Dead Island Preview

More Game Info (Print This Article)

Scheduled release date:

TBA 2011

Publisher:

Deep Silver

Developer:

Techland

Number Of Players:

1-4

Genre:

Action/RPG

Screenshots

Zombie games will never die. And while many say they’ve long since grown tiresome, repetitive, and just plain old-fashioned, the concept of the walking undead is timeless. Last year’s Dead Nation was great and believe it or not, it seems Techland and Deep Silver are teaming up to deliver one of the bloodiest, most visceral zombie-slaying experiences ever. The guys who brought you nail’d (a damn good and very under-appreciated off-road racer) are pulling out all the stops with Dead Island. But the reason there’s a three and a half year gap in the screenshot accumulation – just check above – is because the game was initially announced way back in 2007. It just took a while for Techland to find a publisher but now they’ve got one, and this promising slasher should launch this year for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. Prepare to be both appalled and titillated.

The Royal Palms resort on an island in Papua New Guinea is pretty darn remote. It’s a beautiful location; perhaps perfect for a honeymoon or a solitary getaway. But that remoteness could be your undoing because when the undead begin to rise, you are at an immediate disadvantage: no help is coming, and the island isn’t exactly stockpiled with firearms. You’ll start out foraging for weapons or blunt objects; anything that will help you survive, and for the most part, you’ll be hacking your way free. Daggers, axes, bats, machetes, lead pipes, and other items will come in awfully handy, but such tools will also cause the blood to copiously coat the environment. It’s gonna be gut-wrenching. Every strike will have a significant impact, as the rotting flesh will be torn away, the blood will run, and muscle and bone will be revealed. Dubbed a “first-person zombie slasher/action-RPG,” Techland is both nasty and ambitious.

Video Games | Dead Island | Cinematic Trailer

Xbox 360 | PlayStation 3 | Nintendo Wii | PC Games

Only you and a handful of tourists remain uninfected when the disease breaks out, and everyone has to sort of band together to escape the island. But there’s more to the story…in fact, there is a story, and you’ll have to uncover the reasons and source behind the outbreak before your adventure is over. The game is also going to offer co-op play for those who wish to play with a friend, and up to four players can drop in and out of a game. But really, playing this one alone at night with all the lights extinguished should be your aim. Personally, I’m a fan of that role-playing element: unlike other zombie-hunting games, you aren’t an expert slayer at the start; you’ve got learn, and your skills will increase over time. As you get better at destroying the rampaging hordes, you’ll obtain new abilities, some of which even come with new animations.

We’ll also see a lot of variety in the zombies, which will come in all shapes and sizes. This means you might have to employ different tactics for taking them down, although it remains true that all these horrific monsters will be extremely aggressive. They too may have special abilities, so it seems you’ll be at a disadvantage throughout. By the way, prepare to feel a little uncomfortable when you watch the trailer here, because while it’s extremely impressive from a cinematic standpoint – is that indicative of how the game will look?! – it’s also…well, unsettling. This could very well be one of the most gruesome, surprisingly in-depth zombie-based games ever; I just hope all the featured elements blend together to give us a seamless experience. If you hadn’t heard of Dead Island prior to this preview, you have now, and you’ll start hearing more soon…

2/17/2011 Ben Dutka

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Comments (63 posts)

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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:34:16 PM
Reply

Watch that trailer. It's just out of control.

17 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:41:47 PM

I know. Insanity! And depressing.

9 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:42:23 PM

It must be, for you to comment first.

7 up, 0 down

Karosso
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:04:55 PM

This trailer should be nominated for something... Amazing!

9 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:39:48 AM

Now THAT'S a real zombie game! What a trailer.

2 up, 0 down

crunchy_nut_kid
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 1:57:54 AM

if it had funny music it would be a lot less depressing

2 up, 1 down

Xombito
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 2:41:44 AM

I'm as hardcore a horror fan as they come, but what is it with the children and babies getting wasted in horror entertainment lately? Actually I know the answer, but I wanted to say something. It screamed originality though, which bodes well for the game.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 7:39:38 AM

Children already behave like wild zombies, it was a natural progression ;)

6 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 8:39:38 AM

I think anything with funny music is less depressing.

1 up, 2 down

Oyashiro
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:41:28 PM
Reply

One of the best trailers I've seen in a long time... even with out gameplay footage.

4 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:42:16 PM
Reply

This game has me interested. I'm not a big Zombie fan but this looks promising.

5 up, 0 down

jjlive168
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:51:41 PM
Reply

I must have watched this trailer like 15 plus times and showed it and asked peoples reactions to i even went as far as to tell my mom to watch it walked out the room and peeked in as she was watching with out her knowing...she stopped eating and just starred she then yelled my name seeing as how she couldnt finish it...this trailer is crazy and i love every second of it. its like that scene would have been the perfect ending to the game but add one more person in the room and thats the you perfect ending but what really adds impact is that dang piano and violin lol love this trailer...hopefully they can tie the same feelings into the games its bananas how good this trailer is...good job techland do this game right and you guys will be on the map forever

5 up, 0 down

MadPowerBomber
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:52:05 PM
Reply

Yay, zombies! Although there's been a LOT of bad zombie stuff out there the past several years (including George Romero's last two films) there's still really great stuff out there. Max Brooks World War Z and it's most recent companion piece he recently did for the internet, Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead (which is pretty much the only comic I read anymore, that and Kirkman's Invincible), and hopefully games like this.

No game has ever captured the feel, vibe, and atmosphere of the first three Romero films (Night, Dawn, and Day) where all this zombie stuff started. I'll keep playing 'em until it happens.

Oh, and The Walking Dead game by Telltale games is a go. :D!

1 up, 0 down

jjlive168
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:53:46 PM
Reply

And they say Video games isn't art...

5 up, 0 down

SixSpeedKing
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 9:56:46 PM
Reply

Damn! That was one awesome, cinematic and incredible looking trailer! As well I love zombie games and movies and anything with zombies really... Anyway this game looks like it can be very good and hopefully it will be. I will definitely keep my eye out for any new info.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:23:44 PM
Reply

Awesome trailer, but will the game match up at all? Please tell me this is a full on disc based full budget production. As far as I'm concerned, the PS3 still hasn't had a zombie game this generation and it needs a good one.

4 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:26:40 PM
Reply

Easily one of the best game trailers I've seen in ages. My interest in this game has just been raised quite a lot.

Here's hoping the gameplay and story is as stylish and emotional as that trailer.

I wasn't interested in anymore zombie games, but with all the hype surrounding this trailer, I just had to check it out. I'm very glad I did now.

I hope the cinematic from that trailer is part of the story, like the halfway point. Start the game off with the first outbreak.

Also, I'm loving the tropical island setting during a bright sunny day. Very different to many zombie games out there. Can't wait to see more.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:33:43 PM
Reply

Wait, why did they have trouble finding a publisher?

3 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:00:58 PM

Maybe it's hard to set up a meeting when the publisher hears you are making yet another zombie game?

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:13:31 PM

Maybe. But zombie are a cash cow. I mean, somebody ACTUALLY green lit Dead Rising 2. That is in the top 5 worst games this gen.

2 up, 0 down

Chelsea United
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 6:29:56 PM

I don't get it.... DR2 has a ton of reviews that score it around 8, I don't have the game so I don't know, but if it's that bad why is everyone giving it praise?

Last edited by Chelsea United on 2/18/2011 6:33:15 PM

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:39:59 PM
Reply

Wow.....just......Wow.....

I don't know about the game but that trailer should win some awards at least...

Last edited by CH1N00K on 2/17/2011 10:42:39 PM

4 up, 0 down

matt99
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:45:26 PM
Reply

It's good to see a hack n' slash zombie game with a story. I mean left 4 dead and dead rising were fun, but it got old real fast without a substantial story.

1 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:49:00 PM
Reply

Wow, extremely creative trailer. Almost enough to make me want to play a zombie game. Looking forward to seeing the reviews for this one when it comes out. I hope the game plays as good as the trailer looks.

3 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:51:16 PM

Wonder if the co-op is just online, or if you can do split screen at home?

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:51:47 PM
Reply

I just watched it in non-backwards order on youtube... not even nearly as good.

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:58:58 PM

Maybe if we're lucky, we get to play the game backwards.

1 up, 0 down

Karosso
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:52:40 PM
Reply

Amazing Trailer! If the game can provoke the kind of feelings I got from this video, It's gonna be one of my favorite games of 2011.
Does anyone else feel a pinch of Heavy Rain in the trailer?

Last edited by Karosso on 2/17/2011 10:54:49 PM

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:55:57 PM

Actually while I was watching it, I couldn't get the "Mad World" song out of my head that they used to promote Gears of War with.

2 up, 0 down

Karosso
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 10:58:26 PM

It would be awesome if they let us play the cut scenes like in Heavy Rain...

1 up, 0 down

Karosso
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:03:31 PM

"Mad World" would have been perfect for this trailer but, the original score is very good as well.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:22:10 PM

I like your avatar, what games does Sega want me to buy?

0 up, 0 down

Kangasfwa
Thursday, February 17, 2011 @ 11:34:37 PM

@ World

Valkyria Chronicles

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:25:06 AM

No problem there, already own it :)

0 up, 0 down

kellett007
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:05:18 AM
Reply

WOW I really like how I have not heard anything about this game and then this trailer comes out. I am very stoked for this game given it is anything like the trailer.

1 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:30:52 AM
Reply

This looks pretty great. Wow. I still think their should be a zombie game where you get trapped and have to build your own safehouse and advance into the world uncovering a map to find other survivors and weapons, while setting traps, and researching a cure cause your a scientist or something.

2 up, 0 down

Kangasfwa
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 1:33:12 AM

I think minecraft is close enough to that

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 10:17:44 AM

I like your idea.

1 up, 0 down

SvenMD
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:29:11 PM

Just don't call it I Am Legend...

But that would be kinda fun.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:41:14 AM
Reply

I watched the trailer a few dAys ago and had no idea this would be on the PS3. It looked insane what an awesome trailer! It definitely
Made me want this game! Looking forward too it!

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:43:34 AM
Reply

This is the direction Resident Evil should have taken after Resident Evil 3.

I know a lot of RE fans will be happy, me included.

I will have to get this even if it's just average.

Loving the fact that it's not so much about guns. I love melee weapons and it would make it more challenging and interesting. Fine if there are guns, but let us also fight with some melee stuff.

Amazing graphics so far, I know the trailer's pre-rendered, but the images are in-game, no?

This looks to be great fun, can't wait to see more.

I really hope we can co-op in this game. I see 1-4 players, so that should be a lot of fun.

Last edited by Scarecrow on 2/18/2011 12:44:06 AM

0 up, 0 down

main_event05
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 2:33:15 AM

maybe if it sells well Capcom will take a hint.

Also, have you tried the RE: Outbreak series??

1 up, 0 down

kraygen
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 1:08:56 AM
Reply

Not a fan of zombie games, but that sure was one heck of a trailer.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 1:36:57 AM
Reply

wait, i thought this was a 360 exclusive?

0 up, 3 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 10:05:54 AM

Well, it's not.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:59:18 PM

Not anymore.

1 up, 0 down

Ultimadesires
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 2:13:17 AM
Reply

Brilliant cinematic, i give them credit for that. But i have to say i was kind of hoping for it to be in 3rd person perspective. still i'll keep it on my radar if it's a Left 4 Dead beater i'll be so pleased as thats one exclusive i wish we had on the PS3.

1 up, 0 down

main_event05
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 2:29:12 AM
Reply

Woooo, eff yeah.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 3:12:57 AM
Reply

Awesome trailer and premise. This is on my interest list.

1 up, 0 down

gangan19
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 3:29:53 AM
Reply

does everyone die at the end? cause thats what its looking like

0 up, 0 down

MyWorstNightmar
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 10:19:38 AM

Nahhh, I'm sure someone will squirt off that island alive. Remember, it's always darkest before dawn. ;)

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 1:34:45 PM

Yeah, then the sun comes up and you can see that everyone is dead, so it doesn't matter how dark or light it is. =)

Sorry I love bloody endings. I hope everyone dies.

1 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 5:43:35 PM

I bet you play as that guy in the background at the beginning of the trailer, the one who is swinging a bat at some zombies. He looks like he might survive

Last edited by BTNwarrior on 2/18/2011 5:44:16 PM

0 up, 0 down

gangan19
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 8:46:31 PM

ok i guess, but this trailer is sad

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 6:01:05 AM
Reply

meh, another zombie game.

1 up, 3 down

Orvisman
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 8:17:52 AM
Reply

Good trailers, even creative ones, do not make for good games or movies.

Still, I'll probably pick this up only because I buy just about every game that comes out, except for the kiddie games (SpongeBob, etc…).

I'm really looking forward to Yakuza of The End because we've seen gameplay footage. Now that is a zombie-slaying game that looks incredible.

1 up, 0 down

slugga_status
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 9:27:07 AM
Reply

That was a very impressive trailer. Now that reminds me of where survival horror came from. Need to know more about this one

1 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 10:11:27 AM
Reply

That was a great trailer! I love zombie games so this one is now on my radar. Should be a polished game as well since it's been in development for some time now. I hope they succeed and start a very nice zombie franchise. Good luck!

Last edited by CrusaderForever on 2/18/2011 10:11:53 AM

0 up, 0 down

RebelJD
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 10:20:43 AM
Reply

Wow, the trailer to Dead Island was touching. I'm getting this game and Home Front as well simply because of the emotional approach. InFamous 2 launches June 7th! Day 1 purchase!

0 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 11:32:14 AM
Reply

Remember PSXE had a "Best Trailer Award"?
This one nailed it.

A very depressing but emotional trailer.

2 up, 0 down

SvenMD
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 12:31:08 PM
Reply

I've shown this trailer to about 30 people because I think it's just amazing.

If the game comes CLOSE to this, then it will be a success.

0 up, 0 down

just2skillf00l
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 4:27:34 PM
Reply

Gotta agree with a lot of people here that was a pretty emotional trailer. My interest's piqued. As long as the focus is on the story I'm all eyes and ears.

0 up, 0 down

YashaZz
Friday, February 18, 2011 @ 11:32:48 PM
Reply

This looks so crazy... i have a feeling that it would be the craziest and intense zombie game to date.

0 up, 0 down

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