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Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Item: Dying Light 2 Stay Human
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2022

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

AvailableFeb 4, 2022

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5

DeveloperTechland

Overview

The last great human settlement exists within an unforgiving, infected world. Exceptional agility and combat skills make you a powerful ally and a valuable commodity. With your unique abilities you have the power to be an agent of change within this decaying metropolis. Use it wisely.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human delivers a mixed narrative experience. While some critics praise its compelling story about Aiden Caldwell's search for his sister and the impact of player choices, many others slam it for weak writing, bland characters, and a predictable plot. Despite attempts at emotional depth and character dynamics, the consensus is clear: the game falters with poor execution and pacing issues, leaving players feeling disappointed. Improvements over the original game are noted, but clichés and a lack of emotional resonance overshadow the positives.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

40%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The story of Dying Light 2 Stay Human has received a mixed reception, with some critics highlighting its strengths. Several reviewers, including those from Meristation and PSX Brasil, praised the narrative for being compelling and centered around Aiden Caldwell's quest to find his sister, Mia, amidst the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. Critics noted that the game features well-developed characters and a choice-and-consequence system that significantly impacts the story's direction and character fates. GameSpew and TierraGamer also emphasized the emotional depth of the narrative, highlighting how player choices shape relationships and the overall experience, making the game engaging for those who invest in its world. However, the majority of critics pointed out several significant flaws in the story. Reviewers from Pure Xbox, GameSpot, and Press Start Australia criticized the narrative for being weak, bland, and lacking depth, with many describing Aiden as an unremarkable protagonist. Critics like EGM and Stevivor noted that the plot often feels linear and predictable, with choices that seem inconsequential and fail to create a meaningful impact on the overall story. Additionally, some reviewers, including Softpedia and Worth Playing, mentioned pacing issues and a lack of cohesion in the narrative, leading to a sense of incompleteness and disappointment in the game's conclusion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Dying Light 2 Stay Human offers a narrative with potential and engaging themes, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers acknowledged the game's attempts to introduce deeper character dynamics and moral choices, yet the overwhelming sentiment is that the story suffers from poor writing, weak character development, and a convoluted narrative structure. Critics such as Game Revolution and Hardcore Gamer recognized improvements over the original game but lamented that these enhancements were overshadowed by clichés and a lack of emotional impact. Thus, while the game has its merits, the story remains a significant point of contention among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human impresses with its exhilarating parkour and diverse combat mechanics, boosted by new tools like the paraglider and grappling hook. The day/night cycle adds tension, enhancing strategic play. However, critics flag issues such as floaty controls, repetitive missions, and sluggish pacing that dampen the experience. While the core gameplay is engaging, it struggles to match its predecessor's expectations, leaving room for improvements in future updates.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

64%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

34%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Dying Light 2 Stay Human has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its parkour mechanics and engaging combat systems. Many critics, including Attack of the Fanboy and Trusted Reviews, highlight the improvements in parkour, noting that it allows for exhilarating movement and dynamic exploration. The introduction of new traversal tools, such as the paraglider and grappling hook, has been well-received, with Push Square emphasizing how these elements significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Additionally, the day/night cycle is frequently mentioned as a standout feature, adding tension and strategic depth to encounters, as noted by Windows Central and Daily Star. Critics like Gfinity and GameMAG appreciate the mix of combat against both zombies and human enemies, which contributes to a diverse gameplay experience. Despite the positive aspects, several reviewers point out significant flaws that detract from the overall enjoyment of the game. Critics such as Pure Xbox and NME express concerns about the floaty feel of the parkour mechanics and the weightlessness of combat, which can lead to a lack of engagement. The repetitive nature of combat and missions is a common theme, with GameOver.gr and Metro GameCentral noting that side quests often feel monotonous and uninspired. Furthermore, pacing issues are frequently mentioned, with many critics, including IGN Adria and PCMag, indicating that the gameplay can feel sluggish and hinder the overall experience. This sentiment is echoed by TheSixthAxis, who suggests that the gameplay takes too long to unlock essential upgrades, leading to moments of boredom. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Dying Light 2 Stay Human offers a blend of thrilling parkour and combat, but it is marred by repetitive elements and pacing issues. While many reviewers, including Eurogamer Italy and GamingTrend, acknowledge the game's potential and engaging core mechanics, they also highlight the need for improvements in mission design and combat depth. The mixed reception suggests that while the gameplay has strong foundations, it may not fully meet the expectations set by its predecessor, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human impresses with its vibrant visuals and immersive world, earning praise for its stunning city of Villedor and effective day-night lighting. Critics laud the parkour-friendly open world but highlight significant technical issues, particularly on PS5, with blurry visuals and performance hiccups. While the artistic direction is strong, many feel the graphics lack innovation and polish compared to its predecessor. Ultimately, the game offers a visually appealing experience hampered by optimization flaws, leaving critics divided.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

55%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Dying Light 2 Stay Human have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting the game's vibrant and immersive world. Many reviewers, such as Gamer.nl and Shacknews, praised the city of Villedor for its stunning visuals, with vibrant contrasts and beautifully designed environments that enhance the overall experience. Critics like Press Start Australia and Digital Trends noted the game's effective use of lighting, particularly during the day-night cycle, which adds depth to gameplay. The open world is often described as a meticulously crafted playground for parkour traversal, with a sense of realism that contributes to the game's atmosphere, as highlighted by GameSpace and Attack of the Fanboy. However, despite the praise, several critics pointed out significant technical issues that detract from the overall visual experience. Shindig criticized the poor optimization on PS5, leading to blurry visuals and performance problems. Other reviewers, such as GameMAG and EGM, echoed similar sentiments, mentioning average graphics for 2022 and concerns about repetitiveness in city design. Critics like Everyeye.it and IGN Adria highlighted limitations in polygon modeling and shading, which affected overall stability. Additionally, some critics noted that the graphics do not represent a significant leap from the first game, with BaziCenter and GameCritics commenting on the lack of groundbreaking innovations in visual design. Overall, the consensus among critics is a mixed bag, with many appreciating the artistic direction and immersive world of Dying Light 2, while also acknowledging the technical shortcomings that hinder the experience. While reviewers like WellPlayed and Gaming Nexus found the visuals to be decent and engaging, others emphasized the need for improvements in optimization and polish. The game's visual design, while visually appealing and atmospheric, appears to be marred by inconsistencies and performance issues, leading to a general sentiment that, although promising, the graphics could have been executed better across different platforms.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human features impressive sound design and a dynamic soundtrack that enhance gameplay, earning praise for its atmospheric tension and emotional depth. However, critics highlighted significant flaws, including audio glitches, inconsistent voice acting, and a sometimes mismatched score that detracts from immersion. Overall, while the audio has standout moments, it ultimately falls short of expectations, leaving many reviewers feeling the experience is average at best.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

53%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Dying Light 2 Stay Human have received a mix of positive feedback from various critics, highlighting aspects that enhance the gameplay experience. Many reviewers praised the atmospheric quality of the sound effects, particularly during intense moments. For instance, Gaming Nexus noted that the sound design effectively conveys the tension and horror of the game, with echoes of screams and groans that significantly enhance the atmosphere. Additionally, critics like GameSkinny and Movies Games and Tech highlighted the quality of the soundtrack, especially during parkour sequences, with the latter describing it as a haunting score that adds emotion and depth to the action. The dynamic nature of the music, which adapts to gameplay situations, was also positively received, with GameSpot emphasizing how it enhances immersion despite narrative shortcomings. However, the reviews also pointed out several notable issues with the sound design and music that detracted from the overall experience. Critics such as Pure Xbox and Stevivor reported problems with audio cutouts and glitches, which disrupted gameplay and immersion. Additionally, PlaySense and Gamepressure criticized the music for not fitting the game's atmosphere consistently, with some tracks lacking memorability. Voice acting was another area of concern, with several reviewers mentioning inconsistencies and poor performances, particularly in localized versions, as noted by JeuxActu and Mismatched subtitles mentioned by MGG. These issues collectively contributed to a perception of an uneven audio experience. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dying Light 2 Stay Human has commendable elements in its sound design and music, significant flaws undermine its potential. The effective atmospheric sound effects and dynamic music were praised, yet the presence of audio glitches, inconsistent voice acting, and a soundtrack that sometimes fails to resonate left many reviewers feeling that the audio experience was ultimately average or inconsistent. Critics like TrueAchievements and Hobby Consolas encapsulated this sentiment by acknowledging the strengths of the sound design while also recognizing the shortcomings that detracted from the immersive experience. The mixed reviews indicate that while there are standout moments, the overall execution did not fully meet the expectations set by its predecessor.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human features standout voice performances, especially by Rosario Dawson as Lawan, enhancing character engagement and immersion. However, critics highlight significant inconsistencies and awkward dialogue that detract from the narrative, leading to a mixed reception overall. While some performances shine, the overall quality of voice acting fails to consistently meet expectations, impacting the storytelling experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The voice acting in Dying Light 2 Stay Human has garnered a mixed but notably positive reception from several critics, particularly for standout performances that enhance character engagement. Critics like IGN and PC Gamer highlighted the strong portrayal of characters, especially Lawan, voiced by Rosario Dawson, who is praised for adding emotional depth and charm to the narrative. Gamers' Temple and XboxAddict similarly noted that the performances of main characters like Aiden, voiced by Jonah Scott, contribute significantly to the overall experience. This positive sentiment is echoed by PlayStation Universe, which emphasizes that the voice work enhances the game's immersive qualities. Conversely, the voice acting has also faced substantial criticism, with many reviewers pointing out inconsistencies and a lack of depth in performances. Pure Xbox and Metro GameCentral criticized the voice acting for being unrefined, which detracts from character development and the overall narrative experience. Critics like GameSpot and PCMag echoed these sentiments, noting that the dialogue often feels awkward and detracts from the game's emotional impact. Additionally, issues such as translation problems and a lack of language options were highlighted by SomosXbox, which negatively affects immersion and accessibility for players. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while there are notable performances that elevate the game, particularly from key characters, the voice acting remains inconsistent across the board. Many reviewers, such as GamingBolt and GamesRadar+, pointed out that the quality of voice acting varies significantly, impacting the storytelling experience. Despite some standout performances, the general feeling is that the voice acting does not consistently meet the expectations set by its more engaging elements, leading to a mixed reception that reflects both commendable efforts and notable shortcomings.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Dying Light 2 Stay Human" shows promise on all platforms, especially on PS5 with smooth 60fps gameplay, but is bogged down by severe technical issues. Critics report game-breaking bugs, crashes, and performance drops across PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC, leading to a disappointing overall experience despite patches. The consensus: it needs major refinement to realize its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

15%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

23%

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

In analyzing the technical performance of "Dying Light 2 Stay Human" across different gaming platforms, it is evident that there are some positives to highlight. On the PlayStation 5, several critics noted that the game runs relatively smoothly, with some reviewers like Malditos Nerds praising its performance at 60 frames per second. Additionally, PlayStation LifeStyle and PSX Brasil reported that the game performs well overall, with few bugs and enhancements that contribute to a solid experience. On Xbox Series X, Game Over.gr noted a stable experience, while LevelUp and Player 2 mentioned that the game generally runs smoothly, albeit with minor issues. For PC players, IGN France highlighted the game's stability, especially with numerous characters on screen, and some reviewers like Merlin'in Kazanı found the performance satisfactory after updates. However, the negatives regarding technical performance across all platforms are quite pronounced. On the PlayStation 5, critics such as Hardcore Gamer and Gamers Heroes pointed out significant bugs that can corrupt save files and hinder gameplay, while others like GameMAG and MeuPlayStation reported notable technical issues such as screen flickering and performance drops. Xbox Series X reviews echoed similar sentiments, with MMORPG.com and Vandal emphasizing the game's numerous technical issues, including random glitches and crashes that disrupt immersion. On PC, RPG Fan and PC Invasion mentioned persistent bugs and performance issues, including framerate drops and falling through textures, which detract from the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while "Dying Light 2 Stay Human" has potential and some commendable aspects in terms of performance, it is marred by significant technical issues across all platforms. Many reviewers, including Shindig and XboxAddict, expressed disappointment with the game's stability, indicating that despite the developers' efforts to address these issues through patches, many bugs remain unresolved. The game is seen as needing further refinement and polish, as noted by critics like TheGamer and Game Revolution, who highlighted that the experience is often overshadowed by the technical shortcomings. In summary, while there are moments of technical achievement, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game currently struggles with stability and performance across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Dying Light 2 Stay Human garners mixed reviews on replay value, praised for its expansive world and side quests that invite exploration. However, critics flag repetitive gameplay, lack of meaningful choices, and no New Game Plus mode as major drawbacks. While future content could enhance longevity, many believe these design flaws limit the incentive for players to return.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Dying Light 2 Stay Human reveal a mixed but generally positive sentiment among several critics. Many reviewers highlight the game's vast open world and the plethora of side quests and activities available, which can provide players with significant replay value. For instance, critics from GameSpew and MondoXbox emphasize the branching choices that affect the game world and encourage exploration, suggesting that players might find themselves revisiting the game to experience different outcomes. Additionally, TierraGamer and CGMagazine note the promise of future content updates and expansions, which could further enhance the game's longevity and replayability. However, a significant number of critics point out the game's shortcomings that detract from its replay value. Reviewers like PCGamesN and GameCritics express concerns about the lack of meaningful choices and the repetitive nature of many side quests, which can lead to a dull experience upon revisiting. The absence of a New Game Plus mode, as mentioned by GameCritics and PlayStation Country, is also highlighted as a major limitation, preventing players from fully exploring alternate paths without starting over. Furthermore, the restrictive save system discussed by PC Invasion adds to the frustration, making it challenging for players to experiment with different choices without losing progress. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Dying Light 2 Stay Human offers a wealth of content and opportunities for exploration, its replay value is hampered by repetitive gameplay and a lack of impactful choices. Critics like IGN and Push Square acknowledge the potential for replayability through co-op modes and different faction alignments, but many agree that the game's design choices may limit the incentive to return. Thus, while there are elements that could encourage players to revisit the game, the overall sentiment leans towards a cautious outlook on its long-term replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding Dying Light 2: Stay Human reflects a mix of appreciation for its gameplay mechanics and criticism of its narrative shortcomings. Many reviewers, including IGN and Gamer.no, highlight the engaging parkour system and the visually appealing world, emphasizing that these elements contribute to a fun and immersive experience. Critics like Riot Pixels and Gaming Age note that while the game may not be perfect, it offers a solid foundation for fans of the genre, with GameStar even drawing comparisons to The Witcher 3 in terms of its best moments. BaziCenter and IGN France commend the game for its improvements over the original, particularly in gameplay and mechanics, suggesting that it has the potential to become a memorable title. Conversely, a significant number of reviewers express disappointment with the game's narrative and technical issues. Critics like Pure Xbox and NME argue that the story lacks depth and fails to capture the essence of its predecessor, leading to a joyless experience. Technical glitches and pacing problems are frequently mentioned, with PCMag and Shindig noting that these flaws detract from the overall enjoyment. Furthermore, Game Rant and Gamer Heroes emphasize that while the gameplay is strong, the repetitive quests and weak story hinder the game's potential, indicating a clear divide between the engaging mechanics and the narrative execution. In summary, the consensus among critics suggests that Dying Light 2: Stay Human is a game with notable strengths in gameplay and world-building, yet it falters in storytelling and technical execution. While some reviewers, such as TrueAchievements and Player 2, find redeeming qualities in the emotional engagement and gameplay mechanics, many others express that the game ultimately falls short of expectations set by its predecessor. The mixed reception indicates that while fans of the original may find enjoyment in the sequel, others might be left wanting more, particularly in terms of narrative depth and polish.

TL;DR

Dying Light 2: Stay Human showcases thrilling gameplay and stunning visuals, winning praise for its parkour mechanics and immersion. However, it stumbles with a shallow narrative and technical issues, leaving many critics disappointed. While some appreciate its improvements over the original, the game ultimately struggles to meet expectations due to repetitive quests and lackluster storytelling. Fans might enjoy it, but others will likely feel let down.

MONSTER

Reviews

242 reviews found

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Feb 3, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Dying Light 2: Stay Human is highly recommended for fans and newcomers alike, with a positive experience despite initial bugs.

Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

If the game can live up to what I have experienced so far then we have a new benchmark for ambitious open world RPG-like Zombie Games.

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App Trigger

PlayStation 5

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Dying Light 2 Stay Human is seen as a successful sequel that meets expectations, despite some technical issues. The reviewer highly recommends it and believes it will appeal to both new and returning players.

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Game Informer

Xbox Series X

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer adored almost every second of the game

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Hobby Consolas

PlayStation 5

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 is a standout RPG that successfully combines engaging gameplay, a rich narrative, and a vibrant world. Despite some technical hiccups, it sets a high standard for future titles in the genre.

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GameGrin

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is a substantial improvement over its predecessor, offering engaging gameplay, a compelling story, and a rich world, making it worth the playtime despite some performance concerns.

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Player 2

Xbox Series X

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 is a triumph for Techland, offering a fantastic blend of movement, engaging combat, and a compelling story with impactful choices, despite some minor flaws.

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Carole Quintaine

PlayStation 5

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 is an excellent game with a generous world, effective gameplay mechanics, and engaging characters, despite some technical issues.

Hey Poor Player

Xbox Series X

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 is praised as a successful sequel that combines gripping narrative, hard-hitting combat, and exhilarating exploration, earning a strong recommendation.

Slant Magazine

Xbox Series X

Feb 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dying Light 2 is a game about choice and consequences, with a morally reflective story, refined gameplay mechanics, and a dense, changeable world.

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