Dead Island 2

 Xbox Series X
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 102
  3. Negative: 14 out of 102
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  1. JacoBee93
    May 2, 2023
    10
    Best slasher in years. Head and shoulders above many top tier games in terms of fun
  2. Ryang23
    May 24, 2023
    4
    I have to admit that I'm truly baffled this game is receiving such high scores and turned out to be a success at all. Personally I felt the game to kind of a brain dead experience. I would enter any area and no matter how many zombies or hazards were around me, I could just stand there swinging my weapon repeatedly and never die. I also kind of expected the game to lean more towards adultI have to admit that I'm truly baffled this game is receiving such high scores and turned out to be a success at all. Personally I felt the game to kind of a brain dead experience. I would enter any area and no matter how many zombies or hazards were around me, I could just stand there swinging my weapon repeatedly and never die. I also kind of expected the game to lean more towards adult humor and topics and not be quite as goofy. Weapon upgrading became quite pointless after a couple of hours and I found myself basically ignoring most item and weapon pickups in favor of just exploring and progressing towards the objective.… Expand
  3. dirheim
    May 3, 2023
    3
    This was supposed to be a continuation of the original game, but it has lost plenty of things that made the original fun, like the open world, now you are confined to zones, so no vehicles (and no fun riding over zombies), there are no longer guns available (it seems LA has move to Europe) and the combat is repetitive
  4. 12225
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    Better than the first Dead Island. If you like zombie games you will love this game.
  5. Mecheoro
    May 1, 2023
    10
    La espera ha valido la pena.
    Que buen trabajo ha hecho Dambuster Studios, como si fuesen los creadores originales del primero. Deseando ver el próximo Dead island 3
  6. Steyraus
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    This is a game that prioritises Fun over all else, like games use to do before games had to be designed to keep the player playing and trying to draw money out their pockets. Combat is , visceral, varied and addictive . The map and progression keeps you engaged.
    LA is a Gorgeous place for the mayhem and blood sheed Dead Island 2 encourages. Visually and artistically one of the most    This is a game that prioritises Fun over all else, like games use to do before games had to be designed to keep the player playing and trying to draw money out their pockets. Combat is , visceral, varied and addictive . The map and progression keeps you engaged.
    LA is a Gorgeous place for the mayhem and blood sheed Dead Island 2 encourages. Visually and artistically one of the most beutiful games I've seen thus gen..Had a blast messing around with elements and weopens to create the most insane zombie destruction possible.    … Expand
  7. terley123
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    I never went in to DI2 expecting an open world genre pushing game, and i didn't get one.
    But what I did get is what I expected, and more... A gory zombie slaughter fest.
    The gore system is the shining light, but the performance and optimization deserve AAA++ appreciation, the fact that in 2023 I have to say this, but this is how a game should be optimized, fantastic through and through.    I never went in to DI2 expecting an open world genre pushing game, and i didn't get one.
    But what I did get is what I expected, and more... A gory zombie slaughter fest.
    The gore system is the shining light, but the performance and optimization deserve AAA++ appreciation, the fact that in 2023 I have to say this, but this is how a game should be optimized, fantastic through and through. Amazing work from the team at Dambuster studios.    … Expand
  8. Trancehop
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    I’m a fan of the dying light series, and dead island 2 is just as good. 10/10
  9. Tomaten
    Apr 24, 2023
    9
    Muy divertido. Me está gustando más que el primero. Todo más visceral y gore. Si además te gustan los juegos de crafteo y exploración no lo dudes
  10. joaoceleguini
    Apr 23, 2023
    10
    I Love it! in first look when i saw the gameplay i tought "is a boring game", but is not! Its very playful and challenging. The bad point is the many bugs!
  11. ankancr
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    Had a a great time with this game. Very fun to play with my friends and awesome Gore.
  12. Tomas95
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Diese Spiel ist der wahnsinn Sehr sehr gute grafik tolle Atmosphäre gute Technik und flüssige 60fps mit 4k auf höchste Qualität nicht Standard in jahr 2023 das warten hat sich gelohnt für mich der beste zombie Game aller Zeiten
  13. Viniboom
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    ...........................................................................n
  14. Double07
    Apr 22, 2023
    9
    I wasn't really expecting much but was pleasantly surprised! Looks good, runs smooth and the gore system is just top notch. Had an absolute blast playing this. 100% recommend to anyone who just wants pure video game joy!
  15. Kechiche
    May 1, 2023
    9
    Great game and AAA production value, the graphics and lights are amazing and the combat system innovative. I would love to be able to drive cars in the next game Dead Island 3?. Overall lots of fun and I recommend this game on Xbox because it has Voice commands with Alexa Game Control that allows you to hail at zombies!
  16. M3RTIX
    May 2, 2023
    10
    The best zombie game after L4D and Resident Evil 2-3...!

    Environmental details, graphics and gore system are amazing...! I finished all the main and side missions without getting bored. The feeling of discover maps are great...
  17. Jokerkiller2000
    May 3, 2023
    10
    dead island 2 ist beste spiel seine Genre und ein muss für zombie fans egal op Qualität mit 4k 60fps flüssigen gameplay oder zombie Action einfach ein muss
  18. Reciter5613
    May 24, 2023
    9
    I was worried about how this would come out since it was jumping from Dev to Dev but it surprised me.

    The story was a bit confusing near the end. Also, there are issues with audio like when pause music was still playing in gameplay and dialogue was cleared quests would repeat. But it's not like it got in the way of the game and can be patched. The online mode needs tweaking too    I was worried about how this would come out since it was jumping from Dev to Dev but it surprised me.

    The story was a bit confusing near the end.

    Also, there are issues with audio like when pause music was still playing in gameplay and dialogue was cleared quests would repeat. But it's not like it got in the way of the game and can be patched.

    The online mode needs tweaking too cause it's like it's made for players to hate each other.

    But the gameplay was fun and challenging, the characters were fun and they really did recreate LA well.

    So overall, it was a good zombie-killing game to play.    … Expand
  19. slappula
    Apr 29, 2023
    10
    If you liked the original, you will love this game! Amazing gameplay with solid performance.
  20. deftones034
    Apr 26, 2023
    7
    Good solid fun! Not as good as the first but better in ways. Pretty solid performance also. This is how a game should launch. Take notes other devs.
  21. Czerwin
    Apr 27, 2023
    10
    Very satisfying game. Plot could not exist but this is not a type of a game that you are playing for a deep plot isn't?

    Gameplay is a pure magic, game really delivers lot of fun. It exactly give what you expect of this type of game - nice and satisfying zombies smashing. No bugs experienced - only other players chars animation glitches and mirrors dont work properly. It took me 15h to    Very satisfying game. Plot could not exist but this is not a type of a game that you are playing for a deep plot isn't?

    Gameplay is a pure magic, game really delivers lot of fun. It exactly give what you expect of this type of game - nice and satisfying zombies smashing.
    No bugs experienced - only other players chars animation glitches and mirrors dont work properly.

    It took me 15h to complete the game, I mainly focusem on a main tasks without side quests but I will definitely spend some more time to explore the HEL-LA and complete some side quests.

    I rate it at 8/10 but I want to boost the overall rate as this game deserves that!    … Expand
  22. Jimena
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Entretenido para jugar solo o cooperativo y gráficamente cumple muy bien esta muy bien optimizado el juego la verdad
  23. MelGibson
    Apr 22, 2023
    10
    My jaw litterelly dropped when I first saw the gore system. The FLESH Engine is seriously a milestone in gaming history I'm not exaggerating. Just go look up footage if you don't believe me. Ok anyway is the game fun? YES. Its better then dead Island and riptide. If your in the mood to slaughter zombies then this is the perfect game to play. I still can't believe that gore system. Wow.My jaw litterelly dropped when I first saw the gore system. The FLESH Engine is seriously a milestone in gaming history I'm not exaggerating. Just go look up footage if you don't believe me. Ok anyway is the game fun? YES. Its better then dead Island and riptide. If your in the mood to slaughter zombies then this is the perfect game to play. I still can't believe that gore system. Wow. Thank you Dambuster studios.… Expand
  24. Buyman3375
    Apr 24, 2023
    8
    Entertaining and fun - all you need for a game! This was better than I expected.
  25. Omarphis
    Apr 29, 2023
    10
    This game is just pure fun. Killing zombies feels really good and gorefull. Animations are very good and graphics looks wonderfull. Story? What story this is dead İsland!
  26. el_ramon
    May 2, 2023
    9
    I played trought the game in one zombie hacking rush! After the first hours you maybe think its allways the same, but after the half of the campaign the game kicks in again and its so pure fun. Also alot to see you will need 20h+ for your first playtrought with main and sidequests and there are more challenges and hints or other characters too. Looking forward for additional dlcs!
  27. djmak_2006
    Apr 30, 2023
    10
    Bardzo dobra gra. Jeśli grałeś w pierwszego Dead Island ta gra napewno przypadnie Ci do gustu :) Zabijanie zombie daje dużą frajdę, fabuła jak narazie spoko. System Flesh to mistrzostwo!
  28. Nopington
    Jun 4, 2023
    6
    Solid game in terms of detail etc. Quite a bit of freedom but feels like an artificial 'open world' experience

    Silly details though, like levelled zombies and having to pay (in game currency, not real money) to level up your gear. Rather dull compared to the "see zombie, smash zombie" gameplay I was expecting
  29. sara9420
    May 14, 2023
    8
    by far better than the first game, also think its better than dyling light 2, great game, hours of fun
  30. Dreadphobic
    Apr 26, 2023
    10
    It’s a genuinely fun game. The combat is nothing special really, but it’s very smooth and makes it a lot of fun to run around hacking zombies to pieces. If you love zombie games this one is for you.
  31. MaxEst13
    Apr 26, 2023
    8
    It's a beautiful game. A few fun evenings are guaranteed. Crushing zombies is fun.
  32. MrCoffeeFart
    Apr 24, 2023
    9
    Dead Island 2 does nothing to reinvent the wheel. BUT.... that wheel has been finely polished and spins like a champ. This is a zombie hack and slash video game that doesn't take it's story to seriously and neither should you. Reviews from the critics seem like they are hating on the game for the sole reason that they themselves, may be from Hell-A (LA) where the game draws manyDead Island 2 does nothing to reinvent the wheel. BUT.... that wheel has been finely polished and spins like a champ. This is a zombie hack and slash video game that doesn't take it's story to seriously and neither should you. Reviews from the critics seem like they are hating on the game for the sole reason that they themselves, may be from Hell-A (LA) where the game draws many stereotypes for its characters. The one thing I believe the game does very well at the beginning is to slowly introduce more mechanics instead of throwing everything at you all at once which keeps you entertained for longer. Personally, I have mainly co-oped the game (progress saved for both parties) but single player is doable.

    Pros: Weapon mechanics, crafting system, resources are plentiful yet restricted (different areas for different things), items are where you would expect them to be, whoever initiates quest is the main voice of a cutscene (this is a personal preference), awesome counter attacks for stunned zombies, GORE SYSTEM IS AMAZING, enough ammo for guns but not enough to make it all you use, very detailed locations and environmental story telling, smooth 60 fps, crisp graphics, story is entertaining enough, special zombies hold keys, and countless other minor things.

    Cons: Co-op kicks randomly at times, to many caustic ( electric, fire, and acid) hazards in the world at times, weapons can cause caustic damage to you when zombies catch, shotguns a little to weak or should maim more, not 100% open world (which may have lead to better location designs), characters are good but no strong attachments are built for most characters (one mission and done), Special zombies have the same attacks over and over which just make them tedious, zombies now crawl out of vents or storm drains which can take away from immersion.

    To end this, I believe personally too many people have come into video games demanding excellence and not just slowing themselves down while putting the real world behind them and JUST HAVE FUN. Thls game has been through development hell but I don't care about that. I care about finished products. You know what to expect if you like videogames like these. You can watch the trailers and see whether it is something you would like or not. If you bought it knowing you may not like it, you may want to critique yourself and make some changes. You know what you are getting with Dead Island 2 and the developers haven't lead people to believe it would be anything else.

    8.4 out of 10. Rounded up is a 9    … Expand
  33. RiesgoPais
    Apr 24, 2023
    10
    Is a really nice game like an 7.5 or an 8. Tons of funs, dorky, fast, but gets repetitive after some time.
    put a 10 because there are some people review bombing so put the 10 to counter that
  34. Gr4pha
    May 5, 2023
    5
    Fantastic game - really enjoying playing this with a couple of friends. Looks and plays smoothly
  35. G59
    May 15, 2023
    8
    Although I cared very little for the story, the gameplay was extremely fun. The combat is very good with a decent selections of customization options for both your weapons and character. The game is very beautiful and very well optimized, which is very impressive considering the hardships this game had gone through during its 10 year development. All in all this is great game to boot upAlthough I cared very little for the story, the gameplay was extremely fun. The combat is very good with a decent selections of customization options for both your weapons and character. The game is very beautiful and very well optimized, which is very impressive considering the hardships this game had gone through during its 10 year development. All in all this is great game to boot up when you want to kick back and relax. It's even better when you could get someone to play co-op with.… Expand
  36. Hulsee
    May 22, 2023
    8
    A great game that is part of the Dead Island lore, albeit on the lighter side of the overall canon, that features a unique art style like those found in Mad World and Borderlands. The game is incredibly linear with light backtracking due to how the story is told, with long corridors that serve as background loading for a seamless experience. It was critically panned by reviewers duringA great game that is part of the Dead Island lore, albeit on the lighter side of the overall canon, that features a unique art style like those found in Mad World and Borderlands. The game is incredibly linear with light backtracking due to how the story is told, with long corridors that serve as background loading for a seamless experience. It was critically panned by reviewers during it's launch period which turned a lot of players away but I found it to be an incredibly enjoyable game that wasn't too hard and had some pretty trippy arcs that kept you guessing as to how the rest of the story played out. The major negative against the game is that the first hour is a slog with "so terrible it's good" dialogue and main characters that you want to hate and never connect with. It's easy to see why so many people were initially turned off if they only played through the first two or three chapters. Gameplay starts to pick up from the four chapter and beyond and never slows down until the credits roll, which then unlocks a New Game Plus that carries over any acquired weapons and ammunition (sans DLC assault riffle and walloper) and includes extra bits of the game that wasn't told during the main storyline. There is also free DLC that adds another 2-3 hour storyline that dives deeper into the lore of the island and those who run it, which is just as linear as the main game but an enjoyable romp through Underground/Underwater labs. The game also features several collectables for those that like to travel off the beaten path, that feature postcards, audio logs, and files on how the virus was created and what it was also ultimately used for. In addition to collectables, there is a camera feature that is used to find 86 items to be recorded for evidence during investigation, all of which must be found by the player organically without a list. There's a lot to love in this game, especially for those who enjoy campy zombie flicks and hack'n'slash gameplay. The game can also be found for less than $5 in most second hand stores, which is well worth the asking price and more. Just don't go into it expecting Resident Evil or even Dead Rising levels of gameplay and story telling, switch off your brain for a good 10-15 hours, and enjoy the game over a rainy weekend.… Expand
  37. Dead_Shadow_
    Jun 10, 2023
    10
    Действительно по-настоящему увлекательная игра по сравнению с тем что выходит за последние 2 года
  38. BigLebowskiMan
    Sep 1, 2023
    6
    Story is made for gen z. The first game was lightyears better story wise. What's up with these **** writers in every new game ?

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Best Xbox Series X Game of 2023
22
#22 Most Discussed Xbox Series X Game of 2023

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. MondoXbox
    May 1, 2023
    75
    Dead Island 2 manages to surprise by proving to be solid and, above all, fun, thanks to an excellent co-op segment and a great dismemberment system. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said at the narrative level, and the gameplay suffers from excessive repetitiveness, but it still remains a worthy zombie game for fans of the genre.
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  2. CGMagazine
    Apr 26, 2023
    85
    Featuring a literally jaw dropping, procedural zombie damage system, a diverse and entertaining cast and high production values from start to finish, Dead Island 2 not only manages to live up to the expectations set by its two mainline prequels over a decade ago--it blows them right out of the water.
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  3. Meristation
    Apr 26, 2023
    78
    Dead Island 2 is pure fun. We are satisfied after completing the long-awaited sequel. Few risks in a game that offers what fans of the genre demand.
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