Dead Island

by Deep Silver

Product Features

• First-person melee combat
• 4-player coop
• Weapon customization
• Set on an open world tropical island
• RPG elements for character development

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004PAGJNS
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 0.5 x 4.9 inches ; 4.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: September 6, 2011
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (164 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
  • #8 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > Adventure
  • #77 in Video Games > PlayStation 3 > All Games

Product Description

Platform: PLAYSTATION 3

From the Manufacturer

The island of Banoi is a lush, tropical paradise in the South Pacific where its flagship Royal Palms Resort serves as the ultimate getaway for vacationers with money to burn. However, all good things must soon come to an end - and the picturesque resort falls into madness, carnage and chaos after a mysterious and contagious zombie outbreak claims its once peaceful atmosphere. Cut off from the rest of the world, only four individuals who strangely find themselves immune to zombification have the power to protect the remaining survivors from the horrors of the island, to discover what's really going on and find a way to escape before their own fatal ends.

Gameplay Highlights

• In keeping with an atmosphere of desperation and survival by any means, Dead Island focuses on serious, first-person action gameplay with a close-quarter, immersive melee focus.
• Dead Island's seamless 4 player co-op multiplayer seeks to provide the most immersive multiplayer experience to date. Players can drop in and out of each other's games at any time with no loss of progress as well as the ability to continue on alone or with others.
• With thousands of weapons in-game to collect, from simple wooden bats to fire-axes to heavy rifles, Dead Island is a collector's dream. This in combination with Dead Island's weapon customization system will enable the player to craft the ultimate weapon to ensure their survival.
• The ability to enhance and develop your character using RPG-like elements including an XP/leveling system and un-lockable skill trees put the power in your hands to create and play a unique protagonist.
• Dead Island's damage system gives an unprecedented visual detail of the effects of each attack on enemies pushing the boundaries of visualized gore.
• With an open-world setting, Banoi is filled to the brim with things to do and objectives to tackle, allowing a fresh way to advance both the characters and story at the same time and providing for endless replay value.

Product Description

The player is drawn into the world of Dead Island on the brink of a mysterious epidemic that suddenly, and without warning, breaks out on the fictional island of Banoi. As a guest of the Royal Palms Resort, the player's stay was supposed to be a dream holiday; a luxurious getaway to the beautiful beaches of a tropical paradise. But faced with the reality of a zombie apocalypse, there is only one thing left to do: Survive. This is Dead Island a paradise to die for. The Island of Banoi: If you've been dreaming about paradise, we know a place where you can make those dreams come true. The Island of Banoi. Just off the coast of Papua New Guinea, located South of the Equator and just north of Australia. Until very recently much of the island was wild and primitive and totally untouched by the modern world. Even though the capital, Moresby, was founded by Australian settlers in 1895, many places deep in the interior still have never been seen by western eyes. Banoi's lush tropical beauty offers many natural wonders: from verdant rain forests to mountain highlands to virginal white sand beaches. Take a diving tour and experience the wonder of coral reefs teaming with life. Hike the mountain highlands or explore Banoi's extensive network of mysterious caves. Along the way you will encounter all manner of rare birds, butterflies, fish, reptiles, and mammals, including the great apes of the Banoi highlands. It's a sportsman's paradise with world-class rock climbing, fishing, hunting, sailing, and kayaking. Or if that sounds too taxing, find yourself a private beach, splash in the waves and soak up the sun. Meet the friendly people of Banoi. They are proud of their rich cultural heritage. The indigenous art is world renowned and unbelievably varied, reflecting the many local tribes with their own myths, legends and language. Come see what Heaven on Earth looks like. Come to beautiful Banoi. The pearl in the necklace of the Oceania Archipelago.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

160 of 171 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not a game, it's a survival simulator., September 7, 2011

By 

Stewart Crawford "SteW" (Scotland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Dead Island (Video Game)

Small Disclaimer: I have not yet finished the game but feel I have experienced it enough to give an accurate description of mechanics, atmosphere etc. There are no spoilers in this review. If me reviewing the game before completing is a problem for you then please stop reading here.

It's truly difficult to talk about Dead Island and do it any justice. This is an experience, one that each player will make unique for his or herself. I can't tell you how sprinting away from a horde of infected and listening to them screaming in rage as they give chase makes you feel. Or locking yourself in a bungalow, frantically searching for a couple of energy drinks just so you can descend a little further into the nightmare that is Dead Island.

It's those moments that make it so hard to describe. It's amazing how much this game changed me in the nine straight hours I played last night. The minute I was unleashed onto the breathtakingly beautiful Island Resort with only a paddle in hand I thought I had this game figured. At first I ran into every encounter headfirst, merrily swinging my paddle around like a manic zombie slayer. After being torn to shreds several times I rethought my strategy. I became a survivor. The enemies in this game are dangerous and relentless and melee combat is brutal and unforgiving. I will now avoid large mobs if I can and when I can't I am using my head and searching for a way out while trying to keep the zombies in front of me. I am no longer trying to rack up my kill combo; I am fighting to stay alive.

I could draw many comparisons on this game comparing it to the likes of fallout, borderlands, resident evil, dead rising, left 4 dead etc. But tons of other, better reviews have already done that and yes I will concede it does take things from all of those titles but the game itself is completely original for one big reason. It's the feelings you have when playing this game. Never in my life have I ever felt so much dread in rounding a corner praying I don't walk into a group of the infected. Then the sense of complete and utter hopelessness when I do, you back yourself into a corner and get ready to fight with whatever you have on hand and the sense of grim victory when you finally win the hard earned battle. Yes this game takes parts from all those games, but this isn't a game, this is an experience and I urge you to go in with that in mind. Now lets delve into what makes this game good and not so good:

Pros:

Combat:

The combat is what truly makes this game shine. You aren't a super hero or a generic soldier; you are an average person thrown into something bigger than his or herself. The infected will show you no mercy. If you are mobbed with them then you are as good as dead. If you run in swinging your stamina will deplete quickly and you will be left defenseless and you again, will die. You must be methodical in combat, use any advantage you can find. This game will not hold your hand, if you are outnumbered then you need to find the upper hand or flee.

The combat is gritty, realistic and satisfying. I feel like a human when I am fighting. If I am mobbed then I don't have a chance in landing a blow, being off balance makes you feel powerless and defenseless and rightfully so. But if I stay just out of reach by using tight alleys, obstacles and backing away I might get out of the battle alive.

Each infected reacts differently when struck; I might break a zombies arm sending it stumbling back into the rest of them buying me a moment or two to replenish lost stamina. I did this a couple of times and thought I had found a winning formula for the rest of the games mobs. The next battle I found myself in I broke the zombies arm only to have it lash out with the ruined limb and send me stumbling back allowing the rest of the creatures to move in for the kill. And kill me they did all because I got too complacent.

Now every time I walk into a fight I don't know what the outcome will be but I have learned to be careful. It's this that makes the game so exciting and engaging. I have never experienced such a savage glee smashing a zombies head only for it to cut into slow motion to show me the creature spinning through the air after a hard fought battle.

Zombies:

I'm giving these guys a category all of their own because they are so well done. They all look unique, you will never see the same creature in a mob and it really lends to the immersion of the game. I like how in the resort you will be fighting bikini clad beasts but the further you venture into the town you will find them sporting work clothes and gang wear. It again adds to the immersion.

The zombies aren't just eye candy they are also believable. In the combat section I wrote how well they reacted to me, but they also interact with the world in cool ways. Driving by zombies you will see them eating their fallen victims. You will see them pounding on survivor's doors trying to gain entry or skulk around aimlessly waiting for their next victim. If you are driving they will give chase to your vehicle and try to knock it off the road. All of this again makes me feel so much more immersed in this world. Instead of them standing around idly waiting for you to walk by they are active in their world.

In combat they are savage and ruthless and are really a terrifying foe to do battle with. From the generic walkers to the sub boss character each infected feels challenging and scary. Something I really appreciate in this title.

Game play:

The rest of the game play feels like an action RPG. You kill zombies for exp which makes you a better zombie killer. There are some surprising skills one skill I particularly enjoy is when my character is drunk he becomes twice as powerful. There are four character templates to pick out and each have their own unique skill and look, but there are so many skills to choose from you will have a character completely unique to your play style. The zombies also level with you as you level meaning the only thing keeping them at bay is your weapons and skill choices. I liked the leveling because it keeps the game feeling challenging the whole way through but doesn't stunt your sense of progression either.

You collect weapons rated a colour based system White for trash to purple for legendary. This is one of the best parts, there's nothing better than finding a rare machete, the hunt is addictive and it's exciting never knowing what you will find.

Driving is actually really nice and a convenient way to get from point a to point b. It's not perfect though as you can't look out your back window making reversing while surrounded by the undead pretty tough.

There are some pretty cool ways to interact with the world, if you attempt to breach a barricaded door you will need to use brute force to open it. It's dealt with in a cool little mini game where your character tries to use his or her shoulder to break the door down and you are more successful the closer you are to the middle. It might not sound like much but try frantically entering a building like this while the infected are hot on your tail. You will also break down computers take apart vehicles and raid any container you can find in search of items to craft with. Speaking of crafting...

Crafting:

The weapons you find are great and all a machete will take off limbs and heads with ease but how about an electric machete? Or a flaming baseball bat? This is where it feels the most like Dead Rising you will find crafting supplies around the island and so long as you have the blueprints can modify your weapon to your liking. It's easy and worthwhile.

I wasn't too excited about crafting but it feels pretty realistic and makes the weapons look great. The effects are brilliant too, every time I score a critical hit on a zombie with my electrified machete he becomes a conductor and spreads it to all of his zombie pals wreaking havok on an entire mob!

Quests & Story:

I find the story very interesting so far, you are immune from the infection and so become the errand boy for several survivors camps. On the surface it's nothing but fetch quests, but it's not as simple as kill X amount of zombies for reward. Instead one quest may see you driving to a nearby gas station and frantically trying to fill up tanks of gas and fend of zombies in the process. The reason? to burn the infected the camp has killed so as to not attract more with the smell. Another quest has you reinforcing a car to make a daring run deeper into town to find more survivors and supplies, or building a help sign out of discarded luggage that can be seen from the air. The quests really make you feel like a survivor in a zombie outbreak they are realistic and enjoyable and I have yet to become bored by them.

There are a ton of side quests to be done and two out of the three above quests mentioned are actually side quests. They are fun and original and really help boost your XP.

Graphics:

The games graphics are rich and varied and adds to the atmosphere of the game. From the lush tropical beaches spotted with long abandoned beach towels and sand castles to the deadly silent streets with overturned trash cans and wrecked cars everything is rendered beautifully and lends to the atmosphere.

Sound:

The music is surprisingly melancholy and lends to the sense of hopelessness you feel when traversing the island. The sounds the zombies make are terrifying they will let out a scream when they spot you that chill the spine. Each creature sounds unique and terrifying.

Cons

Combat:

How is combat both in the pros and... Read more ›

38 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB ZOMBIE GAME THAT MAY END UP BEING MISSED BY MANY!!!, September 6, 2011

By 

Travis Deputy "TheInsatiableBookReader" (Padukee, Keentukee) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Dead Island (Video Game)

I'll admit that I had my doubts on this one, even after reading all I could find on it and watching trailer after trailer of graphical zombie goodness. It turns out that, so far, this is the most fun I've had playing a game this year. I currently about 10 hours in playing it and have just found some guns. Yes, it does take a bit of time to acquire guns and ammo is somewhat scarce, but this adds a whole new element that melee doesn't. It took me about 2 or 3 hours to get used to the controls and menus and such. Select pulls up your map. Up on the D-pad pulls up your inventory. There is a bit of experimenting to be done with Dead Island before it becomes second nature as the instruction manual is very lackluster and there are no in-game tutorials. But don't let that detract you from this superb zombie game!

The graphics looks amazing on my 47" LED TV. The music is quite diverse and fits the mood of the game perfectly. You can play as one of 4 players, but choose wisely because each one has a different skill path they can embark upon. Let me also say this: This is a MAMMOTH of a game as far as length is concerned. By the time you go through the main campaign and all of the side quests I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it ended up being a 30 hour affair! Fine by me! The more the merrier.

To me, what really stands out with this game is how fun and addicting it is. Once you get going and figure out the basics, putting down the controller is the equivalent of a crack addict going cold turkey. I couldn't stand waiting for my copy from Amazon to come via UPS today, so I went to GameStop at midnight last night, got it, then went brain dead(pun intended) for 6 hours straight, slept for about 3 hours and played another 4 more. I'll lose return shipping sending it back, but it'll be worth it knowing I've already gotten to play a large chunk of the game. Needless to say, I had to take a break from my 2nd assault on Banoi Island because my eyes were/are still burning. But what amazing fun the game is and I'm sure will continue to be! There are certain times where you have to use your brain to get out of hairy situations and it will get your pulse racing. The fall onslaught of games is upon us and Dead Island starts off the assault with a BANG!

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if this ends up being a sleeper hit, since the developer(Deep Silver?) is not well known and they did have a huge budget with which to promote the game. What they achieved with the limited resources they had is nothing short of amazing. Go buy this now!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ask questions to improve my review (Last updated: 10-28-2011), September 11, 2011

By 

Skarekrow "Honesty hurts the fanboys" - See all my reviews

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Dead Island (Video Game)

First I must say that this is easily the best zombie/survival horror I've ever played. Yes, there are some bugs and I have lost hours worth of gameplay, but I do not care. This game is a blast and being set back lead me to more quests and weapons I missed. A patch has been released, but I haven't noticed any changes in the saving issue.

STORYLINE:
You play as 1 of 4 characters. You wake up in a hotel of a paradise-like island and discover that something is very wrong. The hotel is a mess and evacuated. You are contacted by an unknown survivor who leads you out of the hotel. You take refuge into a shack where others have gathered. Residents are sick, hungry, and hostile and you are one of few who is immune to the infection. The survivors are frightened and in-shock and it's up to you to help get everyone off the island.

COMBAT GAMEPLAY:
I consider this a survival horror. Firearms are uncommon, but there are countless melee weapons such as paddles, crowbars, machetes, broomsticks, pipes, and much more. The more you use your weapons, the faster they break. With a price, you can repair, upgrade, and modify your weapons. I have used electrical machetes, spiked baseball bats, and flaming broom sticks. There are many weapon mods that will increase your survivability.

FIGHTING MECHANICS:
If I could compare the fighting mechanics to any game, it would be Oblivion, but with precision. If I beat their heads with a blunt weapon, their neck can break. If I slash at their arms with a machete, I can cut their arms off and prevent them from punching me. There is a kicking ability that costs no stamina, so you can knock down a zombie, then you can finish them off while they're down.

There is a stamina bar, so you can't just go on a swinging spree or storm passed all the zombies. Each time you swing, jump, or sprint, you lose stamina. It recovers very fast, but losing all your stamina in the middle of a horde of zombies can cost you your life.

RPG ELEMENTS:
There are three talent trees: Fury, Combat, and Survival. Each character has unique talents that makes each character important in their own way. Each time you level, you can put another point into your talents and build their fighting style the way you want. You can have expertise in blunt weapons, sharp weapons, and firearms. You can also increase your survivability against those tough zombies.

MISSIONS:
They clearly took time to write these missions out. Unlike common mmorpgs, this isn't about killing a number of enemies or collecting a number of items, then turning it in. Each mission is unique. For example, you need to complete a "HELP" sign using boxes, you need to go into a dangerous zone to turn on generators, collect inhalers and other types of medicine for people. People are in very vulnerable states and you get to be the hero of the day and give everyone hope. The style of doing missions and traveling around the map reminds me of borderlands. You start in one area, then complete missions that lead you to the next. I love the open world environment.

CHARACTERS DESIGNS:
I'm about 10 hours into the game and every zombie is unique besides a couple of the more difficult zombies. I am not seeing any repetition in this game at all and it keeps me very interested. Although I have only seen about 6 types of zombies, they all have different faces, clothing, and sometimes missing body parts. Zombies scale with your level, so you can't go back to the starting area and just wreck everything.

MULTIPLAYER:
This is 4 player campaign co-op. Drop-in and drop-out. You can set private slots for your friends. Regardless of having the same mission as the host, you will get experience when they complete it. I know you can join people who are ahead of you, but I haven't tested to see if a high level character can help a low level character.

The best part of the co-op feature is the lobby-free system. You can manually look for games, but if there's a player who is around the same missions as you, it will tell you. With 1 click of a button you'll be placed with the best teammate for your level. If the player is ahead of you and completes a mission, you will get a lot of experience for the mission, but it will not save to your profile. Both players must be on the same missions for it to save to your data.

There is no split-screen for 1 obvious reason. Systems simply can't handle it. I honestly don't know why people are giving the game 1 star because the developers have to work around the hardware. If it was possible, there would be split-screen co-op for a lot of games, but there's so much content to render and framerate issues on single-player, it would just fry systems if it needed to render everything x2.

AUDIO/VOICE ACTING:
I use a turtlebeach headset and it's fantastic. The distant zombie screams are horrifying, especially the ones that echo through the town. I never cared whether or not the voice acting was good, but it's great in this game. There are no cheesy lines or silly missions. A lot of the voice acting make the story serious. I can laugh with my friends while beating in some zombie's head, then once a touchy-feely cutscene pops up, everyone goes silent. The cutscene animations aren't the best, but the voice acting really makes up for it.

SCARE METER:
The game started scary because I wasn't sure what to expect and I didn't know what I was doing or where I was going. As I started adapting to the style and knowing the area I became more comfortable with going out and fighting zombies. The sunny and clear skies took away a lot of the horror until I went into the next zone. It is overcast, dark, raining, and the zombies are more intimidating. Lots of areas require a flash light and the flash light shines a very small light and has a short life-span. A part of the city are sewers, houses, and a police station. The police station and sewers have very little lighting and very tight quarters. This can be very intimidating when playing alone, so if you're a fan of horrors, this game is for you.

This game is 10x scarier solo. When you play with others it's actually pretty funny.

If you have questions about the game, feel free to ask and I will answer them and also add it to this review.

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