Dead Rising fans, this is the news that you have all been waiting for! We're incredibly excited to let you folks know that we now have confirmed release dates for Dead Rising 2: the game will be released in North America on August 31st, Japan on September 2nd and Europe on September 3rd for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

In addition, Xbox 360 fans will be able to download an exclusive prologue, Dead Rising 2: Case Zero shortly before Dead Rising 2's release.

This prologue will introduce main protagonist and former motocross champion Chuck Greene and provide a link between the original game and the events that await players in the gambling paradise of Fortune City.

Further details for the prologue, including release date and pricing, will be announced soon.

Also, here's a little bit more about the weapon combination system (check out Chuck's rad knife gloves in the pic above):

The Dead Rising series is renowned for letting players pick up and use everyday items to defend themselves against the zombie masses but Dead Rising 2 adds a new twist with combination weapons. Take two objects, add a roll of tape plus the inventiveness and skilled hands of Chuck Greene and an innocent water gun and a can of gasoline become a deadly flamethrower, while a garden rake and car battery combine to create an electrified zombie prod. Using combination weapons to fend off hordes of the undead in fun and grotesque ways is only just the beginning as the more combo weapons a player uses, the more Prestige Points (PPs) they will rack up. Earn enough PPs and Chuck levels up which will helps him along the way.

For the full press release, and more screenshots, hit the jump!

San Mateo, CA – February 11th, 2010 – Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed that Dead Rising® 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the multi-million selling Dead Rising®, will be released in North America on August 31st, Japan on September 2nd and Europe on September 3rd for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation® 3 and PC platforms.

Capcom is also pleased to announce that Xbox 360 gamers will get an exclusive taste of Dead Rising 2’s signature gameplay with the release of its downloadable prologue, Dead Rising® 2: CASE ZERO. Available as downloadable content only on Xbox LIVE® shortly before the release of the full game, Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO, will introduce main protagonist and former motocross champion Chuck Greene and provide a link between the original game and the events that await players in the gambling paradise of Fortune City.

Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO was formally announced at Microsoft’s global media event, X10, which took place earlier today, in San Francisco. Attending media were able to experience the latest demo of Dead Rising 2. In addition to giving media the opportunity to explore the zombie infested casino, stores and other attractions on Fortune City’s North Strip, this demo also introduced a brand new feature - the ability for players to create improvised weapons by combining two items.

The Dead Rising series is renowned for letting players pick up and use everyday items to defend themselves against the zombie masses but Dead Rising 2 adds a new twist with combination weapons. Take two objects, add a roll of tape plus the inventiveness and skilled hands of Chuck Greene and an innocent water gun and a can of gasoline become a deadly flamethrower, while a garden rake and car battery combine to create an electrified zombie prod. Using combination weapons to fend off hordes of the undead in fun and grotesque ways is only just the beginning as the more combo weapons a player uses, the more Prestige Points (PPs) they will rack up. Earn enough PPs and Chuck levels up which will helps him along the way.

Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO requires players to have an Xbox LIVE® membership to download. Further details including release date and pricing will be announced soon.