Melee weapons in Dead Island 2 will degrade and break over time, and developer Dambuster Studios' recently spoke out to defend this potentially divisive mechanic. The zombie survival sequel has been stuck in development since it was announced in 2014, with various different developers passing the game along to current creator Dambuster. An official Dead Island 2 release date of February 2023 was finally announced earlier this year, but the title risks alienating players thanks to its weapon durability system.

As a follow-up to Dead Island and Dead Island: Riptide, Dambuster Studios' Dead Island 2 will see players fight to survive the apocalypse in gorgeous sunny Los Angeles. The first-person survival game will let players fight back the zombie horde using scavenged weaponry, including both improvised melee weapons and powerful ranged firearms. While Dead Island famously adopted an emotionally resonant and somber tone, Dead Island 2 instead seems to be leaning into more lighthearted zombie slaying similar to titles like Dead Rising or Left 4 Dead. The mere release of Dead Island 2 is considered a miracle, but the occasion may be ruined by the title's frustrating weapon durability system.

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In an interview with VG247, members of Dambuster Studios spoke out in defense of the melee weapon degradation mechanic present in Dead Island 2. The system, which has proven frustrating in games of the past, will make melee weapons break after repeatedly bashing against undead skulls. While the system could be controversial, design director Adam Duckett justifies the mechanic's balance by stating, "Ranged weapons have ammo, so melee weapons have degradation." The rate at which melee weapons wear down is apparently generous, and an abundance of inventory slots means players will rarely be left without a weapon. Art director Adam Olson also explains that weapon degradation fits the tone of Dead Island 2, which blends cartoonish violence with realistic survival mechanics.

Breakable Weapons Will Add To Dead Island 2's Survival Themes

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Like the weapon degradation system, the Dead Island 2 FLESH system will help immerse players in the world of post-apocalyptic zombie survival. The system, with a delightful acronym that stands for "Fully Locational Evisceration Simulator for Humanoids," is fully procedural and allows the player's weapons to have a realistic effect on the bodies of undead shamblers. The FLESH system simulates skin, fat, muscle, bones and organs to achieve this effect, ensuring that every kill is memorable and unique to the weapon being used.

After years in development, Dead Island 2 is finally set to bring players on a zombie survival adventure through sunny California next year. The game will see melee weapons break after extensive use, a mechanic which has proven itself very divisive among gamers. However, Dambuster Studios seems confident that weapon degradation will suit Dead Island 2 and make it an effectively exciting survival simulator.

Source: VG247