Dead Island 2 Review: Cheeky Zombie Survival Fun
Explore the charm and hilarity of Dead Island 2 with our in-depth review, featuring its unique setting, engaging characters, and satisfying combat.
Dead Island 2 provides a charming and hilarious apocalyptic sequel to the 2011 original, filled with great one-liners and dismembered body parts in equal measure. Similar to an Orange County socialite, the game's seemingly ideal first impression is let down by a lack of imagination. There isn't much that sets this game apart from other zombie-filled titles, including Dying Light 1 and Dying Light 2, developed by the creators of Dead Island, Techland. Despite its shortcomings in originality, Dead Island 2 effectively pulls off a tongue-in-cheek, LA-based zombie parody that gives the series a much-needed update.
Table of Contents
- Story and Setting
- Gameplay and Combat
- Multiplayer and Cooperative Play
- Great Character Selection
- Conclusion
Story and Setting
The first-person action game is set in Southern California during a zombie apocalypse, where players can choose from one of six virus-resistant playable characters. The game can be played solo or with up to two co-op partners, offering a 30-hour adventure filled with eccentric and entertaining quest-givers, such as drug-addled rock stars and geriatric former movie stars. The story, though not particularly innovative, benefits from amusing writing and memorable characters, all fitting well within the game's absurdist tone.