A definite need for all zombie-game players.
Frank West an independent photographer gets wind of a government cover up in small town America. Travelling into the city via helicopter Frank discovers something incredibly wrong with the town. Arriving at the town mall (which is very odd because of its massive scale in a tiny town) he learns of the infestation of the living impaired. Ideally, I can't think of a better start to a story for the game, and as the story unfolds it gives life to many interesting characters in both the main plot and sub-plots.
The gameplay is solid. Everything is weapon and is very effective given the situation that its called for. Boxes, swords, sledge hammers, knifes, tazers, are just a few of the many possibilities. The weapons also react in the proper ways swords slice, hammers bludgeon, etc. The special abilities that Frank can learn through the experience system are also particularly fun. Who doesn't want to perform wrestling moves on unsuspecting zombies, or walk across waves of rotting heads as if you were on water. These things are all great, however, there is one problem and it comes from the use of guns in the game. There is no run and gun in this game, in order to fire an gun it has to be done while standing still. For hand guns, and the like this needs to be an option regardless of how inaccurate it would make the gunfire. Granted certain weapons would require to stand still and aim, a sniper rifle for example. A simple cover system would be nice to have included as well for certain fights that come up in the game. Another issue is the controls do not always seem responsive or a little slow which can be a big deal given you're under attack by human munching zombies.
Graphics are up to par for an older game, voice acting is excellent, and the sound is well done.
Overall this is an excellent game with just a few minor flaws. Aside from a few sticky controls and the gun aspect of this game, the raw gore and action, along with many laughable situations makes Dead Rising one of the best zombie games to date.