What caused the zombie outbreak in Dead Rising?
The survival horror series, Dead Rising, has captured the imagination of gamers worldwide with its intense action-packed gameplay, and thrilling storylines. But have you ever wondered what triggered the zombie apocalypse that ravages the United States? Let’s take a closer look at the origins of the outbreak that sent humanity spiraling towards chaos.
Genetic Experiment Gone Wrong
At the heart of the story is the introduction of the zombie virus, which is created through a genetic experiment conducted by a company known as Phenotrans. This multinational conglomerate specializing in biotechnology and pharmacology, with the ultimate goal of developing a safer, more effective way of breeding cattle, accidentally spawns the outbreak that would plague humanity.
The Perfect Storm
As the series progresses, we learn that Phenotrans’ chief scientist, Dr. Ludovic Bloom, had designed a new species of genetic mosquitoes to increase the yields of milk production in livestock. The scientists at the research facility were experimenting with the Zika-like virus to create the "Genetically Altered Mosquito Virus" (GAM). Unfortunately, this experiment turned disastrous, resulting in an unpredictable virus that mutated uncontrollably.
Mosquitoes, the Unlikely Culprits
While conducting experiments on the lab floor, an unsuspecting employee, who had been tasked with disposing of the G.A.M., accidentally drops the infected mosquitoes into an industrial sewer. The bacteria-filled water created an incubation chamber for the GAM virus, allowing it to multiply rapidly.
When Mosquitoes Attack!
Within hours, hordes of mosquitoes, once mere laboratory subjects, escaped from the sewers and unleashed hell on the unsuspecting cities. Their biting and flying ability made it impossible to defend against them, as they swarmed through crowds, biting anyone and anything in sight.
First Wave, Second Wave… and Total Chaos!
As humans and zombies, now both carriers of the virus, came into contact, spreading the infection with each successive transmission, chaos erupted in every corner of the affected regions. This led to an uncontrollable spread, where people transformed into hyper-aggressive, flesh-mangling, bloodthirsty monsters – the kind you can only find in Dead Rising.
Outbreak, Outbreak… Where Do I Even Start?
Throughout the course of the games, fans witness firsthand the devastating impacts of this rapid spread – a seemingly impossible task without knowing what truly caused this horror show.
Game Over
Here’s how Dead Rising, the entire franchise, boils down the timeline:
Day One
• Scientists at Phenotrans introduce the viral GAM, and an unlucky lab employee lets it all slip out
Within 24 hours
• Swarms of infected mosquitoes disperse into the populace
Before the weekend is over
• Zombrex (the medicine needed to combat the disease) runs out
• Military units deployed to enforce martial law are overwhelmed and ineffective
• The fabric of society collapses
That’s a crash course in what sparked the zombie epidemic that terrorizes the franchise! Whether it’s gaming enthusiasts, die-hard series fans, or simply survival horror aficionados, a single thread remains – respect for the dead, before it’s too late, to the game, and to the world we once knew.