Dead Island 2, developed by Dambusters, has rolled out its first story DLC named “Haus.” The expansion takes players to a whole new setting in Malibu, offering an eerie experience reminiscent of titles like Bioshock and Deathloop. This article aims to offer an in-depth review of this DLC, discussing the environments, storyline, and gameplay modifications it brings.

The Intriguing Storyline: An Affluent Cult

The DLC introduces a storyline that revolves around a mysterious cult led by Konstantin, a character that feels closely related to Andrew Ryan from Bioshock. The cult operates from a sprawling 1960s mansion located on the coast. Official information warns players to steer clear of Haus, but those who have already purchased the expansion pass find themselves diving deep into this unsettling world.

Environment and Level Design: Surreal Psycho-Horror Dreamscape

The levels are intriguingly designed to offer a mix of complex biomes, ranging from model towns in glass cages to neon diners occupied by unique bosses. These elaborate level concepts have a flair similar to Arkane’s previous designs and provide an engaging contrast to the main game’s locations, like hotels and military checkpoints.

Gameplay Modifications: New Skills and Weapons

Haus DLC enriches Dead Island 2 by adding eight new skill cards, allowing further customization of your zombie-slaying avatar. The expansion introduces at least two new weapons—a scoped crossbow for those who prefer discretion and a Hog Roaster for a more aggressive approach. These new elements offer a fresh take on the base game’s combat mechanics.

Comparisons: How Haus DLC Pays Homage to Bioshock and Deathloop

This DLC clearly takes inspiration from iconic games like Bioshock and Deathloop. The atmosphere and character development evoke the underwater world of Bioshock, while the elaborate level design shares similarities with the intricate environments seen in Deathloop.

The Overall Experience

While Dead Island 2 itself offers a fair mix of combat and exploration, the Haus DLC raises the bar by introducing eerie settings and more intricate gameplay elements. It creates a compelling experience, albeit with its own set of shortcomings.

Upcoming Content: A Glimpse of the Future

It’s worth noting that Haus is the first in a series of DLCs for Dead Island 2. The second expansion, named SOLA Festival, is set to release next year. While it remains to be seen how it will compare to Haus, anticipation is certainly high.

Final Thoughts

The Haus DLC for Dead Island 2 offers a well-rounded expansion to an already detailed game. It introduces new elements that enrich the gameplay and provides a fresh narrative. Despite some minor setbacks, it’s a worthwhile experience for any fan of the original game or those titles it pays homage to, like Bioshock and Deathloop.

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