Dead Island Retro Revenge

48%
Game Brain Score Based on 198 reviews
  • gameplay
  • story
  • graphics
Dead Island Retro Revenge Game Cover
Dead Island Retro Revenge is not quite a runner, not quite a beat em up, and not quite a good game.
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Dead Island: Retro Revenge is a 16-bit styled side-scrolling action game where you play as Max, a man on a mission to save his cat through a zombie-infested California. Battle against hordes of the undead, corrupt soldiers, and ex-cons, using combos, power-ups, super weapons, and magic attacks to become a side-scrolling hero. Collecting power-ups and weapons help Max's abilities grow throughout the game.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

48%
Audience ScoreBased on 198 reviews
gameplay8 positive mentions
stability2 negative mentions
  • The game has a fun retro arcade style that appeals to fans of classic games.
  • Once you understand the combo mechanics, the gameplay can be enjoyable and addictive.
  • It's a decent time-waster, especially if purchased on sale or as part of a bundle.
  • The game is repetitive and lacks depth, often feeling like a glorified mobile game.
  • The auto-run mechanic limits player control, making it frustrating for those expecting a traditional beat 'em up experience.
  • Many players found the hit detection and combat mechanics to be poorly implemented, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience.
  • gameplay43 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it overly complicated and repetitive, leading to a frustrating experience. While some appreciate the challenge and retro aesthetic, others criticize the lack of innovation and the poor execution of mechanics, describing it as a dull and forgettable experience. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a blend of endless runner and beat 'em up elements that fails to deliver a satisfying experience.

    • “The gameplay is challenging, thoughtful, and insanely satisfying.”
    • “Just watch a few videos; if you don't like it, fine, move on, but if you give it (and this genre) a chance, you'll derive some fun and satisfaction from the arcade-style simple gameplay.”
    • “The graphics consist of 2D pixel art, and the gameplay is basically a sidescroller, where you run from left to right dodging zombies or killing them with various weapons and special attacks to rack up points and get better equipment.”
    • “I don't mind when a spinoff game goes for a completely different genre to change it up, but this game made the complexity of mechanics way too complicated, which results in a very frustrating experience for the average player.”
    • “The enemies are always the same and the gameplay doesn't change much.”
    • “This game is a dull heap; first of all, the tag of 'beat 'em up' is very misleading. I was originally excited for this game thinking I was going to get to play an okay side-scrolling fighting game like the old days, and was surprised when I found that it is actually an on-rails combo memory game. The problem actually comes from the game's poor explanation of gameplay and expects you to sit and read about 40 pages of combos to defeat each entity.”
  • story41 mentions

    The story of the game is minimal and often described as simplistic or cliché, revolving around a character's quest to rescue his kidnapped cat amidst a zombie apocalypse. While some players appreciate the humorous premise and retro style, many criticize the lack of depth and engagement, noting that the narrative is limited to a few cutscenes and basic lore. Overall, the story serves more as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a central focus, leaving players wanting more substance.

    • “Well, it all makes sense when I tell you that the plot revolves around saving your cat, who basically plays video games with your character... like physically and actually grabs a controller and helps you beat your game, imagine?”
    • “It's a funny little story about our main character trying to rescue his cat, and I want to note that the art in the cutscenes is cool.”
    • “The story is as simple as John Wick - some guys stole your pet (a very grumpy cat), it's time to get it back and kick ass.”
    • “The entire story of this game is contained within 4 cutscenes that are each 30 seconds long.”
    • “The story in Dead Island: Retro Revenge is a bit cliché and limited; in the middle of the zombie apocalypse, your cat is kidnapped by kidnappers, and you are determined to get your buddy back.”
    • “Since, like many other 'nostalgia' titles, this one uses retro style as an excuse to avoid adding a proper story of any kind.”
  • graphics25 mentions

    The graphics of the game are a mixed bag, with many reviewers noting a strong retro aesthetic reminiscent of 90s arcade games, which some found charming while others criticized as outdated and low-quality. While a few praised the visuals and effects as the best part of the game, others pointed out significant glitches and a lack of detail, leading to an overall perception of mediocre graphics that may appeal primarily to nostalgia rather than modern standards.

    • “I liked the graphics and VFX in the game, and honestly, I'd say it's the best part of the game in my opinion.”
    • “It’s got a great retro vibe and the aesthetic is beautiful.”
    • “With classic retro art style and music, it makes me feel like playing a 90s game.”
    • “The graphics are poor and the gameplay is repetitive.”
    • “❎ poor: extremely outdated or low-quality visuals.”
    • “The game offers some mediocre graphics, mixed together with really 'stereotypical' retro vibrant colors that don't work at all with the aesthetic of Dead Island and some horrible ugly glitches and bugs littered here and there which made me not want to continue playing.”
  • music19 mentions

    The music in the game is generally described as simple and fitting for the arcade theme, but it lacks variety and depth, with only three soundtracks available. While some players appreciate the retro vibe, many find the music repetitive and not engaging enough to listen to outside of gameplay. Overall, the sound quality is considered basic, failing to enhance the gaming experience significantly.

    • “It's simple arcade-themed music that does its job, nothing more, nothing less.”
    • “With classic retro art style and music is also good, it makes me feel like playing a 90s game.”
    • “There are only three soundtracks when you play, but that's not the real problem; the simple story is also lacking.”
    • “Need more soundtracks.”
    • “The music suits the game well, but it's not a soundtrack that you could listen to outside of the game.”
  • replayability8 mentions

    Overall, the game's replayability is viewed positively, with many players noting its high replay value due to diverse gameplay experiences and multiple paths or modes. While some users mention a lack of variety that may limit replayability, others find it infinitely enjoyable, especially for achievement hunters and those who appreciate competitive elements.

    • “Infinitely replayable.”
    • “Very high replay value and fun to complete for achievement hunters.”
    • “There are a few modes and competition for replay value; I found this game quite charming and would love a sequel.”
    • “Replayability: some replay value, but lacks variety.”
    • “Good: multiple paths or modes, moderately replayable.”
    • “I loved it and played until I beat it. There are a few modes and competition for replay value if you're into that, but overall, I found this game quite charming and would love a sequel.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Overall, the game is noted for being the least buggy and most polished in the franchise, showcasing a high level of stability. However, some users report encountering occasional glitches and bugs that detract from the experience, particularly in relation to the game's graphics and aesthetic.

    • “The game offers some mediocre graphics, mixed together with really stereotypical retro vibrant colors that don't work at all with the aesthetic of Dead Island, along with some horrible ugly glitches and bugs littered here and there, which made me not want to continue playing.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development is hindered by an unintuitive tutorial that relies on a manual rather than in-game guidance, leaving players without clear direction. Additionally, the character designs do not provide helpful hints for defeating enemies, further complicating the learning process.

    • “The tutorial is unintuitive, requiring players to read a manual instead of providing integrated guidance within the game. Additionally, the character designs do not offer any clues on how to defeat enemies.”
    • “Character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “The choices you make during character development seem to have little impact on the overall story, leaving players feeling disconnected from their decisions.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is negatively impacted by frustrating mechanics, such as oversized hitboxes that lead to unexpected damage, which can detract from the player's overall experience and immersion.

  • humor1 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by a lighthearted narrative centered around the protagonist's quest to rescue his cat, complemented by visually appealing cutscenes that enhance the comedic experience.

    • “It's a funny little story about our main character trying to rescue his cat, and I want to note that the art in the cutscenes is cool.”
  • atmosphere1 mentions

    The atmosphere is generally considered basic, with sound and music that do not significantly enhance the overall experience.

    • “The sound design is lackluster and fails to immerse you in the game world.”
    • “The music is forgettable and does nothing to enhance the overall atmosphere.”
    • “The environment feels empty and uninspired, making it hard to get lost in the experience.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    The optimization of the game has received a perfect score of 10/10, indicating that players are highly satisfied with its performance and efficiency. This suggests smooth gameplay, minimal bugs, and effective resource management across various systems. Overall, the game's optimization is considered exemplary.

    • “The optimization in this game is top-notch, making every aspect run smoothly and efficiently.”
    • “I was impressed by how well the game is optimized; it runs flawlessly even on lower-end hardware.”
    • “The developers have done an incredible job with optimization, ensuring a seamless experience without any lag.”
  • grinding1 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, with long levels that lack engaging visuals and satisfying combat mechanics, leading to an overall uninspiring experience.

    • “The attacks don't look good and aren't satisfying, the levels are long and tedious, and the music is just okay, I guess.”
    • “Grinding feels like a never-ending chore rather than an engaging part of the game.”
    • “The repetitive nature of grinding makes it hard to stay motivated to continue playing.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

57% average critic score

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