Dead Island

 Xbox 360
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 674 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 358 out of 674
  2. Mixed: 200 out of 674
  3. Negative: 116 out of 674
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  1. Jobadkins
    May 8, 2012
    10
    This game is pure genius!In the end after you analyze this game in every way,put in over 30 hours,you realize that other zombie games are in the dark ages compared to this game.Left 4 dead 2 and Dead Rising:Off the record are the #2 and 3 next best zombie games ever, but this game trumps it,Ace of spades style!10
  2. thefirstknight1
    Sep 21, 2011
    10
    I never experienced all of the bugs these people are talking about. Not once, even before the patch was released. I played by myself off and on through out the game. Let me tell you, my friend and I started the game together via xbox live after we got past the hotel. We had a BLAST!!!! Then my two other good friends joined us a couple days later and it was just amazing. The graphicalI never experienced all of the bugs these people are talking about. Not once, even before the patch was released. I played by myself off and on through out the game. Let me tell you, my friend and I started the game together via xbox live after we got past the hotel. We had a BLAST!!!! Then my two other good friends joined us a couple days later and it was just amazing. The graphical glitches are VERY and I mean VERY RARE! The graphics of the game are beautiful. 8.5/10. The combat is absolutely Gorey, unique, satisfying, and entertaining. 9.5/10. Open world environments are split up into 4 areas, all of which you can fast travel between. Although, since I am used to oblivion, morrowind, and borderland open worlds, I believe the whole map should be traversed by foot, land or boat and not just fast travel. Also not everything in the open world is interactive or you cant pick up every item. IF it were a bethesda game, you can bet you can go into every building and pick up any item you see and not be fixed to the ground or be a useless prop. I give that a 7/10 for average. The items, upgrading, repairing, and modding weapons are more than what I expected from an open world zombie RPG. It is creative crafting system and I give that a perfect 10/10. Music and sound effects fit the situation and etc. I give it a 8/10. Multiplayer is just AWESOME and gives it replay value. For the first time, It actually makes me want to replay the game even when I have beat it. I give this a 10/10. A lot of people complain about how the zombies level up with you. Do you realize how easy it would be if they didnt?!?! I joined a friends game, I was level 30 and he was level 15. Literally, one hit to a zombie killed it. It wasnt satisfying. I told him to join my game instead. The point is to level up, and get as many skills as you can get. Skills make your combat situation easier thus making you feel more powerful when you do fight zombies that are the same level as you. Skill trees are pretty well thought out and since dead island is the first of its kind, it did an excellent job. I'm pretty sure there is room for improvement but they did the best they could. I give it a 10/10. Story isnt all that gripping. I give it a 6/10. In this game, it really doesnt matter as the story isnt what draws you in, its the combat, multiplayer, crafting aspects that keep you playing. what does a story matter when you are going to be replaying the game over and over again(cause it has awesome replay value)? So my total scoring average is 8.6 out of 10. Now, since we have no-life nerds who come on here and COMPLAIN about everything...kinda pisses me off. Get out of your mothers basement and get a job. Maybe if you do that you wont be OVERLY picky on a game that deserves credit. WHA they level up with you, WHAAW there are bugs here and there, WHAAW there is money in a game when you dont need money, WHAAA WHAAA WHAAA WHAAA. I wont talk about the good stuff....because I am a little spoiled brat. If it were halo, gears of war 3, and any other popular title.....I would give it a perfect 10 out of 10 regardless if it is the same quality as dead island. So, since my average is 8.6 out of 10. I am forced to give this a 10 out of 10 to combat the lamers on here.… Expand
  3. Deathfire26
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    I have been waiting for this game since the 2008 trailer came out, and I have not been disappointed. The combat is very unique and challenging, especially the analog fighting style. The sheer amount of zombies that you run into is a perfect amount for four player co op. The scenery is breathtaking and simply well done. And when you are roaming around the island with only a baseball bat inI have been waiting for this game since the 2008 trailer came out, and I have not been disappointed. The combat is very unique and challenging, especially the analog fighting style. The sheer amount of zombies that you run into is a perfect amount for four player co op. The scenery is breathtaking and simply well done. And when you are roaming around the island with only a baseball bat in hand and you hear a ferocious roar from in front of you, it makes you want to run away. There are so many great things about this game, like the modification, the character progression throughout the whole game and the gratuitous amounts of opponents is a suffice challenge. I have no idea why people are rating a game that is this original and well done so poorly. This game does have a few problems like the lack offline co-op, but that doesn't mean that it should be so poorly rated. I have had extremely few problems with the game with the 26 hours that I have logged in. Just because its a challenging that game that some people have trouble with doesn't mean it should have a low score.… Expand
  4. NetherWitch
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    So far 50% of the people knew what they were buying and enjoyed their purchase...and 50% of the people didn't do their research and though they were buying the reveal CG trailer, found out it was just a regular game and started raging. If you like exploring, and fighting zombies this game is a must have. If on then other hand you'd like to run and gun through a meat shield of ragingSo far 50% of the people knew what they were buying and enjoyed their purchase...and 50% of the people didn't do their research and though they were buying the reveal CG trailer, found out it was just a regular game and started raging. If you like exploring, and fighting zombies this game is a must have. If on then other hand you'd like to run and gun through a meat shield of raging zombies on easy, this is probably not the game for you. For those that like to do both and enjoy a good distraction this is a solid buy or rent.… Expand
  5. ArchaicSword
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    So...first off, I am definitely blown away. While I was excited about this game, I was a bit worried as to what the final product would be like and I can honestly say it turned out quite amazing. From the beautiful visuals to the blood curdling screams of the zombies, the island feels alive. It really comes alive though when you're allowed to explore at you're leisure. Taking on sideSo...first off, I am definitely blown away. While I was excited about this game, I was a bit worried as to what the final product would be like and I can honestly say it turned out quite amazing. From the beautiful visuals to the blood curdling screams of the zombies, the island feels alive. It really comes alive though when you're allowed to explore at you're leisure. Taking on side quests can be a bit overwhelming as there are many to take on at any given safe zone, but they all do a great job at wrapping you up in the world and the affairs of it.

    The game isn't without flaws, but fortunately, they are only minor. I experienced a respawn bug when playing a session with my buddy and a couple other texture loading bugs but these are things the developers have said would be fixed in a day one patch so those shouldn't be of concern. In the end, the game's a lot fun. The weapons really feel like you connect when you're beating down a zombie and the degradation of weapons makes each common oar or plank feel like a brand new weapon you're stockpiling to fight with. Playing with a buddy (or 3) is great and even though they're not a whole lot of tutorial pop ups to help you with everything, you learn pretty quickly how everything works and can easily get connected to the game. It's the largest scale zombie rpg I've seen yet and, to me, it definitely doesn't disappoint. I love the realistic touches and the added difficulty some of it presents and I for one will be having fun with this game for a long time    … Expand
  6. Amatic808
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    Don't let the mediocre and bad reviews sway you into missing one of the greatest zombie killing games ever made. I play it on the PC and at first, it was a buggy, jumbled mess. But since they've patched it up, it's become one of my most favorite games to play. Completely wide open island packed with hidden chests and goodies. Co-op zombie killing is a complete riot and probably the mostDon't let the mediocre and bad reviews sway you into missing one of the greatest zombie killing games ever made. I play it on the PC and at first, it was a buggy, jumbled mess. But since they've patched it up, it's become one of my most favorite games to play. Completely wide open island packed with hidden chests and goodies. Co-op zombie killing is a complete riot and probably the most fun I've had playing a game in a long time. It's also a pretty good RPG with talent trees, upgradable weapons and even green/blue/golden weapons to signify rarity. If you're on the fence, pick it up, without a doubt. You will not regret it.… Expand
  7. Richie
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    First off, I hate, HATE zombie games. I'll be 100% honest, I picked up Dead Island because of all the hype and because people mentioned it was "Fallout 3 with zombies". Well, with Fallout 3 being one of my favorite games in existence, and me being a sucker for anything like it, I had to give this a chance. So yeah I bought into the hype, but bottom line, it's a really awesome game. IFirst off, I hate, HATE zombie games. I'll be 100% honest, I picked up Dead Island because of all the hype and because people mentioned it was "Fallout 3 with zombies". Well, with Fallout 3 being one of my favorite games in existence, and me being a sucker for anything like it, I had to give this a chance. So yeah I bought into the hype, but bottom line, it's a really awesome game. I think Dead Island deserves a 9/10 across the board. The graphics and sound are both over the top good, the core game is a TON of FUN, and the feeling you get while playing is worth the price of admission. Throw a few online friends into the mix, turn your speakers up, and watch the blood fly. You'd have to be dead to not enjoy this game.… Expand
  8. jcop678
    Nov 29, 2011
    10
    I love this game its so fun! I get one mature game every three months if i have straight a's I know my mom is mean but i digress. I preordered it in june when i was let out of school. I do not in anyway regret this decsion I wanted a game that could last awhile. I started playing in september and im still playing i greatly recomend this game. If you love slashing zombies and making weaponsI love this game its so fun! I get one mature game every three months if i have straight a's I know my mom is mean but i digress. I preordered it in june when i was let out of school. I do not in anyway regret this decsion I wanted a game that could last awhile. I started playing in september and im still playing i greatly recomend this game. If you love slashing zombies and making weapons you'll love this amazing game… Expand
  9. ZachShreds
    Dec 29, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a game I have been anticipating for ever since the first trailer was released however long ago, and I can say in full honesty, it was worth anticipating. I will try my best to keep spoilers out of this review but it will be difficult. I might as well start with the comparison of the game to the cinematic trailer. I must say, even though the game is good, the actual story isn't as dramatic or sad as I hoped compared to the trailer, but, strangely, the game's environment fits perfectly with the trailer: a perfect paradise gone to hell. Enough comparison with the trailer though, lets move on to the world itself. The game did a good job with immersion in the world in the way that you are fighting for survival and, under certain conditions, you can feel incredibly weak or strong based on the current environment. For instance, when you walk into a hotel for the first time, you are faced with a big challenge and feel weak, but when walking down the roads and find a standard zombie feasting on the remains of a poor man or woman, you kill it with ease. The world itself also feels very dynamic compared to other rpgs. Like you can find survivors who don't necessarily have a part in the story but can carry sidequests like a standard rpg, but they effect the world sometimes and they usually making it feel less of a task just to get XP and more like you are doing it to help the survivors. As an example, you find a car crashed into a house and a girl yelling for your assistance inside. If you do choose to move the car you meet Sarah and Bill(I do not remember the specific names of the characters so I just improvised). Sarah tells you to help Bill who was in the bathroom injured. When you walk inside you notice a decent amount of blood, a dead body, and Bill, who has a bloody cast on his arm. Now, anyone who has ever seen or played a zombie game sees this coming, but in case I really, really have to say it: Bill got bit and he has no idea he is going to become a zombie. What he says though is to take Sarah to the lighthouse(a major location of the game and a stronghold for survivors. After taking her to the stronghold she asks of you to check on Bill. Though it is not a quest, if you go on check on Bill, as a complete shock and surprise: he is a zombie! So when you do this you feel remorse and pity for the couple and this is just a small example of the immersion this game has. The graphics in this game are remarkable in the aspect of a paradise sent to hell. They also include things like screams and moans far away and, a very memorable moment, a very loud, but muffled scream to introduce the second zombie type of the game a few minutes later. The combat of the game is especially amazing. It is based around melee weapons(which is extremely satisfying and gruesome) but you can get weapons later on and there also is a character skilled in firearms to choose. Which honestly makes sense seeing how in a paradise you aren't going to find a gun lying around with more ammo than humanly possible to carry. In a bold sense it is basically a first person free roam game focused on melee combat set in a dream island gone wrong. It has horror, action, drama, and rpg elements, and if you have it in your heart for one more zombie game, let it be this masterpiece.

    Please note this is my first review so take it easy on me if you don't agree.    … Expand
  10. MaxxSwan13
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    "Medkit here!" "Hey look its a Tank! I mean a Rammer!" Hmmm, this game sounds familiar. Can you guess which one? Here are the choices: 1. Left 4 Dead. 2. Resident Evil. 3. Killing Floor.
  11. diabolo
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    I don't care what other people say. The game is simply amazing. I was scared like hell and I still hear the screaming zombies behind my back. I have to admit that I have never played game like this: huge world to explore, beautiful environments, lots of action that you can not predict and above all that crashing feeling that you may die soon... Just WOW!!!!
  12. Weyland
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    First off.. i was worried about this game but i just could not resist buying it.... My worries were immediately erased when i played it! The biggest complaint i have seen is how it has picked popular qualities from other games. But seriously is that such a bad thing? Man This game is pure survival & though i wouldn't call it scary as hell this game has managed to make me jump & get veryFirst off.. i was worried about this game but i just could not resist buying it.... My worries were immediately erased when i played it! The biggest complaint i have seen is how it has picked popular qualities from other games. But seriously is that such a bad thing? Man This game is pure survival & though i wouldn't call it scary as hell this game has managed to make me jump & get very nervous from close calls. I really enjoy the crafting mechanics in the game and the way your weapon will actually show its wear and tear from use & they did not leave it to just having a health bar! what can i say i love the little things. Also i was caught off guard by the bloody size of the skill trees you use to get tougher & more capable. I will never get bored of throwing a knife into a zombie & pulling it back out while it tries to grab me than just stab the heck out of it :P… Expand
  13. Oio
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Well, its zombie game, but its completely different than L4D or Dead Rising - in my opinion: much better, much more adult and interesting. It has great climate and that's more important, right?
  14. Azyp88
    Sep 6, 2011
    10
    Zombie games redefined. Outstanding mood and game-world. After gameplay movies I was a bit worried about melee fighting. Its just hard task. And what happened? I am playin it for 7 hours. Melee fighting is a masterpiece. Good work Deep Silver.

    BTW - City of Moresby is giving me the best survival experience in my life.
  15. WWWoj
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Good fun = good game. It's as simple as that. Even if the game is not flawless I can recom-mend it without hesitation and all because of its incredible survival horror experience. I'm not fan of the genre but I was carried away with action and atmosphere. I also truly appreciate the fantastic environments and really nice zombie. And one thing more: the soundtrack is phenomenal. All in all,Good fun = good game. It's as simple as that. Even if the game is not flawless I can recom-mend it without hesitation and all because of its incredible survival horror experience. I'm not fan of the genre but I was carried away with action and atmosphere. I also truly appreciate the fantastic environments and really nice zombie. And one thing more: the soundtrack is phenomenal. All in all, it is a decent product that scored 95% on my scale.… Expand
  16. BambiZombie
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Woohoo! An open world zombie slasher with impeccable graphics and fresh gameplay. It has some glitches so I'm still waiting for that patch but otherwise it's exactly the game I've been waiting for. Weapon decays is balanced as long as you loot useful stuff (as you would being a survivor in a zombie apocalypse), the enemies have enough variety to stay entertaining but it's still obviousWoohoo! An open world zombie slasher with impeccable graphics and fresh gameplay. It has some glitches so I'm still waiting for that patch but otherwise it's exactly the game I've been waiting for. Weapon decays is balanced as long as you loot useful stuff (as you would being a survivor in a zombie apocalypse), the enemies have enough variety to stay entertaining but it's still obvious that they're zombie variations.
    Melee combat is unique, especially when you switch the oddly named 'fight type' to analog. Then you control the melee swings by swinging the right analog stick. And one more thing: PLAY IN CO-OP!!    … Expand
  17. Karmakrazy412
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    Dead Island is great. Go buy it. There. That was easy. Oh- You want to know why? Well I'll tell you. Dead Island is a very good open world zombie survival game featuring a robust weapon crafting system and first person melee combat. Itâ
  18. nerdgasmtv
    Sep 7, 2011
    10
    This is by far my favorite Zombie Gaming experience ever. It truly satisfied the many aspects that left 4 dead left me craving. The game did have its problems at launch with the developer releasing the wrong version. That being said, i'm not gonna dock any points for that. Ultimately the only thing that matters is if the game is fun or not. As Far as Fun factor its a 10/10 without a doubtThis is by far my favorite Zombie Gaming experience ever. It truly satisfied the many aspects that left 4 dead left me craving. The game did have its problems at launch with the developer releasing the wrong version. That being said, i'm not gonna dock any points for that. Ultimately the only thing that matters is if the game is fun or not. As Far as Fun factor its a 10/10 without a doubt as long as you can look past some of the issues that plagued the game at release. If you are a zombie fan DO NOT PASS THIS GAME UP!… Expand
  19. Bama
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    This game is incredibly fun to play in Singleplayer mode or MP mode. I can only reason that the low scores must have come from FPS fans. If exploring, crafting, leveling and defiling zombies with hundreds of weapons in amazingly bloody fashion than this game is for you. Do not let the critics talk u out of this game it is a must play.
  20. iClint
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    I think people are giving this game a bum steer, and not being fair on the game. The first point I will address is the multi player function and people complaining about the annoying in game popups to join other peoples games SOLUTION switch to "Single Player" in the online menu, problem solved.

    The next issue is the combat system - IF you find this game hard or think the combat system is    I think people are giving this game a bum steer, and not being fair on the game. The first point I will address is the multi player function and people complaining about the annoying in game popups to join other peoples games SOLUTION switch to "Single Player" in the online menu, problem solved.

    The next issue is the combat system - IF you find this game hard or think the combat system is ineffective... well you probably just suck at this game. The combat system is fantastic and very intuitive, point the cross hair at the part of the zombie you want to hit and hit it, if you have a knife it may just cut or disable the limb, it may cut it right off, blunt weapons will cripple and in the case of the head smash it clean off.

    I have read many complaints that the stamina system means that if you come up against more than a couple zombies your done for, this is not true. in real life you wouldn't just swing your arms and scream like someone from the internet releasing there nerd rage would you, and this game is no different the key to success is controlled use of weapons, a strike to the head will often kill a zombie in one blow if not knock it to the ground stunning it for a while giving you time to dispatch any other zombie attacking you.

    This title is better than "Dead rising" and "Left for dead" where it differs is that while it is from the first person perspective it is not a 'first person shooter". If you buy this game thinking your getting a FPS you will not be happy.

    So what do you get? Well if you are fan of Oblivion and Melee combat this game is for you.

    the game is a basic RPG in that completing missions and killing zombies earns you XP with can be used to upgrade your characters abilities, and also their effectiveness with particular weapons and in combat.

    Graphics - the graphics in this game a bloody awesome, when you consider it is a completely open world, go anywhere anytime, you can often see ahead of you for miles and there are virtually no load times, when you enter a building or a safety area there are no load times. Complaints of texture pop ins are unfounded and nothing that no other video game of this scale suffers from, and to be honest it is barely noticeable unless you look for it and does not take away from the game at all.

    Sound - again bloody awesome and draws you right into the game, you will be exploring an area, with the ambient sounds of waves crashing the wind perhaps a radio playing music in the back ground and then you hear a groan! (I have surround sound) you spin around to the direction it came from to see a zombie pick himself up and start coming after you.

    Gameplay - Awesome!!!! You are immune to the infection and cannot be turned into a zombie, so people use this to their advantage by asking you to do favours for them, unfortunately while you are immune you are not invincible and can be killed.

    Characters in the game when approached will ask you to do favours for them you either accept or decline in return they will give you money (for better weapons and upgrades) weapons, and XP points.

    the way you get new missions is very well done you talk with the character they give you the back ground of the mission and then hand you a blood stained piece of paper with all the details.

    the missions are usually go hear get this talk to person X come back when your done, find me this etc, just like your GTA's and many other games, some people say they find these mission types boring and repetitive but i think the key to games like this is not to just do one mission return do the next return, but treat the side missions as exactly that "well if I am in the area I will do it" and it makes the game much more fun and immersive.

    overal this game is easily a 10/10 and one of the best games I have played for a while after a steam of consecutive new release titles that sucked

    If you got a woody for the game trailer thinking this game would be some kind of gripping emotional roller coaster, then I really do question your manhood. Who on earth would have expected anything more than roaming an island smashing zombies?

    Bugs - Well none that i can see, (none that really effect game play) after 4 hours of playing, all open world games suffer from some glitches here and there, but having said that i experienced none

    All I can say is don't think this game is going to be COD with zombies because you will be disappointed, and don't believe the nay sayers and bad reviews this game is great    … Expand
  21. Wushudragon
    Sep 8, 2011
    10
    Do not listen to the haters. Just like them I waited 2 days to play the game I paid my money for. However, unlike them I had the patience and willingness to wait it out. And so glad I did. The game is awesomesauce wrapped in bacon. Killing zombies has never been so much fun. And why on earth did it take so long to come up with the formula. Open world + RPG skills + zombie-killing +Do not listen to the haters. Just like them I waited 2 days to play the game I paid my money for. However, unlike them I had the patience and willingness to wait it out. And so glad I did. The game is awesomesauce wrapped in bacon. Killing zombies has never been so much fun. And why on earth did it take so long to come up with the formula. Open world + RPG skills + zombie-killing + co-op = Fun-freaking-tastic. Making this short to start up another session. Work just made the addiction worse... going to imagine some zombies with bosses faces =)… Expand
  22. Junkboat
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    REVISION: It still garners a straight 10 in my book. The game delivers as much as it needs to. Clunky controls? Quit button-mashing. Loads of glitches? False, you're still button-mashing. I've only seen two or three, none of them anywhere near a true hindrance on enjoyment. Unplayable in single-player? BUTTON-MASHING, STOP IT. The game has a skill curve. It is not aREVISION: It still garners a straight 10 in my book. The game delivers as much as it needs to. Clunky controls? Quit button-mashing. Loads of glitches? False, you're still button-mashing. I've only seen two or three, none of them anywhere near a true hindrance on enjoyment. Unplayable in single-player? BUTTON-MASHING, STOP IT. The game has a skill curve. It is not a hack-and-slash instant win. It's unnerving how atrociously bad some of you are at taking blame for your own shortcomings. I've been at this game for over fifty hours doing side quests, the main story, and just exploring. This is the best zombie game to-date.

    The controls aren't perfect, but they aren't as bad as you red reviews make them out to be. Dead Island upholds natural selection; you make up the low end of the bell curve.    … Expand
  23. Killwithsound
    Sep 9, 2011
    10
    Don't believe the bad reviews. I've been playing this game for 4 days now. I've played Borderlands, Left4dead, Deadrising, and countless other games. I've been playing PC and console games since 1990 on a hardcore basis, and I can say without a doubt that this is a damn fine game. It's open world, very very few loading zones, and has tons of locations. The combat is a bit different,Don't believe the bad reviews. I've been playing this game for 4 days now. I've played Borderlands, Left4dead, Deadrising, and countless other games. I've been playing PC and console games since 1990 on a hardcore basis, and I can say without a doubt that this is a damn fine game. It's open world, very very few loading zones, and has tons of locations. The combat is a bit different, but if you take a little bit of time you will get used to it, and have a ton of fun dismembering the zombies. Some reviews compare this to the previous games I mentioned, and they are right. Just think Borderlands, on Farcry island, meets Dead Rising without a time limit. The only low points in the game I can think of are some graphic lighting issues, and some ugly character models. This game is not getting the credit it deserves, it's very under rated. Take it from somone who has spent a lot of time playing this, and has a lot of gaming experience, you'll like this game.… Expand
  24. Cavkov
    Sep 10, 2011
    10
    This game is a masterpiece! I love it. Good atmosphere, great combat and ALLOT to do. The game even looks fantastic. Really hope that they will make a sequel. Thank you
  25. Xx_Overkill_VR
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    You can see an entire walkthrough of the game here:http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL19C772559E876B8E&feature=viewall

    Perfect hybrid of Dead Rising, Left 4 Dead and Borderlands(a little bit of Fallout as well). Leveling up with a skill tree, scavenging and looting, weapon mods, melee madness, guns and explosives, co-op, and a long single player experience makes this one of the best    You can see an entire walkthrough of the game here:http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL19C772559E876B8E&feature=viewall

    Perfect hybrid of Dead Rising, Left 4 Dead and Borderlands(a little bit of Fallout as well). Leveling up with a skill tree, scavenging and looting, weapon mods, melee madness, guns and explosives, co-op, and a long single player experience makes this one of the best zombie games ever. However one of the best things about this game is probably the difficulty. The game starts out pretty easy but as you level up so do the zombies. As you progress through the game you encounter stronger types of zombies that are pretty difficult to take down. The game even warns you that certain areas of the island are very dangerous to traverse alone bringing the emphasis on playing the game in co-op.

    This is the true zombie survival horror game that we have all been waiting for. The promise of death in a few seconds in the event of a zombie encounter adds to the atmosphere and the realization of the ever impending doom of the zombie apocalypse. Anxiety and fear take over as you traverse the city where you are severely outnumbered around every corner and your best chance of survival is to just run. However you cannot always escape because you must manage your stamina. Using too much of it to run away from encounters will get you winded and in the event that you get cornered, not being able to defend yourself will provide you with a quick death. Having said that the combat in the game is exceptional. Mostly relying on melee weapons, it adds a great mechanic into the mix: being able to sever or break limbs to cripple the enemy. This alone adds a skill gap to the combat system that rewards accuracy and tactical thinking.

    All in all it is a great game that has a relatively long single player experience that can be shared with 3 other players online. You will die a lot in this game and that just makes it that much better because it adds to the atmosphere of the zombie apocalypse. This is one game where you are rewarded for your skills in combat as well as tactical thinking otherwise you're "dead meat".    … Expand
  26. DamianJP
    Sep 11, 2011
    10
    Great Game, bit slow to start off, but the good physics engine and the addictive fun of obliterating zombies with various makeshift weapons makes it worthwhile. The change in scenery is great over the course of the game, and i didn't find the missions too repetitive. Graphics are great, no complaints. Smooth textures and clean edges make it a great looking title. Amazing really. Pick up aGreat Game, bit slow to start off, but the good physics engine and the addictive fun of obliterating zombies with various makeshift weapons makes it worthwhile. The change in scenery is great over the course of the game, and i didn't find the missions too repetitive. Graphics are great, no complaints. Smooth textures and clean edges make it a great looking title. Amazing really. Pick up a copy and judge for yourself.… Expand
  27. HairyLipSquid
    Sep 12, 2011
    10
    One of the best zombie games ever made. Great job Deep Silver and Square Enix it was well worth the wait. This plays much more like fallout/borderlands than L4D so be warned, if you didnt like either of these games but in all honesty who wouldnt love this :-)
  28. Beanos
    Sep 13, 2011
    10
    I had to create an account to rate this game, just because i was so utterly baffled by the bad reviews of this game. I guess the bad reviews prove that some people you just can't please. I can't imagine that -anything- makes the people who disliked this game happy. Anyhew. This game is like the world's best milkshake. They picked the best parts of a dozen different games, and blended itI had to create an account to rate this game, just because i was so utterly baffled by the bad reviews of this game. I guess the bad reviews prove that some people you just can't please. I can't imagine that -anything- makes the people who disliked this game happy. Anyhew. This game is like the world's best milkshake. They picked the best parts of a dozen different games, and blended it together into deliciousness, and every bit is incredible. The skill tree, and items with stats from borderlands, weapons and combinations from dead rising, fallout-esque missions and targeting of limbs. It's just incredible. The -stupidest- complaint i've ever heard is that all the women are in bikinis. The first 25 percent of the game takes place on a beach resort...the men are in swimsuits too, it's a beach! I gurantee you there aren't bikini clad women in the slum-town that is the next section.… Expand
  29. Slowbots
    Sep 14, 2011
    10
    By far the most funloving and entertaining title to come along for quite some time. It might not be everyone´s cup of tea but if you like open worlds, tons of stuff to do and braindead Zombies (who doesn´t) then pick this one up. This is a game that is quite literally what you make of it, so if you only like games that give you no freedom, this is not for you.By far the most funloving and entertaining title to come along for quite some time. It might not be everyone´s cup of tea but if you like open worlds, tons of stuff to do and braindead Zombies (who doesn´t) then pick this one up. This is a game that is quite literally what you make of it, so if you only like games that give you no freedom, this is not for you. For all others, you are in for a treat.… Expand
  30. MechaYakuza
    Sep 16, 2011
    10
    The first night I fired it up I spent 7 straight amazing hours in co-op with friends. Since then I've put about 10 hours into the game solo, and it still plays amazing. I have yet to come across a single glitch in the beautifuly detailed world. If you liked Fallout 3, Far Cry 2, or Dead Rising, you can't go wrong with this 2011 GOTY contender.
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
9
#9 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 75 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 75
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 75
  3. Negative: 1 out of 75
  1. GamingTrend
    Mar 1, 2012
    93
    Dead Island is a hell of a ride from start to (near) finish and is a zombie game that stands out from the rest of the pack.
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  2. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Dec 2, 2011
    55
    A wasted opportunity - frustrating to play and too ugly to love. [Dec 2011, p.98]
  3. Game Chronicles
    Nov 23, 2011
    85
    I admit that I was not expecting much from Dead Island, given the oversaturated subject matter and the delayed development time. And while the game definitely has its share of weaknesses, it is pleasantly surprising in its own right.
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