Dead Island 2continues the zombie outbreak story that began inDead IslandandDead Island: Riptidewith one of several key differences -Dead Island 2is not technically set on an island. Rather,Dead Island 2is set among the streets or beaches of LA, or Hell-A as the game playfully calls it, and the island part is only a metaphor. As the word ‘Island’ remains in the title, some players may wonder how the game lives up to its name. However, there is a logical explanation that also gives the developers plenty of wiggle room for futureDead IslandDLC and games.
Dead Island 2was the ‘biggest launch’for publisher Deep Silver, which described it as its most successful release yet in terms of sales and revenue. There are also two upcoming DLC expansions set to continue the story, beginning with ‘Haus’ in Q4 2023, and ‘Sola Festival’ planned to launch in Q2 of 2024. The success ofDead Island 2as a big re-boot for the franchise’s rocky development history also highlights that whether it’s set on an island or not doesn’t necessarily seem to matter. That said, some players may be curious to know whatDead Island 2’s metaphorical island means and what significance this might have for the franchise’s future.
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Where previousDead Islandgames take place on the tropical island of Banoi or Palanai,Dead Island 2’s setting title clashis explained by Deep Silver in an interview with The Gamer, where Creative Director James Worrall describes its setting as a ‘metaphorical island’. This essentially means the game’s LA setting is cordoned off from the rest of society due to the zombie outbreak, effectively turning it into an isolated quarantine zone. This kind of no-go zone setting approach is sometimes explored in other zombie franchises, such as movies likeArmy of the Dead, where Las Vegas is cut off by a vast, encircling wall owing to an undead outbreak.
Choosing a city over an island also makes more sense for the game’s ending and story due to the bigger picture aroundDead Island 2’s Autophage explanation. Players learn that the outbreak is no accident and is a part of something much bigger for humanity’s survival, where millions are needed to save billions. Therefore, a densely populated city setting over a smaller island population does make some story sense. There are also some parallels withDead Island 2’s setting that reflect some features of the original game that make Dead Island 2feel like a continuation, such as the tropical beach vibes and vastly improved sewer levels.
Many ofDead Island 2’s best locationsare based on real iconic LA locations, such as Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, so it will be interesting to see whereDead Island 2’s DLC expansions take place. Although it’s pure speculation, ‘Haus’ and ‘Solar Festival’ could potentially explore more active party zones not yet seen, as places like the Halperin Hotel and Goat Pen only showcase party aftermaths.Dead Island 2’s LA seems like somewhere post-apocalyptic parties would happen.
Of course,Dead Island 2’smetaphorical take on topical orabandoned islands in video gamesmeans its DLC could potentially take place almost anywhere, especially as the protagonists can now get around by helicopter.Dead Island 2’s setting is as open as its ending. It will be intriguing to see whereDead Island 2takes players next within the metaphorical island of LA.
Dead Island 2is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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