Dead Rising 2: Off the Record

 Xbox 360
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
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  1. Game Informer
    Oct 11, 2011
    95
    The inclusion of the sandbox mode makes Dead Rising 2: Off the Record more than just a retread with slightly modified cutscenes. By itself, it's an incentive for Dead Rising 2 players to pick it up. If you haven't gotten around to playing the sequel yet, this is definitely the version to get.
  2. Armchair Empire
    Oct 27, 2011
    85
    There have been some new areas and psychos, and weapon combos added, the photography feature from the original returns, and deviations from the original Dead Rising 2 story line (or at least how the events are experienced), but it's all instantly familiar, which makes it easy to recommend for those that appreciated the past meatl-- Dead Rising games.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    Oct 19, 2011
    85
    Frank West has covered wars, the Willamette incident and now he shoves Chuck Greene aside and covers the Fortune City incident!
  5. Games Master UK
    Oct 23, 2011
    83
    The definitive version of Dead Rising 2, and at a bargain price, too. [Dec 2011, p.93]
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  6. GameShark
    Oct 12, 2011
    83
    Dead Rising 2: Off the Record is in the weird limbo land between update and full release. There's plenty of content here, but most of it isn't new.
  7. GameTrailers
    Oct 11, 2011
    82
    If you've missed out on the original outbreak, Off the Record is a great opportunity to experience what Dead Rising 2 is all about. Walking amongst the living dead is an enticing proposition in this alternate version filled with extra content, especially when it comes with a discounted price tag.
  8. Game Over Online
    Nov 5, 2011
    80
    If you played through Dead Rising 2 and you're not particularly enthused about Frank, the reason to look at Off the Record is to spend a few days with a friend bouncing around the mall in Sandbox Mode. I wouldn't recommend this on any other basis, but that's pretty much enough on its own.
  9. GameOver.gr
    Nov 3, 2011
    80
    Off the Record is a game that offers an outrageous amount of content for newcomers to the franchise and even veterans of Dead Rising 2 will enjoy the «anxiety free» sandbox mode. On the other hand, many will complain that all this content could have been made available as a DLC for Dead Rising 2.
  10. DarkZero
    Oct 25, 2011
    80
    The big question here: Is Off The Record different enough from the original Dead Rising 2 to warrant a purchase? For fans of the franchise the answer has got to be yes. There may not be loads added, but considering the budget price it is worth picking up, if only just to play as Frank West again.
  11. Gamereactor Denmark
    Oct 19, 2011
    80
    In many ways, Off the Record is a better game than the original Dead Rising 2 with a better save function and a parallel universe setting of sorts. But it's also the SAME game, and if you've already played the original, there's little point in getting this. Only Dead Rising newcomers or absolute die-hards need apply.
  12. 3DJuegos
    Oct 13, 2011
    80
    DR2: Off the Record is a great opportunity to experience the great Dead Rising 2 if you've missed out the original.
  13. GamesRadar+
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    A great game for those out to revisit Dead Rising 2 and those who avoided the series until now. It fixes or at least improves on several major issues with the series, making Capcom's zombie slayer more fun than ever.
  14. Vandal
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    This is overall the same game from last year, but with another main character. This change allows for new moves, new motivations for the main character and the addition of the camera, which changes and improves gameplay, but the content is almost the same, and it is difficult to recommend the game for those who already have the original, except for hardcore fans.
  15. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Oct 11, 2011
    80
    It's fundamentally the same game, fourth time round at least, but it has enough new content to warrant a return to Fortune City. The best of Dead Rising.
  16. Xbox Achievements
    Nov 15, 2011
    78
    Worth a punt if you've yet to become acquainted with Fortune City, and although the addition of checkpoints might seem beyond the pale to some, it considerably reduces the frustration factor. At a budget price, Off the Record represents surprisingly decent value, and who out there doesn't like cross-dressing and clubbing zombies to death? Exactly.
  17. MondoXbox
    Oct 23, 2011
    78
    Off the Record feels too much as the previous game, and the new sandbox mode isn't really open like we would have liked. Advised only if you never played DR2.
  18. XboxAddict
    Nov 17, 2011
    77
    It's hard to recommend if you've already played Dead Rising 2 as it's fundamentally the same game for the most part. If you haven't though, then definitely pick it up as this is the version to get as there's really no other game like it.
  19. Cheat Code Central
    Oct 12, 2011
    76
    It's tough shaking the feeling that this game offers little to make it worthwhile to anyone who played the second game, but if you're itching for some more gory zombie action, then Off the Record shouldn't disappoint.
  20. Xbox World Australia
    Oct 30, 2011
    75
    Dead Rising 2: Off The Record is a very interesting retelling of the events of Dead Rising 2. Unfortunately, many of those who have already experienced the game that came before this will inevitably be put off by the repetition, as most of the content here is not new nor is it compelling if you've spent so much time on the original.
  21. Meristation
    Oct 11, 2011
    75
    Dead Rising 2: Off The Record is, basically, the same game we've seen a year ago, but with the "what if Frank West was the hero of Fortune City?". It has a few changes, some updates and several improvements, but overall is the same game. The most interesting thing is the new storyline, much more interesting than the Chuck Greene narrative. Makes you wonder if this should have been the Dead Rising 2 canon.
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Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
75
#75 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 75 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 27 out of 75
  3. Negative: 6 out of 75
  1. klinesmokerr
    Oct 11, 2011
    9
    This is a game for fans, pure and simple. Objectively I can't say this is worth picking up if you're not one for the Dead Rising world, but ifThis is a game for fans, pure and simple. Objectively I can't say this is worth picking up if you're not one for the Dead Rising world, but if you are it does everything you would hope it would do. By reintroducing Frank West as the protagonist, Capcom has done a fine job of pushing the story into his hands and giving the player an idea of what it would mean to be the original hero. If you do decide to co-op the title, the game becomes (as before) an enjoyable romp full of crazy outfits, over the top modifications and popcorn humor that is not only born from the game itself but from the humor you and your buddy will self create. At $40, this is a steal for entertainment, craziness, hilarity and more. Don't be fooled by critical reviews that pan the game for doing exactly what the fans wanted it to do, just pick it up, grab some snacks and enjoy (or re-enjoy) one of last year's underrated titles.… Full Review »
  2. rukastar
    Oct 12, 2011
    8
    Dead Rising 2: Off The Record is a good game for fans of the zombie-killing franchise. While this game contains some new elements, it's notDead Rising 2: Off The Record is a good game for fans of the zombie-killing franchise. While this game contains some new elements, it's not entirely a full game bursting with originality. If you've already spent countless hours in Dead Rising 2, this probably won't seem as fulfilling as a new entry in the series should. Dead Rising 2: Off The Record makes for a good enough game by itself, but comparing it to the core DR2 game doesn't exactly allow it the recognition it deserves. This game is basically a re-do, but for fans of the series it may not matter. Love him or despise him, Frank West is certainly... an interesting hero to say the least. Its new content and a slightly revised story are perhaps perfect for a complete novice to the series or even the most devoted fan looking for another reason to kill. I would give this game an 8.1. It might not be the greatest thing for hardcore veterans expecting a completely NEW GAME, but for what it is (Dead Rising 2.5 with some new elements but with mostly recycled elements) it's definitely worth picking up. I agree 100% with klinesmokerr's statement that this is a game for fans, pure and simple.… Full Review »
  3. Tommy758
    Oct 12, 2011
    6
    Dead Rising 2: Off the Record is a great zombie game. It has lots of reply value and adds new features from the orignal. But if you alreadyDead Rising 2: Off the Record is a great zombie game. It has lots of reply value and adds new features from the orignal. But if you already own it, it's a complete rip off at $40. If you've never played Dead Rising 2 then this is a great game. If I were you I'd wait until it has a price drop.… Full Review »
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