Tech

‘Dead Island 2’ is a Mindlessly Gory Slog Better Left in the Grave

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2023

After 10 years in development, Dead Island 2 is finally here. The zombie-themed action role-playing game underwent four studio changeovers before being dragged across the finish line by Dambuster Studios. With a development cycle about as long as vaporware legend Duke Nukem Forever, a title with a similarly troubled and chaotic history whose result was widely panned by critics, I went into this review wondering if this one would fare any better.

The story casts you as one of six playable characters, boarding the last evacuation plane out of Los Angeles to escape the undead apocalypse. Obviously, one of the infected manages to board the aircraft, and you narrowly escape death the collision only to be immediately attacked by zombies. In the foray, you are bitten, but instead of becoming one of the undead, you discover you are one of the few individuals immune to the disease.

Oh, yet another card-based skill tree. Neat.

Captured on PlayStation 5

As is the norm in modern game design, there are all sorts of quasi-RPG elements and skills for you to learn. Each of the six survivors has specialty and unique abilities to discover but, honestly, it’s all such a generic hodgepodge that I barely paid attention to the progression tree. There are some slightly more interesting capabilities available later in the game, but for the most part, you’re adding menial percentage increases to one skill or the other.

Even if your character is immune to infection, they can be ripped apart by the vicious hordes roaming the streets of “Hell-A.” The combat is the meat and potatoes of this game. Fortunately, it’s quite good. The FLESH system is introduced in Dead Island 2, allowing enemies to take visible damage across their bodies. If you hit a zombie in the head with a hammer, it will rip off a nasty strip of flesh or break its teeth. It’s not just a gory good time, but actually has an effect on gameplay. If you manage to slice a zombie’s leg enough times, you’ll hit (and eventually break) bone, limiting their mobility. Each enemy type has different weaknesses, and knowing where to attack can make a difficult fight easier.

Editor’s picks

There are also some unique environmental interactions that spice up combat. For instance, if you come across some zombies milling around in a swimming pool, heaving in a car battery will electrocute them all. Fire is a reliable ally, and enemies who are set ablaze suffer tick damage and can spread the fire to others. There’s even acid, which when mixed with zombie flesh produces a truly putrid and horrifying effect. Not only can you interact with these elements in the wild, but you can also upgrade and create weapons with them using the crafting system.

With a game this shallow, the way the weapons feel and impact the combat is a major factor that can make or break the experience. Creating a convincing sledgehammer in a video game requires a great deal of effort. You must feel the weight of the object, the momentum of the swing, and the impact of the blow. Dead Island 2 does a solid job of making melee combat satisfying, which is essential as it’s all you get for roughly the first five hours. Although California’s gun laws are fairly stringent, it seemed odd that you had to travel quite a way before obtaining a firearm in a zombie-infested hell scape.

Unfortunately, exploration is underwhelming given its importance to the game loop. There’s tons of reused assets and visuals, and you’ll quickly notice that the house you’re currently looting has the exact same structural layout as the one you raided an hour ago. It’s yet another recent game where unique mechanics or set pieces have been replaced by a constant hunt and peck for crafting items in bland, generic environments. This isn’t as noticeable when playing in co-op mode with friends to chat with, but it gets quickly stale in single-player mode.

While the basic premise of fighting through a zombie-infested Los Angeles could be intriguing, the execution falls short. Even though this is a zombie game, there is little to no tension or horror on display. Sure, there’s gore and viscera, but it’s all done in a cartoonish manner. The dialogue is packed with quippy nonsense that neither matches the chintzy style or manages to be clever enough to elevate it, amounting to little more than a conceptual cop-out that’s unfunny and unbalanced in both gameplay and tone. The developers have opted for broad zaniness over melding story, gameplay, and environments into a believable world. Dead Island 2’s hollow, lighthearted tone if it hadn’t already been dead on arrival and done better elsewhere. Original Dead Island creators, Techland, have already ditched this franchise to deliver the Dying Light series, which is essentially the same thing attempted here, but successful — with a larger open world, better and more fluid movement, and general sense of production value.

*Pictured: the fun part.*

Captured on PlayStation 5

Dead Island 2 is not bad per se. Aside from the gory implementation of the FLESH system, however, it does nothing new. It was originally scheduled for release in 2015, and it feels exactly like a seven-year-old title. If this were a budget release aiming for a pseudo-throwback vibe, it would be acceptable, but alas. Deep Silver is charging a full $70 (or $100 for the collector’s edition) premium for it, which is $10 more than what Capcom is asking for its infinitely better remake of Resident Evil 4.

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If you’re looking for a game with a satisfying single-player experience, serviceable narrative, or any original ideas, I wouldn’t recommend spending your money here. But if you bring a friend or three along to play, Dead Island 2 is at its best when you’re mindlessly drop-kicking zombies into puddles of gore. At least you’ll be able to entertain yourselves together as lulls between crazy fights can be pretty boring otherwise.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

5 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.