Dead Island: Definitive Collection Reviews
I’ve spent dozens of hours playing both games for my Dead Island Definitive Collection review, and it certainly has been a fun time! There’s still plenty for me to do in each game s they’re huge releases, and unlocking both Platinum trophies is certainly something currently on my to-do list. I highly recommend that you purchase this collection as it offers great value for a very low cost.
Dead Island Definitive Collection offers a lot of content for relatively little money. The predecessor of Dying Light is entertaining even today, so if you haven't had the honor yet, feel free to give the undead a chance.
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For those that played through Dead Island and its standalone expansion before, it really comes down to how they felt about it. If you get the itch to go back to Banoi and don’t mind getting “who do you voodoo” stuck in your head again, then check it out. Otherwise, there isn’t much there (other than the 2D game) that you haven’t already seen and you can safely skip it.
Deep Silver was happy to jump on the definitive edition bandwagon, but there are games far more deserving for this treatment. Real strides have been made in the video department. Otherwise, there’s not much else from the 'Dead Island: Definitive Collection' to recommend here - two ho-hum games that are aging quickly despite their youth, and a new retro title that adds very little to the equation.
Both games in the collection look better than you might expect with its new gen makeover and they come bundled with all previously released DLC. However, even at a reasonable price, will it warrant a purchase?
Dead Island Definitive Collection is a competent collection which vastly improves the two Dead Island games included, adding a third game which can be fun in short bursts. Both Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide never looked better, with a slew of technical enhancements and solid performance which makes revisiting both titles quite enjoyable. Most the gameplay issues, however, haven't been addressed, so those who couldn't stand the original releases won't change their opinions with the remastered releases. Solid games, for sure, but not for everyone.
Though the visuals sparkle and small improvements have been made, overall Dead Island Definitive Edition isn’t different enough from the original to be worth a purchase. In fact, it seems worse in some ways. Only give it a buy if the arena mode sounds appealing, or if you want to show off how powerful your new graphics card is.
Definitely one of the strongest remasters available on the current gen consoles, with enough improvements to more than compete with most new games. In a surprise turn, it also manages to better its original release - it’s been a long time since the title “Definitive Edition” was this well earnt.
For those craving more open-world zombie madness it is hard to argue the value here, just remember that these games feel extremely dated.
Despite the increase in graphical beauty, neither game is something you should be going back to if you have already played the original. For those who have not yet dipped into Dead Island‘s melee frenzy, this is the best deal you are going to receive, especially considering the ability to tap into One Punch Mode if you find combat monotonous. The extra content and inclusion of a 16-bit throwback sweetens the deal, but the core games remain a repetitive affair of going from point A to point B and leveling up to continue the process until it ends. Given Techland’s recent effort with Dying Light which improved upon the foundation they set in Dead Island, and Deep Silver’s difficulty in finding a home for Dead Island 2, this might become the last release for an underwhelming series.
Has it toppled Dying Light for the best first person zombie slaying game? Not really; but it has charm that is entirely its own.
Dead Island barely faded away from it’s initial reveal in 2011 with good marketing and a clear-cut emphasis on zombie killing, but all Definitive Edition does is stall the franchise from becoming infected into obscurity. It’s a game that’s partly pleasant with a companion, but not attentively tenacious alone, leading to a strong disconnect if you’re buddies are away. An added game Retro Revenge could have helped matters, but it’s just as half-baked and soulless as what’s come before it.
It may be a pretty mindless package overall, but it’s not completely without brains.
It still has technical problems with its bugs and glitches, but the dollars to value offering with what the Dead Island Definitive Collection offers is second to none. This is a one-stop shop for all things zombie that given its shortcomings, will surely entertain for many hours, especially with friends in online co-op – where the game truly shines.
The Game hasn’t aged well at all. Overall a very disappointing remaster not recommended to anyone
Dead Island: Definitive Collection is a symbol of the franchise’s great ideas, hampered by what is merely an okay execution.
Dead Island: Definitive Collection is by no means perfect, but it still succeeds in providing you with a substantial slice of flawed but generally fine zombie slaying action. Despite offering a graphical upgrade, though, there may not be much here to lure in those who have played these titles before – especially seeing as no real changes have been made to the core gameplay, and because newcomer Retro Revenge disappoints.
Dead Island: Definitive Collection is great value if you're a fan of the games, given that it's the only way you can play them on Xbox One. Players that fit that description shouldn't be expecting any major gameplay changes though since they're very thin on the ground, outside of an unlockable "one punch" mode which was available on PC as a mod for the first game. Even at a budget price, players new to the franchise can safely avoid the set as there's much better gameplay to be found elsewhere, such as in the likes of the Metro: Last Light or even Techland's own Dying Light, both of which outshine Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide in almost every area.
Is Dead Island good? Yes it is … but it isn’t at the same time. It’s inspired, but turgid. Brilliant, but flawed. Fun, but infuriating. If you’ve never played it before, the Definitive Edition may just provide you with enough of a laugh to be worth picking up.
So, once again, what Techland offers is Dead Island, Dead Island Riptide, and Retro Revenge in one package for 40 bucks. That still a pretty good offer. But just so you know, for 20 dollars more you can get Dying Light: The Following - Enhanced Edition, which is just a better game.