TGS 09: Dead Rising 2 - multiplayer modes

But the real highlights were the new multiplayer modes on show. We got to see four new modes where players compete against each other in Terror is Reality. The first was Ramsterball. Players rolled around in giant cages in an area that was filled with pinball-like bumpers with zombies on top. The mode works like a game of tag. One player is it. His goal is to roll around the field, hitting bumpers and triggering the death of the zombies who stand atop them. If another player hits the player who is it with enough force, he takes over the title and can start scoring points for himself. The player who racked up the most zombie kills by smashing against bumpers while it, wins the round.

At the end of Ramsterball, points were tallied and carried over to the next mode, Headache. In this mode, players started off near a machine that dispenses helmets. You can grab three helmets at a time and put them on any of the numerous zombies scattered throughout the map. The goal of the game is to attach helmets to as many zombies as possible before killing them by hitting one of two large red buttons on either end of arena. The more zombies a player kills at a time, the more points they receive. To make things interesting, each player also has dynamite, which can be used to kill other players’ helmeted zombies and robbing them of potential points.

Pounds of Flesh was the next mode. Each player starts off on their own zombie infested platform that is separated from a scale by a small gap. You’ll have to don a ridiculous helmet with moose antlers, and use it to scoop and bash as much zombie flesh onto the scale across from you as possible. Given that the overall weight of the zombies determines your score, fat zombies are worth more. If you run out of zombies, you can hit a button that will crush any remaining stragglers and deliver a fresh batch.

The final event on show was Slicecyles. Players start this event on motorcycles equipped with chainsaws on either handle. The goal is simple: kill as many zombies with your slicecycle as possible. After the field is swept clear of zombies, the bonus round begins. At this point of the demo, zombies poured on to the field, hundreds at a time. Players continued to slice and maim until time ran out.

Although only four multiplayer modes were on display at TGS, Capcom plans to include more in the final game. Expect more gory details on Dead Rising 2 and zombie-related shenanigans as the Dead Rising 2’s 2010 release draws nearer.

Sep 29, 2009