Dead Island 2 is a survival horror first-person shooter set in a zombie apocalypse in Los Angeles. Players explore an open world, gathering resources, interacting with survivors, and battling swarms of zombies in fast-paced combat. Set fifteen years after the events of Dead Island: Riptide, the game features a new cast of characters and narrative, while maintaining the series’ signature blend of brutal melee action and immersive environments.
I wish I could say that Dead Island 2 came out a big winner after such a long development cycle. But it’s not Game of the Year material. It’s not even what I would call a great zombie game — there are many that do story or even gameplay better. But Dead Island 2 is solid. It is competent, and it is fun. If you want some uncomplicated zombie-slaying...
Dead Island 2 revels in bringing the zombie apocalypse to LA with great level design, disturbingly detailed gore, and weapons that feel good to use and customize.
Just playing Dead Island 2 in 2023 feels like a minor miracle after such a protracted production cycle. Nevertheless, the novelty of finally experiencing this long-in-development sequel wears off pretty quickly. Then all that remains is a hugely repetitive experience punctuated by hackneyed story beats.
Dead Island 2 is a gory adventure that offers up plenty of mindless mayhem for zombie slayers.
Dead Island 2 doesn't pretend to be anything other than a daft, messy romp through undead LA, and this carefree, capricious attitude is precisely what makes it fun.