Dead Island 2

 PlayStation 5
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 341 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 236 out of 341
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 341
  3. Negative: 52 out of 341
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  1. OdinX1985
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    It finally arrives! Dead Island 2 is gory, bone crushing, drop kicking theme park. In 2014 the teaser trailer dropped way before Dying Light to which that was released in 2016. Dead Island 2 is 16 years after the events of the first game. Dead Island 2 is a great game with gory slaughter against zombies and other monsters lurking around the streets of LA. However the game does suffer someIt finally arrives! Dead Island 2 is gory, bone crushing, drop kicking theme park. In 2014 the teaser trailer dropped way before Dying Light to which that was released in 2016. Dead Island 2 is 16 years after the events of the first game. Dead Island 2 is a great game with gory slaughter against zombies and other monsters lurking around the streets of LA. However the game does suffer some frustrating and technical problems. The pros: Mix and match skills that work well together, yes certain skill cards will grant you buffs into your weapons or drop kicking that gives that extra force to it. Weapons modification is well crafted and using your imagination run wild to make some bizarre combinations. Using environment like water on the floor throw electric weapons or battery whatever you have that has electricity. Pouring gasoline on the dead is a must and I tell you why. Once you kill the zombies, hordes of them will appear eating what you killed yes zombies eat other dead zombies burn them cause you might get a red skull zombie that is over your level point. Side characters and their quests is well worth doing and I had more fun fetch questing or favors it's actually pretty fun and rewarding. Like I said each slayer has their own personality and my time with Dani was so enjoyable due to her swearing and her Irish accent love it. Soundtrack has this retro 80's beat to it and first boss battle theme ost was funny. Now the cons: Okay, this is where the game needs to fix in patches or overhaul it.. keys and doors are locked behind progession. Back tracking to the very first house to unlock special doors for blueprints is so tedious. Each key to the blueprints is hidden or you have to battle hordes zombies then the boss zombie for the key. Not saying it's bad but wish there was an easier way to obtain the keys. Even smaller chests are locked behind some enemy who has the key. Unbalanced zombie types, now you can accidentally run into red skull enemies by opening a door an area that ur not suppose to be they are in the start of the first map and be warned these things will demolished you for entering so be cautious to where you open and have mercy on your soul. Each map is linear unlike the first game the map seems smaller in my opinion. You can't drive cars like you did in the first game to which it was a shame love road killing zombies. Technical issues.. the game crashed on me a few times during a side quest in Bel-Air and side quest failed to finish after completing it. Sometimes you can't pick up objects like car batteries in cars. You hit square and for whatever reason it doesn't respond, not all the time but it does happen a few times. Final thought: Okay, my 36 hours all content done, Dead Island 2 was a great experience for sure and glad it's out if they fix a few bugs and revamp some things I'll give it another go and tryout Amy next. For the graphics it's okay, it works and it's fine. For the price tag of 70 bucks um I honestly think 59.99 should've been the retail price for it but hey it is what it is. My score is an 8 for a game with so many developers working on it and never gave up on it my hats is to the development team. But in all the game is overall good and hopefully more content comes.… Expand
  2. AForwood
    May 14, 2023
    8
    So far so good. Much better than dying light 2. This game is actually worth the time and money.
  3. Yaroslav0202
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Как-бы неплохо, но есть подробности:
    - сюжет говна. Просто нудятина

    Зато разрушение тел зомби - моё почтение!
  4. Daniel0809
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Ive been playing all weekend and love walking around in L.A. like im really there and the graphics are stunning. The combat is very satisfying and playing as Ryan you bash the hell out of zombies. Sounds are also very nice to the ear, intro song drown is badass, but not much of a meaningful story, I didn't connect to any player but the voice acting was great! Addictive game and im happyIve been playing all weekend and love walking around in L.A. like im really there and the graphics are stunning. The combat is very satisfying and playing as Ryan you bash the hell out of zombies. Sounds are also very nice to the ear, intro song drown is badass, but not much of a meaningful story, I didn't connect to any player but the voice acting was great! Addictive game and im happy with it. Hopefully they release some DLC in the future. I have not tried the coop so I dont know.… Expand
  5. ColeAnderson
    Jun 25, 2023
    8
    Dead Island 2 despite the development issues satisfies the zombie itch effectively. A very self aware game that doesn't try to be anything its not. Very fun time especially with friends.
  6. marcolr91
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    Such a shame is not an open world as the first one but so far I am having so much fun which is the most important thing regarding a videogame! The setting is amazing with such a lovely graphics. The gameplay is a little stiff and old style but still so satisfying! Nice job!
  7. SpiralNexus
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    This was better than expected really yeah story isn't all that bad as people had made it but the fun part is the combat of a hack and slash gory zombie game. My friends and I have put in like 8 or more hours and only done 7 or 8 main missions as we explore and do side quests making for a very enjoyable experience and I see how it's a one play through kind of game for people and they willThis was better than expected really yeah story isn't all that bad as people had made it but the fun part is the combat of a hack and slash gory zombie game. My friends and I have put in like 8 or more hours and only done 7 or 8 main missions as we explore and do side quests making for a very enjoyable experience and I see how it's a one play through kind of game for people and they will go to another game. This game is a slow and pace yourself and when compared to dying light it's the complete opposite but a personal choice I like slower games that has me build up my character to be the strongest they can be and reason is that I played a lot of mmorpg so I developed the tendency to grind for the good stuff.… Expand
  8. Jt0429
    May 23, 2023
    8
    Good-
    Strikes a solid balance between being guided and open-ended; Combat always remains fun; Wide variety of weapons to use, most of which feel great; Environmental interactivity and elemental combat further spice up the gameplay; Impressive variety in design and visual style across several locations.
    Bad- The story is nothing to write home about; Annoyingly written characters.    Good-
    Strikes a solid balance between being guided and open-ended; Combat always remains fun; Wide variety of weapons to use, most of which feel great; Environmental interactivity and elemental combat further spice up the gameplay; Impressive variety in design and visual style across several locations.

    Bad-
    The story is nothing to write home about; Annoyingly written characters.

    Thoughts-
    Whether or not Dead Island 2 is a game that justifies the long wait leading up to its release is a difficult question to answer, not least because of just how long that wait has been- but maybe it’s ridiculous to even expect the game to live up to nearly a decade’s worth of anticipation. Here’s what I can say though- it’s an easy game to recommend. It may not necessarily offer anything we haven’t seen several times before in similar releases, but what it does offer is well-made and a hell of a lot of fun. From the buckets of gore to the hack-and-slash combat to how well it brings a zombie-riddled LA to life in its own fun way, there’s a lot to like about Dead Island 2.    … Expand
  9. Choppahawk
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    The game isn’t anything special, however that is certainly not a bad thing. The game has definitely delivered for me. The graphics are beautiful, the gore is brutally amazing, and combat is so much fun. Whilst I had concerns about the amount of talking coming from the character, I felt that it was produced well, it worked for me anyway. I used the character Jacob and his lines were quiteThe game isn’t anything special, however that is certainly not a bad thing. The game has definitely delivered for me. The graphics are beautiful, the gore is brutally amazing, and combat is so much fun. Whilst I had concerns about the amount of talking coming from the character, I felt that it was produced well, it worked for me anyway. I used the character Jacob and his lines were quite funny and went along with the story well. The only thing I would say is that some of the boss fights were a little underwhelming and the story isn’t crazy either but it hasn’t impacted my experience much at all. Would definitely recommend the game to those who loved the original, like dying light or are a zombie fan. This game is the almost perfect zombie slaying first person game that we have been patiently waiting for since 2014.… Expand
  10. Redeyeee
    May 9, 2023
    8
    Even though DI2 had a very rocky development and doesn't offer anything really groundbreaking or anything other games hasn't already done but that's what makes this so goddam good. They have understood what makes OG dead islands good, they understood why its still one of the best zombie games in history. It's simple, it's fun it's just dead island. Although I would of had far moreEven though DI2 had a very rocky development and doesn't offer anything really groundbreaking or anything other games hasn't already done but that's what makes this so goddam good. They have understood what makes OG dead islands good, they understood why its still one of the best zombie games in history. It's simple, it's fun it's just dead island. Although I would of had far more enjoyment if it was truly open world but I suppose this really is a 10 year old game that is designed to run on 10 year old hardware and it does it rather well.… Expand
  11. Hughniverse6868
    Apr 25, 2023
    8
    Dead island is a fun, addictive, and gorgeous experience. I've only played 15 hours but I can say there are very minimal glitches and the game runs at 120fps in 4K flawlessly I'd you have the proper equipment. I have the LG OLED C2 and Xbox series X. Only reasons I didn't give this game a 9 or a 10 is no open world. It's ok in some aspects but still missing that open world feeling that DIDead island is a fun, addictive, and gorgeous experience. I've only played 15 hours but I can say there are very minimal glitches and the game runs at 120fps in 4K flawlessly I'd you have the proper equipment. I have the LG OLED C2 and Xbox series X. Only reasons I didn't give this game a 9 or a 10 is no open world. It's ok in some aspects but still missing that open world feeling that DI and DIP had. Overall highly recommend this game. Especially for those who have not played the first two games.… Expand
  12. Tool_
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    I wouldn’t say it’s worth a wait through my entire childhood but I would say it has some of the best gory combat I have ever layed my fingers on.
  13. Zeon1982
    Apr 22, 2023
    8
    Wow, I was surprised i enjoyed Dead island 2 this much. I had an absolute blast. The awesome gameplay, the gore, and the graphics was the best things about it. The problems i had with it was there was no endgame content or no new game plus.
  14. Endymion_Var
    May 1, 2023
    8
    Esta muy entretenido y le veo un buen nivel grafico, tambien va muy estable en FPS
  15. Sugination36
    May 11, 2023
    8
    It is a fun, polished game. It is way too short of a campaign. I am assuming there will be a lot of DLC because it just ends abruptly which would not be a problem if the game didn't cost $70. The graphics of the game are amazing. It looks soooo good. Its bright, fun, and upbeat which is ironic considering its a zombie apocalypse taking place in Los Angeles. Overall a very fun game withIt is a fun, polished game. It is way too short of a campaign. I am assuming there will be a lot of DLC because it just ends abruptly which would not be a problem if the game didn't cost $70. The graphics of the game are amazing. It looks soooo good. Its bright, fun, and upbeat which is ironic considering its a zombie apocalypse taking place in Los Angeles. Overall a very fun game with great mechanics and graphics, but suffers from a miserably short campaign.… Expand
  16. MedNow
    Jun 4, 2023
    8
    This game is a solid 8 for me. Its just plain fun. No complicaties mechanics, simple story and fun gameplay and satire. After a long days work this is the perfect game to relax and relieve some stress. Its not a masterpiece, just a fun, good game
  17. Helix__006
    Apr 22, 2023
    8
    $50 for a luxury mansion, it's worth it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  18. nSpire
    May 1, 2023
    8
    Good solid effort that’s a lot of fun to play, looks stunning and worth the dosh.
  19. Focussed5
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    It is fun to use the environment to clear zombies such as puddles or oil. The graphics are also good and it runs smoothly. One of the issues Is with the zombies spawning in areas too quickly. As I'll clear an area and then quickly return and they'll be load of zombies again which then becomes tedious to clear them all.
  20. Batman00
    Apr 23, 2023
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is what you’re looking for in a zombie apocalypse game everything you want is there. Gore, combat, fun gameplay, the customization on your weapons, yes I understand the game isn’t how u except open world but it is when your playing. it feels and looks like it’s open world the story is mid I guess but you have to realize the story is perfect for this game a goofy funny fun game that’s playable unlike some games like **** ass re6,re5. :)… Expand
  21. cxcncxwby
    Apr 26, 2023
    8
    The game came out as good as possible. If we take a note about 9 year of Development Hell. Developers put so much love and effort in this game, so I can’t just the rate lover than 8, even tho game have some problems, even big problems. But I understand why this happened. Like the story, it’s very short, and it’s not written very good, but come on, we’re talking about Dead Island, theThe game came out as good as possible. If we take a note about 9 year of Development Hell. Developers put so much love and effort in this game, so I can’t just the rate lover than 8, even tho game have some problems, even big problems. But I understand why this happened. Like the story, it’s very short, and it’s not written very good, but come on, we’re talking about Dead Island, the series where story never was great, and it’s actually doesn’t have to be so, cuz it’s coop game, with lots of zombie slaughtering. Story in coop game never gets players attention, and working on that part is mostly not good idea. And the core of Dead Island is stylish zombie slaughtering, with modded weapons that look and hit hard. And the game goes with it well, even better then DI1/Riptide.
    I liked the F.L.E.S.H. System, it’s like, wow, never seen that weapons did so much damage, and that accurate in any game.    … Expand
  22. NateDalton06
    Apr 26, 2023
    8
    Its dead island 1 but ten times better, I had a blast all the way through and never got bored of butchering zombies. I'm clueless to why so many are hating on this game it is honestly great. Its just below dying light 1 as my favourite zombie games out there, it is constant gory fun and was the greatness that dying light 2 should of been.
  23. Light397
    Apr 29, 2023
    8
    Top game. Only complain no new game + with extra cards and weapons and I wish it had 2 chapters more otherwise perfect
  24. FearLessWolf05
    May 6, 2023
    8
    All this game is about , is killing and while you're doing it you can do it in very dıfferent ways and It is still pure fun so you probably won't get bored. Well in my gameplay there wasn't a lot of bugs or glitches not even a few actually except one but Idk about the Other players so I'm more than happy about it. About the story , I believe that the Idea is really old for 2023. If we wereAll this game is about , is killing and while you're doing it you can do it in very dıfferent ways and It is still pure fun so you probably won't get bored. Well in my gameplay there wasn't a lot of bugs or glitches not even a few actually except one but Idk about the Other players so I'm more than happy about it. About the story , I believe that the Idea is really old for 2023. If we were still in 2013, the story would have been acceptable. Other than that this game is so straight , pretty straight. A zombie slayer game with different ways but Its pure fun so I was not bored during the gameplay , plus the main story isn't that long so even before you get bored the story probably will end.(Its not satisfying for a game like this) Other than that there is not much to talk about Crafting , skill tree's , modifiable weapons, etc(pretty much everything that kind of game includes) but of course there are some new stuff and upper version of the thing we've seen before. I think this game disappointed everyone a little bit especially when it comes to story but yet It is so fun to play definitely more than playable. So If you're looking for a good few hours to waste in your free time you should definitely play this game.… Expand
  25. dams_hyuga
    May 15, 2023
    8
    Vraiment cool c'est un bon jeu que je recommande mais je trouve qu'il manque des choses comme un mode online en plus du coop également un monde 100% ouvert ainsi que améliorer le scénario je le trouve trop classique sinon le jeu et vraiment cool
  26. Maffin9987
    Jul 3, 2023
    8
    Sieht sehr geil aus hatte viel Spaß beim verstümmeln, die Story ist zwar nicht überragend aber 30 Stunden hab man auf jeden Fall Spaß
  27. jrallison75
    May 1, 2023
    7
    This is a fun zombie adventure that will keep you entertained. It has some replay value. I would consider this game as filler in between better and more important releases.
  28. Zumbie101
    Apr 28, 2023
    7
    Dumb fun zombie game. Much more fun with friends or even randoms than solo. Probably worth waiting til a sale but great to just chill out and have fun with

    Gore mechanics are actually pretty impressive.

    Nothing special at all regarding story or characters but thats not really the draw
  29. Nanashi95
    Aug 30, 2023
    7
    The game really is a mixed bag. It has its amazing sides, but also its awful sides.
    The best thing about this game is the gameplay in itself - especially the combat. Due to this new violent gore system, the combat is incredibly satisfying to play.
    But at the same time, the game feels like a step backwards from the first game, because e.g. due to the smaller areas or the lack of driveable    The game really is a mixed bag. It has its amazing sides, but also its awful sides.
    The best thing about this game is the gameplay in itself - especially the combat. Due to this new violent gore system, the combat is incredibly satisfying to play.
    But at the same time, the game feels like a step backwards from the first game, because e.g. due to the smaller areas or the lack of driveable vehicles.
    Also some of the side quests were dreadful.
    But if you want something brainless, violent entertainment for some couple of hourse, you can't go wrong.    … Expand
  30. BlueDoomz
    Apr 23, 2023
    7
    Positive:
    The game has revolutionary gore system, satisfying combat and beautiful and detailed environments with great graphics. Memorable characters. Lots of detailed weapon variations and zombie looks. Negative:
    The game suffers from repetitive main quests(like finding a circuit breaker, adjusting the pressure for the water pumps or killing zombies to lock them out of an area. A short    Positive:
    The game has revolutionary gore system, satisfying combat and beautiful and detailed environments with great graphics. Memorable characters. Lots of detailed weapon variations and zombie looks. Negative:
    The game suffers from repetitive main quests(like finding a circuit breaker, adjusting the pressure for the water pumps or killing zombies to lock them out of an area. A short and underwhelming story.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

13
#13 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 87 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 87
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 87
  3. Negative: 1 out of 87
  1. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 23, 2024
    80
    Many will argue that there aren't enough enemy types, or that the weapon upgrades that underpin it all seem as if they came out of a decades-old game. And they'd be right. This is a game that follows a simple template. But it does so in a confessed way, and in the end the authors didn't promise anything beyond mindless and fun zombie slaughter. [Issue#327]
  2. PLAY
    Sep 16, 2023
    50
    Neat zombie bashing mechanics are woefully under-served as it loses its way more with each hour, making the shiny hyper-violence yawnworthy by the end. [Issue#27, p.68]
  3. Pocket-lint
    Jun 23, 2023
    80
    We've had a pretty great time messing up some zombies in Hell-A. Dead Island 2 doesn't shoot for the stars, and therefore ends up neither overpromising nor under-delivering, so if you liked the first game you're pretty certain to have a fun time here.
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