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For other uses, see Zombrex (disambiguation).

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"Hesitation is a conduit for infection."
—Zombrex poster

Ambuzol Vaspilatin or Zombrauctus Pendeo Autoinjectors, commercially marketed by Phenotrans as Zombrex, is a controversial drug in the Dead Rising universe that greatly slows the process of zombification. It is a key item in Dead Rising 2, Case Zero, Off the Record and Dead Rising 3.

Overview[]

Zombrex is a vital drug for individuals infected with the zombie parasite, who must take doses on a regular basis to prevent themselves from turning. Characters in the series who rely on Zombrex include Katey Greene (in Dead Rising 2, Dead Rising 3 and Case Zero) and Frank West (in Off the Record).

Zombrex is first introduced in Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, during which it must be taken every 12 hours. By the events of Dead Rising 2 three years later, Zombrex's development has advanced, giving it a 24-hour effectiveness and being branded as Zombrex XC: Extended Care.[1][2] Zombrex returns in Dead Rising 2: Off the Record with the same role, although it is now Frank instead of Katey who requires Zombrex.

In Dead Rising 2, Case Zero, and Off the Record, the player must locate boxes of Zombrex in order to progress through the story. Zombrex can be obtained in various ways, but are most commonly found in hidden or hard-to-reach places around the map. In Case Zero, Katey must be given Zombrex once during the case Zombrex 1 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In Dead Rising 2, four doses for Katey are required throughout the course of 72 Hour Mode, which must be administered between 7:00 am and 8:00 am. In Off the Record, Frank must take Zombrex, also daily between 7:00 am and 8:00 am, and requires four doses total (five if the story goes into Overtime Mode and is not completed before 8:00 am). If Katey does not get it, she will die, which in turn, leads to a bad ending. If Frank does not get it, the player will receive a game over as Frank turns into a zombie.

Dead Rising 3 has the parasite inhibitor take a new turn. As the pharmaceutical has transitioned from being a mere in-store bought item to a government sanctioned faculty in the form of a microchip implant which daily administers Zombrex on a daily basis. People whom refuse the incision are dubbed Illegals and choose instead to live off the grid through procuring Black Market Zombrex or Bootleg Zombrex cooked up in an undisclosed locale in order to keep their infection in check. Much of which is peddled in the criminal underworld by individuals like Jamie Flynt; who make a killing by selling to those desperate to stay off of government overwatch via Z-Chipping. Ramos originally needed to procure some in order to stave off infection from a zombie bite until he realized he was immune to infection. Brad Park, agent of the ZDC; was petitioned by survivors to procure hefty cache's of Zombrex to help Cora's patients at the Central City Hospital whose Zombrex Chips were malfunctioning.

Zombrex is expensive due to high research and development costs. This cost is passed on to the pharmacies, which is passed on to the consumer. The government subsidies this cost. Zombrex also does not require a prescription, which leads to hoarding.[3]

History[]

Isabela Keyes created the drug after escaping the mall in Willamette, based on the original inhibitor drug she created following the events of Santa Cabeza and since re-created to keep her newfound friend, Frank West, from turning. He is later shown to use the commercial Zombrex, implying that Isabela's original inhibitor drug wore off. This means that despite his moral reservations, Frank has to use Zombrex while the two of them are researching ways to come up with a complete cure.

The drug she initially developed for Carlito Keyes following Santa Cabeza lasted a lot longer than 24 hours (as evident by his scheme to use children as zombie time bombs as well as Frank surviving long enough for the commercial Zombrex to hit the market), so it seems plausible that Phenotrans have intentionally diluted the drug, making it a lot less potent, increasing their profit margin. This is further supported by the future of Zombrex chipping in Dead Rising 3, which implies that the drug in its undiluted state is potent enough to fit a lifetime of the parasite inhibitor in one small chip.

Since Zombrex depends on Queens to be made, Isabela Keyes has been researching on a way to recreate the synthesizing process she initially used when she created the original drug used by Carlito to retard the infection in his time bomb children. Succeeding in doing this would essentially allow pharmaceutical companies to make a synthetic drug, removing the reliance on adult Queens. However, before she could finish this and release it for other companies to use in production, her work was stolen by Phenotrans, her employer. Despite this, Phenotrans has been telling the world that the drug is synthetic and does not depend on zombies or Queens anymore. Also, as revealed in Dead Rising 2: Case West, it is implied that a cure has been discovered, but Dr. Marian Mallon has kept it for herself, refusing to let the world know about it. Therefore, infected people everywhere depend on Zombrex.

In Dead Rising 3, Zombrex has taken on a new form, Zombrex GPS chips. These chips are designed to be surgically implanted under an infected person's skin, usually via the back where there's a good concentration of body fat, and routinely dose them each day with Zombrex so that they do not turn. If they do turn, the chip tracks them via GPS. The original Zombrex dosage is still prominent on the streets, as a group of individuals called illegals refuse to be chipped by the government. They say that people that are chipped are living as a prisoner to the government with no right for privacy. They prefer living "off of the grid" and still use the auto-injector displayed in previous games.

Marian Mallon is later seen injecting herself with Zombrex, thus further supporting that she was simply talking about the Zombrex chip in the events of Case West. While this is likely to be a retcon, she never actually explicitly stated that a cure had been found - merely that she hadn't needed injections for a long time.

It is also revealed that, for infected U.S. citizens, Zombrex chipping has been made mandatory by federal law. An exhibit found in the Museum of the Americas reveals that shortly after the whole chipping concept was introduced, in regards to the new law, the government agreed to pay for the costs of national mandatory chipping, seeing as nobody wanted a repeat of Fortune City and that not everyone could afford Zombrex.

It is later brought to light that the Chips were purposely designed to fail when introduced to certain frequencies of radiation. Something which also caused odd mutagenic affects on the zombie infection itself, an effect that was secretly engineered by Isabella and Mallon with the private aid of Gen. John Hemlock; whom in turn wished to use their scheme to further his own plans to dominate America. When said rad pulse is emitted, it disrupts the internal working of the chips which causes infected citizens to turn around the time their needed dosage of Zombrex passes. Causes the conversion of a major metropolitan area into the city of the dead practically overnight.

ZDC News podcasts entail the revelation of such design flaws reflected very negatively upon the devices creators. So much so that rumors spreading about the defective product being what caused the latest, greatest outbreak in history since Fortune City, coupled with subsequent internal perusing conduced by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on behalf of the American Congress did in fact confirm the built-in fallacy of the new preventative measure. Lead to the dissolution of Phenotrans as a consequence.

Zombrex locations[]

Since the Willamette Incident, Zombrex is widely sold in many pharmacies, and it is extremely expensive at $300 a box. It is also administered by government health care institutes and is carried by most ambulances. Dick Jones, a survivor in Still Creek, has some Zombrex in stock in his pawnshop.

In Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record, Zombrex can be found in hidden places, awarded from survivors, defeating Carl Schliff, or buying from pawnshops located in Fortune City, with the price rising in $25,000 increments with each purchase, starting at $25,000. It is important to note that like weapons, the player will lose their supply of Zombrex should they restart the story.

Dead Rising 2[]

The following is a list of hidden Zombrex locations in Dead Rising 2. These will not respawn unless the player starts a new game.

Location Description Picture
Americana Casino From the second floor of Bennie Jack's BBQ Shack, jump along the casino's light fixtures.
  1. Begin on the second floor of the BBQ Shack, on the left side of the fire pit.
  2. Jump to the large square yellow light hanging from the ceiling.
  3. Keep jumping from light to light until Chuck reaches the platform with the Zombrex, money, Bargaining 1 magazine, handgun, and giant stuffed rabbit.
Dead rising 2 bargaining 1 magazine steps to get to (3)
Royal Flush Plaza Acquired during Zombrex 1. The first dose is found as part of the first mission, in the pharmacy at Roy's Mart in Royal Flush Plaza.
Zombrex 1 (Dead Rising 2)
Slot Ranch Casino Climb onto the crates behind the north stage, then jump to the Zombrex.
  1. Begin at the back of the stage near the hallway to the maintenance room.
  2. Jump up onto the box just to the right of the maintenance room.
  3. Jump to the boxes toward the front to the stage. Zombrex is on these boxes.
Dead rising 2 hidden zombrex 2 slot ranch casino
Underground On the platform with the ladder to the Silver Strip. Can only be obtained after the underground access key is acquired during Case 2-2: Ticket to Ride.
Dead rising underground zombrex next to Maintenance Room 32

Dead rising zombrex underground
Yucatan Casino Climb to the top of the Lucky Marble minigame, then jump to the Zombrex. This one does not appear until Case 1-2.
  1. Climb on top of the slot machines at the base of the monument in the center of the gambling hall.
  2. Continue climbing up the monument until Chuck reaches the platform.
  3. On the top of the platform, there is Zombrex and an LMG.
Dead rising 2 hidden zombrex 3 yucatan casino

Additionally, the player can buy Zombrex from any of the four pawnshops in Fortune City listed below:

The following missions reward the player with Zombrex upon completion:

  • Code Blue
    • Starts on Day 1, Sept. 25 at 10:00 pm. Sven Blaaborg rewards Chuck with a dose after being escorted back to the shelter during the mission.
  • Mail Order Zombrex
    • Starts on Day 2, Sept. 26 at 11:00 pm. A dose is obtained after defeating Carl Schliff during the mission.
  • Hunger Pains
    • Starts on Day 3, Sept. 27 at 2:00 am. Richard Kelly gives Chuck some Zombrex when escorted to the safe house.
  • Demand and Supply
    • Starts on Day 3, Sept. 27 at 9:00 pm. This mission will occur only if Sven has been rescued. In this unannounced mission, Sven Blaaborg appears in the cafeteria and asks Chuck to find him vodka or whiskey. Upon giving him the booze, Sven gives Chuck a box of Zombrex. Code Blue must be completed successfully for this mission to activate.

Off the Record[]

The following is a list of hidden Zombrex locations in Dead Rising 2: Off the Record.

Location Description Picture
Royal Flush Plaza Acquired during Zombrex 1. The first dose is found as part of the first mission, in the pharmacy at Roy's Mart in Royal Flush Plaza.
Dead rising 2 off the record zombrex 1
Safe House rooftop Can be found on the roof of the Safe House behind the elevator, next to the assault rifle, military cases, and remote mines.
20221114 143244
Underground On the platform with the ladder to the Silver Strip. Can only be obtained after the underground access key is acquired during Case 3-2: Sign of Life.
Dead rising underground zombrex next to Maintenance Room 32

Dead rising zombrex underground
Uranus Zone On the second story of the Jump Space 7 restaurant in the VIP lounge, hop over the glass railings and onto the ledge. Follow the ledge around to the left toward the Atlantica Casino to find the Zombrex at the end of the ledge. 20221113 102130
Uranus Zone Acquired by opening security box #673 in Fortune City Bank, along with gems. The key to the security box is on the floor of the Fortune City Hotel near South Plaza.
Dead rising Fortune City Bank vault security box 673

SecurityBox673
Uranus Zone Acquired by opening security box #999 in Fortune City Bank, along with $25,000. The key to the security box is located in the fountain in the Atlantica Casino.
Dead rising Fortune City Bank vault security box 999

SecurityBox999

Zombrex is available for purchase from all of the pawnshops in Off the Record; their locations remain unchanged from Dead Rising 2. However, the price for Zombrex now starts at $50,000, with the price rising in $50,000 increments with each purchase. All missions that award the player with Zombrex in Dead Rising 2 are also present in Off the Record. However, it should be noted that in Off the Record, Hunger Pains begins at 5:00 am instead of 2:00 am.

Zombrex basics[]

Case Zero[]

v · d · e

Dead rising case 0 zombrex intro

When Chuck Greene first picks up Zombrex in Dead Rising 2: Case Zero, there are two information screens that explain how Zombrex works.

  • Zombrex is a drug that stops the infected from becoming zombies. It is high in demand, expensive, and hard to find.
  • Zombrex is still an experimental formula and only prevents zombification for 12 hours.
  • Zombrex overdoses are deadly, users must never take it earlier than prescribed.


Dead rising case 0 zombrex intro 2
  • The Zombrex Counter on your HUD (head-up display) shows how much you have at all times.
  • Katey needs her next dose of Zombrex between 7:00PM and 8:00PM. If she doesn't get it, she will die.
  • Check your watch to see how much time is left before Katey needs her dose.


Dead Rising 2[]

v · d · e

Dead rising 2 tutorial zombrex justin tv (2)

When Chuck Greene first picks up Zombrex in Dead Rising 2, there are two information screens that explain how Zombrex works.

  • Zombrex is a drug that stops the infected from becoming zombies. It is high in demand, expensive, and hard to find.
  • The new and improved Zombrex formula now lasts 24 hours!
  • Zombrex overdoses are deadly, users must never take it earlier than prescribed.


Dead rising 2 tutorial zombrex justin tv
  • The Zombrex Counter on your HUD (head-up display) shows how much you have at all times.
  • Katey needs Zombrex everyday between 7:00AM and 8:00AM. If she doesn't get it, she will die.
  • Check your watch to see if it's time for Katey's next dose.


Warnings[]

There is an educational promotional poster that can be found in-game, published by Phenotrans, explaining the precautions humans must take around zombies and the side effects of Zombrex.


Zombrexposter

Transcription[]

IMPORTANT Please do not remove this poster
from its designated area
+ Health and Safety
A practical guide to dealing
with zombie infection
1 LEARN THE SYMPTOMS
2 TAKE PRECAUTIONS
3 ADMINISTER CURE
Unfamiliar cravings. Herd mentality.
Increased shambling. Some light rotting.
Random limb loss. Rank odor.
Give the
Gift of life.
Brought to you
in association
with Zombrex™
WARNING
Do not mix Zombrex™ with alcohol.

Do not operate heavy machinery within 24 hours of taking Zombrex.™ Zombrex™ is not suitable for pregnant women. Zombrex™ should only be taken once every 24 hours. Zombrex™ is not a cure.

Zombrex™ is a subsidiary of Phenotrans.™ Procedures featured on this safety poster are not scientifically proven methods and should only be practiced in a worse case scenario. Zombrex™ is not responsible for unsuccessful attempts as the procedures presented.
In case of zombie infection, report to your appointed infection safety coordinator and make your way calmly to the nearest emergency assembly point.
Leave all personal effects behind (with the exception of firearms and other methods of self-defense).
Do not seek refuge in densely populated human settlements.
Do not attempt to communicate with infected individuals.
Always travel by day.
Target the brain. Wash weapons after use.
Remember:
Prevention is always better than Cure
Herein are merely suggestions. Please remember to always think before you practice. In case of infection, administer Zombrex™ injection immediately. If no Zombrex™ injector is available, visit your local physician immediately for treatment. After infection, transformation time varies.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Your appointed zombie safety coordinator is:
Your nearest emergency assembly point is:
Zombrex™
Infected persons should be watched closely and disposed of upon first signs of onset. Hesitation is a conduit for infection. Please use a permanent ink marker to fill in the information on this poster. Legibility is the key to the personal welfare of you and the persons around you.


Zombrex users[]

The following is a list of characters in the Dead Rising series who are known Zombrex users:

Posters[]

Main article: Zombrex Posters

In Dead Rising 2 and Off the Record, there are numerous Zombrex posters put up all throughout Fortune City, 33 in all, that the player can vandalize for prestige points. In Dead Rising 2, the player can earn the Improper Behavior achievement/trophy by spraying all 33 posters.

Trivia[]

  • Gretchen Peregrine is responsible for placing the hidden Slot Ranch Casino Zombrex.[4]
  • By Dead Rising 2, the pill can be taken orally in 200 mg doses.[5]
  • People have been known to feed their pets Zombrex to stop zombification.[3]
  • During the events of the Still Creek outbreak, standard 12-hour Zombrex was the only medication available. By the time of the Fortune City disaster three years later, 24-hour "Zombrex XC: Extended Care" has been introduced.[2]
  • On the Zombrex poster, the "Wash weapons after use" heading shows a cricket bat being washed. The cricket bat itself may be a reference to the hit movie Shaun of the Dead, in which the protagonist uses a cricket bat to fight off zombies.
  • The tag line for Zombrex is "Keep living your life with Zombrex".

Gallery[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Meikleham, Dave (February 10, 2009). "Dead Rising 2: All the facts". GamesRadar.
  2. a b "Dead Rising: Case Zero Plot Details". TrueAchievements (July 20, 2010).
  3. a b Peregrine, Gretchen (July 2010). "An Open Letter to My Customers regarding Zombrex". Tape It or Die.
  4. Gretchen, Peregrine (September 30, 2010). "My Punishment, My Test, My Downfall". Tape it or Die.
  5. Squires, Adam (August 2, 2010). "Dead Rising 2 Pill Popper Edition". Gamedot. Archived from the original on December 31, 2010.
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