Dying Light 2: Stay Human

After the resounding success from Dying Light, it’s no surprise that Techland has gripped us again with a sequel. With a fresh story and exciting new challenges, Dying Light 2 boasts hours of horde fighting fun both solo and cooperatively. Join me as I review one of the most anticipated games of the year.

 

 

Plot

The story takes place in the new city of Villidor, 22 years in the future from the events of Dying Light. Aiden Caldwell, the main protagonist, starts off the game as a pilgrim who travels the open plains and never settles in any one place. Aiden’s main quest was to look for his sister, but once he becomes infected, he realizes he must push forward and look for a cure.

The virus that was featured in the first Dying Light has mutated and the plot does well to hammer this idea home. The player has a biomarker now and must traverse to UV lights and safe zones when they have been out at night or in a dark area in order to refrain from being infected. Consumables such as UV shrooms and an inhibitor also help keep the infection at bay. The goal of the plot is simple; stay human.

Aiden will have several encounters throughout the game and the player must make decisions on which of the main fractions they will ally with; the peacekeepers or the survivors. The peacekeepers are a militant band of muscle who are wreaking havoc in the city after their commander is killed. The survivors are a band of civilians who muster together in an area called the bazaar. Their weapons and tactics are less militant. The two factions struggle for control in the city.

Without going too much into the plot it’s heading in the right direction. There is enough mystery with some of Aiden’s flashbacks of his past to keep the player intrigued.

Gameplay

Dying Light two has several features carried over in gameplay from the first one that will have fans of the game jumping for joy. Modifying weapons, parkour, varieties of infected and cooperative gameplay are the main ones being discussed.

Blades on Fire and Pipes That Zap

Weapon modification was key to an enjoyable gaming experience in the first installment. Modifying your weapon with fire, electricity, poison, and ice were just some of the enhancements. Furthermore, watching an infected burn or be shocked is highly satisfying, especially after they have spent the last ten minutes chasing you. After the tutorial stage of the game, the modifications are unlocked and obtainable for the player at any safe zone with the right type of merchant.

Adrenaline Addicts Apply Here

Parkour was a massive feature of Dying Light and its back. Glide, jump, and fly through the streets of Villedor and other areas whilst avoiding enemies. Even if you feel you are slightly rusty, the game has plenty of parkour challenges and opportunities to get to grips with it. Parkour combat allows for players to learn how to block, leap, and kick powerfully into any enemy. A parkour skill tree allows players to choose skills they want to match their style. Combat skill trees are also present allowing for some interesting moves for the player.

Did Somebody Say Infected?

The infected look is incredible with terrifying designs and guttural sounds. However, the interesting element lies in the simple fact that the majority of humanity is infected despite finding ways to stave it off. Having a newly mutated virus allows for new challenges and hurdles, especially if the player themselves may be affected at any point. Nighttime poses a whole new element of fear for the player in relation to the infected.

Nighttime is when the most dangerous zombies join the world. They create an exhilarating difficulty as their aggression accelerates. They are not as shambly and slow compared to the daytime infected and will engage in a high-speed chase with you at night. Nothing like dashing to a safety zone with half of the cities infected advancing on you.

Surviving with a friend

Finally, the cooperative feature of gameplay is enjoyable. The entire story campaign can be played online with two players to share items and kick infected buttocks! Navigating through an infected, horrifying land with someone else definitely enhances the experience.

Graphical glitches

Graphical glitches are increasingly common due to it just being released, but this was bound to happen. So far, players have encountered some hilarious moments (example: pictured above). As long as there aren’t any progression-altering gameplay glitches, it’s excusable for the time being.

Easter Eggs

Easter eggs were a massive fan favorite in Dying Light, ranging from The Last of Us to Super Mario, so it makes sense for the developers to add some in the sequel. Featured above is a prime example. “Who do you voodoo” is the well-known intro song for Dead Island. Yet here we see a record player with that very record player on it. Players are confident this won’t be the only easter egg and there will be many more. 

Vibes Score

9/10

Overall, the game has delivered as a successful sequel to one of the most celebrated virus games. It’s easy to look past graphical glitches when you are too engrossed and captivated by an intriguing plot, terrifying world, and adrenaline-inducing traversing.