Over the years, we’ve had many “end of the world as we know it” games. One that comes to mind, is Techland’s franchise Dying Light, which I first got to check out the game back in 2015. I enjoyed the concept behind it, as well as becoming friends with the main character’s voice actor Roger Craig Smith. Even the multiplayer side of the first game, and its DLC, provided good entertainment as well as funny easter eggs. Fast forward to 2022 and Techland is back again with Dying Light 2. Despite the delays since its announcement back during E3 2018, the anticipated sequel is here! We even had the chance back during E3 to go hands-on with the game, which you can read here. Since then there was an announcement of delays in 2020, right when the world went downhill. It was then pushed back again into 2021, and now to its current release date. How is Techland’s new game Dying Light 2? Let’s find out in the full review below!
Rough Beginnings
The gameplay of Dying Light 2 is nothing to take lightly from the start, even if you’re an avid player of this genre of games. At first, I spent much of my time being killed, jumping to my death, and exploring–which isn’t easy when you’re learning to parkour around. All this was only the prologue to the game. Dying Light 2 starts off a couple of years after the events that took place in Harran in the year 2013 in the first game.
Learning Curve
As for the controls of the game, they did take some time to get used to. In learning the control orientation and timing, I fell off quite a few buildings, didn’t catch zip lines, and made other mistakes that ended with me laughing at myself. The parkour abilities presented the most challenge, so I would recommend that anyone (especially newcomers) take their time in learning those skills at the beginning of the gameplay.
Another Virus
Without spoiling too much, you will learn that in the time since, a cure was found, but then some people wouldn’t leave the virus alone. This causes a new outbreak in 2023, except this time it hits all over the world. This is where your character Aiden Caldwell the protagonist of Dying Light 2 comes in. Why is he so special–is he trying to find someone or something? You’ll find all this out the more you get into the game itself.
The City of Villedor
Most of the gameplay of Dying Light 2 will take place in “The City”, also known as Villedor, which will be explained as a part of Europe. Because of the detailed backdrop, the play area feels vast, adding to the experience. While on your quest, you have to navigate relations with a number of factions. All of the factions want to be the controlling entity. Each will want you to join their cause. In order to accomplish your goal, you have to walk the lines dividing them. There are a number of “fork in the road” moments where you’ll have to make a specific choice which will result in specific consequences, depending on the choice you make. These moments in the game act as a kind of moral checkpoint in relation to the other parties involved.
Infected
Of course, because you’re battling infected humans that have turned throughout the game, there comes a point when you are also infected. This adds unique challenges to your ability to complete quests, including a mutation timer that will activate under certain circumstances. This timer can be extended with resources hidden around the map, so be sure to keep an eye (and ear) open for what’s around you. Otherwise, the timer will run out and you’ll face the consequences.
Power Up
When it comes to increasing your abilities in-game, which range from the item in question I did speak on. You’ll “level up” according to a skill tree for both combat and parkour. These abilities are increased by fighting the factions and virus-infected through the land, and by exploring the city for those much-needed resources. Obviously having increased skills allows you to progress in the game. The skill trees require certain benchmarks for each ability increase–for example, a certain combat skill may require your health capacity to be a certain number to obtain it. Similarly, parkour skills are related to character stamina.
Future Co-Op
Once co-op play is enabled, the review will be updated to include it. At the time of the original review, co-op play was unavailable. However, the single-player mode has been a worthwhile playing experience. In the time that I’ve put into the game, it’s been an enjoyable learning experience. Navigating the controls to learn to parkour was definitely a new challenge for me–even as someone who enjoyed playing the original Dying Light. Once an update is pushed, other media members and I will be diving into the multiplayer side of Dying Light 2.
Graphics
When it comes to the looks of Dying Light 2, Techland has taken the time to give a major visual upgrade from its predecessor. When it came to running around the world itself, it felt like I could go on for quite a distance in some areas. This was well before getting the chance to climb the bigger buildings. Even on the Xbox Series X, the details were just enough to be pleasing, but nothing to write home about. Unlike some games, Dying Light 2 isn’t trying to look realistic. Instead, the focus is on setting up its own world, therefore there isn’t as much emphasis on every little thing. As you play further into the game, buildings are bigger and there are more “real” details one would look for to connect it to the world we know. However, there is a considerable contrast between daytime and nighttime.
While I would’ve loved to see more in regards to the city itself, I felt at times the city was bland for daytime in the game (nighttime was a different story). Even then, the story and side quests kept me distracted and focused on not dying as I played.
White Noise
The game doesn’t include much in the way of music, but the ambient noises add to the environment. For example, you may hear voices from a few streets away. This might mean something or nothing. It’s up to you on if you go to investigate. The sound helps bring you into the world of the game. You hear nature, and people, and the humans who’ve turned due to the virus. You won’t be jamming out to something you’d hear on the radio. As mentioned above, some of these sounds are important to pay attention to. It’s best not to be bombarded by music just thrown over the game sounds.
Replay Value
At this time of writing, I’ve put at least 70 hours into the game, and even so, I’ve been able to upgrade and unlock lots of crazy things you’ll be finding. For example, you may unlock different perks within the city for siding with one faction or the other. The main game does have lots of replay value, as you can spend hours doing side quests, getting into fights, or experiencing the random spawn of events happening all through the city. For the first few days, the side missions kept me sidetracked from the main story. That said, I can understand having so much freedom is very nice to have. With Techland already announcing the next few years of content, I personally can’t wait to see what DLC, new enemies, and areas come to the game.
Final Verdict
Overall, Techland has done a decent job of bringing what made the original Dying Light fun to play. Dying Light 2 also added some new additions during its development to keep it feeling fresh. Those interested in getting the game, once it’s released, won’t have to worry! It’s already very well-built with little to no bugs. Glitches that were found in the preview build of the game have been patched and are no longer an issue. There are even more already more being fixed in time for the full launch. Techland’s game Dying Light 2 provides an entertaining and satisfying continuation at least for me. Even with the price of Dying Light 2 starting at $60 USD, it’s worth the price of admission.
A code for Dying Light 2 for Xbox Series X was provided for review purposes.
