Dead Island 2 presents a first-person action-RPG set in the familiar backdrop of the zombie apocalypse that initially unfolded in the series’ original storyline. Departing from the fictional island of Banoi, the game relocates to Los Angeles, a significant shift despite the franchise’s name discrepancy. However, this transition proves justified as the semi-open world environment becomes one of the game’s standout features.
While none of the game’s numerous locations are massive in scale, they offer ample room for exploration, each teeming with secrets, side quests, and compelling diversions from the main narrative. Dead Island 2 opts for smaller, curated environments over a sprawling sandbox, striking a rewarding balance between breadth and depth.
Dead Island 2 Review
The game’s world design is characterized by indirect routes. For instance, navigating the pier might require maneuvering through an arcade and past bumper cars to reach your destination, crafting new set pieces and weaving through this unpredictable world. Along the beach, explorative storefronts often yield valuable weapons, upgrade currency, or other hidden treasures. Los Angeles’ cityscape offers few straightforward paths, and each corner harbors both malevolent creatures and the coveted treasures they guard. Backtracking is a common occurrence, particularly when tackling the game’s 40+ side missions in addition to its 24 main quests. Exploring previously inaccessible areas upon quest completion adds another layer of satisfaction.
Traversing the “HELL-A” environment primarily revolves around combat—bashing, beheading, and incapacitating hordes of zombies obstructing your path. Dead Island 2 elevates first-person combat through diverse enemy types and an array of weapons, alongside a combat system that feels substantial and well-crafted. The game continually introduces new weaponry, including named items representing top-tier loot. Every weapon, from firefighter’s axes to wrenches and baseball bats, boasts distinct characteristics. The crafting system further enhances personalization, with numerous blueprints enabling multiple customizations, each bestowing familiar yet exhilarating status effects and buffs to your chosen “Slayer” among the game’s six heroes.
The diversity of weapons is complemented by an equally varied zombie populace. Distinctions between walkers, runners, and shamblers quickly give way to formidable adversaries like hulking crushers and disorienting screamers, among others. The game reintroduces familiar zombie categories while introducing new undead types, enhancing the overall variety.
However, the game’s unique selling point lies in its highly detailed damage model. Each enemy resembles an intricate, grotesque onion, with each layer susceptible to damage via a variety of weapons and attacks. This approach demands careful consideration of where and how to inflict damage on every enemy, resulting in graphic and visceral combat experiences that set it apart from other zombie games.
Nevertheless, amid these commendable aspects, there are some caveats to consider. The game’s difficulty occasionally verges on feeling unfair, with rapid enemy spawns and relentless pacing, especially when playing solo. In multiplayer co-op modes, these challenges are mitigated by collaborative support, intensifying the sense of insecurity befitting a zombie outbreak. However, single-player encounters, particularly those focused on eliminating specific enemies, may leave players feeling overwhelmed.
Furthermore, while melee combat shines, the same cannot be said for gunplay. Firearms are introduced about a third of the way into the story, yet they often feel unwieldy and burdensome. Guns are more manageable when fired from the hip than when aiming down the sights. A peculiar inconsistency arises when aiming, with a lack of precision that leads to frequent re-aiming before firing. This hampers gunplay, making aiming a hindrance rather than an advantage. Shotguns, typically requiring minimal aiming, still appear underpowered.
Exploration, combat, and upgrades flourish, compensating for a forgettable storyline. Although penned by a different team than the original, Dead Island 2’s narrative is plagued by familiar issues such as unclear motivations, grating dialogue, and a lackluster final act that shifts from charming campiness to groan-inducing territory.
Recall is a struggle when attempting to name most characters, apart from the selected hero, Amy, and the return of Sam B. from the first game. Fictional actor Emma Jaunt plays a central role, and an enigmatic legion of anti-heroes sporadically emerges to feign narrative intrigue, to little avail.
The storytelling exudes a Grand Theft Auto-like irreverence, predominantly targeting affluent American socialites for comic relief. While some of these characters are portrayed positively, the writing frequently revels in the demise of streamers, actors, and others identified as the shallow, wealthy elite. However, this element merely contributes to world-building and enhances collectibles’ appeal, as cutscenes often induce more groans than engagement.
Despite its lengthy development journey, Dead Island 2 manages to see the light of day, allowing players to derive enjoyment from its gameplay and expansive world. Although the narrative falls short, gunplay falters, and balancing issues arise, the game excels in melee combat depth and rich environmental design, ultimately surpassing its predecessor—a significant achievement considering its tumultuous development history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dead Island 2 brings a refreshing take on the zombie apocalypse genre with its setting in the sunny and vibrant state of California. The game offers a thrilling and chaotic experience as players battle hordes of the undead while exploring iconic locations. While it may have faced a tumultuous development journey, Dead Island 2 manages to deliver enjoyable zombie-slaying action, making it a notable addition to the open-world zombie gaming landscape. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a zombie outbreak, there’s room for fun and excitement.
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