Dambuster Studios, backed by Deep Silver, has brought us a game that many of us believed would never see the light of day. Despite initial doubts from some, it’s safe to say that we are genuinely thrilled to witness its release. Why? Because, without a doubt, we had an absolutely wonderful time playing it.
The events of the game unfold around ten years after the occurrences in the first installment. The American Government decides to impose a quarantine on the entire state of California, as it becomes overrun by a powerful new wave of the undead.
Our main character, chosen from a selection of six, survives a plane crash and arrives in the state. There, amidst the wreckage, they encounter other survivors, initiating their journey into a harrowing experience. Let it be known that prior knowledge of the first title is unnecessary to grasp the storyline.
Steering clear of spoilers, it can be confirmed that players will be presented with an engaging narrative, albeit with somewhat subdued storytelling, which, admittedly, bears resemblance to what we’ve seen before. Nevertheless, Dead Island 2’s formula remains familiar across all aspects, including the plot. Nonetheless, it doesn’t become monotonous and serves as a sturdy framework for the diverse adventures that players will embark upon.
The protagonist you select (or the one we chose) possesses an intriguing allure, avoiding the typical trope of being the chosen savior destined to rescue the world. Each of the six playable characters boasts a unique persona, though it doesn’t dramatically alter the experience. They each excel in different domains, granting you the ability to customize your gameplay to suit your preferences. While other non-playable characters may embrace stereotypes, they remain equally entertaining and seamlessly fit into the overall humorous narrative.
There are, of course, some more poignant moments, given that the zombie apocalypse leaves behind a trail of victims. However, the game itself doesn’t excessively focus on these aspects. Throughout the majority of the roughly 15-hour gameplay, you’ll explore the beautifully crafted landscapes of Los Angeles and San Francisco, admiring the stunning graphics, and relentlessly combating zombies. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, and we doubt you expected anything different.
Let’s take a closer look at the game’s world structure, as it deserves some discussion. Dead Island 2 doesn’t quite fit the mold of an open-world game. Instead, it divides its world into several smaller sandbox areas, each with its own set of quests and, typically, a slightly unique visual style. One area may be teeming with the opulence of celebrity estates, while another might be engulfed by vast crystal-clear beaches, and yet another could be dominated by film studios and their settings.
This approach to world design is highly functional, especially once you gain access to fast travel, making it a more suitable choice than a sprawling open world, which, let’s face it, is the centerpiece of most modern games.
However, where the interest in these areas diminishes slightly is when engaging in side quests repeatedly leads you back to the same locations, now likely overrun by hordes of zombies. Trust us, without the side quests, tackling the main story alone would be quite a challenge.
In terms of game design, this sequel embraces simplicity, which isn’t necessarily a drawback. It features main, side, and lost & found quests, with the latter essentially falling under the category of side quests, where your objective is to locate missing individuals. Both the quests and the areas come with level requirements, and unless you’re playing on easy mode, neglecting the side content will hinder your progress significantly. However, it’s not overly grind-heavy, and most of the side quests will likely be encountered naturally, alongside the main missions.
Regrettably, except for a few exceptions, be it main or side quests, many of them involve a fetch quest structure, sending you back and forth without always providing a strong justification. While there are some delightful surprises that keep things fresh, we can’t overlook the somewhat outdated nature of this setup. For completionists, the main storyline demands around 13-14 hours, while engaging in a comprehensive playthrough could extend it to about 20 hours.
The game’s overall design may not boast groundbreaking innovation, but Dead Island 2 truly shines in its gameplay. Imagine a Dying Light without its parkour mechanics, and you’ll get a glimpse of this title’s combat system. With a wide array of melee weapons at your disposal, including pipes, swords, and pool cues to bats, axes, and sledgehammers, you’ll relish tearing through waves of zombies in creatively brutal ways. The game doesn’t shy away from graphic gore, presenting blood-soaked scenes where you can dismember, decapitate, or shatter your foes’ skeletons with eerie realism.
As you progress, conventional firearms like rifles and pistols are introduced, providing a functional shooting experience. Yet, it doesn’t quite match the sheer thrill of up-close and personal melee combat, which remains engaging with its well-timed dodges and parries. The smooth 60 fps performance ensures a seamless gameplay experience, likely the optimal choice, while we encountered minimal glitches or bugs throughout our playthrough.
One more method to eliminate zombies involves exploiting the surroundings, such as utilizing electrified cables, detonating barrels, and acidic pools. The player’s creativity comes into play by using the available crafting system to enhance their weaponry. Just envision the impact of an electrified weapon colliding with a leaking fire extinguisher. At times, you’ll be challenged to think innovatively, especially when facing certain formidable enemy types.
The game offers a good range of adversaries, injecting an element of surprise into the gameplay, though it doesn’t introduce entirely novel concepts. Additionally, specific cards serve as substitutes for conventional skills, granting buffs and enabling players to create their preferred loadouts in a straightforward and effective manner. Furthermore, there are some distinctive powers that we’d rather keep secret, adding an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the experience.
Venturing into the virtual expanse of California, one may find limited offerings outside the confines of specific missions. The crux of your exploration will largely involve unraveling straightforward yet occasionally repetitive puzzles, aimed at unearthing superior loot, including medkits, crafting materials, and potent weapons. It’s worth noting that the weapons’ durability is finite, necessitating occasional repairs at designated workbenches or replacement with new finds, as the game generously presents an abundant array of armaments.
In terms of difficulty, the game, for the most part, does not fall under the category of challenging, save for a few distinctive boss encounters, which can be effortlessly surmounted with some added preparation. Moreover, the delightful revelation that you can embark on the entire journey with up to two companions in a seamless drop-in, drop-out co-op format only serves to heighten the gratification of the experience.
Ultimately, if you identify yourself as part of the Dead Island 2 fanbase, then rest assured that the game delivers precisely what it pledges. It refrains from attempting groundbreaking innovations or altering the familiar formula seen in numerous iterations before. Instead, it offers a captivating 15-hour escapade brimming with bloodshed, dismemberment, and a dash of humorous clichés, all set against a picturesque backdrop—a veritable playground of delight for enthusiasts of the genre.
