If it were just Case Files you were straddled with, you'd be living like a king. And Dead Rising certainly doesn't want you living like a king - it's much too hardcore for that. On top of the time-sensitive story events (everything happens in quasi-realtime on an in-game clock), you'll also juggle "Scoop" scenarios (important events that can reveal more story bits and more survivor rescues, but can be ignored), as well as simple survivor requests. You'll find yourself saddled with a crapload of tasks from random zombie stabbing to escorting survivors to collecting bombs to erotic photojournalism. That's not a typo. The entirety turns into a multi-tasking nightmare that you'll either revel in or grow increasingly stressed out by - it really just depends on what type of gamer you are. And the stress multiplies once you realize that each of these different requests is delivered under specific time constraints. Miss the window and better luck next time, Mr. West.

All of this is compounded by Dead Rising's "how hard do you like it?" save system. In short, you only have one save slot per MU or hard-drive, which can be pretty infuriating if you're aiming for a meticulous run through. But guess what? Dead Rising isn't about a perfect run-through on your first time - you'll have to level up, save your status and start the game over in order to see absolutely everything the game has to offer or have the virtual chutzpah to make it to the game's "true ending" (there are several in all).