Dying Light 2

Dying Light 2 is a first-person open-world action game in which we traverse a city overrun by zombies. The production is a sequel to the blockbuster Dying Light from 2015. It features both a story-driven single-player mode and multiplayer. It was developed by the Polish studio Techland, known for Dead Island or Call of Juarez series shooters, among others.

Plot

Dying Light 2 is set twenty years after the end of the first part, in 2034. It tells a new story and knowledge of the plot of the first part is not required to understand the sequel's story. After the zombie outbreak in the city of Harran was brought under control, government and corporate scientists began researching the mutant strain of rabies that caused the tragedy. They sought commercial and military uses for it for profit. However, the pursuit of money leads to disaster, and in late 2021, the virus escapes from a Geneva research lab. The extremely contagious disease leads to a global pandemic, anarchy and the collapse of civilization. Within two years, almost the entire population of Earth is infected. There are only a few settlements left in the world and one city - Villedor, where the game takes place.

The main character of Dying Light 2 is Aiden Caldwell, replacing Kyle Crane known from the previous installment. Aiden is a Pilgrim, a person traversing post-apocalyptic wastelands, carrying packages between human settlements. He comes to Villedor in search of his sister. In the city, he becomes entangled in a war for influence between factions seeking control of the city. Unlike the previous part, Dying Light 2 story is non-linear. Aiden can make decisions, support certain factions, make alliances with different people and make enemies depending on our choices.

Game mechanics

Gameplay in Dying Light 2 does not differ significantly from its predecessor. In the game we explore a vast city full of undead and hostile people. The world is four times larger than the one known from the first part. Like the predecessor, the game features an advanced melee combat system, allowing us to chop enemies to pieces. In the game we also have access to firearms, but the basis is melee combat. Aiden can fight with a variety of weapons, use environmental traps, throw enemies off rooftops and knock down opponents with a powerful kick. Game features extended crafting mechanics. While exploring the city we collect various resources, which we can use for useful items such as first aid kits or Molotov cocktails. We can also use them to modify our weapons, increasing their strength or giving them additional properties.

The game also features parkour-style movement, which is dependent on our character's stamina bar (all actions require it - even holding onto the edge of a roof). The second game features twice as many jumping, running and other breakneck manoeuvres. Aiden has also received a number of new moves, such as jumping from heights in combination with softening his fall using an enemy's body or running along walls. A hang glider is also available, allowing you to glide between buildings.

A new element of the gameplay is the ability to sneak and eliminate enemies by surprise. The developers also took care of environmental puzzles based on acrobatics, requiring proper route planning. The developers have also improved the AI of enemies, who can now change their fighting style during the fight.

As with its predecessor, Dying Light 2 features a day and night cycle that affects the behaviour and strength of enemies. During the day we will face mainly humans and the weak undead. After sunset, people return to safe shelters and the streets of Villedor are flooded with hordes of zombies. The streets become extremely dangerous, but the risks come with abundant rewards. The maps contain nests of the undead, which become empty when zombies come out at night to feed. By infiltrating the nests we can find powerful weapons and useful items.

The biggest new element of Dying Light 2 is the faction system. Some city districts are deprived of water and electricity. If we reactivate the generators in the district, we can put it under the control of one of the available factions in exchange for influence. Depending on the faction that controls it, the district changes. Other environmental objects are also placed in the district, such as exploding trap cars, zip wires and trampolines.

Game modes

Dying Light 2 can be played solo or co-operatively with other players. The game's campaign can be completed in smooth, four-player co-op. There is also a traditional multiplayer based on rivalry.

Technical aspects

Dying Light 2 runs on an upgraded version of the Chrome Engine, called C-Engine. Thus, the game has a very attractive 3D graphics - both the city and models of characters or monsters have been prepared with great attention to detail, and the views from the tops of high buildings can be breathtaking. Realistic shadows and lighting also make a great impression.

Last updated on 24 September 2021