3.5/5 ★ – GothZombie's review of Dead Island Definitive Edition.

Dead Island has beautiful environmental visuals, a distinct setting for the genre (the resort being the highlight), satisfying combat with an enjoyable gore system, a strong OST, and enough zombie tropes (forming safe havens, losing safe havens, building a close-knit group, fighting human antagonists, etc.) to round itself out as a decent enough action-zombie experience. The core cast is suitable and their plight to protect the island is engaging, especially when there are brief glimpses of dramatic tension between them (Jin’s minor developments being the standout, as well as the likely unintentional but intriguing messaging surrounding the dangers and selfishness of power). Purna’s half-aboriginal descent is also much appreciated. Generally, however, the script is cliched and the narrative’s conclusion is especially rushed and muddled in execution — leaving the experience on a sour note — despite some surprising twists and turns along the way. Unfortunately, the character animations are also rough, combat against brutes is tedious, the allure of side-quests fades by the midway point (with a lack of substantial narrative/character incentive to engage in them), there are a few bugs and glitches throughout, and the final two missions are a cheaply designed mess of too many enemies being thrown at you. Overall, Dead Island is not the most polished or refined experience, but between its fun locales, explosive gore and traditional zombie elements it does result in an entertaining, worthwhile game. Platform: PS5 Playtime: 24 Hours