Granted, it’s not a completely different experience from Slayer to Slayer, as you’re still ultimately caving heads in, but there’s plenty of variety to builds and playstyles here that’ll keep you coming back. For instance, while one Slayer may be able to tank more damage and attack more viciously over time, another may be nimbler and able to isolate zombies to pick them off one after another. With six unique characters to choose from, whether that’s the clearly grieving Jacob who misses his mother or angry Irish rockabilly Dani, they’re an eclectic bunch who each play differently with different innate skills that change the way you play. The people of Hell-A buoy a lot of Dead Island 2’s narrative beyond the slightly gonzo setup, which includes the Slayers you pick. It’s up to you to become a Slayer and help the people still stranded in Hell-A while trying to find out some answers about how this all began - and what you’re becoming. After meeting other survivors in the wreckage, it’s not long before you’re bitten and infected with the virus, but instead of turning into a brainless monster, you retain your humanity and gain an advantage against the undead.

A dramatic crash sends you straight back into the hellish Los Angeles, or HELL-A, as it’s been catchily coined. This isn’t Microsoft Flight Simulator though, so just as you’re getting ready to watch 2005’s Hitch on the in-flight entertainment, chaos ensues on the plane. The zombie virus is spreading through LA, and you’re one of the lucky few who manages to get on a final flight out of dodge. While Dead Island 2 being an actual finished product that is actually playable is surprising, what’s more surprising is just how fun, refreshing, and innovative it is, though it’s far from a perfect experience. From its brilliant initial reveal up until just a year or so ago, Dead Island 2 was the posterboy for video game development hell, switching developers two times and disappearing off the face of the Earth countless times more. It’s not a stretch to suggest that Dead Island 2 even releasing is a bit of a surprise for many.

Dead island 2 pc gameplay