Dead Rising 2 infects stores August 31

One year ago this week, Capcom confirmed months of rumors that it was making a sequel to the Xbox 360-exclusive action game Dead Rising. Today, the publisher finally dated the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC project, revealing that it will arrive in North America on August 31. Japanese gamers will get to take on the undead again September 2, and Europeans can pick it up September 3.

While Microsoft lost the original game's system exclusivity, it may find consolation in a Dead Rising bonus just for 360 gamers. Capcom has announced that the game will have Xbox 360-specific downloadable content in the form of Dead Rising 2: Case Zero. Set for release shortly before the full game, Case Zero serves as a bridge between the first Dead Rising and its sequel, introducing players to the new protagonist and setting as well as explaining its link to the original. Pricing for Case Zero has yet to be announced.

Japanese Xbox 360 owners will also be able to download the upcoming live-action film based on the series, Dead Rising: Zombrex. With original Dead Rising game director Keiji Inafune at the helm, Zombrex follows two brothers in Japan attempting to escape a quarantined area rotten with zombies. Capcom has yet to confirm any plans to make the film available in North America.

For more on Dead Rising, check out GameSpot's original review, and check back for hands-on impressions of the sequel straight from Microsoft's X10 press event.