Dead Rising 2: Off the Record

 Xbox 360
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
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  1. Jobadkins
    May 1, 2012
    10
    Zombie games,It strikes a love it or hate it kinda feel.There really isn't anything in-between.In my personal opinion, this to me is a love it kinda game.This game surpasses Dead rising 1 and 2 by a mile.People say"well this is what could of happened and it's not real.HELLO...this series isn't real,there are no zombies in life and never will be.So to me that's what makes this game soZombie games,It strikes a love it or hate it kinda feel.There really isn't anything in-between.In my personal opinion, this to me is a love it kinda game.This game surpasses Dead rising 1 and 2 by a mile.People say"well this is what could of happened and it's not real.HELLO...this series isn't real,there are no zombies in life and never will be.So to me that's what makes this game so genius is that it brings a false to already a false.The game play couldn't be more right on the money,and it makes for the best zombie playground ever created especially in the sandbox mode.If it's at all possible for the people that have never played any of the games then jump right into this one, cause this is the true place to start then you'll probably want to go out and pick up the original afterwards.That's the way to get the most out of the series and just skip part 2 altogether.The only thing that Deadrising 2 had that was better was the story,the idea was that you were actually going out in the horde of zombies to get medicine for your daughter,but that's it.The online for this game is also fun,engaging and brilliant.Left 4 dead 2 does have the best muli-player for a zombie game but this is hands down the winner for a single player experience and an overall complete gaming experience.9.5… Expand
  2. 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 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 youThis 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.… Expand
  3. 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 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,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 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.… Expand
  4. Rollie
    Jul 23, 2014
    9
    Taking a picture with a zombie whilst your co-op buddy is puking in the background. priceless!

    Absolutely loved this game, it was just so much fun. Twice the fun with a co-op partner! Mowing down zombies with a kids bike, thanks Capcom, you really do know how to treat me! The only thing that really ticks me is the time limit but then again it's because, well... It's part of the    Taking a picture with a zombie whilst your co-op buddy is puking in the background. priceless!

    Absolutely loved this game, it was just so much fun. Twice the fun with a co-op partner!

    Mowing down zombies with a kids bike, thanks Capcom, you really do know how to treat me!

    The only thing that really ticks me is the time limit but then again it's because, well... It's part of the story.

    You do however get sandbox mode, all the freedom you want with no timer, which basically means you can stop off at that shop you saw and try on that fancy ladies outfit... (We both know you done it and took a picture of yourself in the bathroom).

    The weapon combinations never fail to amaze me. So many to craft, so much fun to use! (Wow, much fun, such wow, many zombies)

    If you haven't played this with a friend then I recommend doing so, the amount of laughter and fun is worth them days when you don't go in to work. (Not because you have been up all night covering your friend in mustard whilst wearing a gimp suit and taking photos of them... No, certainly not because of that at all...)

    Very enjoyable game, must have!

    9/10.    … Expand
  5. TheQuietGamer
    May 27, 2017
    9
    A "what if?" story where the first Dead Rising's protagonist Frank West replaces Chuck Greene. Don't make the mistake of thinking all you're getting are some new cutscene's. It is still largely the same game. You're still going to be saving civilians, crafting crazy weapons, having psychopath boss battles, and racing the clock. A lot of these encounters have gone unchanged. Off the RecordA "what if?" story where the first Dead Rising's protagonist Frank West replaces Chuck Greene. Don't make the mistake of thinking all you're getting are some new cutscene's. It is still largely the same game. You're still going to be saving civilians, crafting crazy weapons, having psychopath boss battles, and racing the clock. A lot of these encounters have gone unchanged. Off the Record has plenty of things of it's own to offer. There are some exclusive side-quests, weapon combos, and Frank's camera makes a return. Those are just the tip of the iceberg though. The exclusive psychopaths and new story bosses are great. There's an entire new area to explore that proves to be a great place to stock up on Zombrex and cash.

    Yes, despite Chuck's daughter no longer being in the game, you'll still need to hunt down Zombrex. This time just for Frank himself. The plus side is that now you take Zombrex on the go wherever you are rather than having to run back to the safe-house every so often. This is just one of the few ways Off the Record makes the Dead Rising 2 experience a little less stressful. It's also the most minor. Not only has the overall difficulty been turned down, but the fantastic inclusion of a checkpoint system means that death no longer means going back to that last save. You no longer have to be so meticulous with your planning ahead and can play the game at a more relaxed pace. I never once had trouble knocking out every quest that popped up. I did however notice that not all of them did. Something that would likely be rectified on a second playthrough or so.

    The additions don't stop there though. A sure fire hit with a lot of people, particularly those with a co-op buddy, is going to be the sandbox mode. No objectives and no timers, it's all about exploring the game at your leisure and complete some challenges. It also serves as a less stressful way to get some of those achievements.

    The new story doesn't quite fare as well as the original Dead Rising 2. Frank just isn't as likable as Chuck. Watching him go through largely the exact same events doesn't have that same emotional component like they did Chuck was in the spotlight. That's because he's not fighting to keep his daughter alive. He's just looking out for number one as always. Still, we get some extra doses of humor and a pretty cool final boss fight (before the S ending). It's not bad, it's just the one thing that keeps me from liking this more than the original Dead Rising 2.

    It's also worth noting that not all of the original game's flaws were fixed here. Your protagonist still moves slow, the survivors you save even slower, load times can be long, and there are some collision and response detection issues here and there. They still don't ruin the experience, but they are noticeable frustrations.

    A little bit more than just a simple reskin, Off the Record offers enough new content to justify returning to Dead Rising 2. The new checkpoints and sandbox mode may even be enough to win over those who weren't so keen on DR 2's more stressful challenge. Still, not everyone is going to be 100% satisfied as the majority of the content here is identical to the main game. Yet, if you're looking for more Dead Rising you can find it here and it's just as fun as always.

    9.2/10    … Expand
  6. manic221
    Sep 13, 2012
    10
    This game is fantastic i've played every single Dead Rising game and they are all so much fun! For those of you down below who say you don't have enough time and Frank is too slow, You haven't played enough of the game and you've completely missed the point... Dead Rising has and will hopefully always be about multiple playthroughs your not supposed to beat bosses or be able to rescueThis game is fantastic i've played every single Dead Rising game and they are all so much fun! For those of you down below who say you don't have enough time and Frank is too slow, You haven't played enough of the game and you've completely missed the point... Dead Rising has and will hopefully always be about multiple playthroughs your not supposed to beat bosses or be able to rescue everyone the first time you play this game... The first time you play this game you will struggle! it's damn hard! and it's supposed to be, after you beat the game you are encouraged (and should) replay the game, in the second playthrough you keep all the experience from the first playthrough... as you level up Frank gets stronger and faster so naturally a second, third and even fourth playthrough is much easier and also a lot more fun.

    Dead Rising is designed to be difficult (especially the first time through) if you don't like that you should look elsewhere but if you want a game that you can sink literally hours into then i recommend this game above anything else it has perhaps the most playtime of any game! Unlike many others though i do not recomend this game as your first Dead Rising... i recomend Dead Rising 2. Of the record is a What if story, and has some minor changes from Chucks story the reason i don't recommend OTR is because if you want to learn about the over arching story your NOT going to get that here. This story is completely Non-Canon meaning in the main series the events of this game DO NOT happen so when/if 3 comes out you will likely be left very confused. Highly recommend OTR to everyone but if your interested in story choose Dead Rising 2 instead.    … Expand
  7. illage2
    Nov 14, 2011
    8
    This is what the original DR2 should have been like.

    This game is fantastic, while I do agree it should have been kept as DLC, I am glad they made it stand alone. You can fill up on your Zombie genocidal tendencies and have a lot of fun playing this game. There are new weapons, DLC, locations etc. All of which make this stand out from the original. The reason I gave it an 8 was because if    This is what the original DR2 should have been like.

    This game is fantastic, while I do agree it should have been kept as DLC, I am glad they made it stand alone. You can fill up on your Zombie genocidal tendencies and have a lot of fun playing this game. There are new weapons, DLC, locations etc. All of which make this stand out from the original. The reason I gave it an 8 was because if you've played the original DR2, then this game will seem like the same game you played last year (Remember CoD people), and that alone might put you off buying this game.

    I had a lot of fun playing this game, and will continue to do so for many years to come.    … Expand
  8. AllDayXbox
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    If you haven't played DR2 then this is a must buy, however if you have played DR2 then my advice would be too rent it simply for its incredible sandbox mode, fair enough the Co-Op is also refined, but still not worth the money, honestly I was a little underwhelmed by the story as it is quite literally DR2's story repackaged for Frank. If you do buy it make sure to check out the GameIf you haven't played DR2 then this is a must buy, however if you have played DR2 then my advice would be too rent it simply for its incredible sandbox mode, fair enough the Co-Op is also refined, but still not worth the money, honestly I was a little underwhelmed by the story as it is quite literally DR2's story repackaged for Frank. If you do buy it make sure to check out the Game Breaker Pack as it adds a whole new level of fun to the game for only 400 Microsoft Points!… Expand
  9. 410MaXiMuS
    Mar 13, 2012
    10
    If you haven't played Dead Rising 2 - definitely get Off The Record. If you HAVE already played Dead Rising 2, I can only recommend this if you are a huge fan or have been craving for a sandbox mode. This version alters the story, adds new weapons, new psychopaths, new outfits, a new location, and the sandbox mode.
  10. DarkPlum
    Nov 10, 2011
    8
    Dead Rising 2: Off the Record is a spectacular game if you are a fan of slaughtering thousands of zombies in lots of fun ways. Though it uses the same world as Dead Rising 2 with added features, for those who missed Dead Rising 2, this is a must buy with upto 30-40 hours of gameplay available (provided that you wish to be thorough with achievements and challenges).

    The story retold    Dead Rising 2: Off the Record is a spectacular game if you are a fan of slaughtering thousands of zombies in lots of fun ways. Though it uses the same world as Dead Rising 2 with added features, for those who missed Dead Rising 2, this is a must buy with upto 30-40 hours of gameplay available (provided that you wish to be thorough with achievements and challenges).

    The story retold through the character of Frank West (in my opinion) is far better than the one on offer in Dead Rising 2, with Frank being a much more interesting and loveable character than Chuck. For those that would not consider themselves as fans of zombie game titles, this game holds no fun worth the price.

    Sandbox mode is finally within the game, after much begging on Dead Rising forums from the fans. Sandbox allows players to have access to the entire environment (aside from a few doors here and then used during the story mode) and all items within the game to play with. Challenges (though with some being frustrating) also provide hours of entertainment for both the single player and those who prefer co-op.

    Though I assume many people were not fans of the Terror is Reality XVII online game mode, this is my openly bone to pick with the game. Perhaps future DLC to allow players to access the TIR Arena during sandbox play with some new challenges to complete there is on the cards, but knowing Capcom they would wait 2 games and 5 years to allow this.    … Expand
  11. BigFatFatty
    Nov 29, 2011
    8
    I was very excited with the announcement of Dead Rising 2, but then not excited when Chuck Greene was in it. Looks like Capcom fixed that problem. Frank West is just a better character.
  12. Breegullbeak
    Jan 16, 2013
    8
    Frank isn't the only one getting old. Being the 4th game in a small window of time, this remake of Dead Rising 2 pus Chuck in the rouges gallery and gives Frank the chance to get back in the game both literally and figuratively. It's unfortunate that he has such a hard time pulling it off. Not much has changed between the original version of Dead Rising 2 and this remake. There is anFrank isn't the only one getting old. Being the 4th game in a small window of time, this remake of Dead Rising 2 pus Chuck in the rouges gallery and gives Frank the chance to get back in the game both literally and figuratively. It's unfortunate that he has such a hard time pulling it off. Not much has changed between the original version of Dead Rising 2 and this remake. There is an amusement park ans some new weapons added from the Case West Download-able title and some fresh off the amusement park which is space themed. The game plays pretty much the same up until the end until they mix things up and the difficulty takes a turn of 90 degrees. I didn't make it any farther and I haven't gone back to try, but the game doesn't change much until the end that's for sure.

    The camera is back and is thrown into a few missions, but it feels much less useful then it did in the original game. Why slowly level up by taking pictures when you could maim zombies and level up faster? The knights armor is replaced with a Protoman outfit and all of the original games DLC can be unlocked or found in the Casino. The Sandbox mode is great, but the lack of feeling the need to save can be painful when you lose connection and all your unsaved progress you made being the Co-op guest. The Zombie slaying gets boring fast and only goes to show that the franchise is either showing it's age, or we've played too may of these games recently.    … Expand
  13. Mister_Cobalt
    Nov 13, 2012
    8
    The game itself is well made and the option to play in Sandbox mode makes the game worth the price of admission. The New additions to the game, including better controls for firearms and driving, make it a major improvement over the original. Combo weapons are a fun addition as well. If you did not play Dead Rising 2, and you choose this as your first encounter with the 2nd installmentThe game itself is well made and the option to play in Sandbox mode makes the game worth the price of admission. The New additions to the game, including better controls for firearms and driving, make it a major improvement over the original. Combo weapons are a fun addition as well. If you did not play Dead Rising 2, and you choose this as your first encounter with the 2nd installment of the series, it is very much worth your time.… Expand
  14. JohnWitten
    Jun 8, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. [Condensed]

    Within Sandbox mode's 'story' or strategic lack thereof, you will find not missions or objectives- but mainly simple little goals and fun and interesting little challenges for you to try your hand and wits at. These range from a wide variety of things from 'find this', to 'kill that', and then some. The even better thing about these challenges is that- instead of hundreds of challenges overwhelming the player at the offset, they trickle in as you kill more and more of the undead, and thus give you a neverending stream of challenges to try your hand or head at whenever you get the chance. Even better is the fact that any and all kills and levels you obtain within the Sanbox mode and its challenges are completely interchangeable and usable within the story mode for your Frank West there. This means you can forget the sudden difficulty in certain parts of the game if you are an underleveled character, and simply spend a few hours in Sanbox mode before you are then ready to go- which saves you from otherwise having to restart the entire game all over again. In Sandbox mode, you can even have your cooperative friend- should you seek one, help you out and join in the zombie killing festivities as (not another Frank clone as in past games) Chuck Greene. This makes for the ultimate bonding experience and melds Dead Rising 2's two games in one final way for sure.

    Instead of merely being another version of the same game with the one difference being that the main characters are two separate and different people and beings entirely, Dead Rising 2: Off the record blazes a suprisingly new and innovative trail, as much as a fun and interesting one as well. If you are either planning on being a newcomer to the series and trying to figure out which game to start with, or you've played at least since either Dead Rising 1 and 2- then I encourage you to try your hand at this new and improved version, as it does everything Chuck could and then some. Cheers, Frank.

    Concept: So, you have the same basic formula as the original Dead Rising 2 game but with a few tweaks as well as the surprise addition of a newcomer to the wiles of Fortune City in the form of the carefree series mainstay, Frank West- avid photographer and survivalist.

    Graphics: The graphics are as usual for this game series, not always the best- but quite an amazing example of how many enemies and objects can be seen on screen at once, with often more than a thousand zombies knocking on your door at the same time.

    Sound: From every meaty slash and thunk to each clang of a thrown football on a vending machine of a lawn dart to the helmeted war veteran, the game's sounds really make it a unique and impressive experience.

    Playabiltiy: Add in the upgraded photo-bombing formula of the first game along with any and all of Chuck's skills and you've got a great match in Off the Record.

    Entertainment: While the story is virtually the same this time around, it is still a blast to run through all over again without some of the prior constraints, and with the new playground available to players through the improved Sandbox mode.

    Replay Value: Moderately High

    Overall Score: 9.0

    Written 2012    … Expand
  15. Barnes1987
    Mar 28, 2017
    9
    This is one of the best zombie games on the console, and it's even more fun if you play online with a friend. Frank West returns for this installment and it is well worth a purchase for all zombie fans.

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. GameFocus
    Nov 27, 2011
    50
    While Dead Rising 2: Off the Record does incorporate changes and additions that improve upon its predecessor, it's hard to overlook the numerous technical issues that weigh it down.
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  2. GamerNode
    Nov 17, 2011
    60
    Off the Record isn't a terrible game. It's still has the same gameplay systems and wacky combo weapons as the original DR2, flaws and all. It just doesn't need to exist and I struggle to find any reason to recommend it.
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  3. 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.
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