Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Extremely violent and gory zombie game for mature players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dead Rising 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say that while the game contains some violent and mature content, including blood, language, and sexual themes, many reviewers believe it is suitable for older teens and can provide enjoyable gameplay. Despite criticisms regarding its storyline and character development, the diverse weapons and crafting options, along with humorous elements, contribute to its appeal among players who find the gore largely unrealistic and manageable.
- appropriate for teens
- violence acknowledged
- humor included
- optional mature content
- crafting features
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Developed exclusively by Capcom Vancouver for Xbox One, DEAD RISING 3 is similar to its best-selling predecessors: you're tasked with staying alive during a deadly zombie outbreak by using anything and everything you find in the environment as a weapon. This includes familiar standbys such as guns, katanas, and chainsaws -- but also golf clubs, cinder blocks, and exploding teddy bears. You'll find blueprints that allow you to craft all-new weapons, such as the combination of a vacuum cleaner and saw blades to suck in zombies and then chop them to pieces. Yes, you read that correctly. \
Is It Any Good?
Like a good B-movie, this third-person adventure never takes itself too seriously. Despite some technical issues, it's quite fun -- but for mature players only. For one, vehicles have been added to this sequel, allowing you to get around and use them to mow down a few hundred zombies in your path. You also can make weaponized vehicles by combining them with deadly objects. Flamethrowers on the front of a truck? Why not? A motorcycle with a steamroller? Sure. Blades taped to a forklift? Go for it. Also, more so than in past Dead Rising games you have the freedom to go anywhere in this huge world. This is where vehicles come in handy, as you make your way across bridges, tunnels, and sprawling freeways to other parts of the city. You can follow your on-screen marker that shows where your next goal is or build up experience points by fighting, exploring new areas, and finding blueprints, safe houses, weapons, food, wearable items, and other collectible goodies.
Although it's fun and has various solo and multiplayer game modes, it would be remiss not to mention the assorted glitches, ranging from inconsistent frame rates and a less-than-stellar camera to some sloppy controls, be it some lag when you jump or having to stand exactly on top of an object to pick it up. It doesn't detract from the fun too much, but there still should be a downloadable update (a patch) to fix some of these issues. Gory and silly at the same time, Dead Rising 3 is a ridiculously fun sandbox game that's not for the faint of heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Is this game strong enough for a launch title? Does it showcase Xbox One's technical abilities?
Since this is an M-rated game, parents can suggest these less-violent zombie-related apps for phones and tablets.
Game Details
- Platform : Xbox One
- Subjects : Science : engineering , electricity , physics
- Skills : Collaboration : cooperation , meeting challenges together , Self-Direction : achieving goals , identifying strengths and weaknesses , work to achieve goals , Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , solving puzzles , Tech Skills : using and applying technology , Creativity : producing new content
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Microsoft Studios
- Release date : November 22, 2013
- Genre : Survival Horror
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks ) , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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