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Before you begin, there will be situated Dead Rising 2: Off the Record for one that is really beyond ad, assumptions and assurances by Capcom. Sold at a discounted price when it hits stores, it can be considered as the new budget version of Dead Rising 2, with some updates and changes, such as Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition is the Super Street Fighter IV. All clear? So let's start this preview, based on testing a version not yet complete for the PlayStation 3.

The beginning of the game is set behind the scenes of the program TIR - Terror Is Reality, played with a short introduction in which Frank West is the main attraction. Wrestling style, this short mini lively Arena determines the amount of money with which to start the game, based on the number of undead cuts in the ring. After that, it opens the real story, which closely follows that seen in the original Dead Rising 2, with some differences. Although most of the cast and interludes are unchanged, the cut scenes offer a new perspective on the events, putting Frank in the middle of the plot with additional background and details. So if the feeling of déjà vu at the beginning is very strong, does not take much to find some interest in the setting and its protagonists. Besides, Frank is accompanied by his trusty camera, and then we find the first "reporter" of the first Dead Rising to its full functionality. At any time, you can search the photo-effect (to earn bonus experience points) with a simple combination of keys that move the camera lens. Of course, the criteria are still valid when the quality of the images: violent, sexy and so on. Moreover, there are interludes playable focused solely on photography, which vary slightly lighter action and the general tone compared to the catastrophe in progress. Why do we have to remember that Fortune City is once again overrun by zombies, even more than it was a year ago in the story dedicated to Chuck Greene? So get ready to rescue survivors, complete missions and yes, keep an eye on the clock again.

As said earlier, Dead Rising 2: Off the Record is not a sequel or an episode aside, but a redesign of the previous title. So the structure of the game remain intact and most of the technical realization. The only changes that stand out are a slight improvement of the fluidity and boots, however, still far from the standards that we expect on the PlayStation 3. The delays are in fact on the agenda, as well as a strong image tearing in crowded scenes, while the screen "loading" still have a frequency too high. In short, seem to see the first episode five years later, even in moderate detail of the characters and animations anything but spectacular. Fortunately, the unique design and humor "black" in all situations improve the overall framework and the distance they go (almost) all technical defects in the background. We would have preferred, however, see some progress on the consistent realization, because the first chapter was already advanced in 2006, let alone today. One thing that you do not need any special is the sound, with English dubbing always very apt and varied effects in an unmistakable way that delineate the various areas of the map visit.

One important change concerns the Sandbox mode, which, integrated with cooperative multiplayer online (back from Dead Rising 2) should provide a very broad term in this edition. Selectable separately from the title screen, Frank sees the Sandbox Mode engaged in a surreal holiday in Fortune City while it is invaded by zombies, with no targets or time limits. It is, in essence, to compete for the score with quick challenges to be activated by touching the appropriate checkpoints scattered on the ground. Needless to say, this will unleash the true spirit of unrestrained Dead Rising series, focused on experimentation and the carnage does not stop. Free continuous messages on the screen and deadlines, we take the time necessary to eliminate dozens of zombies in the most absurd possible, even with a friend connected via the Internet. The fact that it is separate from the main campaign, with its bailouts, it makes the game almost a sandbox mode in the game, or at least a mitigate to be more than we could expect. Summing up, Dead Rising 2: Off The Record is being heralded as the perfect game for diehard fans of the first episode that Dead Rising 2 Havana snubbed because of the new protagonist. Frank is in better shape than ever and the game mechanics are as ever, including defects. Insufficient crucial improvements on the technical side, and hardly see them in the full game, since there is less than a month at the exit. That said, if the first Dead Rising is still one of your favorite games, well book a ticket to Fortune City. And this time, also bring your camera!