Summary
After years of being stuck in a rocky development cycle,Dead Island 2managed what seemed impossible and brought forth a suitable sequel to 2011’sDead Island. Although the game has been hailed a success,a thirdDead Islandgamein the series could benefit from coming back to where everything initially started for the firstDead Island.
Dead Island 2introduced a new location to the story, and although a rundown Los Angeles was fun to explore, the fictional island of Banoi inDead Islandwas a more interesting setting. There are areas where the sequel shines,likeDead Island 2’s FLESH systemthat makes dismemberment eerily lifelike, but the game’s setting of Los Angeles can leave a little to be desired.
Dead Island 2knocked it out of the park when it comes to fun hacking and slashing zombie killing, but the fact that the game isn’t actually set on an island can be disappointing for some who jump into the game. The game doesn’t fully live up to the promises of whatDead Island 2’s title suggests, but that can be fixed with a third entry in the franchise.
A Deeper Look Into Banoi Needs to Happen
IfDead Island 3ever comes to fruition, it goes without saying that the game should actually take place on an island. However, a return to the first game’s setting of Banoi Island is the best route for the series to take. The fictional island located in Papau New Guinea was an incredibly fun setting, and seeing it brought to life with up-to-date graphics mixed withthe immersive optionsDead Island 2offeredwould be the ideal way to open the next chapter of the story.
Graphics have evolved at exponential rates sinceDead Islandfirst launched in 2011, and getting to see Banoi Island with the power of current or future consoles would showcase the island in the way it was meant to be seen.Dead Island 2looks amazingon current consoles, so one can only imagine how good Banoi would look on modern systems.
Banoi Years After the Outbreak
Dead Island 2’s island was metaphorical, but the isolation felt from actually being trapped on Banoi Island added an extra layer of fear. An exciting path Dambuster Studios could take withDead Island 3is not only returning to Banoi Island, but showing a ravaged community that has managed to survive long past the initial outbreak. The franchise explored this a bit withEscape DeadIslandtaking place six months after the HK virus outbreak, but this happened on the island of Narapela, a smaller island that was part of the greater Banoi Archipelago.
Many stories revolving around zombies focus on the outbreak, which is compelling in its own right, but exploring a world that has long been devastated yields itself to more interesting themes to dive into. One of the most fascinating parts ofThe Last of Uswas how it showcased the aftermath of a collapsed society years after the big event. AlthoughDead Islandis certainly more lighthearted thanThe Last of Us,Dead Island’s witty humorand fun combat combined with a ravaged wasteland is a recipe for an awesome experience.
