Kotaku: Dead Rising

Dead Rising Wii Is A Terrible, Terrible Idea

Luke Plunkett — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 MDT

I just spent some time playing Dead Rising on the Wii. Waiting in line, I was treated to one of the game's new additions: a new movie (you know, like the one that played if you left the title screen inactive on the 360 version). It was a zombie hardcore band, rocking out in front of a zombie hardcore crowd, like a music video. It was funny, I enjoyed it. Then I went inside and started playing. Things went swiftly downhill.

I spoke with Dead Rising Wii producer Mino Nakai yesterday. Having read Amanda's less-than-glowing impressions of the game from last week, I asked whether the stuff told Capcom her - mainly that a new, improved build would be playable at TGS - checked out. Know what he said? He said no, aside from a few minor bug fixes, this was the same build, because the game was nearly done.

Oh boy.

This game is a complete waste of time.

The whole point of the first Dead Rising was that there was hundreds of zombies. Because they were slow, and stupid, and slow, it was the sheer weight of numbers that provided not only the challenge, but the enjoyment. Zombie survival fantasies don't involve evading/killing 2 zombies, they involve evading/killing thousands of them.

You know how many zombies I saw on-screen at one time? Six. Six zombies. And that's not in a room, or a store, that's across the massive concourse at the start of the game. Yet they still shamble. There's no urgency, there's no danger. There's no fun. To compensate, Capcom have added a few new enemies: killer poodles and killer parrots. They're vaguely ridiculous, and do very little to make up for the lack of more shambling corpses.

What's worse, the controls are woeful. To pick up a dropped item, you don't press a button. You press the Z button and the A button. They're on opposite sides of opposite controllers. It's stupid. The Wii Remote aiming controls are woefully twitchy. and to switch weapons you need to us the d-pad while aiming. Meaning you can't use the Wii Remote at that time, requiring you to aim with the nunchuk while reaching with your other hand. It's messy. It doesnt work.

Look, the game's not out yet. There's time to fix some of the more minor things (control setups, for example). And the graphics, in the game's defence, look pretty good, especially the cutscenes. But none of that matters when the Wii version is missing the only thing that made the 360 one worth playing.

Dead Rising Wii: February 2009

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:00:00 MDT

Jury's still out on Dead Rising Wii. Capcom's heart is in the right place, but you take away the hordes of zombies and replace them with pairs of zombies and you're taking away what made the game special. But what do we know. We're cantankerous, gin-soaked old sods. You lot can make up your own mind on the game, starting with Japan, where - it's been revealed today (along with the game's map/scale) - the game will be released in February 2009. Seeing as the original did such good business in the West, US & PAL versions can't be far behind.

Famitsu [via Wii@Everyday]

Next Dead Rising To Be Episodic?

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:20:00 MDT

No, not the Wii version. The next proper version, the one that may or may not be in development at Blue Castle Games. The latest issue of the UK's Official PlayStation Mag reckons that it's not just in development, but that Capcom are trying something a little new with it: that it'll be episodic. Like Siren: Blood Curse. Be worth watching to see how that plays out, if true. One episode per night/day, perhaps?

OPM UK Rumours: Crysis on PS3 in 2009? [PS Beyond]

Capcom Want To Be Global Devs, Not Japanese Devs

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 21:40:00 MDT

For years now, Capcom have been focused on increasing their presence in the West. Western-focused games, establishing more studios in the West, you name it, Capcom have done it. But they can - and want to - do more. A big theme running throughout their 2008 annual report is the slogan "Capcom of the world", and they constantly reiterate their desires to build on the success of Western-targeted games such as Dead Rising and Lost Planet. But, uh, why? Here's why: Japan constitutes only 20% of the global gaming market. Yet 53% of Capcom's sales come from the Japanese market. Those numbers don't add up. So while stuff like Monster Hunter will continue to do well in Japan, you can expect the company to pursue more Western games - the ones with zombies in them - in the future. Click through for some zombie games sales figures that sum up what we're talking about.

This Time, Decapitate Zombies With Your Wii-mote

Adam Barenblat — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:00:00 MDT

Even though graphically Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop for the Wii won't be up to par with it's 2 year old Xbox 360 counterpart, the game will still be a blast. There is something disturbingly satisfying about lopping off a zombies head with a Wii mote. To fuel your thirst, here's some zombie mutilating gameplay from the title.

First Dead Rising Wii Hands-On, Gameplay Footage

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:00:00 MDT

So, Capcom's bringing Dead Rising to the Wii. There's been some concern about how the company will bring what was previously an Xbox 360 exclusive to the less powerful Wii. Game site 1up's hands-on with the title do relax those concerns somewhat. According to 1up, the game runs on the Resident Evil 4 Will Engine, and there were about ten zombies on screen at once. Developers hope to have one hundred on the screen at once when the game ships. From the hands-on:

Because Chop Till You Drop runs on the Resident Evil 4 Wii engine, the controls feel similar — differing mostly in the pacing, since Resident Evil is, in most cases, a slower shooter, while Dead Rising's a faster beat-em-up/shooter/choose-your-own-adventure-through-the-crowd game. That means you hold down a button and point the Wii Remote to shoot, and you can choose between pressing the A button or flicking the Wii-mote for an up-close attack.
...The game features multiple save slots and eschews the 360 version's 72-hour countdown clock. Time matters on a mission-by-mission basis rather than for the overall story — which, according to [Capcom marketing manager Colin] Ferris, means it's very likely players will be able to successfully complete the game their first time through. We don't know the full extent of what Capcom refers to as this new "episodic" structure (specifically, how players will have to balance saving civilians with completing the main story), but the goal on the development side is for a mostly "linear" progression, which seems like a nod to the large mainstream contingent of the Wii's audience.

Gameplay clip below.

First Dead Rising Wii Video and Hands-on [1up]

Will There Be Dead Rising PS3?

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:00:00 MDT

Here's the way Capcom works: multi-platform. The company really doesn't seem to play favorites, and it tries to get its games everywhere it can. So, exclusive titles like Xbox 360 only zombie title Dead Rising seem somewhat out of place in the corporate M.O. In a Bionic Commando: Rearmed thread on the official PlayStation.Blog, Capcom's John Diamonon writes this in response to a post about a PS3 being "REALLY happy with Capcom" even though Dead Rising is still Xbox 360 only:

You haven’t seen the last of Dead Rising.

When asked if this was confirmation of PS3 Dead Rising, Diamonon replied: "Not confirming anything, just hoping. :)" It's already coming to the Wii, so make of this what you will.

BCR Behind The Scenes [PlayStation.Blog via PSU]

Extent Of Dead Rising Wii's Waggle Explained

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 05:30:00 MDT

We know, Dead Rising on Wii looks different, but it's going to play different too. It's got waggle! And not just any waggle: Capcom are bringing Resident Evil 4's waggle to 2006's zombie mall simulator. Gun combat will work exactly the same, with pointing of the Wii Remote for aiming and a shake of the nunchuk for a reload. More shaking is required if you're grabbed by a zombie, however, because you'll have to shake as if your very life depended on it to get out of it. The shaking motif continues with melee weapon use: you can shake the bat while swinging to build up some extra charge. Aside from that, you can shake to shake, and shake twice if you want to shake and bake.

Capcom Details Dead Rising Wii Controls [IGN]

New Dead Rising Screens: Added Waggle, No Added Zombies

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 22:30:00 MDT

Famitsu have uploaded a set of new screenshots for Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop for the Wii. Here's what you should expect: helpful in-action shots displaying how the game's waggle controls will work for stuff like combat. You should also expect to see the Res 4-style shooting mechanic in action. Here's what you shouldn't expect: more zombies than the last time you saw it. Capcom may have said they're hoping to get around 100 on-screen, but that's obviously something they're working on later.
Wiiリモコンでゾンビを撃退！『デッドライジングゾンビのいけにえ』の操作方法が続々判明 [Famitsu]

Dead Rising Wii Might Get To 100 Zombies At A Time

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:20:00 MDT

Dead Rising was an average game made great by throwing, literally, hundreds and hundreds of zombies at you. The upcoming Wii version, being a Wii game, is obviously not going to feature hundreds and hundreds of zombies, putting the whole "makes an average game a great one" thing in serious jeopardy. But how many will it feature? Well, Capcom are hoping that they'll be able to squeeze 100 on there at a time. Still not a patch on the 360 version, but 100 on-screen bad guys for what is ostensibly a last-gen title would still be one hell of a technical achievement!

Read-a-long with Nintendo Power #232 (September 2008) [Aeropause]

Dead Rising Wii vs. Dead Rising Xbox 360

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 04:00:00 MDT

Over at website Wii Fanboy, they've done a nice job of comparing how Dead Rising will look on the Wii versus the Xbox 360 original. While obviously it doesn't pack the horsepower that the Xbox 360 version does (well, duh), Capcom appears to have done a nice job as making the Wii experience look as close as possible to the Xbox 360. Big props for that.

Dead Rising: Compare 'til you drop [Wii Fanboy]

Dead Rising Wii Is Official, Brilliantly Renamed

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:20:10 MDT

By now, you're likely well aware that Dead Rising is coming to Nintendo's Wii platform. It's coming this Winter with a new "improved" save system, a lower zombie count and quite possibly the best name ever in Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop which has "pretty good for a Wii game" graphics is touted as "taking advantage of the same proven technology that brought Resident Evil 4 so successfully to Wii." Whether that simply means a Wii Remote driven control scheme with zombie killing accuracy or something else more technical, we're not sure. We don't know computers.

The full press release with all the details is after this.

CAPCOM® ANNOUNCES DEAD RISINGTM: CHOP TIL YOU DROP
Wii Gamers Prepare For a Zombie Invasion

SAN MATEO, Calif. — July 21, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Dead Rising™: Chop Till You Drop is in development for the Wii™ home video game system. Based on the critically acclaimed Dead Rising™, which has sold in excess of one million units since its release in 2006, Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop is scheduled to hit store shelves this Winter.

Taking advantage of the same proven technology that brought Resident Evil® 4 so successfully to Wii, Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop delivers a more immersive, intuitive and interactive experience as players use the Wii Remote to shoot, slash and bludgeon their way through a zombie infested shopping mall, fighting for survival.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop follows the harrowing tale of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance journalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a juicy lead, he makes his way to the small suburban town of Willamette only to find that it has become overrun by zombies. Frank escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety but it turns out to be anything but. It will be a true struggle to survive the endless stream of enemies, but players will have full reign of a realistic shopping centre and its varied stores offering an endless supply of real and makeshift weapons to fight off the flesh-hungry mob. If Frank is running low on health he can pay a visit to one of the many restaurants or cafes for a meal in order to restore his energy and continue the fight.

The game is split into a series of individual cases, all of which Frank must complete in order to gain vital information that will allow him to piece together the truth behind the horrendous epidemic. In addition to the cases, players will be faced with the dilemma of deciding the rescue priority of the residents of Wilamette who also sought sanctuary in the mall. Depending on the player’s skill, some may not be so fortunate as each rescue needs to be undertaken in a set time period, therefore players may need to delay completion of a case in order to save a fellow human.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop’s infectious humor delivers some welcome relief from the incessant tide of zombies with players able to dress Frank up in a variety of comedic costumes and take on the undead hordes with a selection of improvised and sometimes highly ineffective weapons such as a toy sword or a football.

Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop includes the following features:
• Utilizes the same engine as Resident Evil 4 Wii edition.
• New level of interaction – aim and fire guns, swing and throw weapons and shake off zombie attacks with added Wii Remote functionality
• Huge environment – expansive indoor and outdoor areas of the mall provide a variety of different locations to explore
• Improved save functionality allows for more seamless gameplay
• Hoards of enemies on screen at once resulting in non-stop, pulse-pounding action
• Anything in the mall is at Frank’s disposal
• Grab environmental objects like umbrellas and benches to use as improvised weapons
• Snatch items from different stores to use as weapons including golf clubs, lawnmowers, frying pans and more
• Consume food and drink to revive health

Dead Rising Wii Screens: Where Did All The Zombies Go?

Luke Plunkett — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:30:00 MDT

To men huddled around the big tables at Capcom HQ, the idea of porting yet another big-selling, zombie-based title to the Wii must sound like a no-brainer! You've got to wonder, though, whether they consulted with the tech guys before pushing forward with the project. Because as far as the 360 version was concerned, the thing that stopped it from being an awful beat-em up and made it such an awesome game were the hundreds of zombies the 360 could process. From these screens, it doesn't look like the Wii can do hundreds. It can do dozens. Maybe.

Dead Rising...For The Wii!

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:00:00 MDT

And you thought all the crazy shit was happening in LA. The latest issue of Famitsu brings word of a new Dead Rising game. But it's not a spin-off, per se, nor is it the probably-Vegas-bound Dead Rising 2, it's...a Wii version. And a direct (well, as good as they can get it) port of the 360 original to boot. With zombie-wrestling waggle and everything. Before you ask why, ask yourself why not. It worked for Res 4, you can't blame Capcom for trying! Scans are after the jump if you're in a state of disbelief.

[via Wii@Everyday]

George Romero Clueless About Dead Rising?

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:00:00 MDT

Back in late February, we brought word of a Dead Rising lawsuit. Capcom was being sued over the game by the MKR Group, which holds the rights to George Romerso's Dawn of the Dead film. MKR claimed that Dead Rising was essentially an unlicensed adaptation of the Romero film. Over the weekend, George Romero appeared at the Chicago Horror Convention, and Kotaku reader Tyler was on hand to get his copy of Dead Rising autographed by the famed horror director. According to Tyler:

I went to a horror movie convention here in Chicago on Sunday because George Romero was due to show up for autograph signing and I was hoping he would grace my copy of Dead Rising with his signature (not expecting that he would at all). Lo and behold he actually did, and on top of that, he was not even aware of Dead Rising...i had to explain to him what it was and he was happy to sign it. Makes me wonder if he is even aware of the legal battles Capcom has had to endure.

Makes us wonder, too. If you can't read what Romero wrote, it is: "Tyler Stay Scared George Romero."

Capcom Sued Over Dead Rising

Luke Plunkett — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:15:00 MST

Two weeks ago, Capcom tried some pre-emptive measures aimed at heading off an impending lawsuit from The MKR Group, who hold the rights to George Romero's Dawn of the Dead film. Didn't work. MKR have since sued Capcom, claiming that Dead Rising is essentially an unlicensed adaptation of Romero's masterpiece:

Both works are dark comedies. In both, the recreational activities of the zombies and absurdly grotesque 'kill scenes' provide unexpected comedic relief.
Both works provided thoughtful social commentary on the 'mall culture' zeitgeist, in addition to serving up a sizable portion of sensationalistic violence.

You hear that, budding game and film makers of the world? You can't pay homage to a classic anymore. It infringes on copyrights.
Producer, game firm in rights battle over zombies [Reuters]

Dead Rising In Trouble Over Dawn Of The Dead Similarities

Luke Plunkett — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 19:00:00 MST

The MKR Group (owners of the copyright to George Romero's Dead films) and New Line Cinema have seen Dead Rising, and do not like what they see. Ever since the game's release, MKR and Capcom have been in discussions aimed at resolving what MKR see in Dead Rising as a premise and setting a little too close to Dawn of the Dead for their liking. It's why, for example, the game's box features the disclaimer "This game was not developed, approved or licensed by the owners or creators of George A. Romero's Dawn of the Dead".

Those discussions have gone nowhere, however, culminating in a letter from New Line - allegedly sent to Capcom, Microsoft and Best Buy - complaining that Dead Rising is just far too similar to Dawn of the Dead. This letter has sparked fears at Capcom that MKR are about to assert their copyrights and trademarks over Romero's works, will claim Dead Rising is in violation of these and take legal action. In an attempt to head this action off at the pass, Capcom's lawyers are seeking a declaratory judgement (ie a judge to say what they've done with DR is fine) and attorney's fees, and are claiming that "humans battling zombies in a shopping mall" is a "wholly unprotectible idea" under current copyright standards.

Which of course it is. It shouldn't take a court of law to decide that.
Capcom v The MKR Group Legal Documents [The Hollywood Reporter]

Bashcraft Numero 2, Inafune Numero 3 (Does Not Compute)

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:00:33 MST

Earlier, I appeared on the Bionic Commando podcast and rambled on about pointless things and got in an argument with some Capcom dude. Good times. The official word from Capcom is that the podcast I appeared on is the second most downloaded BC podcast. The first is where the team discussed Bionic Commando Rearmed, the second was me droning on and on and the third was when Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune showed up. Hello craziness! That just makes no sense whatsoever. So please, do humanity a huge favor and go download the crap outta the Inafune podcast. That guy made Dead Rising and Onimusha, I sit at home in my underwear and misspell words all day. He has insight into the gaming industry and should be second! Not me, dammit!
Do The World a Favor, Listen to Inafune [Bionic Commando] [Pic]

Dead Rising 2 Rumored To Be In The Works, But Not At Capcom

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:40:52 MST

The latest issue of EGM should be hitting subscriber mailboxes any day now, but 1UP has an early look at the month's rumor round up from the enigmatic Quarterman. One of the biggest unconfirmed stories is that Capcom is indeed readying a sequel to Xbox 360 zombie fest Dead Rising. A Western developer is rumored to have taken the development reins, one based in the Los Angeles area. Capcom has certainly warmed up to developers outside of Japan, as development on Okami, Bionic Commando and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix has been outsourced westward.

Other enticing rumor tidbits: a forthcoming announcement from Team Ico, plus ports of Everyday Shooter and God of War: Chains of Olympus. I'm going to check the mailbox one more time. Things often get jammed in there. *checks* Damn it!!

Rumors: Dead Rising 2, God of War PS2 [1UP]

What Are You Playing This Weekend?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:40:00 MST

Having gone on a bit of Rock Band bender last night, it might be time to give my pipes—which some have referred to as having a "golden ring" and "the tone of pure honey"—some down time. This borrowed copy of Dead Rising may very well fit the bill, but I might take The King of Fighters XI out for a spin this weekend. Other than that, I'm hoping my copy of Cruis'n for the Wii shows up at some point today or tomorrow, adding some giggles to my days off. Anyone else pick up something worth playing from that Amazon sale?

Let us know what will be keeping you indoors, safe from sun, snow and outdoor fun, this weekend in the comments.

Kotaku Jobs: Capcom Desperately Seeking Programmers

Michael McWhertor — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 08:00:01 MDT

Sorry, game enthusiasts seeking the glamorous life of a video games blogger, we're not hiring. But Capcom of Japan is! The company is seeking game engineers who want to work on its "MT Framework", the cross platform engine that powers Devil May Cry 4, Dead Rising and Lost Planet. I suspect that a working knowledge of the Japanese language and solid typing skills are a must, as is a love of making sequels.

Capcom must be doing okay for themselves, as they're running these ads in Tokyo Station in search of new talent. Good luck, future applicants!

Inafune "Really Wants" Dead Rising 2

Brian Ashcraft — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 07:00:06 MDT

Dead Rising creator Keiji Inafune really wants to do Dead Rising 2. He told me that, saying "I really want to do Dead Rising 2." We spotted the current Capcom Research & Development and Online Business head wandering outside TGS. Our conversation:

Ashcraft: So Dead Rising 2 won't be announced next year?
Inafune: Yeah. The original team has been split up and is working on different projects.
Ashcraft: And you are probably busy with your executive role at Capcom?
Inafune: I do really want to do Dead Rising 2. It's just still hard to get games for the Western market approved.
Ashcraft: But Dead Rising was a big hit abroad.
Inafune: It wasn't a big hit here in Japan.
Ashcraft: Why is it hard to still get Western geared games approved in Japan?
Inafune: You live here. You know how it is. That's why getting games for the Western market is still a challenge. So we need people like [Osaka-based Capcom producer] Ben Judd to bridge the gap between Japan and abroad. It's really hard for people like Ben, I'm sure.

Microsoft Japan boss Takahashi Sensui walks by, says a brief "hello." Sensui notices me, smiles and tells Inafune, "Watch out for this guy." Inafune laughs.

Ashcraft: Capcom has been cranking about a lot new IPs like Dead Rising, though — not just relying on sequels.
Inafune: And there are a lot more new titles coming. A lot more.

Microsoft's Adults Only Game Bundle for Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 07:00:33 MDT

While the Western world shirks from Adults Only console games, Xbox Japan embraces them. What the hell, it has nothing to lose! As part of its low cost "Platinum Collection," Microsoft will be realizing a two pack of Gears of War and Dead Rising. Both games were slapped with the dreaded CERO Z rating, which is equal to ESRB's games-as-porn AO rating. The Gears of War and Dead Rising double pack will be out November 1st. Two great games for a good price — sounds like a good deal. Watch it fall on deaf ears.
CERO Z Bundle [Xbox Japan via Siliconera]

Dead Rising Platinum Available Through Capcom Store

fdemarco — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 12:00:00 MDT

Well it took long enough, but it looks as if Dead Rising has finally become available as an Xbox 360 Platinum Hit (in the States) with a fairly modest price tag of $30. I made a few calls around and no stores seem to be carrying it yet, but if you want to get your zombie killing mitts on it now, you can do so through the Capcom Store.

I love Dead Rising and while many may disagree with me, it was a total system seller for me. It's a great game and if you haven't already checked it out, now's your chance to do it on the cheap. Just make sure you have one of them fancy HD TVs or a magnifying glass for that text. Ouch.

No More Dumps

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 22:00:41 MDT

Bathroom saves, nothing new! Dead Rising has 'em. Silent Hill has 'em. And now it looks like No More Heroes has water closet saves as well — with hot sitting on the throne action. Once again, leave it to game creator Goichi Suda to push the envelope further. Toilet saves are so the new black.

Thanks Thor!

Fans Rising: Inafune Invades New York

Brian Crecente — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:38:45 MDT

We sent our very own videographer Nick McGlynn down to the Mega Man, Inafune festivities in New York yesterday... Hey! I recognize that first guy!

Mega Man's Inafune In NYC Today

Mike Fahey — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:20:14 MDT

As we told you back in early July, Creator of some of the most recognizable characters in video game history Keiji Inafune will be hitting up the GameStop on Broadway and 33rd from 5 to 8pm for an official autograph session celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mega Man. As Inafune is the producer for the Onimusha series and Dead Rising, creator of the Mega Man series, and a graphic designer for Street Fighter you are sure to have something on hand to have him scribble on, and if not there will be limited-edition retro t-shirts and special posters on hand. Plus I am sure GameStop will be happy to sell you any number of overpriced used Capcom games or the just released store-exclusive Mega Man Star Force: Dragon for the DS before bugging you to reserve something. A small price to pay for a brush with gaming greatness.

Inafune Too Busy for Dead Rising 2

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:53 MDT

Mega Man and Dead Rising dude Keiji Inafune has taken a break from making games and is overseeing production. In short: he's making sure that Capcom doesn't make crap games and that up-and-coming producer Ben Judd (above) doesn't fuck up. That's swell. Good for Inafune. Good for Capcom. Good for Ben Judd. But like what about Dead Rising 2? Inafune says:

This is something we hear a lot from the press — Dead Rising 2, and we're not making it right now, but it is something I would love to make. I would love to be able to take some time off from my business-side responsibilities just to be able to produce it myself — that's how much I love the game and would love to do it. But there are a lot of things that come into play. There's staffing, there's scheduling — who's working on what — then there's budget and money, where's the money coming from? So there are a lot of small things to work out before that would even be possible... If it was announced, I might be the one back in Japan making it. That's the title that they're considering back in Capcom Japan that I would want to produce the most, out of anything they're thinking about. That's how much I really love it. But I'm very busy.

Hey, while Inafune is more than happy to dole out those Mega Man games to pretty much anyone at Capcom, he's keeping Dead Rising 2 for himself. He loves Dead Rising so hard. Mega Man, he tolerates.
Inafune Interview [Game Informer via Destructoid]

Inafune Explains Why DMC4 Is Multi-Platform

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:24 MDT

In a simpler time, Capcom made exclusive games for Sony's PlayStation. (Yes, yes, it also created Nintendo titles.) Then the Osaka-based developer started making games for the Xbox 360. After that, it started making games for BOTH the Xbox 360 AND the PS3 — games like Devil May Cry 4. Blasphemy! Mega-Man creator and Capcom R&D honcho Keiji Inafune explains:

Until now it's been hard for us to develop multi-platform games, but recently we have developed this development engine that allows us to develop a game in the engine and then put it on to PS3 and 360.

Developing Dead Rising and Lost Planet helped flush out everything in the development tool system — which is now pretty much complete, aside from the usual upgrades — so we decided to use that engine, make it for the 360 and the PS3 with Devil May Cry 4.

So, now we can get the game out into the hands of more gamers — because 360 has such a huge installed base already, especially in the US, and as game makers we want as many people to have the chance to play our games as possible.

Bringing its games to the people, that's what Capcom's doing! And we just thought it had something to do with making the most money possible on a single title. Silly us.
Inafune Interview [Spong]

Mega Man, Frank West Visit Lost Planet

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 19:40:39 MDT

Capcom dropped word with us today that the PC version of its third-person shooter Lost Planet will be getting a feature rich update next week. The July 20th update, an automatic patch, will add Mega Man, Dead Rising's Frank West and Joe from Lost Planet as playable characters. In addition, the PC version will also see some new options, including a Resident Evil 4-style over-the-shoulder view and a "wide" camera option. But wait, there's more.

Four new (to the PC) maps will also be available for download with the PC Map Pack #1 featuring Radar Field, Island 902, Hive Complex and Trial Point. The four maps will also be free for Xbox 360 gamers on the same day. Thanks, Capcom. We owe you one.

Dozens of shots of the new characters, optional views and a look at the new list of connected players in multiplayer mode are in our gallery below.

Inafune To Make NYC Appearance For Mega Manniversary

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:40:10 MDT

Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune may have moved on to more contemporary fare with games like Lost Planet and Dead Rising, but he still loves the old Blue Bomber. The official Capcom blog revealed today that Inafune will be making an appearance at a New York City Gamestop on August 7th from 5-8 PM to join in the 20th anniversary celebration of the Mega Man series.

He'll be autographing "limited quantity Mega Man retro-themed t-shirts, special posters, your baby's forehead, or anything else you got." He seems very open, but I'm guessing that if you want to get your boob signed, you should probably be female. My suggestion? Create your own Mega Man milk bottle and see if Inafune gets the joke.

More details at the official Capcom blog, including hints at an appearance from Mega Man himself. Commence girlish shrieking... now.

Mega Man Autograph Session With Keiji Inafune [Capcom News]

Dead Rising Gets "New" Threads, New DLC

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 31 May 2007 16:20:51 MDT

Capcom is celebrating 1 million copies of Dead Rising sold by... hitting you up for Microsoft Points. Seven new pieces of downloadable content for the Xbox 360 game are now up on Xbox Live, including three freebies.

Those gratis downloads are a trio of unlockable costumes for Frank and include the Accountant, Pure White Suit and Stripe costumes previously only available at Best Buy, Gamestop, and EBgames kiosks. This is all stuff already on the disc, a nominal download, and will simply give you a key to unlock the goodies, so make with the downloading and digital fashion shows.

The non-free content consists of two themes and two picture packs, all with a 1 Million Sold theme. Alright, let's celebrate the good news! Go capitalism and microtransactions! Michael McWhertor

Dead Rising: Themes, Pictures and In Game Content (Some Free) [Major Nelson]

It's Official, Lost Planet Hitting PCs

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 04:00:56 MDT

It's been no secret that Capcom has been developing Xbox 360 title Lost Planet for the PC. Word has been circulating about the project since GDC. But now, it's official. Japanese site Game Watch Impress reports that Capcom and NVIDIA have announced their PC tie-up version of Lost Planet. The PC version is DirectX 10 and has a resolution that runs up to 2,560 1,600 dots. While Game Impress Watch is uncertain whether the game will hit Japan, Lost Planet for the PC will be out this June in North America and Europe. The price is undecided.

Anyone willing to place bets on when Dead Rising hits PCs? Anyone? Brian Ashcraft

Lost Planet PC [Game Watch Impress]

Dead Rising Gets Cheap-ish In Japan

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 04:00:11 MDT

Once again, Xbox Japan rattled the rusty ol' Kotaku mailbox, sending word that its discount "Platinum Series" will be getting more low priced titles. They are:

Fight Night Round 3 ¥2,940 (US $25)
Bullet Witch ¥2,940
Dead Rising ¥3,990 ($35)
Tenchu Senran ¥2,940
G.R.A.W. ¥2,940

Loads of games, all at the nice price available from June 14th. Insert tired remark about Japan not giving a flip, blah, blah, blah. Brian Ashcraft

Capcom: Lost Planet and Dead Rising Xbox 360 Only

Brian Ashcraft — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 01:00:45 MDT

Capcom moving Devil May Cry 4 to the Xbox 360? Blasphemy! The announcement led to a bat-shit insane petition which protesting the DMC 4 decision. But, it's a two way street, right? If PS3 games are going to hit the Xbox 360, then Xbox 360 games should be hitting the PS3... Not so, says Christian Svensson:

Dead Rising and Lost Planet are not slated to appear on Wii or PS3 as far as current plans go. The reasons for this are quite convoluted and I'm bound by NDAs on these matters so I can't divulge why this is the situation.
The quote delivered above references our strategy moving forward, not something that is necessarily retroactive. You can see evidence of this with our previously stated RE5 plans going to 360 and PS3 simultaneously.

For those keeping score, Capcom likes both the Xbox 360 and the PS3. It just likes the 360 a little more. Brian Ashcraft

Capcom On PS3, Wii [Capcom via QJ.Net]

Dead Rising, The Soundtrack

Brian Ashcraft — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 05:00:21 MDT

You've played Dead Rising the game, now listen to Dead Rising the soundtrack. It contains forty tunes and a 16-page booklet. There's also a t-shirt designed by Yoshiki Takahashi, who did the poster layout for Kill Bill. Both are bundled in a limited edition set booking at ¥6,090 (US $51.51). Good news, there are plans to sell the soundtrack in the States and Europe as well, according to Famitsu. No idea about the shirt, though. Brian Ashcraft

Dead Rising CD, T-shirt [Tanomi via Dengeki Online]

GDC07: Capcom's Inafune Slams Clover Producer

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 17:40:01 MST

In a session with Capcom R&D head Keiji Inafune, the creator responsible for games like Dead Rising, Lost Planet and Mega Man, the topic turned to the recently closed Clover Studios. Session moderator N'Gai Croal asked Inafune about Clover's gorgeous financial underperformers Okami and Viewtiful Joe.

He was about as blunt as one could be. Here's the Q&A.

When you looked over the games that came from Clover Studios, why do you think that audiences didn't respond to those games, Okami and Viewtiful Joe in particular, which got excellent reviews?
Perhaps I might get into trouble if I say this in front of people from the mass media. Games are not a work of art. It's actually a product. If we think of it as a work of art, then... when we think about Picasso and Van Gogh's paintings, the end result is beauty, so it doesn't matter if you sell it or not. However for games, it's a product. It is a commodity. The producer has to think about that.

Okami and Viewtiful Joe, I think, are wonderful games and because they are wonderful games I think, the job of the director was fantastic. But the producer didn't do his work. The producers work is to make the team make good games and then sell those games. The producer has to do the promotion. They have to think about the promotion. The producer has to take those good games and think about how to deliver it to as many users as possible. Certainly to get good reviews is part of his job. However, the producer has to make sure the game sells [on par with the review]. I think the producer dropped the ball there. Capcom said they would do it, but Clover said "Oh, we'll do it ourselves." And I think this was a failure.

Great directors may exist in great numbers, however, if you don't have a good producer it won't lead to sales. And I think this Clover Studios example is a really good example of that.

Daaaamn! Who knew Keiji could be so harsh? Let's hope Clover producer Atsushi Inaba has better sales success at his new venture Seeds. Michael McWhertor

Gay.com Slams Games Radar "Outting" Article

Brian Ashcraft — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 00:00:08 MST

Sure, Marcus Fenix has been in prison, but does that mean he's gay? Or what about Frank West's cross-dressing habits? And since Kratos killed his wife and daughter, he must secretly prefer men? Gay.com (UK) is criticizing a Games Radar feature which "outs" five game characters. Says Gay.com's Hassan Mirza:

While it's reassuring to know that gamers are interested in the sexual orientation of digital superheroes, Matt Cundy's 'Are they gay?' article relies on a series of juvenile stereotypes and cliches... I can't imagine any homophobic intentions, but it can be dangerous to suggest that looking "camp" means gay, or worse, that gay men hold violent grudges against women. It's a completely misinformed suggestion.

After reading the article, it doesn't seem homophobic in its intentions, just poorly thought-out and written. Sure, the Gay.com editor might be overacting and then again, might not be at all. Pretty sure Matt Cundy feels rotten about all this negative attention being directed at him and Games Radar. If only the piece was a bit sharper, if only. Brian Ashcraft

Article Criticized By Gay.com [Gay Gamer]

No Date For Valentine's Day? Cozy Up To Your 360!

fdemarco — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 10:00:00 MST

Microsoft is playing Cupid this year for lonely gamers who have no one to spend Valentine's Day with. Who does MS think your perfect match is? Why, The Xbox 360, of course! Xbox Live is offering some exciting Valentine's activities for the single gamer including last night's "Lost Planet All Nighter" and Wednesday's thrilling Viva Pinata trade off. The Xbox crew also have advice for the lovelorn in the form of some top ten lists and suggestions of some games that will take your mind off your lonely, miserable life and perhaps most disturbing, how to get your Pinatas to get biz-ay.

For those of you who actually have mates to spend the day with, there are nuggets of wisdom from the "GamerchiX Valentine's Survival Guide" and advice on how to get your girl to game. I am bit concerned, though, about TriXie, the Xbox.community editor who claims to have a crush on Dead Rising's Frank Ward. If you're going to have the hots for the main character a game that's an exclusive to your company's console, you might want to learn his name. Nothing turns a man off more than when you shout out another guy's name during a hot session of zombie extermination. Flynn De Marco

Let's Play on Valentine's Day [Xbox.com]

What Xbox Japan Needs

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 04:22:39 MST

Game site Gamasutra has an opinion piece up looking at Microsoft's Japan plight. It's no secret that the 360 Japan launch was a giant disaster, and it's been an uphill fight since then. However, things are looking up. Slightly. Gears of War recently broke the country's top ten sales chart. And with games like Dead Rising, Blue Dragon and THE IDOLM@STER, there are a couple titles to suit domestic tastes. John Ricciardi, COO and creative director of localization company 8-4, Ltd. and I talked about this in an opinion piece up over at Gamasutra. His insights I found particularly interesting, especially this:

It's gonna take a lot, lot more than two or three high-profile titles from Mistwalker to affect the perceptions of the 360 in Japan.
Microsoft's problems over here run deep—their situation isn't something that can be changed overnight or even in six months. The entire way they approach the Japanese market needs sweeping changes before any real progress can be made.

Definitely worth checking out. Brian Ashcraft

Microsoft's Japan Fight [Gamasutra via Slashdot]