Fantastic teaser trailer aside (which, by the way, has little to do with the game), Dead Island really shouldn't be as fun as it is. It's a first person hack and slash, punctuated by fetch missions and endless backtracking with a bit of weapon customization thrown in. Even the premise is gimicky: it's a zombie outbreak, but this time it happens at an island resort. On the surface, you'd even think it's an L4D wannabe. But you have to look closer to see what makes it so great.
First off, it's friggin scary. Like, SCARY. The noises the zombies make is the stuff of nightmares, especially if you have surround sound. Dead Island draws you in to the point that you actually get concerned about dying. The cast of characters ranges from those afraid of being zombified, and Euro-Trash blondes wanting only to get drunk and party.
And then there's the melee-heavy combat. Zombies are in your face constantly, and you're fighting them off with a stick. It doesn't get more up close and personal than that. And the noises that the zombies make...did I mention that? Dear Lord, the NOISES...
Do yourself a favor while I spend a few minutes pulling myself out of the fetal position: buy Dead Island and experience it for yourself.
