The sceptic in us all might frown upon the latest in the long line of “HD remasters” with the Dead Island: Definitive Collection, which includes both of Dead Island: Definitive Edition and Dead Island Riptide: Definitive Edition, as well as the bonus side-scrolling action game; Dead Island: Retro Revenge (only available with the game bundle and not as an individual purchase). It also may be easy to assume that this collection of remastered games, are just mere re-releases in a higher resolution, however, you would be wrong to think that.
Even on last gen consoles, both of the Dead Island games are still relatively easy on the eye, but with these Definitive Editions, they look better than ever before. For example, not only has the character models been reworked, but so has almost its entire environment, to the point of being some new subtle objects that may not have originally been in the original. For starters, thanks to the anti-alias, both games look less rough around the edges and with its new lighting and shading, it helps bring both games in-line with some of the new generation titles. Notably for obvious reasons, Dying Light might bring obvious comparisons in terms of visuals. One of the first visual improvements that I noticed was the NPC character models, with them being a little more realistic then before, however the facial animation and lip-sync could have been a touch better, as some characters might resemble chapped lipped mannequins (if mannequins could talk).
Also upon leaving the hut to save John Sinamoi at the very beginning of the Dead Island on the beach front, I noticed just how clear the game now looks and this sets the precedent for the majority of the visual improvements made in both games. Motion blur effect have also been implemented into both games and in the most part, while this does help improve the visuals somewhat during gameplay, it’s not so favourable during the cut-scenes. You can forgive the motion blur effects being used during a faster paced cut-scenes with a use of a car or something running for example, but when it’s used for simple things such as mere head movement, it just looks a little odd and unnatural. I did also notice some screen tearing from time to time, something that was present in the original releases, so it’s a shame this hasn’t been removed for these enhanced editions. Thankfully, both of this minor issues and aren’t anything serious and if you’re a fan of the original games, I doubt this will be anything to put you off.
Gameplay-wise there’s nothing really anything new to report here, both games play exactly how you’d remember them or if you’re new to the series, you should be able to pick up and play the titles with minimal effort. However, there were subtle differences between the User Interfaces of Dead Island and Riptide, but now both games have the exact same UI, which will make the transition between both games pretty much seamless. Another element that’s remained is the RPG-like levelling up system, which will you grant you new skills and abilities as you earn XP and progress through each of the campaigns. The one other thing that I will say about the gameplay, is that if you’re used to playing Dying Light (which is from the same developers), it may feel a little odd not being able to manoeuvre so freely in the Dead Island titles. Not that I expect the same kind of parkour mechanics implemented, it’s more of a heads up if you’re going from Dying Light to Dead Island.
As before in the original games, you have three characters to choose from in Dead Island and five for Riptide. Each character will come equipped with their own perks and upon completion of the campaign, you can use them with all their upgrades in the New Game+. Will you also be able to import your upgraded character from Dead Island into Riptide, as well as being able to use them in another player’s campaign via the online co-op system. Both games also come with all previously released DLC which includes the Bloodbath Arena and Ryder White’s campaign in Dead Island. However, the is no additional campaign DLC for Riptide, though their alternative skins and weapon mods are included. There is also a new mode included in the Definitive Editions that was created by the PC modding community called Power Fists Power-Up. This is a chaotic, one punch kill mode that is a lot of fun to play, but unfortunately it will disable any achievements or trophies earned, so I would perhaps recommend giving this mode a spin when you’re done with the campaigns.
I’m being honest when I say that the Dead Island: Definitive Collection is one of the best remasters to date in this over-crowding trend. The developers really have gone to town in making a lot of improvements to both games, it would have been easy for them just to simply convert them into 1080p and re-sell them for a quick and easy profit. Even better still, you can pick up the collection of both games digitally for just £25, making that £12.50 per game, which is good value considering the improvements made and the content that’s included. Heck, if you shop about, you might even find the retail version closer to £20, which is even better value for money. You can of course buy each game digitally for £15 each, but for the sake of an extra £10, I would seriously recommend buying the collection instead.
Also as an added bonus, if you decide to purchase the Definitive Collection, you’ll also be gifted with the side-scrolling endless runner action game that is Dead Island: Retro Revenge, it’s not great, but it’s still fun in short bursts. The protagonist of Retro Revenge also sounds suspiciously like Jack Black, though I can’t find any confirmation of that. In a nutshell, both remastered Dead Island titles are the same games that you know and love (despite their sometimes buggy/glitchy charm) and considering the price they’re currently selling at, you’d struggle to find better value for your money. So gather your Voodoo army, because no-one can harm you when you’re having so much fun caving in zombie skulls with blood stained paddles!