There’s a joke here, but I refuse to sink to such depravity. Hell, the evolution of a character arc left me thoroughly impressed – I did a 180 on them. That helped nail down how dire this situation is – seeing last goodbyes, individuals sacrificing themselves for others, or being steeped in denial, made it feel authentic. It made it feel tangible and like a fleshed-out universe. To read, in a couple of cases, the final moments of someone’s life helped bring a breath of vigor to this world.

Granted, it won’t be award-winning, and I wasn’t ever ugly crying, but the heart is impossible to ignore. I could easily put myself into the shoes of those living through this nightmarish reality. Sure, the core plot isn’t going to astound or have the player chewing their nails in anticipation, but dammit, if it isn’t successful at evoking a speck of empathy. I was strapped in, eager to see what would occur next, and while I had zero expectations of being rocked by the reveals, there was always this guaranteed satisfaction awaiting me.

That’s precisely the ride we’re hopping on, although along with my delight, I did also find genuine intrigue. What it hopes to achieve is to create something that, at its core, is stupid fun. It won’t be striving to tell a harrowing tale of the zombie apocalypse. The only apt comparison I can muster is likening it to one of those niche, B-rated movies. Instead of tension or dramatics, it’s a mixture of serious content with a very healthy amount of silliness. This experience is going to be one full of campy ridiculousness.

The horror aesthetic is front and center in Dead Island 2, but the writing won’t cause shivers or chills to roll down your spine. I’m no fashionista but girl, that outfit is slaying.

Dead Island 2 FEMALE CHARACTER