Dead Island: Definitive Collection Reviews
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.
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.
As good a remaster as Dead Island fans could hope for, since nothing but a complete remake could solve the game’s deep-rooted gameplay and structural issues.
Dead Island Definitive Collection is a case of projection clashing against reality, almost a meta-level statement on Dead Island's inability to step up and perform on key. Unfortunately the only rendition that sticks is one of deteriorating enthusiasm. 2011 was charitable to Dead Island. 2016 almost holds it in contempt.
The Game hasn’t aged well at all. Overall a very disappointing remaster not recommended to anyone
Dead Island Definitive Collection is the best way to get these two flawed experiences, ones that are enjoyable despite some poor design choices.
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.
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.
It may be a pretty mindless package overall, but it’s not completely without brains.
If you’ve never vacationed on Banoi, now might be the prime time to do so, because the island looks better than it ever has before. Just be warned, the helpless locals pretty much want you to do everything for them. For those of us that have played Dead Island before, there’s not much in the Definitive Collection to drag us back. Lack of adding previously missing features like split screen and the inability to import last gen character saves make playing Dead Island again feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. With so much else out right now, I am hard pressed to actually want to spend my time on Banoi again, prettier lighting effects or not.
Dead Island faced some stiff criticism upon its original release back in 2011 but it's hard to tell if this was more a case of deflated expectations after that amazing trailer than genuine umbrence with the zombie-splatting action. Viewed in 2016, the game is an engaging if rather clunky action RPG which has benefitted greatly from some next-gen TLC. While the objectives become repetitive over time and there are still a few bugs that need squashing, the visceral combat and sheer variety of weapons on offer maintain your interest for the 30 or so hours you spend on the blood-drenched fictional island of Banoi.
For those craving more open-world zombie madness it is hard to argue the value here, just remember that these games feel extremely dated.
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.
A reasonably-priced pair of remasters that actually do improve upon the original games, plus you get a surprisingly decent bonus title in the mix too. Sadly, while technical hiccups are stifled in the main games, many of the mechanical flaws remain, with the passage of time not helping matters. This means Dead Island is better than it's ever been, but a lot harder to enjoy than it once was.
I don’t normally like to say whether you should purchase something directly in a review but I strongly urge you not to buy the definitive editions of the two Dead Island games, especially if you have already played them. Out of the three games offered, Dead Island: Retro Revenge is the only one worth your time and money, and ultimately it’s not what they are trying to sell in this bundle. I recommend waiting for it to become available for purchase separately, which is how I believe it should be purchased, severed from the source material whence it came. (4/5)
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.
Dead Island: Definitive Collection is a symbol of the franchise’s great ideas, hampered by what is merely an okay execution.
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.
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.
Review in Slovak | Read full review