After years of development hell, Dead Island 2 is finally here. The zombie-slaying action RPG takes players to a post-apocalyptic version of Los Angeles, where they can explore, loot, craft, and fight their way through hordes of undead. Here’s everything you need to know about Dead Island 2.
Release date and platforms
Dead Island 2 launches on Friday, April 21, 2023. It will release on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One consoles. If this is a little earlier than expected, that’s because Dead Island 2 was previously slated to launch on April 28. However, the developers announced that they were able to finish the game ahead of schedule and decided to release it a week earlier.
Gameplay and features
Dead Island 2 is a first-person action RPG that lets players create their own zombie slayer from four different classes: Berserker, Hunter, Bishop, and Speeder. Each class has its own unique skills and abilities that can be customized and upgraded. Players can also choose from a variety of weapons and mods to suit their playstyle.
The game features a large open world that spans iconic locations of LA, such as Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Hollywood Hills, and Santa Monica Pier. The world is dynamic and reactive, with day and night cycles, weather effects, and environmental hazards. Players can explore the world solo or with up to three friends in co-op mode.
The game also boasts a cinematic story that follows a group of survivors who are trying to escape the zombie-infested city. Along the way, they will encounter various factions, characters, and quests that will shape their adventure. The game promises a mix of horror, dark humor, and over-the-top action.
Zombie bestiary
Dead Island 2 features a diverse and deadly zombie bestiary that will challenge players in different ways. There are also variants that are much more dangerous due to their mutation. Some of the zombies include:
- Infected: The most common type of zombies that are fast and agile.
- Shambler: A slow but tough zombie that can take a lot of damage.
- Screamer: A loud zombie that can attract other zombies with its shrieks.
- Crusher: A massive zombie that can crush anything in its path.
- Inferno: A flaming zombie that is immune to fire damage.
- Beast: A rare and powerful zombie that can leap and pounce on its prey.
Reactions and reviews
Dead Island 2 has received mostly positive reactions and reviews from critics and fans alike. The game has been praised for its fun and satisfying combat, its vibrant and detailed world, its co-op mode, and its tongue-in-cheek tone. Some of the drawbacks include its technical issues, its repetitive missions, and its lack of innovation.
Here are some of the scores and quotes from various outlets:
- VG247: 4/5- “Dead Island 2 is a blast with friends, showing the co-op zombie-slaying genre how it’s done in 2023.”
- Rock Paper Shotgun: “Dead Island 2 is a stinky trash game, and this filthy racoon had a grand old time rolling around in it”
- IGN: 7/10 – “Dead Island 2 is a hilarious gore-fest and a competent zombie-slaying adventure, but lacks creativity outside of its great sense of humor.”
- GamesRadar: 3.5/5 – “A one note thrill, but it’s a note that absolutely sings”
How to buy Dead Island 2
If you are interested in buying Dead Island 2, you have several options to choose from. You can pre-order the game from various retailers online or offline. You can also pre-order the game digitally from the PS Store (for PS4 or PS5), Xbox Store (for Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S), or Epic Games Store (for PC). Depending on which edition you choose, you can get different bonuses and extras.
Dead Island 2: Which edition should you buy?
Dead Island 2 is a zombie-slaying action RPG that takes you to a post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. The game offers a lot of content and features, but also different editions to choose from. Each edition has its own price and benefits, so how do you decide which one to buy? Here’s a breakdown of what each edition offers and who it’s best for.
Preorder Bonus – Memories of Banoi Pack
If you preorder Dead Island 2, you’ll get the Memories of Banoi Pack, which contains the following in-game items:
- Banoi War Club
- Banoi Baseball Bat
- Personal Space Skill Card
Day 1 Edition(Digital and physical)
The Day 1 Edition is the standard edition of the game. It comes with the base game and Memories of Banoi Pack. This edition is best for those who just want to play the game without any extras.
Pulp Edition(Physical)
The Pulp Edition comes with the base game, Memories of Banoi Pack and the Dead Island 2 Pulp Weapons Pack which includes in-game items the ‘Homewrecker’ Sledge Hammer and the ‘Eye Opener’ Pitchfork to help them mete out some punishment on their undead foes.
Digital Deluxe Edition
The Digital Deluxe Edition comes with the base game and some digital goodies. These include the Memories of Banoi Pack, the Golden Weapons Pack, and two character packs. This edition is best for those who want to customize their gameplay experience with more weapons and characters.
Gold Edition
The Gold Edition comes with the base game and more digital goodies. These include everything in the Digital Deluxe Edition, plus the Expansion Pass and the Pulp Weapons Pack. The Expansion Pass will give you access to future DLCs that will add more content and features to the game. The Pulp Weapons Pack will give you some retro-style weapons inspired by pulp fiction. This edition is best for those who want to get the most out of the game and enjoy all the upcoming updates.
Hell-A Edition
The Hell-A Edition comes with the base game, Memories of Banoi Pack, Pulp Weapons Pack, Golden Weapons Pack, Character Pack 1 & 2, Expansion Pass, and a unique Steelbook case for the Dead Island 2 base game. In addition to plenty of in-game perks, gamers will also get some Dead Island 2-themed merch like a Venice Beach Travel Map, six Slayer tarot cards, two pin badges, and a patch.
Each edition has its own price and content, so make sure to check them out before you decide. And if you sign up for the newsletter on the game’s official site, you’ll get a bonus in-game knife.
Dead Island 2 is a game that fans have been waiting for a long time. It promises to deliver a thrilling and bloody experience that will keep you on your toes. Whether you play it solo or with friends, you’ll have a blast exploring and fighting in HELL-A. Don’t miss this chance to join the zombie apocalypse. Pre-order today and get ready for April 21.
