In 2011, Dead Island, created by Techland and published by Embracer Group‘s Deep Silver, was released for Microsoft Windows, Linux, OS X, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. While the game was met with mixed reviews, it sold well and led to several additional DLCs and spin-offs. However, fans were uncertain about whether the game would ever get an official sequel until Dead Island 2 was finally announced in 2014.
It has been eight years since that initial announcement of Dead Island 2, and amidst excited fans wondering if the game would ever actually be made, we finally have confirmation from Dambuster Studios that it is coming next year. While this long-awaited installment will look similar to what fans have come to expect, there is a lot of new material to be excited about. Here’s everything to know so far about Dead Island 2.
Dead Island 2’s Trailer
Dead Island 2‘s trailer starts in a way that suggests everything is normal. Or, as normal as the rapper protagonist’s life can be when dependent on a staggering amount of prescription drugs and alcohol. Fun, funky music adds to the perceived atmosphere. However, when he looks at his reflection, the truth is revealed: he is infected. Players are not given a hint as to what the malady is until he grabs his shotgun and shows off the rest of his house, which is splattered with zombie corpses. What follows is a bloody, violent tour of post-apocalyptic Los Angeles that is equal parts horrifying and exciting.
The trailer doesn’t reveal too much about the actual gameplay of the game, choosing instead to draw players in with the story and stunning, if gruesome, graphics. However, the character’s switch from a shotgun to what appears to be a katana at the end of the trailer hints at a potential range of weapons to be used in the game, which will cater to the differing preferences of players.
Dead Island’s Story So Far
The original Dead Island enveloped players in a horrifically entertaining 2006 zombie outbreak on the fictional tropical island of Banoi, near Papua, New Guinea. Banoi is known for being largely untouched until the tourist boom of recent years, leaving parts of the island wild and mysterious. Of course, a zombie infestation occurs, leaving gamers to navigate the deadly open world. Players had the option to pick between four survivors — a rapper, a receptionist, a former football star, and a retired police officer. Upon discovering that they are immune to the zombie virus, the player must find some way to survive the hostiles around them while trying to call for help from the outside world. Banoi is remote and therefore low on supplies, making the campaign even more difficult.
Dead Island expanded over three years after its release into the Dead Island: Riptide DLC and its spin-offs, Dead Island: Epidemic, Escape Dead Island, and Dead Island: Retro Revenge. Each was met with mildly positive views, putting more pressure on Dead Island 2 to bring the franchise back to life.
What We Know About Dead Island 2’s Gameplay
Dead Island 2 takes players to the famous streets of LA, or “HELL-A” as the promotional materials label it after they are bitten and infected with the zombie virus that has ravaged its streets. However, it seems that the player’s infection has the opposite of the intended effect, as Dambuster Studios’ synopsis of the game claims that they will become “stronger for it,” allowing players to “harness the virus” and “evolve” as they unlock truths about the outbreak.
Dead Island 2 promises to provide a zombie survival RPG in which fans will “truly feel” the gory, visceral story. The first-person perspective will help to immerse players into the game, putting them face-to-face with their enemies, which is part of what makes it such a popular choice for games in recent years. With the option to pick from six categories of characters to play as, each with its own stats and personality, the game looks like it will deliver on the studio’s claim of ultimate replayability. Players will also be able to engage in co-op with up to three people, allowing them to explore the twisted world of the game with friends.
When Will Dead Island 2 Release?
Dead Island 2 is set to release on Feb. 2, 2023, on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. It is being produced by Dambuster Studios and published by Deep Silver, which is now owned by Embracer Group. With zombies roaming around media so often in both video games and movies these days, it could be argued that another entry isn’t needed. However, Dead Island 2 has fans excited, and with its promised features and hellishly familiar cityscape setting, it is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated releases of early 2023.
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