There are good things and bad things about this game. I'm kind of unsure whether or not to give it a positive or negative review. I'm leaning towards negative (started writing this review as negative before changing my mind), but this can be a good game depending on what you plan on getting out of it.

This game doesn't really have the same charm to it that Techland brought to the original Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide. There was a certain seriousness and cheesiness that came bundled together in those games, and the spirit of Dead Island 2 is something very different. Dead Island 2 is not cheesy or campy; Dead Island 2 is cringe. Having one of the best gore systems I've ever seen in a game paired with dialogue that'll literally go "Whoa... That just happened" just gives consistent whiplash between whether or not I should be "laughing" or taking this seriously. It's not a good blend between silly/campy and horror, and it gives Saints Row (2022) vibes. Sam B makes a return pretty early in the game, and it hurts seeing my favorite character from the original changed so drastically for the worse. I wish they hadn't included him at all because they're almost two completely different people now. Also, while I have not finished the game yet, some of what he is saying makes me think Riptide is no longer cannon??? So, a poor story, dialogue that constantly makes you roll your eyes, and the fact it really doesn't feel like Dead Island anymore make me want to lean towards a negative overall review. I'm definitely not saying that Dead Island 1 or Riptide were necessarily "good games", but they were fun to play if that's what you were looking for.

And, actually, so is this one.

The gore system is the highlight of the game. It's wonderfully grotesque and visceral. Combat can feel a little janky sometimes but overall makes for a fun gameplay loop. I have not played with friends yet, but I'd imagine that playing with friends probably would bring back some of that Dead Island charm I have yet to feel in the game yet.

I do not recommend this as a Dead Island game. It is fun to play, but the story and dialogue are too different and cringe for me to necessarily recommend to Dead Island fans. If, however, you are looking for a game where you can slaughter zombies for hours with friends, then you may find this game to be fun. Just don't come looking for nostalgia.

I'll update this accordingly if I feel the need to once I progress farther in the story.