Dead Island: Epidemic Impressions

"Retains the Dead Island Feel in a New Form"

The NDA has finally lifted on the currently closed beta Dead Island: Epidemic which is somewhat of a spin-off or actually could very well be directly connected to the main story. In the short prequel we are introduced to a friendly face and see what the mutations of survivors have done to these characters. It will be quite interesting to see where the next Dead Island game on the main story line will take us as this paints a very twisted new turn. Anyways, there are a couple of mutated characters from which you choose that each have skill sets or differing weapons. This being the beta there are many restricted features that are not currently available. These are mostly the free to play aspects of where coins and such will be bought, along with the extensive weapon customizing. It definitely looks like it is setting up for some very interesting aspects from what I have played and these extra areas will surely mix up the play. There are a ton of weapons available and even more to be made in the future, aside from these crazy arrays of various weapons are consumables that can be brought into battle for an advantage. These do actually really change up gameplay and I will wonder how they will finalize when the game is fully released. Being a Zomba, which is the first and a play on Moba you face an over the top view in this very beautifully detailed set of maps from which you move objective to objective. Each of these objectives presents a new challenge that you must overcome to move on. That's the base from which every part of the game builds from. First I'll go over the competitive which faces multiple teams against each other in an attempt to collect supplies for their respective color. I find this mode to be quite interesting, but ultimately seem to get destroyed by the others that seem to just take full advantage of abilities along with teamwork. The whole game here revolves around your squad of usually four as try to survive and thrive against others of the hundreds of zombie AI roaming about. Some sort of communication or general understanding is key or the other teams will take positions, amass supplies and level up far quicker. There's indeed an in-game level system that you pit points to various skills that assist within the combat. Your abilities vary between characters, but put together you can unleash some havoc on the enemy.

It's really neat to be in this really detailed world that is both colorful and adventurous. There are zombies pouring out of every which way and barriers that push you into particular lanes. So far all of the maps I've played bring a different, yet familiar feel to the game with levels that could clearly be transformed into the other Dead Island titles. Character movement feels simple and is locked to a few button commands so everyone will be able to jump in without much difficulty. Moving on from the strictly competitive mode to talk about Horde mode which I enjoyed quite a bit more. Not to hate on the other mode, I just really liked the cooperative style and everyone working together to clear the objectives. Moving in with your squad the goal is break barriers, capture posts and clear areas towards a final monster boss. It may seem simple, but feels very rewarding as you race against a clock in order to achieve a higher star. Playing well and with teamwork is rewarding and extra bonuses are given at the end of the match based on performance. It's just nice having everyone throwing each other health or taking turns at swatting away hordes. This mode is also available to be matchmade in a couple of difficulties to match you in an area that will make you comfortable. Dead Island: Epidemic is a really different take on zombies and so far has been a blast, will of course keep you updated on changes as it goes towards final release. Also if you find my email I may have some extra beta codes to gift on steam as they seem to throw me a bunch.