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Dead Island 2

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dead Island 2
Item: Dead Island 2
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Shooter, Comedy, Horror, Open World, RPG, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableApr 21, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC

DeveloperDeep Silver Dambuster Studios

Overview

The much-loved zombie saga is back with a unique formula of horror, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying, spanning an epic pulp adventure. Dead Island 2 is thrilling First-Person Action RPG, stylish, vibrant and flooded with zombie infection. Explore iconic, gore-drenched Los Angeles. Meet larger-than-life characters. Slay countless foes in exquisitely bloody detail. And evolve to become the ultimate Zombie Slayer!

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Dead Island 2 receives some positive feedback from critics, with a few highlighting elements that add value to the narrative. Critics like WellPlayed and Gfinity appreciate the well-voice acted characters and enjoyable twists in the storyline, offering a schlocky horror movie vibe. Dexerto also praises the game for balancing humor with the seriousness of a zombie-infested Los Angeles, creating moments of fun amidst the chaos. Additionally, Cultured Vultures commends the game for featuring diverse characters with unique backgrounds and skills, adding depth to the narrative. On the other hand, the majority of critics express several negative aspects regarding the story of Dead Island 2. Many critics, including NME, Telegraph, and Hooked Gamers, criticize the plot for being generic, fragmented, and poorly explained, lacking depth and impact. The Jimquisition and GameSpot point out the forgettable nature of the story, with grating dialogue, unexplained motivations, and a disappointing final act. Inverse and PCGamesN highlight the horrendous writing and lack of depth in the narrative, while VideoGamer and GameStar mention the predictability and lack of focus on the story, with unresolved plot points and excessive dialogue. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dead Island 2's story falls short of expectations, failing to deliver a compelling and engaging narrative experience. While some critics appreciate certain aspects such as humor, character diversity, and moments of fun, the general sentiment leans towards criticism of the plot's lack of originality, depth, and impact. The game's storyline is often described as forgettable, generic, and lacking in tonal commitment, with inconsistencies in writing and character development. Despite some positive elements, the overall reception suggests that the story of Dead Island 2 struggles to leave a lasting impression on players, with many feeling that it fails to stand out in a crowded zombie apocalypse genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics praise Dead Island 2 for its well-voiced characters, enjoyable twists, and humor, but overall, they slam the game for its generic, fragmented plot, forgettable nature, and lack of depth. Despite some positive aspects like character diversity and fun moments, the story falls short of expectations, lacking originality and impact. Critics feel it fails to stand out in the zombie apocalypse genre and struggles to leave a lasting impression on players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

65%

Mixed (50-79)

34%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Dead Island 2 has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers praised the combat mechanics for being visceral, satisfying, and enjoyable. Critics like WellPlayed and TheSixthAxis highlighted the variety of weapons, detailed dismemberment system, and the weighty, impactful feel of the melee combat. The inclusion of features like Fury Mode, elemental damage, and special abilities added depth and excitement to the gameplay experience. The ability to craft over-the-top weapons and utilize environmental interactions were also appreciated by reviewers like VGC and Game Informer, enhancing the overall combat dynamics. On the flip side, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay. Issues such as clunky melee combat, scarce ammo for gun combat, and unrealistic weapon balancing and degradation system were pointed out by reviewers like Inverse and Hooked Gamers. The repetitive nature of combat, lack of variation in the long story campaign, and the grindy solo experience were mentioned by critics such as The Jimquisition and GGRecon. Additionally, some critics found the card-based character progression system to be obfuscating and unrewarding, as noted by But Why Tho??. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Dead Island 2 leans towards a positive outlook, with a focus on the engaging combat mechanics, diverse weapon options, and the gory, satisfying nature of the zombie slaying experience. While there are criticisms regarding certain aspects like repetitiveness, lack of innovation, and balancing issues, the majority of reviewers found the gameplay to be entertaining and enjoyable. The game's emphasis on melee combat, weapon customization, and environmental interactions resonated well with many critics, making Dead Island 2 a solid choice for fans of action-adventure games with a penchant for zombie mayhem.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Dead Island 2 gameplay gets mixed reviews, with critics praising visceral combat and weapon variety, but pointing out issues like clunky melee, scarce ammo, and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game's engaging combat mechanics, weapon customization, and gory zombie-slaying experience make it a solid choice for action-adventure fans despite some flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Dead Island 2, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics like GamesRadar++ and WellPlayed appreciated the detailed zombie animations, attractive environments, and visually stunning rendition of Los Angeles. The game was commended for its richly detailed world, with impressive gore effects, vibrant color palettes, and attention to detail in dismemberment, as noted by Inverse and Hardcore Gamer. Additionally, the game's use of Unreal Engine 4, as mentioned by Ragequit.gr, allowed for smooth gameplay and visually appealing effects, enhancing the overall immersive experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Dead Island 2. Guardian and Telegraph noted that while the locations had impressively detailed art direction, the world felt somewhat restricted and not as open or adventurous as expected. Digital Trends highlighted the limited enemy variety and combat encounters that could drag on, potentially impacting the overall gameplay experience. Furthermore, We Got This Covered expressed disappointment in the game not offering a significant leap forward in graphical fidelity despite a decade of development, suggesting a missed opportunity for innovation in the visual department. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily towards the positive side regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Dead Island 2. The game was widely praised for its stunning visuals, detailed environments, and impressive gore effects that effectively captured the essence of a zombie apocalypse in Los Angeles. Critics like PCGamesN and Game Informer lauded the beautiful semi-open world environment and extreme gore that remained shocking throughout the game, respectively. Despite some minor criticisms regarding limited character progression, restricted world design, and lack of graphical advancement, the majority of critics found Dead Island 2 to be visually appealing, immersive, and a standout in terms of graphics and design within the zombie genre.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dead Island 2's top-notch Graphics and Visual Design, praising its detailed zombie animations, stunning environments, and impressive gore effects that bring the zombie apocalypse in Los Angeles to life. While some critics mention drawbacks like limited enemy variety and lack of graphical innovation after a decade of development, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising the game's immersive visuals and attention to detail.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

42%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The Sound Design and Music of Dead Island 2 have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from critics. CGMagazine praises the game for its excellent voice acting, immersive combat sounds, and effective utilization of rumble motors, while also highlighting exceptional alpha and volumetric effects for elements like fire and electricity. Gamereactor Finland commends the well-thought-out sound effects, brutal attacks, believable background sounds, and the balanced voice acting that sets the right mood with the music. KeenGamer appreciates how the audio design complements the gruesome graphics with satisfying squelch sounds, and how the music amplifies tension without overpowering other audio cues. On the downside, Softpedia mentions that while the dialogues, soundtrack, and voice acting are enjoyable, they are not particularly memorable. Ragequit.gr criticizes the music tracks as being indifferent and the voice-overs as fitting a 'b-movieish' tone, suggesting a lack of impact or emotional resonance in these aspects of the game's audio design. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Dead Island 2. Critics like Malditos Nerds and WellPlayed praise the top-notch sound design and music for contributing to an immersive zombie movie experience and complementing the combat experience effectively. Windows Central highlights the stellar audio design with sickening crunches and energetic rock songs that enhance the weight and power of combat, indicating a strong synergy between the sound design and gameplay. While there are some minor criticisms regarding memorability and emotional impact in certain aspects of the audio, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Dead Island 2 successfully elevate the overall gaming experience and immerse players in its zombie-filled world.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics are raving about the Sound Design and Music of Dead Island 2, praising its immersive combat sounds, exceptional effects, and balanced voice acting. Some critics find the dialogue and music not very memorable, but overall, the audio design successfully enhances the zombie-filled gaming experience with its top-notch quality and immersive elements.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dead Island 2 has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Cultured Vultures, praised the voice acting for bringing charm, depth, and life to the characters. CGMagazine specifically highlighted the well-motion-captured characters with excellent voice acting that complemented the humorous writing in the story. Cultured Vultures also mentioned specific standout performances from characters like Emma Jaunt and Patton, showcasing the overall positive impact of the voice acting on character portrayal. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about the voice acting in Dead Island 2. GamingBolt criticized the annoyingly written characters with little value in their dialogue, which detracted from the overall experience. Press Start Australia mentioned that while the characters had their own dialogue and personality, the presentation felt disjointed and lacked cohesion, impacting the storytelling. These criticisms point towards inconsistencies in the quality of voice acting and the execution of character dialogue in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Dead Island 2 leans towards the positive side. While there were some criticisms about certain characters and dialogue, the majority of reviewers appreciated the effort put into voicing the characters and bringing them to life. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Dexerto highlighted the distinct personalities and engaging performances of the playable characters, contributing to a witty and entertaining experience. Despite some mixed opinions on specific aspects of the voice acting, the general sentiment suggests that the voice acting in Dead Island 2 adds depth, humor, and character to the overall narrative and gameplay, enhancing the player's experience in the zombie-infested world.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Dead Island 2. Some praised it for adding charm and depth to characters, while others criticized it for annoying dialogue and lack of cohesion. Overall, most critics appreciated the effort put into voicing the characters, despite some inconsistencies.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

39%

Mixed (50-79)

61%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on Xbox Series X, the consensus among critics is largely positive. AusGamers, But Why Tho??, SomosXbox, and Gamers' Temple all praise the game for running smoothly with good visual fidelity and stability. AusGamers specifically mentions the polished visual fidelity, performance, and responsiveness on Xbox Series X. However, there are some minor issues noted by Gamereactor Finland, mentioning occasional audio-video synchronization problems in cutscenes, and Gaming Nexus highlighting technical issues like improperly balanced difficulty and minor bugs that may impact the overall experience. On the PlayStation 5 platform, critics generally commend Dead Island 2 for its smooth performance and stable gameplay. Critics like Digital Chumps, GamingTrend, and PlayStation LifeStyle note the absence of major technical issues, with Digital Chumps mentioning short load times and impressive technical performance. However, there are reports of minor bugs and glitches from Hardcore Gamer, Impulsegamer, and WellPlayed, which could affect the gameplay experience. Softpedia points out issues with zombies spawning and major bugs requiring patches for complete enjoyment, while WellPlayed mentions occasional technical hiccups like zombies appearing and vanishing, camera glitches, and mission bugs. For the PC platform, there is a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Dead Island 2. While Ragequit.gr and GameSkinny report smooth gameplay without technical issues, Dexerto and GameGrin criticize the game for technical roughness, archaic design choices, and performance fluctuations. Cultured Vultures also highlight flaws such as lack of persistence in the game world and basic map design impacting immersion. VG247 mentions more bugs in the co-op mode compared to solo play, affecting the overall experience. Overall, the critics' consensus reflects a generally positive sentiment towards Dead Island 2's technical performance across all platforms. The game is praised for its smooth performance, stable gameplay, and impressive visuals on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. However, there are some minor technical issues reported on all platforms, such as occasional bugs, glitches, and performance hiccups, which may impact the overall experience for some players. It is evident that while the game excels in certain technical aspects, there is room for improvement in addressing the reported issues to enhance the overall gameplay experience for players across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics generally praise Dead Island 2 for its smooth performance and stable gameplay on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5, with impressive visuals. However, minor technical issues like bugs and glitches are reported across all platforms, impacting the overall experience for some players. While the game shows promise, there is room for improvement to address these issues and enhance gameplay for all players.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

72%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the engaging combat mechanics and the variety of playable characters in Dead Island 2. Critics like CGMagazine and Gamers' Temple appreciated the replay value offered through the ability to select different Slayers with unique playstyles and the diverse range of weapons and upgrades available. The Skill Card system was also praised for providing customization options and adapting to different gameplay situations. Additionally, the cooperative play aspect, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming and Malditos Nerds, was a standout feature that enhanced the overall replayability of the game, making it more enjoyable when playing with friends. On the downside, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks that could affect the game's replay value. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and Push Square mentioned the repetitive nature of quests and combat, which could lead to monotony and limit long-term engagement. The lack of variety in objectives and tasks, as highlighted by Press Start Australia and GameSkinny, was another concern that might deter players from revisiting the game multiple times. Additionally, technical issues and pacing problems, as mentioned by Dexerto, could hinder the overall replayability for some players, impacting their enjoyment of the game over extended periods. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of Dead Island 2 is mixed. While the game offers engaging combat, diverse playable characters, and customization options that contribute positively to replayability, concerns about repetitive gameplay elements, lack of variety in missions, and technical issues may detract from the overall experience. Critics like AusGamers and Game Informer highlighted the potential limitations in long-term engagement, while others such as Metro GameCentral and WellPlayed emphasized the fun and enjoyment that can be had through cooperative play and experimentation with different playstyles. Ultimately, the decision to replay Dead Island 2 may vary depending on individual preferences for zombie-slaying action and cooperative gameplay experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Dead Island 2 for its engaging combat, variety of playable characters, and cooperative play, enhancing replay value. However, concerns include repetitive quests, lack of variety in tasks, and technical issues that may affect long-term engagement. While some enjoy the customization options and diverse gameplay, others find potential limitations in replayability. Overall, Dead Island 2 offers fun cooperative play but may not be for everyone due to its mixed aspects.

Overall Verdict

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

51%

Mixed (50-79)

49%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In Dead Island 2, several critics highlighted the positives of the game. Critics like Gaming Nexus and Malditos Nerds praised the game for delivering an enjoyable combat experience with creative combat options and enhancements from the original game. They appreciated the visceral and satisfying combat, engaging gameplay elements, and impressive visual design. Additionally, critics such as Xbox Tavern and Cultured Vultures commended the game for its stunning graphics, improved combat mechanics, and entertaining combat, combining humor and depth in gameplay mechanics. The game was also lauded for its fun and gory arcade-style combat experience set in a well-crafted post-apocalyptic Los Angeles environment, as mentioned by critics like SomosXbox and AusGamers. On the other hand, several critics pointed out the negatives of Dead Island 2. Critics like Telegraph and The Jimquisition criticized the game for its lack of substance, repetitive gameplay, and limited scope, which may lead to players losing interest before completing the story. The game was also noted to have balance and progression issues, as mentioned by Gaming Nexus, and lacking in exploration and customization outside of combat, as highlighted by AusGamers. Some critics, such as GameSkinny and Push Square, mentioned that the game became less engaging in the second half, particularly after introducing guns, and suffered from uninspiring RPG elements and a boring loot cycle. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Dead Island 2 is mixed. While the game received praise for its gore, combat mechanics, and immersive world, it also faced criticism for its repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and unremarkable story. Critics like Gfinity and DualShockers found the game to be an excellent take on the zombie-survival genre, offering an enjoyable experience with engaging combat and memorable characters. However, others, such as Telegraph and The Jimquisition, felt that the game fell short in terms of gameplay evolution and narrative depth. Despite its flaws, Dead Island 2 managed to provide a fun and entertaining experience for fans of zombie survival games, with some critics recommending it for its satisfying combat and creative gameplay elements.

TL;DR

Critics praised Dead Island 2 for its enjoyable combat, stunning graphics, and gory arcade-style experience set in a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. However, some critics criticized the game for its lack of substance, repetitive gameplay, and balance issues. Overall, Dead Island 2 received mixed reviews, with some praising its combat mechanics and immersive world, while others felt it lacked innovation and narrative depth.

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Reviews

221 reviews found

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Apr 18, 2023