As the gaming community moves firmly into 2026, the PlayStation Store is offering a perfect New Year's treat: a chance to dive into a critically overlooked gem at a fraction of its original price. Among the sea of discounts, one standout offer is for the chaotic and gory open-world RPG, Dead Island 2.
A Massive Price Cut for an Underrated Adventure
The first-person RPG from Dambuster Studios and publisher Deep Silver has received a staggering 75% discount on the digital storefront. This slashes the price from its original £44.99 down to a mere £11.24. This deal follows recent attention on other discounted titles like Star Wars Outlaws, positioning Dead Island 2 as another must-buy for value-seeking gamers.
The game, which originally launched on PlayStation consoles in 2023, tasks players with surviving a zombie apocalypse in a ravaged Los Angeles. "Bitten, infected, but more than just immune, you must uncover the truth behind the outbreak," the official description states. The core loop involves brutal combat and evolving your character to save a world on the brink.
Critical Reception: Gory Fun with Some Flaws
Upon its release, Dead Island 2 garnered a generally positive response from critics. It holds a Metacritic score of 73%, with reviewers frequently praising its slick visuals and the deeply satisfying, brutal zombie combat. Many highlighted the title's arcade-style, over-the-top gore as a source of heaps of fun, offering endless entertainment in its sun-soaked, post-apocalyptic setting.
However, the game was not without its criticisms. Reviewers often pointed to a lack of depth and originality in the story and mission design as notable negatives. While the narrative of immune survivors fighting through a collapsing society to find answers is serviceable, it was cited as an area that didn't match the creativity of its combat systems.
Why It's Worth Your Time and Money
Despite its narrative shortcomings, at this heavily reduced price, Dead Island 2 more than earns its underrated status. The sheer fun of its visceral, weapon-based combat and the detailed, horrific rendition of LA provide hours of engaging gameplay. For fans of action RPGs or zombie-slaying titles, this represents exceptional value.
Interested players need to act quickly, as this special New Year promotion on the PS Store is scheduled to end on January 8, 2026. It's a prime opportunity to experience a flawed but fiercely enjoyable open-world RPG without making a significant dent in your wallet.
