Dead Island 2: A Bloody Good Time
Dead Island 2 brings a fresh, sun-soaked twist to the zombie apocalypse, setting players loose in the gore-filled playground of a quarantined Los Angeles, hilariously dubbed “Hell-A.” After nearly a decade of delays and development drama, the game finally delivers what fans of the series crave: chaotic combat, quirky characters, and plenty of undead carnage.
The game shines in its melee-focused combat system, where every swing, slash, and smash feels satisfyingly brutal. The FLESH system (Fully Locational Evisceration System for Humanoids) makes every zombie encounter grotesquely detailed, as body parts rip, tear, and splatter in disturbingly realistic ways. It’s gory, over-the-top, and undeniably fun.
While the story might not win any awards for depth, the humor and self-awareness of its characters keep things engaging. The open-world map feels smaller compared to other games, but its densely packed locations and vibrant design make exploration rewarding.
If you’re looking for a zombie game that doesn’t take itself too seriously but nails the combat and chaos, Dead Island 2 is worth the wait. Just bring your appetite for destruction—and a strong stomach.
Rating: 8/10
Pros: Brutal combat, fun characters, and gorgeous environments.
Cons: Linear story and limited exploration.