Dead Island review

After getting a late copy of the game, Shacknews tackles the infected island of Banoi to find out whether or not you should book your trip to Dead Island, from developer Techland.

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The zombie trend has been inescapable, particularly in video games. Dead Island, from developer Techland, is the latest in a long line of survival horror games featuring zombies that only really shines during co-op gameplay rather than attacking the island infestation by yourself.

The story is as derivative as one would expect from a game featuring zombies. A zombie outbreak has infected everyone on the island resort of Banoi and the remaining survivors must fight off the undead to stay alive.

Dead Island features an open-world sandbox environment filled with hostile zombies, though the horde won't stop intrepid players from exploring every inch of the game's beautiful landscape. There's plenty to see throughout Banoi and exploration is heavily encouraged, as players can often find new items, side quests, and camps containing other survivors.

Dead Island's quests fail to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the open-world environment. There's hardly any variety in the large number of missions and the game often assigns dull delivery missions and fetch quests. Players are given ample opportunities to fight off hordes of zombies; however, the adrenaline rush of clearing out an infested area is quickly quashed when one of the survivors hands out another mission involving delivering a message to a remote destination on the island.

I played through hours of the game's single-player and it felt like a chore. Quests go by painfully slow and killing zombies is a long, arduous process. Upgraded weaponry speeds up the process later in the game, but killing many of the game's "special" zombies is a careful and long process when flying solo. Rushing special enemies like "Thugs" and the "Ram" head-on is suicide, so clearing out higher-tier zombies can take several minutes. The issue is not that the game is difficult so much as that it can get boring alone.

Upgrading weapons often involve increasing both its strength and its durability, as default weaponry normally wears out fast. Players can also use items like tape and belts to modify and combine weapons to create a deadlier object. Why hit a zombie with a machete when you can use a machete that also electrocutes its targets? Finding various ingredients to create unique combinations helps Dead Island feel more enjoyable, especially when players have friends with whom they can trade items.

Despite my boredom with the single-player aspect of the game, Dead Island's appeal shines through when playing co-op with friends. Up to four players can drop in and out in order to band together for a zombie slaying party. Dead Island feels like a richer experience with co-op, as friends can craft strategies, trade weapons, and fallen players can respawn instantly (albeit with a small cash penalty). The missions still feel monotonous, but I no longer had to take several minutes to carefully dissect each zombie.

During my time with the Xbox 360 version of the game, the online co-op experience was hampered by some technical glitches. When attacked by a large number of zombies, the game's performance took a big hit and slowed my party to a crawl. It happened several times throughout our playthroughs and it started to take away from the fun.

One other aspect of the game that annoyed me was the level up system. Tying together the types of weapons a player can carry to their current level feels silly. Why do I have to be level three to carry a baseball bat, for example? Logically, I can carry and swing a baseball bat just fine. Why would I need to "level up" in order to equip common weaponry?

The other reason I bring this aspect of the game up is because it penalizes newer players looking to jump in with their friends. During my first co-op session, I joined in with friends that had already been playing Dead Island for several hours. They decided to help bring me up to speed by passing me some of their weapons that they were no longer using. Imagine my surprise when I tried to equip these weapons, only to find out I wasn’t allowed to use them until I leveled up. This was beyond irritating. The leveling up system in Dead Island is good for assigning attribute points to qualities such as stamina and money drops, but the level limitations of certain objects was an unnecessary annoyance.

As a solo experience, Dead Island feels mediocre. It's an average zombie slaying game that falls back on lazy ideas in the face of a great, open-world sandbox setting. With friends, the experience is richer. As long as no one minds the occasional technical issue and as long as veterans are willing to help their beginner buddies along, groups will find some fun on their trip to Dead Island.


[The Dead Island review is based on a retail Xbox 360 version of the game, provided by Square Enix.]

Senior Editor

Ozzie has been playing video games since picking up his first NES controller at age 5. He has been into games ever since, only briefly stepping away during his college years. But he was pulled back in after spending years in QA circles for both THQ and Activision, mostly spending time helping to push forward the Guitar Hero series at its peak. Ozzie has become a big fan of platformers, puzzle games, shooters, and RPGs, just to name a few genres, but he’s also a huge sucker for anything with a good, compelling narrative behind it. Because what are video games if you can't enjoy a good story with a fresh Cherry Coke?

From The Chatty
  • reply
    September 12, 2011 2:30 PM

    Ozzie Mejia posted a new article, Dead Island review.

    After getting a late copy of the game, Shacknews tackles the infected island of Banoi to find out whether or not you should book your trip to Dead Island, from developer Techland.

    • reply
      September 12, 2011 2:57 PM

      Do you guys have quality control on your articles anymore? This paragraph clearly wasn't proof read at all.

      Dead Island's tropical setting allows for an open-world sandbox environment, thoough that won't stop intrepid players from setting out to explore the game's beautiful landscape. There's plenty to see throughout Banoi and exploration is heavily encouraged, as players can often find new items, side quests, and camps containing other survivors.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 2:59 PM

        Thanks for pointing out an error in the nicest way possible.

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          September 12, 2011 3:00 PM

          Also, I should clarify, this was my error and not Ozzie's.

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          September 12, 2011 3:01 PM

          i'm not talking about the typo, actually, i'm talking about the logic of the entire paragraph. the typo is the least of my worries.

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            September 12, 2011 3:03 PM

            On a scale of 1 to Moses parting the red sea, how menstruating are you? You are really arguing style at this point? The sentence is coherent. Might not be up to your rigorous standards, but it's fine.

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              September 12, 2011 3:04 PM

              He is trying to steal Xav's job.

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                September 12, 2011 3:13 PM

                she. if you fpp would post in chatty once in a while you'd know that.

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                  September 12, 2011 3:20 PM

                  I will use "They" next time because I don't care.

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              September 12, 2011 3:06 PM

              The sentence doesn't even make sense. Even though it is a sandbox you can still set out to explore?

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              September 12, 2011 3:16 PM

              are you trying to defend an article by insulting me because i'm a woman?

              the article is very simplistic and is not at all coherent. i really liked the writing on this site back in the day and still do for specific writers, but this article is terrible and written by someone who is not a very good writer.

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                September 12, 2011 3:43 PM

                i agree with you dahanese. this is not a well written piece. its just not, there is no 1 thing wrong with it - the entire article is just kind of amateurish. it sounds like something a middle school kid would write and send in to a local newspaper.

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                September 12, 2011 4:54 PM

                I guess my post got eaten. I didn't find the post very "constructive" it was downright snarky and unnecessary. "Bro your shit is broken" or "Hey guys, can you take a look at section whatever" would do the same thing.

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                  September 12, 2011 5:05 PM

                  I do not trust reviews, so I do not read them. Instead, i come at the shack and read what shackers things. Based on the comments I decide if I buy or not. Now, with all this "constructive criticism" I have learned shit and I will have to buy it nevertheless because I'm a zombie fag anyway, so duh.

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                  September 12, 2011 8:55 PM

                  Well your menstruation comment doesn't add anything to the conversation and makes you sound terrible. Also I really meant what I said. The entire article was not well constructed or written and it bothered me because shack writing used to be better.

                  If you really wanted to defend it maybe you should defend the piece - not attack me with an insult about my gender.

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                    September 13, 2011 2:03 AM

                    Nah, his comment was completely justifiable with how you came off. I don't think anyone knew you were actually female or cares, so don't try to hide behind that...

                    For what it's worth, though, you most definitely lived up to that bias.

                    • reply
                      September 13, 2011 3:40 AM

                      How long have you been a shacker?

                    • reply
                      September 13, 2011 11:28 AM

                      [deleted]

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                      September 13, 2011 11:43 AM

                      i am going to guess you probably don't go back and check old threads as i do when i post something where i am interested in people's replies, but you're cute.

                      • reply
                        September 13, 2011 1:22 PM

                        Of course not... no one does but you.

                        I would say you're cute too, but that would be sexual harassment, wouldn't it?

                  • reply
                    September 13, 2011 3:39 AM

                    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

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              September 12, 2011 3:19 PM

              Disagree. It's quite ambiguous. Are they saying it's the latest in a long line of specifically co-op zombie games? Because I'm not seeing that line to be honest.

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 3:37 PM

              Even though this game is a shooter, it won't stop players from shooting.

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 4:55 PM

              misogynistic a bit, are we?

            • reply
              September 13, 2011 3:17 AM

              Wow, "how menstruating are you?" how much of a giant douche bag are you IRL to speak like that to a woman?

            • reply
              September 13, 2011 3:51 AM

              Please correct me if I am mistaken, but these people get paid to write these articles, correct? Dahanese's comments were justified in my opinion, as the review in its original state had several errors - some that a simple spell check would have fixed (less concerning), but others that affected the meaning of the content.

              Some reviews from the Shack are great, others are simply not good. For me, this one clearly falls into the not good category. Though not as bad as a typical IGN review, it's pretty close.

              The overall quality of the written pieces here has been on a gradual decline over the past decade imo, but that could very well be my selective memory.

              Anyways, whether you like or hate the game, I would like to think that we should hold the Shack to a higher standard than is implied by the original release of this review. But perhaps things are changing.

              Or I am getting old, bitter and more picky in terms of what I read, who knows :\

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:08 PM

            Totally with you there, my brain was just saying no while I tried to read that paragraph.

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            September 12, 2011 3:10 PM

            I only read the paragraph because you pointed it out. I'm thinking that maybe you just need clarification of what the author meant.

            Let me try and clear up what he was trying to say:

            "The game is open world, but that won't stop people from exploring it! Because it is open world, people can explore the open world in the open world within their open worlds."

          • reply
            September 13, 2011 2:18 AM

            looks like shacknews won't be getting review copies from take 2 anymore!

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 3:05 PM

          at least she didnt call you a dumbass! (I would have!)

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 3:06 PM

          Thinking on it, I guess that first sentence might be a little weird. Is there something about tropical settings or open-world sandbox environments that normally stop intrepid players from exploring? That's after I re-read that paragraph a few times though, so that's all that jumped out at me, really. I don't know.

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          September 13, 2011 3:37 AM

          It's a valid point - we're talking about IGN grade errors here, so although it wasn't identified "in the nicest way possible", I don't think that it was out of line.

        • reply
          September 13, 2011 3:57 AM

          Here is an example of some sentences and structure that Ozzie seems to prefer in the writing he does for Shacknews which is a website on the Internet that he works for. Another point that I would like to make is that he writes his articles like he was telling us about his writing - marking off each point as he writes it. My third point that I am writing about would also be that this method removes Ozzie's voice from the article -if it was even there to begin with. On the other hand if I had a nickel for every cliche that Ozzie uses in his writing then I'd have at the very least quite a few nickels. Getting all personally insulted about this stuff doesn't make it not true. Get out the red pen and edit the shit out of this stuff. And if an article is weak and poorly constructed then send it back.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:00 PM

        1 typo, stop the presses.

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        September 12, 2011 3:08 PM

        Reading this article is quite painful, I couldn't get past this:

        "Upgraded weaponry speeds up the process later in the game, but killing many of the game's "specail" zombies is a careful and long process when flying solo. Rushing special enemies like "Thugs" and the "Ram" head-on is suicide, so clearing out higher-tier zombies can take several minutes. The issue that the game is difficult so much as that it can get boring alone."

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:28 PM

          I never had an issue killing thugs a molotov or a truck works nicely. If I have to fight them melee I use a machete get in close then back out when they try to take a swing at me. Also nothing is more hilariously useless than an armless thug.

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        September 12, 2011 3:12 PM

        That really is some mashy bullshit. As someone who has to generate copy on lots of different points, on the fly, every day, the best advice I can offer is to keep it short, reduce your number of sentences and you will reduce the number of these typefarts, but really the only way to stop them is learning to think quickly and clearly about what you're typing in the first place.

        Also, isn't at least one of you head editor of some kind? Like Garnett maybe? Does anyone review Shacknews copy for style and content?

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:15 PM

          Or use something with spellcheck built in... Like any recent web browser or word processor.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:13 PM

        Based on the constructive criticism I have been offered regarding this paragraph, I have made some changes that should have been made to begin with. I wholeheartedly apologize for my error. This is on me, not Ozzie. Thanks for being so forthcoming and helpful in your concerns, both here and on various social media sites.

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          September 12, 2011 3:19 PM

          it seems i've pissed you off with my statement but i mean it sincerely and i'm not talking about a single typo. i enjoy a lot of your writing personally and i really want the articles on this site to be good.

          this is another example of an article i find painful to read. and again, apologies if this makes you angry, but this writing is just not good. http://www.shacknews.com/article/70050/achron-review

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:21 PM

            I'm certainly not angry. Have I called you a Frontpager yet, Elizabeth? YOU'LL KNOW WHEN I'M ANGRY.

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 3:22 PM

              you won't like me when i'm ang lee!

              • reply
                September 12, 2011 3:39 PM

                I WILL CEASE TO MAKE SENSE NOR EXERCISE SENSIBILITY.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:21 PM

            General writing aside the comma use in that article is also horrible. I guess they never learned about the semicolon?

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 3:23 PM

              Fuck semicolons, there are sentences in there that just shouldn't be.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:23 PM

            Poor Ozzie. That's 2 for 2.

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 3:20 PM

          Your execution will be at sundown

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          September 12, 2011 3:20 PM

          In the process of rewriting a portion of this review, I missed some things. Again. It was a mistake that I own up to personally.

          We strive to do better then this, so I'm sorry for those specific errors. They have since been corrected.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:27 PM

            that's awesome to hear and pretty much is what i was hoping for when i asked the initial question.

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 4:03 PM

              You were kind of rude about it, though.

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                September 12, 2011 4:05 PM

                i certainly didn't sugar coat it, but my aim is not to personally insult xav or the writer. i am unhappy with the writing and the editing/proof reading and i said as much. the end result seems to be good and xav and i have e-hugged it out (well actually we didn't because he said i have cooties but that's cool too because i do).

                • reply
                  September 12, 2011 4:08 PM

                  SHE ADMITTED IT GUYS. COOTIES. ALL OVER THE PLACE.

              • reply
                September 12, 2011 4:09 PM

                On the other hand Xav and Ozzie are grown men.

              • reply
                September 12, 2011 4:16 PM

                You might as well have gone the full monty and spoilered the word rude.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:36 PM

            I don't care what anybody says Xav, I think you are alrihght :)

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 3:36 PM

            Oh, "the horde won't stop intrepid players".
            Now it makes 5000% more sense. Good job!

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 3:48 PM

          Your face is forthcoming buddy! >:(

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:45 PM

        One small error on release... one small error in review. I think things have evened themselves out.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 9:12 PM

        Maybe the review is a subtle commentary on the unfinished state of the game at release?

    • reply
      September 12, 2011 3:54 PM

      hey dudes, what's going on in this review thread

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:56 PM

        Mistakes on the Internet. It's cool. No one noticed.

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 3:59 PM

          Duke Nukem Forever?

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:21 PM

          did i not ask you in a recent review thread if a review goes by without someone complaining about something retarded?

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:24 PM

          I hope we have this much fun I the Space Marine review comments. When can we expect that?

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:57 PM

        [deleted]

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:04 PM

          B-A-N-A-N-A-S

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 4:39 PM

            "I heard that you were talking shit
            And you didn't think that I would hear it
            People hear you talking like that, getting everybody fired up
            So I'm ready to attack, gonna lead the pack
            Gonna get a touchdown, gonna take you out
            That's right, put your pom-poms down, getting everybody fired up"

            I think this fits in this thread.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 3:58 PM

        roflol

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 4:15 PM

        commas BUT SHOW THEM TO ME

    • reply
      September 12, 2011 3:58 PM

      Now an actual comment on the review, not the way it was written.

      I really enjoy fighting the "special" zombies because of the fact they take awhile to take down. Thugs mainly because Rams are pretty easy at this point for me. You can't just walk up and slash them an extra three times to kill them, unless you get a really lucky decapitation on the Thug or you're Xian with the chance to insta-kill with bladed weapons.

      The whole game is running around slashing like crazy to take out hordes of zombies, changing the pace is a good way to get away from that one style.

      I also like single player a lot, sneaking around and trying to avoid the many zombies is fun and can be nerve-racking when you have no med kits and 1 bar of health left haha

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 4:03 PM

        I don't know what it is about this game, but I could never get into it. I played the first few hours in preview builds, so I can't "review" it... but I just could never get into it.

        One thing that bothered me a lot is icons appearing EVERYWHERE. Drives me nuts. Yeah, I can open a suitcase. I GET IT.

        Also, the weapon level thing is dumb.

        I will try playing the game, though. Going to grab the copy we got and check it out a some point.

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:26 PM

          I think it shines best as co-op. Single player is fun, but there are situations that are difficult to deal with all alone. Part of the allure of the game is exploring and surviving with my friends. It helps immensely if you are a zombie fan as well. Weapon level, well, that's just a good excuse to try new weapons, discard old ones, etc. I understand what they were trying to do, and while it's not perfect, it's engaging enough to keep me looting. I think the game gets better the further you get as well. The missions are laid out well, they always run you past a few other interesting places to explore, and reward looking everywhere. I hope they take everything that has been awesome with this game and create another one that is even better, because right now this has been one of my top ten of the year.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 9:28 PM

            Does the co-op work well in the PC version? A friend has kept saying they heard it would have to get patched in or something, but I hadn't seen that. (not that I've been looking that hard)

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              September 12, 2011 9:46 PM

              Co-op has worked flawlessly for me and my friends on PC. Other than the first day launch problems, the game has been problem free for me.

              • reply
                September 12, 2011 10:30 PM

                Excellent. So how big are the portions of the world you roam in? The one review I read (co-optimus) made it sound like it was open world, but the world was in segments. Are they bigger than something like Borderlands?

                • reply
                  September 12, 2011 10:42 PM

                  [deleted]

                  • reply
                    September 12, 2011 10:47 PM

                    Great to hear. That's how it looks in the screen shots. I'd already be hounding my co-op buddies to get it if we didn't already have other games ongoing. I told them all about it though.

              • reply
                September 13, 2011 2:25 AM

                We played it LAN for 9 hours or so on Sunday and only once did a mission sync cause a problem. But that's also kind of the benefit with the method of save process in this game.

                Because there is no sync in the saves themself, all we had to do was restart the server and re-join, then we were all at the start of the last mission again. Like programming an automatic sync by not having a fully fledged save feature :-P

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 4:32 PM

          I've been playing it with damage displays and zombie health turned off it really makes the game look better.

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          September 12, 2011 9:03 PM

          I don't think the level restrictions are that big of a deal. Unless I've been lucky (and you unlucky), I've only ever come across one weapon that was above my level. It didn't break immersion or seem weird since I'm used to it from games now. Does it make sense that you can't use a bat? Not at all, but does a zombie running at you make sense? Not at all.

          Now if every other weapon that I find is above my level, then there might be an issue.

          • reply
            September 12, 2011 10:49 PM

            Occasionally finding a weapon above your level just adds to the anticipation of working towards that next level. It may make no sense, but I think it might end up making the game more fun, using a little delayed gratification in order to increase the significance of the next ding.

            • reply
              September 12, 2011 11:05 PM

              Biggest gap in a weapon I found was 8 levels, but at that point in the game they give me item storage so I just put it in there until I was a high enough level. To me as long as you don't have to carry it around for long (or can store it away) the mechanic works just fine. They seem to give you plenty of opportunities to buy weapons at your level (even rares) if you want, so the occasional higher level item is just fine.

              Besides, you really only see them when playing coop with someone higher level than you, but that is why the game has a matchmaking system that automatically pairs you with people of the same level while you play. Of course that only works if you don't mind strangers.

        • reply
          September 13, 2011 3:22 AM

          you NEED to play at least 6 hours before you get the feel of it. My first 6-ish hours gave me a meh opinion, and I did not really want to continue. HOWEVER, as I approached 10 hours (coincided with my arrival at the city), the game became an addicition.

          30 hours later...

    • reply
      September 12, 2011 4:29 PM

      I really don't feel this review is fair. Especially the part about levels in equipment. This is common place in every rpg or mmorpg. In these types of games you will often find equipment that is slightly higher than your current level. Don't hate it. Consider it something to look forward to once you get that next level. Same goes for joining a game with your higher keel friends. What...you just expect to join their high level game and get uber loots instantly? Either you don't play many rpgs or you simply don't like them. Cuz level restrictions are a common theme, even with the best of the best titles in the genre like the diablo series.

      • reply
        September 13, 2011 1:06 AM

        It's stupid. They should still let you use the weapons but maybe make it so your inexperience cuts down on their effectiveness. To make weapons only accessible by some artificial experience level is as bad as invisible walls in a linear fps.

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          September 13, 2011 3:23 AM

          eh "is as bad as invisible walls in a linear fps", not quite, it's an RPG element that doesn't make much real world sense, but it terms of gameplay mechanics it works out just fine, exactly as it did in borderlands.

          Realism goes out the window with zombies.

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      September 12, 2011 4:56 PM

      Who cares about reviews anymore, especially about the crappy ones.

      I love this game and can't stop playing, having soooo much fun. Killing zombies in many different ways never get boring, co-op is pure awesomeness.

      Hard killing thugs? You're kidding me? Go back and play with your barbie dolls.

      • reply
        September 13, 2011 3:25 AM

        Yea, thugs are pretty easy to tackle solo, just wait for them to do their shake head and scream animation and attack the head 4 or 5 times. Usually you will get a critical hit, which will daze them, and then you can go ahead and break the arms. Easy.

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      September 12, 2011 6:22 PM

      Having different weapon levels is a reality breaker, but works with the enemy level system. Otherwise there's no reason to change weapons except for aesthetics.

      I don't like the "enemies level with you" mechanic, yeah, looking at you Oblivion, you and your super rats, but it's a simple way to allow players to revisit areas without being over powered.

      • reply
        September 12, 2011 6:28 PM

        Running into a situation where you've progressed in the game faster than you've leveled can be frustrating too tho. The mob leveling with you avoids that. I know I've played several games where I ran out of quests and had to grind experience because the next area had monsters that were too high level to fight.

        • reply
          September 12, 2011 11:08 PM

          This, and despite what people think, enemies still vary in level a little bit. There are weaker ones that are lower than your level that you come across, but you never run into the situation you described because of that design.

        • reply
          September 13, 2011 3:26 AM

          this

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      September 12, 2011 8:35 PM

      this could've been a great game but its so buggy and unpolished that it detracts from the fun parts. The game stops recognizing my keyboard inputs after about 30 minutes of play. I'm having more fun with Space Marine anyhow.

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      September 12, 2011 11:00 PM

      I disagree with this review, but that is okay because I am having an awesome time with this game. The bugs hit me hard and I lost my save game, and I kept playing anyway! So clearly the bugs are not overwhelming enough for it to be a problem for me.

      To me the biggest weakness is the story, but that isn't important enough in a game like this to matter.

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      September 13, 2011 12:39 AM

      Dead Island PC players - do yourself a favor and download Dead Island Helper.

      http://www.theplaywrite.com/

      It helps you make changes to the game's settings files to correct/adjust things like:

      - Mouse sensitivity being terrible in menus
      - Vsync
      - Some stuttering issues
      - FOV
      - Shadow map size for higher detail shadows
      - Load times

      It really is a super little program, and while we shouldn't need something like this for the PC port it's definitely a welcome tool.

      • reply
        September 13, 2011 5:38 AM

        Cheers!

      • reply
        September 13, 2011 5:52 AM

        oh man, I'm so tempted.

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        September 13, 2011 7:22 AM

        does anyone else have reservations about installing this? not so much for a VAC ban but that I don't want to get hacked. it detects key-presses and requires administrative privileges.

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      September 13, 2011 2:08 AM

      I actually agree a lot with this. Dead Island got a crapload of praise and everyone is busy circle jerking about it, but there really isn't anything new or exciting about it. Even though it's supposed to be open ended it's just kinda 'meh'.

      I'm playing through it cause honestly there isn't a whole lot else to play and it's a new zombie game that got it somewhat right.

      Seriously how hard would it be to make Just Cause 2 with multiplayer and fill it with zombies instead of random NPCs? That's pretty much all I ever wanted out of a zombie game. Maybe add a bit of easily scriptable zombie logic in there... like they congregate around noises and what not.

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        September 13, 2011 2:09 AM

        I will also add that after playing multiplayer as the blunt guy I've found the most effective way to play is just to ram them to knock them down and do the curb stomp... to every.... single... zombie. Then you use your blunt weapon on the bosses because they break so easily.

        It's fucking stupid and a huge let down.

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          September 13, 2011 2:38 AM

          I'll agree to all of this with your post and I'm surprised I haven't seen more comments like it.

          It's just another (zombie) game that's worth playing to kill time with friends - it's the co-op that sells it... and that's all. Nothing new and exciting... and the strategy is all the same (read: boring repetitive motions) that I've seen broadcasted stream after stream on JTV/TTV.

          It's primarily why I won't buy it yet until it's $30 or less. Besides, I need to finish Deus Ex HR. Maybe I'll break down and jump on it, but it's unlikely without some peer pressure or extreme boredom.

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          September 13, 2011 3:27 AM

          Out of curiosity, how many hours have you put into this game so far?

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            September 13, 2011 5:37 AM

            Not many, because that gets impossible by the time you get into the City. We're getting packs of 4-6 zombies at a time (the Sewers are particularly bad).

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              September 13, 2011 8:14 AM

              I survive on my own against those odds, but I am using sledgehammers and axes. Also, running is a valid tactic especially once you get to the city.

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              September 13, 2011 1:24 PM

              More then you obviously because you can knock down PACKS with ram... it's a special ability for the blunt weapon guy. You run and closeline multiple zombies and you can keep running till you're out of stamina or you knock them all down.

              Then you just walk from zombie to zombie and curb stomp them while they're getting up, kicking ones that are down. It works extremely well in tight corridors because if you don't knock them down, you push them out of the way.

              It's really lame and the best way to play blunt weapons guy.

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          September 13, 2011 4:54 PM

          I feel sorry for you. One of the better games fun wise in past few years, everyone is different I guess.

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        September 13, 2011 5:19 AM

        Its actually a real good game and its easy like you think to make something like it, so give them a bit of credit. My hate comes from the lazyness I see in the game, but I have to forgive it just because no other production house has the balls to make a game like this.

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          September 13, 2011 5:20 AM

          fix*" its not easy like you would think to make something like it,*

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          September 13, 2011 1:27 PM

          Not sure what you're talking about, there are quite a few zombie titles out today... one in particular is like this for the xbox, I forgot what it's called, but takes place in a shopping mall.

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        September 13, 2011 5:28 AM

        Rightly or wrongly, you're excluding little things that make Dead Island a joy to play that would make it head and shoulders over what you describe (JC2 + zombies).

        Dead Island is insanely brutal, I'd miss the body damage.
        The... things the melee weapons do, I really can't explain it, they seem to have a certain amount of automatic, uh, aiming when the zombies fall to the left or right of you, to smash them out of the way, it makes for some incredibly funny and exciting gameplay.

        Although there is little ammo (So far) and little real reason to use guns on more than a couple of the zombie types, good god, do they feel AWESOME to play with - they nailed that, just cause didn't.

        Seriously, there is a lot about Dead Island that makes it special - Sure, it's buggy, but I'm kind of hoping they learn from this, they have a great engine and a great bit of ground work to build on and improve on. All power to them.

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          September 13, 2011 7:47 AM

          [deleted]

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          September 13, 2011 1:31 PM

          So... you don't think it's possible for them to add some gore to JC2?

          Adding a random chance to popup 'BROKE' on your screen isn't revolutionary IMO and changes relatively little in game. You can knock off limbs and what not, but as far as gore goes you see a lot more of that in Dead Space.

          Given adding 'broke' is a huge game changing mechanic and adds oodles of depth to the game, they might be hard pressed.

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          September 13, 2011 4:58 PM

          I'm in Act II and still to encounter single bug.

          When I read post from people whinging about thousands of bugs I feel like I've got a different game. Same with my son, he has totally different PC, we play over LAN in co-op, not a single bug. Maybe in later chapters, hope not.

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      September 13, 2011 5:38 AM

      Not saying its amazing solo but this review is harsh.

      Im enjoying it

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