What Movie Inspired Dead Rising?
The popular Dead Rising video game series has been thrilling players with its over-the-top gore and zombie-killing action, but have you ever wondered what inspired its creation? The answer lies in the classic 1978 horror movie, Dawn of the Dead. In this article, we’ll delve into the connection between the two and explore how Dead Rising borrowed elements from the pioneering zombie film.
A Brief Look at Dawn of the Dead
Directed by George A. Romero, Dawn of the Dead is a sequel to his 1968 film Night of the Living Dead. The movie takes place four years after the events of the first film and follows a small group of survivors who retreat to a shopping mall, hoping to find safety from the hordes of undead. However, they soon realize that the mall is not the paradise they thought it would be, and that the zombies are not the only horrors they need to face.
The Birth of Dead Rising
Capcom’s Dead Rising series, developed by keiji Inafune and his team, was heavily inspired by Dawn of the Dead. The game’s protagonist, Frank West, is a gruff, wisecracking journalist who finds himself trapped in a Willamette, Colorado shopping mall with hordes of zombies. The game’s objective is to survive for 72 hours, taking down zombies and uncovering the secrets behind the outbreak.
Similarities Between Dawn of the Dead and Dead Rising
Here are some significant similarities between the two:
- Both feature shopping malls as a refuge: In Dawn of the Dead, the survivors take shelter in a shopping mall. In Dead Rising, Frank finds himself trapped in a Willamette Mega Mall, which becomes his battlefield.
- Zombies: Both Dawn of the Dead and Dead Rising feature hordes of slow-moving, flesh-eating zombies.
- Over-the-top action: Dawn of the Dead was known for its graphic violence and gore. Dead Rising takes this up a notch, with players able to unleash creative and gruesome attacks on the undead.
- Comedic element: Both films have a bit of dark humor. Dawn of the Dead features witty one-liners, while Dead Rising has Frank’s sarcastic comments and banter with other survivors.
Differences Between Dawn of the Dead and Dead Rising
While the two share similar elements, there are some key differences:
- Tone: Dawn of the Dead is a serious, socially conscious commentary on consumerism and society. Dead Rising is more lighthearted, with a focus on action and humor.
- Gameplay: While both feature zombies, Dead Rising’s gameplay is focused on combat and exploration. Dawn of the Dead is a more traditional, slow-burning horror film.
- Setting: Dawn of the Dead takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while Dead Rising is set in Willamette, Colorado.
Conclusion
The movie that inspired Dead Rising is undoubtedly the 1978 classic, Dawn of the Dead. While the two differ in tone and gameplay, they share some significant similarities. From the shopping malls to the zombies, Dead Rising borrowed elements from the pioneering film to create its own unique experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What movie inspired Dead Rising?
- The answer is the 1978 horror movie Dawn of the Dead.
What were the similarities between Dawn of the Dead and Dead Rising?
- Both feature shopping malls as a refuge, zombies, over-the-top action, and a comedic element.
What were the differences between Dawn of the Dead and Dead Rising?
- While both share similar elements, Dawn of the Dead is a serious, socially conscious horror film, while Dead Rising is more lighthearted and focused on action and comedy.