The Undead Truth: Deciding the Canon Ending of Dead Rising 2

The question of which ending in Dead Rising 2 is canon has plagued fans since its release. After reviewing the evidence, the generally accepted canon ending of Dead Rising 2 is Ending A. This ending sees Chuck Greene, framed for the Fortune City outbreak, apprehended by the authorities. Crucially, this ending is essential for establishing the narrative framework for Dead Rising 2: Case West, where Frank West rescues Chuck and they team up. Without Ending A, the events of Case West simply wouldn’t make sense within the larger Dead Rising universe.

Understanding the Canon Conundrum

The Dead Rising series, while known for its over-the-top zombie action and crafting mechanics, has a complex and sometimes contradictory canon. Each game features multiple endings, often with significant ramifications for the story and characters. Determining the definitive “true” ending for each installment involves carefully analyzing the narrative threads that continue into subsequent games and spin-offs.

Why Ending A Makes Sense

The primary reason for accepting Ending A as canon stems from its direct continuation in Dead Rising 2: Case West. In this downloadable episode, Frank West arrives in time to save Chuck Greene from certain zombification at the hands of TK. This encounter is impossible if Chuck escaped Fortune City as depicted in some of the other endings. Therefore, for Case West to maintain its place within the Dead Rising timeline, Chuck’s capture and subsequent rescue must occur.

Furthermore, the events of later games, while not directly referencing Chuck’s capture, don’t contradict Ending A. Dead Rising 3, for example, features Chuck Greene as a supporting character, having escaped government custody sometime after the events of Case West.

Why Other Endings Aren’t Canon

The other endings of Dead Rising 2 present narrative inconsistencies that prevent them from being considered canon:

• Ending B: Chuck escapes with Katey, but this contradicts the established narrative of Case West.

• Ending C: This is generally considered the worst ending, with Chuck failing to save Katey and succumbing to despair. This outcome makes his appearance in Dead Rising 3 impossible.

• Ending D: Chuck leaves Katey to fend for herself. Again, this contradicts his character arc and his presence in Dead Rising 3.

• Ending S: This is more of a “joke ending” involving a UFO abduction, and is highly unlikely to be canon.

Case West: The Canon Cornerstone

Dead Rising 2: Case West acts as a bridge between Dead Rising 2 and the wider universe, connecting Chuck Greene’s story to Frank West’s overarching narrative. The cooperative gameplay, the Phenotrans conspiracy, and the establishment of Chuck and Frank’s alliance are crucial elements that ripple through the series. Without Case West, the connection between the first two games and the subsequent sequels would be weaker. Studying how video games connect to storytelling is important and can be further explored by the Games Learning Society. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Dead Rising’s Fickle Canon

It’s important to acknowledge that the Dead Rising series has a somewhat fluid and inconsistent canon. Certain games retcon previous events or introduce alternate timelines, making definitive statements about canonicity challenging. However, based on the available evidence and the narrative connections between games, Ending A remains the most plausible and widely accepted canon ending for Dead Rising 2.

FAQs: Decoding Dead Rising 2’s Canon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Dead Rising 2 canon, providing further insight into the game’s story and its place within the Dead Rising universe:

FAQ 1: Does Dead Rising 4 affect the canon of previous games?

Dead Rising 4 is often considered a soft reboot of the series, diverging significantly from the tone and established lore of the previous games. As a result, it’s generally regarded as existing in a separate, less canonical timeline.

FAQ 2: Is Dead Rising 2: Off the Record canon?

Dead Rising 2: Off the Record, featuring Frank West as the protagonist in Fortune City, is considered an alternate version of the events of Dead Rising 2. While it offers a different perspective and gameplay experience, it doesn’t necessarily overwrite the canon established by the original game and Case West.

FAQ 3: Why is Frank West so important to the Dead Rising canon?

Frank West is the protagonist of the original Dead Rising and a recurring character throughout the series. His involvement in multiple outbreaks and his knowledge of the zombie virus make him a central figure in the Dead Rising narrative.

FAQ 4: Does the Dead Rising comic book series impact the game canon?

The Dead Rising: Road to Fortune comic book mini-series is considered official canon to the Dead Rising Universe.

FAQ 5: Is there a definitive timeline for the Dead Rising series?

Creating a definitive timeline for the Dead Rising series is difficult due to the inconsistencies and alternate versions of events presented in different games. However, the general order of events is: Dead Rising, Dead Rising 2, Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, Dead Rising 2: Case West, Dead Rising 3, Dead Rising 4.

FAQ 6: What role does Zombrex play in the Dead Rising canon?

Zombrex is a crucial element in the Dead Rising universe, serving as a temporary suppressant for the zombie virus. Its scarcity and the ethical dilemmas surrounding its use are recurring themes throughout the series.

FAQ 7: How does Dead Rising 3 address the events of Dead Rising 2?

Dead Rising 3 features Chuck Greene as a supporting character, indicating that he survived the events of Dead Rising 2 and Case West. The game also references the Fortune City outbreak and the Phenotrans conspiracy, connecting it to the larger narrative.

FAQ 8: What is Phenotrans, and why is it important?

Phenotrans is a powerful pharmaceutical company responsible for the creation and distribution of Zombrex. Their involvement in the zombie outbreaks and their shady business practices make them a key antagonistic force in the Dead Rising series.

FAQ 9: Are there any plans for a Dead Rising 5?

As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a Dead Rising 5. The critical and commercial failure of Dead Rising 4 has cast doubt on the future of the franchise.

FAQ 10: How many endings does Dead Rising 2 have?

Dead Rising 2 has a total of six endings: A, B, C, D, S, and the Overtime Mode ending (which leads to the true ending).

FAQ 11: What is Overtime Mode in Dead Rising 2?

Overtime Mode is a special gameplay mode unlocked after completing the main story of Dead Rising 2. It provides additional story content and often reveals more about the overarching conspiracy behind the outbreak.

FAQ 12: What are Psychopaths in the Dead Rising universe?

Psychopaths are deranged individuals who take advantage of the zombie outbreak to indulge in their violent and twisted desires. They serve as mini-bosses throughout the Dead Rising series.

FAQ 13: Can you save all survivors in Dead Rising 2?

While you can attempt to rescue many survivors in Dead Rising 2, some are either too difficult to reach in time or are scripted to die regardless of your efforts.

FAQ 14: Is it possible to get the “True Ending” achievement in Dead Rising 2 on your first playthrough?

Getting the “True Ending” achievement in Dead Rising 2 on your first playthrough is challenging but possible. It requires meticulous planning, efficient time management, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics.

FAQ 15: How is Katey Greene infected in Dead Rising 2?

Katey Greene is infected with the zombie virus by her zombified mother prior to the events of Dead Rising 2. Chuck Greene is desperately trying to find Zombrex doses to keep her from turning.

Final Verdict

While the Dead Rising canon is not without its complexities and contradictions, accepting Ending A as the canon ending of Dead Rising 2 offers the most coherent and consistent narrative pathway. This ending allows for the events of Case West to occur, strengthening the connection between Chuck Greene and Frank West and expanding the overall lore of the Dead Rising universe. Ultimately, the choice of which ending to accept is a matter of personal preference, but Ending A holds the strongest claim to canonicity.