In a year overflowing with incredible games, it’s hard for a game like Dead Island 2 to compete. Hack-and-slash, mindless zombie killing can only go so far, but I am confident in saying it’s been one of my favourite games of 2023.
Sure, I agree it won’t make any GOTY lists, but it’s still up there! And any other year it may have had a shot.
Credit to Dambuster Studios for making one of the most beautiful and technical zombie games in years. Its world is stunning, but the technical detail in the F.L.E.S.H system is what earns them a commendation. Dambuster has incredibly created a system that places layers of virtual clothing, skin, muscle, and bone that are affected with every swing of a katana or shot from a rifle — it’s impressive stuff.
Dead Island 2 has now launched its first story expansion: Haus. This all-new narrative takes the player to a latex-filled, BDSM nightclub — minus the sexualization, add the gore. (Have I sold you yet?)
Enter the Haus
At a Bel Air mansion, you’ll find an invitation on a table outside. Picking it up instantly transports you to a mysterious villa not seen on the world map.
Ergh, teleportation.
I’m disappointed it wasn’t a direct addition to the map, it’s more a portal to an unknown location, although completing the DLC does slightly impact the main world.
The only thing I could think while walking down the driveway of this mysterious Malibu mansion was ‘This game looks bloody good’, but a game can’t be considered ‘good’ from visuals alone.
As you enter the home, you’re greeted by ominous statues, luxury art decor and blood-stained walls. The look and feel of the whole thing is outstanding.
Throughout the entire DLC, you’re guided by recordings from an unknown figure named Konstantine, the leader of this messed-up cult.
The devs obviously have a thing for the name, given their Alexa-like device scattered throughout the main world is named Konstant.
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Is Haus a scary game? Hardly, it’s just gruesome.
Haus features a series of indoor biomes throughout this dark home, with a task to complete in each area and hungry zombies by the boatload.
The beginning of the story sees you enter a Truman Show-like suburban estate, featuring double-story homes on either side and a Saw-like game to play in each.
Each accessible house has a task for you to complete; Endure pain, confess, and sacrifice. Pass these, then you can enter the house at the end of the street, which is actually an underground nightclub labyrinth, crawling with undead.
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Haus not only gives us another fucked up storyline, it also builds on the protagonists we play.
In Dani’s case (she’s the only character worth playing in my opinion), she makes a confession mid-story that gives you a little more insight into who she is and where she came from — that, and she’s feckin’ hilarious.
Bosses and Boomsticks
There are a couple of new bosses, but not many new enemies, aside from the many latex-wearing walkers.
I feel this is the only thing holding the game back, the lack of unique boss battles. Slight spoiler, but the big bad is very much just a normal bad. Additionally, the final enemies of the DLC aren’t anything we haven’t seen before.
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One boss, an undead man-pig, was the highlight. You approach a 60s diner in a man-made forest, as you open doors you find this beast feasting on all sorts of goodies. This boss, like most others, are very easy to cheese by using your character’s Rage ability.
Killing him does allow you to pick up a sweet new weapon; a flaming meat cleaver. There are a number of new weapons to find, namely the crossbow.
The crossbow is crucial to the story, as it’s the only weapon that can help defeat the big bad.
In the wider scheme of things, Dead Island 2: Haus is a zombie lover’s delight.
There’s no denying the excessive and over-the-top slaughter, it’s why I love this game so much. It’s a solid first DLC for Dead Island 2 and I look forward to seeing what’s next.
Quest Daily scores Dead Island 2: Haus: 7/10
Dead Island 2 Haus DLC is available now for PlayStation, Xbox and PC. Quest Daily was provided with access to Haus with thanks to the publisher.
