Here at GameGravy we got our hands on the beta of Dead Island: Epidemic, the new addition to the franchise. This rendition of Dead Island is a top down dungeon crawler type game, that has its skill sets and leveling up system a bit similar to games like Diablo. There is no controller support for this title (at least in the beta we couldn’t find an option) and that’s not a bad thing especially if you have a well equipped MMO style mouse.
My first issue with the title was having to use the WASD keys to move my character while the mouse is used for attacks, usually I wouldn’t mind but since I’ve been crunching time in D3’s Reaper of Souls expansion I got a little frustrated. The visuals are not anything to write home about and that isn’t ever an issue with these type of games, but the slow paced movement got to me and the combat was very bland. After you complete the prologue of the beta you are then brought to a safe haven, which is where you can purchase new characters, weapons or other items to use. There is also a spot for your inventory to be sifted through and the iconic workbench from previous Dead Island games to make new weapons from parts acquired.
There are only 3 modes to play in the beta being the prologue, a horde mode and an all out fight against teams getting supply points and killing each other. The beta doesn’t leave much to be desired with so many games of a better caliber that are worth playing with this gaming style. Hopefully, when Dead Island: Epidemic makes a final retail release it can hold its own beside the numerous amounts of top down dungeon crawler-esque titles that are out today.
