Capcom has just released a behind the scenes video for the newest installment in the Dead Rising series. The trailer, titled ‘Return to Willamette,” features the developers talking about why they love the series and the brand new gameplay additions to Dead Rising 4.
2016 marks the 10th anniversary for the franchise, so the developers expressed an interest to go back to the series’ roots. Just like the original, this new installment takes place in Willamette, Colorado and stars the freelance photojournalist, Frank West. While Frank made an appearance in the DLC for Dead Rising 2 and was the star of the non-canon title, Dead Rising 2: Off The Record, he hasn’t taken the lead in a proper Dead Rising installment since the original game. The developers also claim that Frank, while a little older and wiser, is still the Frank fans have come to know. One of the main themes of the series is consumerism. Because of this, this newest game takes place during the holidays.
Since Frank is back, his camera taking mechanic also returns. The developers also claim that this gameplay mechanic will play an integral role in Dead Rising 4. This mechanic introduces players with all new choices in how to approach playing the game.
It’s all about learning the story of Willamette. You have these choices: ‘Do I want to go with the mission? Do I want to go with side content? Or do I want to go with fun?
One of the brand new gameplay additions is the exosuit. This robotic military suit makes Frank stronger and allows him to weaponize objects such as slurpy machines and parking meters.
Also, for the first time in the series, Dead Rising 4 is getting rid of the timer system. While a hallmark of the series, the time limit has proven to be a controversial mechanic among players. The developers claim that the decision to remove the timer system was to make the series more accessible and let players stop and smell the roses.
For our main campaign we really felt we wanted people to explore our world, and be able to go everywhere they want to go. We don’t want them to feel like they’re under the gun, to find what they need to find, or get where they need to get.
Dead Rising 4 is slated for a December 6th release on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC and a possible release on PS4.