After a long wait, the moment has finally arrived to have some fun. Dead Island 2, the sequel to the 2009 classic, is a PlayStation, Xbox and PC title offering countless ways to slay zombies with fresh mechanics on a sprawling stage filled with glory. It aims to deliver a fun, uncompromising adventure set in a spooky version of Los Angeles as the backdrop.
A well-crafted story with acid humor
Developed by Dambuster Studios, Dead Island 2 opens with a plane crash in the city renamed Hell-A due to a virus that turns residents into zombies. Before the crash, players can choose one of six survivors to guide through the adventure. Each main character has distinct traits and abilities, such as enhanced speed or greater strength. Once the choice is made, players embark on a grand journey, driven by survival and the hope of a cure that could end the nightmare and lead to a possible happy ending.
The game leans on light, dark humor, with caricatured figures representing a world that sometimes seems to devour itself. The standout feature is an extraordinary setting that feels almost heavenly, but this time the action unfolds in a familiar city rather than on an island. Players can explore recognizable locations reimagined with a twist, from beaches and neighborhoods to sewers and beyond. New players can jump right into the sequel without needing prior knowledge of the first game.
Dead Island 2 showcases a confident, satirical tone while offering a vivid, sun-soaked atmosphere that makes Hell-A feel alive. The city’s familiar landmarks are reinterpreted to deliver a fresh experience in a zombie-infested landscape.
Between mission and exploration
The narrative is strong, but the game’s main quests are just part of the experience. A wealth of secondary objectives unfolds in parallel with the primary story, inviting players to explore and solve puzzles. Some missions involve clearing zombie hordes, though the sequel favors medium crowds over massive swarms. The toughest challenges often come from special zombies rather than standard ones. Don’t assume it will be easy.
Compared with other first-person action games, Dead Island 2 feels solid in its gameplay, partly because it relies more on melee options than on ammo-heavy firefights. Still, a variety of weapons keeps combat engaging, and the game builds on the original’s mechanics to create some of the most unusual and deadly weapon combinations during the apocalypse. The system lets players customize nearly every item, broadening battle possibilities. crafted tools can add acid, electrical, or powerful improvised fire effects.
Delicious combat system
To obtain new tools and upgrades, players must locate blueprints scattered across environments. They can sometimes be purchased, but every nook and cranny rewards exploration. Weapon variety is essential since some zombies resist certain elements. Interacting with the environment is crucial; dangerous setups and degraded weapons keep players on their toes, encouraging tactical choices rather than brute force alone.
Beyond offense, players gain defensive options and access to special abilities via cards earned by completing challenges, missions, or level ups. The card system stands out, blending skill points with active and passive perks. Choosing the cards that fit one’s playstyle and combining them with others creates a strategic, enjoyable experience.
Mastery grows as players become familiar with the schematics, moving past the initial need to simply swing a weapon. Customizing a character through skill cards allows players to adapt to each challenge and tailor a build to their preferred approach.
Every death is unique
Close combat and ranged options include upgrades, modifications, throws, and a toolkit of combat abilities. The game also adds a Flesh system that randomizes zombie types and how they respond to hits, heightening the sense of danger and variety.
Zombies come in distinct classes, from classic drifters to walkers and runners, with devastating variants like grenades and Apex hypermutations. Weapons and mods can cause gruesome effects such as charred bodies, limb loss from precise blows, or even burning flesh, all visible in real time. Gear deteriorates with use, adding a layer of realism to fights.
Cooperative play is encouraged, with support for up to three players in the same session and minimal setup barriers. Teaming up often yields unique and memorable moments as players combine tactics against the undead tide.
Solution
Dead Island 2 emphasizes style and excitement within a vibrant, expanding world. As a first-person action RPG, it nods to the original while showcasing improved gameplay and a cohesive, adventurous universe. It works well for solo play or in cooperative mode, delivering an intense, visceral experience with a wide arsenal and tactical options to weave through zombie herds.
The story remains entertaining, with well-crafted scenarios and a combat system that invites players to experiment with many weapon combinations. The result is a satisfying follow-up that justifies the wait, standing out as one of the more entertaining releases in recent years.
Dead Island 2 – Trailer
- Title: Dead Island 2
- Genre: Action, RPG
- Release Date: 04/21/2023
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, PS5
- Developer: Dambuster Studios
- Producer: Deep Silver
- Distributor: Plaion
- multiplayer: yes
- Language: Spanish
- Audio: Spanish
- PEGI: +18
- Price: consult