Dead Island 2 for Xbox One

Sequel to Dead Island

Dead Island 2 is a premium action game developed by Dambuster Studios. It is a first-person survival horror title and is the sequel to the original Dead Island game released back in 2011. It is set months after the events of the original and continues where the story left off.

One of the things that set Dead Island 2 apart from its predecessors, Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide, is that it features multiple locations this time around alongside a number of new playable characters with their own back stories and abilities. 

Tropical zombie paradise

When the original Dead Island game was first released, it received a lukewarm reception, despite being a technically impressive title. It emphasized its brutal and satisfying combat above everything else. However, the lack of a proper narrative and middling performance held it back. After a long time in development hell, the series finally gets its long-overdue sequel with Dead Island 2.

In this sequel, you’ll be navigating a zombie-infested post-apocalyptic landscape across multiple iconic locations in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, now called HELL-A. There are six playable characters, referred to as Slayers, and each boasts unique abilities that you can customize and combine with an arsenal of melee weapons. You’ll need all the help you can get as you face dozens of zombie types throughout the game.

The meat of the Dead Island series lies in its visceral and bloody combat and it has been tweaked more here, boasting an improved dismemberment system. Those who have pre-purchased the title will net the Memories of Banoi pack, which contains two distinct yet powerful weapons, a special weapon perk, and a mystery skill card that can be used in-game.

Look forward to enhanced gameplay

Dead Island 2 improves upon the original gory physics and implements a Flesh system which allows a more lifelike depiction of how certain hits and angles can affect the variety of undead monsters you’ll be going up against. Players can also look forward to a multitude of available weapons in their arsenal that they can easily modify into extreme weapons of destruction at designated crafting benches scattered throughout the city.

Some of the possible weapons you can craft include:

• Flaming katanas
• Electro-charged daggers
• Exploding hammers
• Electrified Wolverine-type claws

Keep in mind that different zombies will have various weak points, so make sure to adjust your battle strategy and skills in order to take them down. In case you run into larger hordes of zombies, you can activate Fury mode, where you can emulate the abilities of one of the undead and quickly go up against monsters surrounding you.

Players also have the ability to equip skill cards that can enhance their battle abilities and other skills. You can mix and match various cards in order to solidify your chosen character’s combat style or you can swap them out quickly to adapt to a variety of situations. Make sure to take into account the abilities of the zombies ahead — especially the mutated ones — as well.

Official Steam release and DLCs

To celebrate its official release on the gaming client Steam, Dead Island 2 arrives with a killer 50% discount, ensuring that no survivor misses out on experiencing the adrenaline-fueled action of battling the undead hordes. With cross-play enabled, survivors can join forces with friends who bought their games from Epic Games Store. Gather your crew and prepare to face the apocalypse together in epic multiplayer showdowns that will push your teamwork to the limit.

For those hungry for even more rewards and challenges, Dead Island 2 is introducing exclusive character skins and weapons through the PROS rewards program. From the stylish From Dusk skins to powerful weapons like Fenrir’s Howl and Jacob’s Bo Staff, there’s something for every survivor to sink their teeth into. Plus, don’t miss out on the brand-new “Rise and Shine” Crowbar, a badass addition to any survivor’s arsenal.

However, the real thrill lies in the extra content from the two DLCs, HAUS and SoLA. The former is a twisted dreamscape nestled within the confines of a Malibu villa. Descend through madness and gore as you confront a wave of unexpected horrors lurking around every corner. Plus, you will encounter the Kult, a group of unquestionably committed elitists who believe they hold the key to humanity’s survival. 

Meanwhile, the latter plunges you into the heart of SoLA, a Californian music festival set against the backdrop of ancient grounds. As the night sky ignites with its neon hues and bass drops, though, a malevolent presence awakens, plunging the festival into chaos. Amid the wreckage, an insatiable hunger lurks in the shadows, and you have to brace yourself to go up against it.

Frequent Asked Questions

• Do I need to play Dead Island 1 before 2?

It’s not necessary to play Dead Island 1 before Dead Island 2. Although the games share some core gameplay elements and exist in the same universe, their stories and settings are mostly disconnected. While Dead Island 2 does feature some references to the first game, including the return of a character from the original, newcomers can still fully enjoy the sequel without prior knowledge of the first game.

• What is Dead Island 2’s primary location?

The primary location of Dead Island 2 is a zombie-infested Southern California, specifically a satirical version of Los Angeles known as “HELL-A.”

• How many characters can players choose from in Dead Island 2?

In Dead Island 2, players can choose from six distinct virus-resistant playable characters.

• Is Dead Island 2 free to roam?

Dead Island 2 isn’t strictly a free-roam game but it features interconnected open areas for players to explore. While not officially classified as open-world, the game allows for exploration and discovery, with fast travel options available.

• How does Dead Island 2’s melee combat compare to other games in the zombie genre?

Dead Island 2’s melee combat is similar to other zombie games, featuring basic melee weapons that can be upgraded into more elaborate tools. However, the game lacks variety and novelty in its combat due to the limited differences in how upgraded weapons function.

• What impact does co-op multiplayer have on Dead Island 2 gameplay?

Co-op multiplayer enhances the fun and excitement of Dead Island 2, reducing combat repetitiveness and providing a more enjoyable experience as players team up to perform humorous actions and fight zombies together.

• How long does it take to complete the Dead Island 2 adventure?

The Dead Island 2 adventure offers around 30 hours of gameplay.

• What is the replenishment mechanism for consumable tools in Dead Island 2?

Dead Island 2 uses a cooldown-based system for replenishing consumable tools such as grenades, molotov cocktails, and shurikens, encouraging players to use these items more liberally during gameplay.

• Are character customization options available in Dead Island 2?

Yes, Dead Island 2 provides numerous passive perks and active abilities that unlock as players progress, allowing them to customize their character according to their preferred playstyle and optimize various attributes.

• Can I play Dead Island 2 solo?

Yes, you can play Dead Island 2 solo. Although the game is optimized for co-op play, it can still be enjoyed as a single-player experience. Your gameplay tactics might need to be adjusted, and you’ll need to choose a character suitable for solo play. Two recommended characters for solo play are Jacob, for aggressive players who focus on offense, and Ryan, for those who prefer a tank-like, defensive playstyle. Both characters have unique skills and perks that cater to solo gameplay.

• Does Dead Island 2 suffer from any technical issues or bugs?

Dead Island 2 has several technical bugs, including characters sinking into the ground during cutscenes, inaccurate captions, and other minor issues. Multiplayer mode can introduce additional problems like lag and disappearing characters, giving the game an overall unpolished feel.

Undead dismemberment

It was a long time coming, but Dead Island 2 is finally here for players to immerse themselves in. With new locations filled with mutated monsters and sinister secrets, this action game presents a thrilling premise with terrifyingly realistic graphics and even more gory gameplay. Players can choose to play as any of the six playable characters and adjust their skills and strengths in order to easily defeat the numerous zombie types that lurk around each corner.