Zombie survival guide

Survive the zombie apocalypse on PlayStation with these handy hints.

Everything is a weapon

This principle comes to the fore in Capcom's Dead Rising series on PlayStation 3. Whether it's a hammer, stuffed toy or a daft foam finger, it doesn't matter - everything is a potential zombie killer. And don't forget, even the most unlikely items can be combined to create amazing weaponry. A case in point is Dead Rising 2's bucket drill. This odd combo turns an ordinary metal bucket into a hilarious medieval death device.

Run!

If things get too tough and you find yourself surrounded by hundreds of zombies, don't be afraid to turn on your heel and hightail it out of there. Running doesn't mean you're chicken, it means you're smart. Sometimes the odds are stacked against you and you'll have to revisit an area later on in the game when you've managed to get your hands on a better weapon - like a bazooka.

Don't run, drive

Alright, you don't want to run because you're tough. Just be sure to grab yourself a set of wheels and ram right into those marauding flesh eaters to take as many of them down as you can in one go. In Dead Rising 2, the only way to cut through the undead on wheels and in style is with a ride-on lawnmower. Sure, it's perfect for turning zombies into slush but not as good as the armoured cars you'll find in Dead Island or the zany minis game, Zombie Racers.

Scavenge

When the zombie apocalypse explodes onto your PlayStation 3, supplies are going to be limited so be sure to search every nook and cranny in an environment. You'll always find plenty of cash lying around that can be used to purchase new weapons at merchant locations, as well as ammo, medical supplies and maybe even new weapons. And don't feel bad about looting the undead - they want to eat your brains.

Upgrade or die

Upgrading is the key to surviving zombie attacks. In both Resident Evil 4 HD and Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition on PlayStation 3, you can upgrade all of your firepower to include faster reload times, bigger ammo clips and more devastating rounds. In Dead Nation, you can attach laser sights for pinpoint accuracy with your shots, while in Dead Island you can transform a standard meat cleaver into a - well - sharper meat cleaver.

The big bang theory

Surrounded by hordes of the walking dead? Worry not, zombie slayer. Just dig deep in that inventory of yours and pull out the nearest explosive device. In Dead Nation you can take out a huge group of zombies with a well placed grenade or Molotov cocktail. And, before you throw it, look around the environment for flammable canisters, because they can double the damage you dish out. Toasty.

Slay together

Operating alone in a zombie-infested world is tough. That's why it's best to call on a friend during these blood-curdling times and embark on a mission to rid the world of zombies together. You don't need much, just a spare wireless controller and access to PlayStation Network, and you'll last a whole lot longer than the guy wandering through the streets alone with a six shooter and half a pack of shells.

Pick up your copy of Dead Rising 2, Dead Island, Resident Evil 5: Gold Edition and Dead Rising 2: Off the Record on PlayStation 3 today and download Resident Evil 4 HD, Dead Nation and Zombie Racers from PlayStation Store now.

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