Dead Island Definitive Edition

Developer: Techland
Release: May 31st 2016
Platforms:
Action
Addictive
Nostalgic
Cooperative
Buggy
Repetitive
Dead Island Definitive Edition Poster

Dead Island Definitive Edition Review

Dead Island: Definitive Edition is a nostalgic, visceral zombie melee combat game set on a tropical island turned hellscape. The remastered visuals breathe new life into the environments with improved lighting and gore effects, though some animations and character models feel dated or mismatched. Gameplay centers on satisfying, weighty melee combat and crafting, with weapon degradation adding strategic depth. The open-world exploration and cooperative multiplayer remain highlights, fostering chaotic, memorable moments with friends.

However, the game is not without flaws. The storyline is serviceable but uninspired, often feeling like repetitive fetch quests with weak voice acting. Technical issues persist, including bugs, quest glitches, and performance inconsistencies across platforms. Achievements can be grindy and broken, making 100% completion frustrating. Despite these, fans appreciate its unique atmosphere, addictive combat, and co-op fun, especially when picked up at a discount. Overall, it stands as a charming but imperfect classic that appeals mainly to fans of melee-focused zombie games and nostalgia seekers.

Highlights

Players praise the game's visceral, weighty melee combat and the addictive crafting system that enables creative weapon customization.

The remastered graphics enhance the tropical island setting with improved lighting and gore, creating an immersive and atmospheric experience.

Co-op multiplayer is considered the definitive way to enjoy the game, adding chaotic and unforgettable moments.

Many appreciate the open-world exploration and the unique blend of tropical paradise and zombie apocalypse.

The sound design, including zombie sounds and ambient effects, effectively immerses players in the brutal environment.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a weak and repetitive storyline with uninspired quests and lackluster voice acting.

Technical issues such as bugs, quest glitches, and performance problems on PC detract from the experience.

Achievements are often broken or require multiplayer coordination that is difficult due to a dwindling player base.

The game feels dated, with clunky controls and janky animations compared to successors like Dying Light.

Some players find the difficulty too low and the gameplay repetitive after several hours.

Pros

  • Visceral and satisfying melee combat with weapon degradation mechanics.
  • Addictive crafting system allowing creative weapon customization.
  • Enhanced tropical island visuals with improved lighting and gore effects.
  • Co-op multiplayer adds chaotic and memorable gameplay moments.
  • Open-world exploration with diverse environments and side quests.
  • Immersive sound design with effective zombie and ambient sounds.
  • Nostalgic appeal for fans of classic zombie games.

Cons

  • Repetitive and uninspired story with weak voice acting.
  • Persistent bugs and quest glitches impact gameplay negatively.
  • Achievements are grindy, broken, or require dead multiplayer coordination.
  • Clunky controls and dated animations compared to newer games.
  • Performance issues on some PC setups, including input lag.
  • Low difficulty makes enemies feel weak and combat less challenging.
  • Escort and fetch quests become tedious over time.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Welcome to the zombie apocalypse experience of a lifetime – and now more beautiful than ever. Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survive!

Release Date May 31st 2016
Publisher Deep Silver
Developer Techland
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (8,667)
82% Positive 18% Negative