Dead Island 2 introduces players to a new group of survivors amidst a global zombie outbreak that has reached Los Angeles. Following a plane crash, the game plunges you into a zombie-infested metropolis where you must collect and upgrade weapons to combat hordes of the undead. Strategic use of the environment can amplify damage, and players can choose to engage in solo or online cooperative gameplay. The game features six playable characters, each possessing unique skills and abilities. Navigate the expansive Hell-A with caution, as you’ll face relentless attacks from all sides.
Releasing two years prior to The Last of Us in 2013, the original Dead Island (2011) presented an earlier vision of the zombie apocalypse. The initial installment was set on a paradisiacal island, where survivors awoke after a night of revelry to discover that the hotel and surrounding areas had been overrun by zombies. The first game, and its subsequent spin-off, were well-received.
Dead Island 2 initiates with a plane crash and immediately thrusts the player into intense action. The game follows a familiar structure, featuring relatively safe zones that serve as starting points for various missions. Players can select from six distinct characters, and online cooperative play supports up to six participants, each controlling a unique character. A key aspect of the original Dead Island was its challenging difficulty. Thankfully, Dead Island 2 boasts an improved combat system that provides a challenging experience without feeling unfairly difficult, unlike, for example, Resident Evil 4 (Remake).
Beyond the array of upgradeable weapons, players can utilize a kicking mechanic to fend off encroaching zombies, a frequent and often necessary tactic. Environmental interactions are also crucial. Exploding vehicles and electrified water sources offer strategic advantages against the undead.
The game offers a multitude of primary and secondary missions. One of Dead Island 2‘s strengths lies in its incorporation of humor, including satirical jabs at celebrities and influencers, eliciting genuine laughter.
The enemy design is well-crafted, featuring a wide variety of zombie types that can quickly overwhelm players. Employing a quality surround sound system or headphones is recommended to effectively track threats approaching from behind. Furthermore, the diverse range of zombies, each possessing unique strengths and abilities, necessitates a varied arsenal and tactical approach.
Testing Dead Island 2 on the Xbox Series S revealed no performance issues such as lag or texture flickering, with a consistent 60 fps frame rate. As expected, the Xbox One and Playstation 4 versions exhibit a lower frame rate of 30 fps.
A notable drawback of Dead Island 2 is the eventual feeling of repetition, despite the varied zombie types and weapon options. The core gameplay loop involves accepting a mission, fighting through hordes of zombies, and then receiving a new, similar mission. While “boss zombies” are present, overcoming them often requires a significant amount of grinding, leading to a somewhat generic experience where the game’s humor and distinctiveness are diminished.
The graphics, while detailed, possess a somewhat “clean” aesthetic. Compared to titles such as The Last of Us and the recent Resident Evil 4 (Remake), the environments can appear somewhat artificial. The inability to interact with certain environmental elements, such as breaking car lights or neon signs, further detracts from the immersion. The lack of reflections in mirrors also contributes to a sense that the game is less current than its release date suggests. These are minor details, but collectively, they impact the overall experience.
The uniformity of the narrative, regardless of the chosen character, is another minor concern. Allowing each character to begin in a different location with unique circumstances could have added greater depth to the initial gameplay experience.
In conclusion, Dead Island 2 remains an enjoyable and challenging experience. The addictive “just-one-more-mission” feeling is prevalent, and there is ample content to discover. Consequently, the game warrants a recommendation.
Plaion provided a review copy for this evaluation. Provision of materials does not influence our editorial assessments.
