Dead Island 2 Ditches The Open World, But Ramps Up The Gore
When Deep Silver and Yager Development set out to create Dead Island 2, they had a daunting task ahead of them: to create a game that would not only live up to the expectations set by the first game, but also improve upon it in every way. And, for the most part, they succeed. Dead Island 2 is a bigger, badder, and more gore-filled game than its predecessor, and it’s all the better for it.
The biggest change in Dead Island 2 is the setting. Gone is the island setting of the first game, replaced by the sun-soaked beaches and cityscapes of California. The change is a welcome one, as it allows the developers to show off a much more varied array of environments. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the secluded hills of Santa Cruz, there’s plenty of eye candy to take in.
And, of course, there are zombies. Lots and lots of zombies. The undead are everywhere in Dead Island 2, and they come in all shapes and sizes. The game’s combat system has been suitably beefed up to accommodate the hordes of zombies, and it’s now more satisfying than ever to bash in their heads with a makeshift weapon.
There are some drawbacks to Dead Island 2, however. The main story is disappointingly short, and much of the side content feels like filler. The game’s multiplayer modes are also a bit of a letdown, especially compared to the Spec Ops-esque co-op mode of the first game.
Still, Dead Island 2 is a fun game that action fans will enjoy. It’s not perfect, but it’s a marked improvement over the first game in almost every way.
