, becoming a mindless zombie and ending the game.
5. How many endings are there in Frank Rising?
There are three possible endings to Frank Rising.
6. Did Frank get infected with the zombie parasite in Dead Rising 4?
Yes, Frank was infected with a form of the parasite. This is why he mutated in Frank Rising.
7. Does Frank need Zombrex in Frank Rising?
No, Zombrex is not relevant in Frank Rising as Frank is no longer dealing with the original virus. His mutation is different and requires him to consume brains to stay in control.
8. What is the main goal in Frank Rising?
The main goal is to find a cure for Frank’s zombie mutation and escape from Willamette.
9. Who is Paula in Frank Rising?
Paula is a survivor who assists Frank throughout Frank Rising. She serves as a vital character in achieving the potential canon ending.
10. What was the goal of the experiments performed in Willamette in Dead Rising 4?
The experiments were focused on creating a bio-weapon and manipulating the zombie virus for military use. This led to the various outbreaks throughout the series.
11. How old is Frank in Dead Rising 4?
Frank is 54 years old in Dead Rising 4 and the Frank Rising DLC.
12. Why was Frank West reanimated in Frank Rising?
Frank was reanimated after being exposed to a new type of zombie virus. This resulted in his mutation as seen in the DLC.
13. Is there any hope for a Dead Rising 5?
Despite the popularity of the series, Dead Rising 5 was cancelled during development. There is no current indication of a new game in the series.
14. What is the significance of Frank’s scream in the original Dead Rising?
Frank’s scream was meant to indicate his possible zombification due to being infected. However, the cutscene that opens Overtime shows he realized what has happened which implies he has survived.
15. What is the Overtime Mode?
Overtime Mode is a mode in Dead Rising 3 that takes place after the main ending and can be considered the true ending of the series, with Ending A being the most prominent. It continues the story, showing what happened after the main story finished.