Games

‘Dead Island 2’ Combines Blood, Guts, Glopola and a Whole Lot of Laughs

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2023

Dead Island 2 was wait above waits. We first got a look at it during an E3 many years back. In fact the game basically took a whole 9 years to get to our trembling, eager hands. So, was the long wait worth it? Did the second game in zombie-slaying paradise worth the anticipation? We are super eager to talk to you about it, give you our opinion and of course to hear what you have ot say about the same game.

Dead Island 2 picks up in the completely dilapidated L.A. otherwise known as “Hell-A”. That title pretty much describes the world that you inhabit in game. The entirety of what made Los Angeles cool is now monstrous. Plastic surgery and body building has created haunting breeds of zombies. The muscle-bound beach bro lifter comes at you with his hulking self and attacks with brute force. It is interesting to see what Los Angeles would look like post apocalypse and this is pretty much it.

The game begins onboard an airplane that is suddenly, grounded leaving most of the survivors dead or dying. Of course, this is where you can select your character and begin the long journey ahead in the massively open world. I am happy to say that the open world does manage to stay diverse enough to keep it interesting. There are areas like Beverly Hills, but then we also have downtown L.A. It is always a plus to make sure that a game of this size isn’t bogged down with the boring same world around every single corner. Dead Island 2 keeps itself vast and keeps the new areas interesting.

A lot of Dead Island 2’s silliness comes from its ability to make fun of L.A. and a culture that is heavily built on the world of social media influencers. It is hilarious to see classic Hollywood filmmaking meet the influencer generation. The game socially skewers the entirety of those types of douchebaggery. All in all, we get a lot of flashes of the anarchy filled vision of games like Grand Theft Auto and early Saints Row.

One of Dead Island 2’s standout mechanics is the real-time damage that these zombies take. It creates a much more tactile experience overall. For example, a zombie rushing you that you bash on the right side of the face is met with a chunk of flesh ripping off of that side, another smack knocks the eyeballs out of their head causing more real-time damage to the zombies. Beating the hell out of them to see that damage never gets old. I would love to see more games utilize this kind of gnarly damage.

While we do love the damage and the weapons that cause said damage. The button mash becomes used a little bit too ubiquitously. All that close range combat and carefully timed swings and blocks ends up feeling routine and not even pushing ‘x’ to mash a zombies brains intot he pavement is enough to keep it interesting for the multiple hours that you are in this world. There is just something there that is missing. If some of the handheld weapons outright felt differently, then we might have been onto something but the wrench can bash out a zombies teeth, but so can a fire breathing katana. It just feels like these two things should be world different from each other.

Another mechanic that really sets this zombie slayer apart from other undead horde games is the card system. The cards are broken into Abilities, Survivor, Slayer and Numen. Each of these gives you the ability to come at the game in a variety of different methods and introduces players to new ways to play. The cards combined with the weapon system combined gives us a very rad peanut butter and jelly situation.

Weapons found in the world can be upgraded by crafting them at workbenches. This gives you different ways to utilize items that will affect enemies stats in a number of different ways. For example, adding electrical abilities to a knife can fry several zombies at the same time. These chain enemies together with electrical currents. The sky is the limit when it comes to working these weapon crafting options. The whole workbench crafting isn’t breaking any new ground here but it great when added to the card system. Once you are able to make items like electric katana’s you will see what I mean in terms of satisfaction.

Hell-A is an open world that is filled with tons of zombies, NPC’s, side missions and tons of hidden weapons and other goodies. It is up to you to get out there and find them. Much like a lot of other open world, sandbox games this one throws you out into a vast landscape and lets you pick your method of playing the game. Do you want to stick to the main story and finish the game quickly? The option is there for you. Do you want to take the slower, more completionist route and take side missions before beating the game? Well, of course you can do that here too.

Dead Island lets you begin the story as one of six characters. Each of these characters comes with their own stats and allows you to choose a method that suits you best. Each of the characters is also immune to the zombie outbreak, so no worries about getting bitten and transformed. Thank god, because if that was the case this would have been a very short game.

Repetition is this game’s biggest enemy. By the halfway point of the game (especially if you spend a lot of times on side missions) you become very bored with the same old swing, strike, dodge, swing, strike, etc… The game really needed some later-level weapons and abilities that would have turned and made the later game experiences just as interesting as when you first started playing. Games like Dishonored or Death Loop did a great job of adding in abilities throughout the game. Doing things that way never allows the abilities and combat to feel stale. This is something that could be tweaked in patches. So, we are really hoping that we see this turned around and made a consistently good time.

Hell-A is a lot of fun. The game puts arcade and comic book life way before the gritty darkness approach of a Last of Us like bummer of an apocalypse. The game loves being funny and it actually pulls it off by well-written lines of hilarious dialogue and of course the types of L.A. characters that you meet along the way. Some of them are obviously being designed off of real-world characters from world famous musicians to big time diva film stars. The fact that the game takes all of this blood and guts and never takes itself seriously is what makes the button mashing a lot of fun. Add the hilarity to the over-the-top splattery, glopola violence and you have yourself a good time. Especially when you decide to team up with friends for co-op, which I highly recommend.

Dead Island 2 is a smorgasbord of immensely gory good times. The game’s card system combined with the weapon crafting goes a long way to keep you happy here. Unfortunately, the games vast size and time it takes to finish the game can become monotonous and can leave you feeling jaded with the entire experience since no late game weapon or abilities are offered. Dead Island 2’s fun comes from the fact that it doesn’t take itself seriously and uses its social commentary to take big bites out of things like social media influencers and more. The big social satire is one of the most enjoyable parts of the whole experience. The repetitiveness that comes with playing the game much too long with the same moves over and over can be beaten by joining a co-op match, nothing beats teaming up with a buddy and bashing brains all over Hell-A together. The comedy is well-written and assists in giving big laughs. It took nine years to make Dead Island 2. Was it worth the wait? All in all and this goes for my zombie lovers out there, the answer to that question is a grumbled, undead “hell yes!”

3 and a half eyes out of 5

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Games

Beyond Fear: Epic Horror Games You Can’t Miss

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

iHorror Staff Writer

Let’s be real, the horror genre has been dishing out scares since time immemorial. But lately? It feels like there’s a genuine resurgence happening. We’re not just getting jump scares and cheesy gore anymore (well, sometimes). Nowadays, epic horror games hit differently. These games aren’t just a fleeting thrill. They are experiences that sink their claws into you, forcing you to confront the darkness, both outside and within. The immersive power of modern tech ups the ante. You can probably imagine the hair-raising details as you navigate a decaying asylum or the heart-pounding tension as you’re relentlessly pursued by something unseen.

Horror games bleed into other genres as well. We went beyond startling jump scares long ago. Horror’s left a darker, grittier mark. Survival games snag its knack for desperate resource management, forcing tough calls with what little you can scavenge. Action titles borrow its unsettling atmosphere, playing up disturbing environments alongside swarms of foes. Even RPGs aren’t immune. Some now feature sanity meters and sanity-shattering events, blurring the line between combat and psychological struggle. And if that’s not enough, can you imagine casino slot games featuring horror themes? Because the genre found its way to free play slot games online as well. Honestly, it’s not much of a surprise for us gamers, as the casino industry is often borrowing from the gaming industry, especially in terms of graphics and visual elements. But without further ado, here’s our list of epic horror games you shouldn’t miss.

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village isn’t a masterpiece of pure terror, but don’t call it a simple action game with fangs either. Its greatness lies in variety. A wild, unpredictable ride that keeps you guessing. One moment, you’re creeping through Lady Dimitrescu’s gothic castle, its oppressive atmosphere making every creak a threat. The next, you’re blasting werewolves in a grimy village, and pure survival action kicks in.

Then, there’s the House Beneviento sequence which is less about guns and more about mind-bending psychological horror. Village’s strength isn’t any one element done to perfection, but rather, its refusal to settle. It might not leave you with the lingering dread of true classics, but its restless energy and varied horrors make for a thrilling, unpredictable experience that proves the Resident Evil series still has bite.

Amnesia: The Dark Descent

It’s hard to mention only one title from the Amnesia series, but Dark Descent left a big mark because it trades cheap thrills for something far more insidious. It’s actually a relentless assault on the mind. Which is worse than just gore and guts. It’s psychological terror at its finest. It’s one of those horror games you probably didn’t miss even if you’re not a huge fan of horrors. But, in case you did, imagine every flickering candle, every creaking floorboard building an atmosphere of overwhelming dread. In this game, you’re not helpless, but combat is clumsy and desperate. Instead, you run, you hide, and you pray whatever lurks in the darkness doesn’t find you. And that’s Amnesia’s genius. It’s the creeping fear of the unknown, the fragility of your own mind turning against you. It’s a slow burn, a descent into madness that’ll leave you breathless, questioning not only what lurks in the castle, but what might lurk within yourself.

Outlast

The genius of Outlast lies in its suffocating atmosphere. Darkness is both enemy and ally. Claustrophobic corridors, the flicker of dying lights, and the disturbing moans of the unseen ramps up the tension. It’s a relentless assault on your nerves. The only way out is to face your fears: sneak, hide, or run like hell. Expect to scream, a lot. There’s a twisted story lurking in the shadows, uncovered through documents and chilling recordings. It’s a descent into madness that will make you question your own sanity right alongside Miles. No guns, no superpowers in this game. It’s pure, raw survival.

Manhunt and Manhunt 2

The Manhunt series didn’t invent stealth horror, but it perfected a certain vicious kind. There’s no creeping through ancient mansions or fumbling in the dark. This is raw, ugly, and deeply unsettling. You’re trapped in urban hellscapes, hunted by merciless gangs. The atmosphere crackles with grimy despair, the soundtrack a low throb of industrial menace. Combat isn’t about skill, it’s about brutality. Every kill is a desperate, sickening spectacle. The executions are the stuff of nightmares, each more depraved than the last. These were very controversial titles for sure, but it’s a horror experience that sometimes hits harder than any jumpscare ever could.

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Games

The Best Horror-Themed Casino Games

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

iHorror Staff Writer

Horror-themed entertainment enjoys significant popularity, captivating audiences with movies, shows, games, and more that delve into the eerie and supernatural. This fascination extends into the world of gaming, particularly in the realm of slot games.

Several standout slot games have successfully incorporated horror themes, drawing inspiration from some of the genre’s most iconic films, to create immersive and thrilling gaming experiences year-round.

Alien

If you have been looking for an online mobile casino for your horror fix, perhaps the best game to start with is the 1979 sci-fi horror classic. Alien is the kind of movie that has transcended its genre and become a classic to the point that some people don’t immediately remember it as a horror movie.

In 2002, the movie was given official status: it was given an award by the Library of Congress as a historically, culturally, or aesthetically significant piece of media. For that reason, it only stands to reason that it would get its own slot title.

The slot game offers 15 pay lines while paying homage to many of the best original characters. On top of that, there are even little nods to many of the actions that happen throughout the film, making you feel right in the heart of the action. On top of that, the score is quite memorable, creating an immersive experience in one of the greatest movies ever.

Psycho

Tightwad Terror Tuesday – Free Movies for 4-12-22 — Psycho (1960), courtesy Paramount Pictures.

Arguably the one that started it all. Dedicated horror fans will no doubt reference this horror classic, which originated in 1960. Created by masterful director Alfred Hitchcock, the movie itself was actually based on a novel of the same name.

As all of the classics were, it was filmed in black and white and can be thought of as quite low-budget, especially compared to many blockbuster horror movies of today. That said, it might be the most memorable of the bunch and that led to the creation of a memorable slot title as well.

The game offers a whopping 25 pay lines, delivering heart-pumping excitement in much the same way that the movie does. It visually captures the look and feel of Psycho in every way, making you feel the suspense of Hitchcock’s creation.

The soundtrack and backdrop add to the chill factor as well. You can even see the most iconic sequence – the knife scene – as one of the symbols. There are plenty of callbacks to enjoy and this game will make even the most critical of Psycho lovers fall in love as they attempt to win big.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Fredy Kreuger is one of the most iconic characters in not only horror, but pop culture. The sweater, the hat, and the slashing claws are all trademarks. They come to life in this 1984 classic and the supernatural slasher feels immersive in this slot machine title.

In the movie, the story centers around teenagers who are haunted by the dead serial killer in their dreams. Here, you will have to attempt to win with Freddy haunting the background. He appears in all five reels, providing a win over 30 potential pay lines.

If you get lucky, Freddy can make you pay: up to 10,000x your bet. With huge jackpots, the most recognizable characters from the original film, and the feel of being right there on Elm Street, this is one of those games that you will come back to again and again much like the many sequels that followed.

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Games

‘Immaculate’ Stars Reveal Which Horror Villains They Would “F, Marry, Kill”

Published

1 month ago

March 17, 2024

Timothy Rawles

Sydney Sweeney is just coming off the success of her rom-com Anyone But You, but she’s ditching the love story for a horror story in her latest film Immaculate.

Sweeney is taking Hollywood by storm, portraying everything from a love-lusting teenager in Euphoria to an accidental superhero in Madame Web. Although the latter got a lot of hate among theater-goers, Immaculate is getting the polar opposite.

The film was screened at SXSW this past week and was well-received. It also gained a reputation for being extremely gory. Derek Smith of Slant says the, “final act contains some of the most twisted, gory violence this particular subgenre of horror has seen in years…”

Thankfully curious horror movie fans won’t have to wait long to see for themselves what Smith is talking about as Immaculate will hit theaters across the United States on March, 22.

Bloody Disgusting says that the movie’s distributor NEON, in a bit of marketing smarts, had stars Sydney Sweeney and Simona Tabasco play a game of “F, Marry, Kill” in which all their choices had to be horror movie villains.

It’s an interesting question, and you might be surprised at their answers. So colorful are their responses that YouTube slapped an age-restricted rating on the video.

Immaculate is a religious horror movie that NEON says stars Sweeney, “as Cecilia, an American nun of devout faith, embarking on a new journey in a remote convent in the picturesque Italian countryside. Cecilia’s warm welcome quickly devolves into a nightmare as it becomes clear her new home harbors a sinister secret and unspeakable horrors.”