Dead Island 2, the HIGHLY anticipated sequel to the popular open-world zombie survival game series, has finally arrived. I was one of the few who actually liked the first game. So naturally, I couldn't wait to dive into zombie-infested California.. However, after spending several hours (about 10-15 at the time of this writing) with the game, I have mixed feelings about it.
So hey. A positive. The graphics and overall visual design of Dead Island 2 are impressive. This game looks AWESOME. I have been playing on PS5 and have said "whoa" many times thus far. Great character models, creepy skin-tearing effects, and lush landscapes, the visuals are great. Detail is in almost every place you look. From hitting enemies in specific spots and watching that area degrade or rip off is stunning to watch. Of course, since it is detail oriented, you will notice things that are repeated throughout the game. There is a certain DVD series and photos in frames that pop up in many houses. The game takes place in an open-world setting set in California, and the vibrant and colorful environments are pleasant to explore. The attention to detail in the zombies' animations and the gore effects is also commendable, creating a visceral and intense atmosphere that adds to the survival horror experience. You will enter bathrooms and various areas that will repulse you. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. I think it is a job well done.
Another "atta boy" is that a game was created that is fun with friends. I have been a single player person as of late but trying out both single player and multiplayer modes, you get way more "holy shit" moments in multiplayer. That's because the random acts of chaos your co-op partner is bound to cause. Regardless, the single player mode works just fine if you're looking to roam, loot, and decapitate on your own.
The story of Dead Island is bland. You start off as a survivor of a crazy airplane crash due to, you guessed it, the zombie outbreak. You can actually pick out of a handful of characters that you want to play through the game as. Each is equipped with their own abilities and stats. I went with Dani because she has a cool accent and she seemed to be the most balanced. After choosing your character, you are launched into a storyline that is exactly how you'd think it would be. There is a crap ton of zombies. They can bite you but you are immune for whatever reason. Now, your blood may be the key to the cure. Typical stuff here. The writing isn't horrible, it just has not been able to keep my attention at all. A few side missions have been mildly entertaining in terms of dialogue but if I am being honest, just cutting off zombie arms and legs is where I kept my attention. I kept having the feeling in my head that a lot of the characters here in Dead Island 2 where sent straight from Grand Theft Auto. Just some over the top people with insane thoughts and expressions. While some did get a chuckle out of me, I just ultimately wanted to progress to the action.
The gameplay, which focuses on melee combat with a decent amount of melee weapons and guns, is still satisfying and fun. The ability to craft and upgrade weapons using various materials found in the environment adds an extra layer of depth to the combat system. You know the drill here, find some blueprints scattered across the world, find the materials, make the weapon. One thing I will say is that your weapons last quite a bit of time and with the ability to repair them, I have had the chance to stick to some of my favorites for hours on end. One of my biggest anxieties in games is weapon durability. And yes, I mean to let everyone know that Breath Of The Wild is the biggest offender. For awhile, most of the zombies felt pretty beefy. I found that I just ended up using a heavy attack (which takes a lot of stamina) to get them in two hits rather than spam a light attack that may take 6-10. There are cool status combos you can do (fire, shock, caustic, etc) to really help here and it is highly encouraged. Too many a time a BIG enemy would come at me and I would lure them into a fire pit to assist with his spongy-like presence.
A comparison that is extremely inevitable and I am sure everyone will be making it is with Dead Island 2 to Dying Light 2. It is a little tough to come into Dead Island 2 after playing Dying Light 2 and that is simply because of the movement. Often I feel there should be an area I can get to by, you know, jumping and holding on, but instead, I jump straight up and have to walk around. I know that is pretty standard in a lot of games but Dying Light really spoiled me in the open-world zombie genre.
Additionally, the game's progression system and loot mechanics can feel repetitive and grindy after a while. The quests and objectives become repetitive, and the looting system, which was a highlight of the previous games, feels less rewarding and engaging in Dead Island 2. As I mentioned before, I was able to keep upgrading weapons I had for such a long time that everything I found has been worse than my current equipment. There is really no point in checking out an axe with lesser stats than my knife even though I completed a side quest to get it. I scrap these for materials to keep repairing and upgrading.
Dead Island 2 has its highs and lows and the lows seem to be way more glaring. The graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer mode are enjoyable, but the technical issues, weak story, and repetitive mechanics hold it back. As a fan of the first, I had high expectations for Dead Island 2, and while it has its moments of fun, it falls short of being a truly outstanding game. If you're a die-hard fan of the previous games and crave more zombie-slaying action, it's worth checking out. However, for those new to the series or looking for a groundbreaking gaming experience, it may not live up to the hype as it's nothing revolutionary or mind-blowing. Well. It may be to the zombies in the game.
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