Dead Island Reviews

We have yet another batch of reviews for Deep Silver and Techland’s attempt at merging Borderlands-like FPS/RPG gameplay with an open world zombie setting, and it seems to keep in line with the mixed impressions the title has received so far.

PS3 Center, 8.6/10.

There are a lot of problems with Dead Island, but there’s also so much depth. The game will easily last you 20-30 hours depending on how you play the game, and you will love it despite it’s obvious flaws. It’s got an addictive quality that was seen in Fallout 3 and Borderlands, and although it may not be the best game zombie game, or the best open-world game, or the best tropical island game, it’s definitely impressive. You can even play the game in an up to 4-player co-op mode online or using your local network. I highly recommend this game if you enjoyed Fallout 3 or Borderlands.

The Telegraph, 3/5.

Dead Island can occasionally feel like a bit of a slog too. Dying simply strips you of some cash and spawns you almost exactly where you died, which makes it more of an irritant than a failstate. Combat is enjoyable enough but even with the unique enemies that crop up later, and the introduction of human foes, never really changes significantly. It’s all a bit laboured, a bit tedious, and it’s the kind of co-op game that’s more fun based on who you’re playing with, than on what you’re playing. It sits in this awkward middle ground between Borderlands and Left 4 Dead, never remotely matching either but never quite crossing into the territory where you should be avoiding it. Dead Island is less a five-star vacation in Dubai and more a self-catering holiday in Cornwall. Cheap, cheerful, and more fun with a few friends.

Atomic Gamer, 8/10.

When Dead Island is firing on all cylinders, it’s an absolute blast to play, but sadly, this game will have people running into quite a few technical and gameplay-based frustrations before they get even a couple of hours in. It’s probably worth the purchase if you’re not sick of zombie games yet and you’ve got a PC-based crew of four in total to play together with, but if not, I’d suggest you save your cash for the dozens of other great games coming this fall. Dead Island is ambitious and at times pretty brilliant, but with everything that’s already out and is coming out soon, that’s just not enough for most of us.

Mirror, 4/5.

The number of comparisons to Left 4 Dead are likely to increase thanks to four-player online co-op too. Exploring the island with friends is arguably more fun, but having a chum along for the ride inevitably drops the tension somewhat.

Dead Island is a true battle for survival, and one holiday you certainly won’t need photos of to remember.

Blast Magazine, C-.

Dead Island is like no other zombie game you’ve played, and that’s both a good thing and a terrible thing. At its best, it’s a zombified take on Fallout, but at its worst it’s a dated and uninspired action title with little to offer in the end. Regardless, if you’re a fan of zombies or action games, you should at least check out Dead Island, even if it is disappointing.

Nine to Five, scoreless.

Though it isn’t without its problems, Dead Island proved to be a highly enjoyable title that will give you anywhere between 30-40 hours of solid gameplay.

It goes without saying that Dead Island is definitely worth a look if you’re a fan of zombies but fans of RPGs and even horror titles will find a lot to like here as well.