The question that has plagued zombie slayers and combo weapon enthusiasts for years: which Dead Rising 3 ending is actually canon? The definitive answer, based on developer intent and narrative cues within the Dead Rising universe, is Ending S. This ending is considered the true, canon ending of Dead Rising 3.
Why Ending S Reigns Supreme
Dead Rising 3 throws a multitude of choices at the player, each leading down a different path and culminating in one of five distinct endings (plus an alternate one in Chapter 8). While each ending provides closure of sorts, Ending S is the only one that truly resolves the central conflicts and sets the stage for potential future installments (though Dead Rising’s future currently looks rather bleak).
The text you provided clearly states that:
- “Ending S is the best ending, followed by C, D, and F.”
- “Ending S is considered to be the true, canon ending.”
This declaration alone should settle the debate, but understanding the why is crucial. Ending S requires players to complete all the True Ending Requirements, which involve:
- Saving all survivors linked to the main storyline.
- Defeating all the Seven Deadly Sins psychopaths.
- Making specific choices in key moments of the story that align with the game’s overall narrative arc.
Essentially, Ending S is the payoff for players who fully engage with the game’s mechanics and narrative. It provides the most satisfying and complete resolution to Nick Ramos’s story, revealing the truth about his past and his unique role in the ongoing zombie outbreak.
The Significance of Nick Ramos
Nick Ramos, the protagonist of Dead Rising 3, isn’t just another survivor hacking through hordes of the undead. He’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, unknowingly carrying the key to potentially stopping the zombie outbreaks altogether. His immunity, a result of Carlito Keyes’s experiments, makes him a valuable asset. Ending S emphasizes Nick’s importance and the potential implications of his immunity, a thread that could have been explored further in future games (if they hadn’t unfortunately been cancelled).
The Other Endings: Necessary But Not Canon
While Ending S is the canon ending, the other endings aren’t entirely inconsequential. Endings C, D, and F, in particular, offer glimpses into different “what if” scenarios, exploring the consequences of various player choices.
- Ending C: Achieved by killing Gary instead of reuniting him with Rhonda. A brutal choice that showcases a darker side of Nick.
- Ending D: Obtained through a combination of less-than-ideal choices, where Nick may be forced to leave others behind or make compromises that affect the overall outcome.
- Ending F: Typically considered the worst ending, often resulting from failing to meet key objectives or running out of time.
These endings, while not canon, contribute to the overall experience of Dead Rising 3, allowing players to explore the moral complexities of surviving a zombie apocalypse. They highlight the impact of choices and the ripple effect they have on the world around Nick.
The Alternate Ending: A Narrative Detour
The alternate ending in Chapter 8 is a unique situation. It’s a non-numbered ending, meaning it doesn’t fit neatly into the main progression of possible conclusions. Its primarily used as a game-over screen that doesn’t count as a completion of the game.
The Bigger Picture: Canon in the Dead Rising Universe
It’s essential to remember that canon within the Dead Rising universe is a somewhat fluid concept. The comic book series, Dead Rising: Road to Fortune, is considered official canon, expanding on the events between the games. However, the games themselves often introduce conflicting plot points or retcons that can complicate the overall timeline.
The Dead Rising 3 canon ending is, therefore, best understood as the most likely and narratively satisfying continuation of the story from the perspective of the developers. It provides a solid foundation for future installments, even if those installments ultimately take the story in unexpected directions (as seen with Dead Rising 4).
The Ill-Fated Dead Rising 4
The elephant in the room, of course, is Dead Rising 4. The game’s critical reception was… less than stellar, to put it mildly. Many felt that it strayed too far from the core tenets of the series, sacrificing the challenge and tension of previous installments for a more streamlined and arguably less engaging experience.
Dead Rising 4’s changes also heavily impacted its place in the series canon. While it features the return of Frank West, the altered gameplay mechanics and some questionable story choices have led many fans to largely disregard it as a true continuation of the original trilogy’s narrative.
Conclusion: Embracing the True Ending
Despite the complications surrounding the broader Dead Rising canon, the true ending of Dead Rising 3 remains definitively Ending S. It provides the most complete resolution to Nick Ramos’s story and sets the stage for potential future narratives, regardless of whether those narratives ultimately came to fruition. So, embrace your inner zombie slayer, craft those combo weapons, and strive for the canon Ending S in Dead Rising 3.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide even more context and clarity on Dead Rising 3 and its place in the series:
1. What year does Dead Rising 3 take place?
Dead Rising 3 is set in 2021, ten years after the events of Dead Rising 2 and fifteen years after the original Dead Rising.
2. Where does Dead Rising 3 take place?
The game takes place in the fictional city of Los Perdidos, California.
3. Why is Nick Ramos immune to the zombie virus?
Nick’s immunity is a result of experiments performed on him by Carlito Keyes when he was a child. He essentially carries the cure to the zombie virus.
4. How many endings does Dead Rising 3 have?
Dead Rising 3 has five numbered endings (S, C, D, and F) and an alternate ending in Chapter 8.
5. Who is the main villain in Dead Rising 3?
While there are multiple antagonists, General Hemlock is arguably the main villain, pulling the strings behind the military presence in Los Perdidos.
6. Is Chuck Greene from Dead Rising 2 in Dead Rising 3?
Chuck Greene appears as a supporting character in Dead Rising 3.
7. How do I get Ending S in Dead Rising 3?
To achieve Ending S, you must fulfill the True Ending Requirements: save all linked survivors, defeat all Seven Deadly Sins psychopaths, and make specific story choices.
8. Is Dead Rising 4 a sequel to Dead Rising 3?
Yes, Dead Rising 4 is a sequel to Dead Rising 3, but its connection to the original trilogy’s canon is debated by fans.
9. Why did Dead Rising 4 receive negative reviews?
Many felt that Dead Rising 4 deviated too much from the series’ core mechanics, sacrificing challenge and tension for a more streamlined experience.
10. Is Frank West the protagonist in Dead Rising 3?
No, Frank West is not the protagonist in Dead Rising 3. Nick Ramos is the main character.
11. What are the Seven Deadly Sins Psychopaths in Dead Rising 3?
The psychopaths in Dead Rising 3 represent the seven deadly sins: Pride, Lust, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, and Sloth.
12. Will there be a Dead Rising 5?
As of now, there are no plans for a Dead Rising 5. A sequel was in development at Capcom Vancouver but was ultimately cancelled. Learn more about the gaming industry on the GB Times at gbtimes.com.
