26.9 hours played
Written 9 days ago
Dead Island: Definitive Edition, developed by Techland and published by Deep Silver, is a remastered version of the original 2011 zombie action-RPG, released on Steam in 2016. This edition bundles the base game with all DLC and visual enhancements, aiming to deliver a modernized experience of what was once one of the more ambitious attempts to blend open-world exploration, melee combat, and RPG progression within a zombie-infested setting. Though the core of Dead Island remains largely intact, for better and worse, the Definitive Edition offers a smoother, more visually appealing version of a game that is equal parts exhilarating and frustrating.
Set on the tropical resort island of Banoi, Dead Island kicks off with a familiar setup: a zombie outbreak traps the protagonist—one of four immune survivors—on an island that transitions from luxury paradise to blood-soaked hell. The contrast between the sun-drenched beaches, decaying tourist spots, and infected-infested slums makes for a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. The setting is perhaps the game's greatest strength. It stands out from the grim, urban environments typically found in zombie games, delivering a beautiful yet horrifying open world filled with secrets, survivors, and savagery. In the Definitive Edition, environmental textures, lighting, and character models have been updated, resulting in a more immersive and visually polished experience, though it’s clear the game’s engine is still working within its original limitations.
Gameplay in Dead Island centers heavily around first-person melee combat, an unusual but bold design choice for a zombie title. Rather than mowing down the undead with guns, players primarily rely on blunt instruments, blades, and improvised weapons that degrade over time. The visceral, weighty feel of smashing a zombie’s skull with a wrench or slicing off limbs with a machete adds a gritty satisfaction to combat. Each of the four playable characters has a unique skill tree and weapon preference, encouraging varied playstyles. As players gain experience, they can unlock abilities in three distinct skill branches—Fury, Combat, and Survival—providing a sense of character progression reminiscent of traditional RPGs. Crafting also plays a central role: scavenging materials and combining them to create custom weapons, from electrified knives to explosive baseball bats, keeps gear fresh and encourages exploration.
The quest design in Dead Island, however, often falls short of the potential offered by its systems and setting. While the main story missions offer some engaging moments and set-piece battles, the narrative itself is serviceable at best and cringeworthy at worst, marred by flat characters and awkward dialogue. Side quests are numerous but frequently boil down to fetch objectives and repetitive errands. The lack of narrative depth or meaningful choices becomes more apparent as the game progresses, making the middle stretch feel padded and monotonous. Nevertheless, the moment-to-moment gameplay and the ever-present threat of being overwhelmed by the infected maintain a level of tension that helps mask some of the narrative shortcomings.
Multiplayer co-op is where Dead Island: Definitive Edition truly shines. Playing with friends dramatically improves the pacing and fun of the game. Cooperative combat feels more dynamic, and the shared experience of scavenging, defending outposts, or just goofing around in Banoi’s chaotic world elevates the overall enjoyment. While matchmaking isn't always perfect, especially in terms of syncing players' progress, the shared loot and flexible party structure make it easy to jump in and out of sessions. Whether it's reviving a teammate during a surprise infected swarm or coordinating skill sets to survive tougher encounters, co-op reinforces the game's survival themes in a meaningful way.
In terms of technical improvements, the Definitive Edition addresses many issues that plagued the original release. The lighting is richer, textures are sharper, and the game runs more smoothly on modern systems. However, not all bugs have been vanquished—there are still occasional AI glitches, ragdoll physics hiccups, and environmental clipping. Moreover, while the visual overhaul is appreciable, the underlying animations and character faces still reflect the game's 2011 origins. It’s a remaster in the most literal sense: a visual polish applied over an aging but mechanically solid core, rather than a complete reimagining.
Despite its flaws, Dead Island: Definitive Edition holds a certain charm that few zombie games manage to capture. It’s unrefined and occasionally clunky, but its blend of immersive melee combat, open-world exploration, and RPG elements offer a unique take on the genre. The tropical setting provides a refreshing and eerie backdrop, the customization options are robust, and the cooperative experience adds genuine replay value. While it doesn't reach the narrative or mechanical sophistication of more recent survival titles, it remains a fun, brutal, and strangely addictive adventure through a paradise gone horribly wrong. For fans of the original, the Definitive Edition is the best way to revisit Banoi. For newcomers, it’s an imperfect but worthwhile dive into one of the more memorable zombie experiences of the past decade.
Rating: 8/10
