[Gamescom 2018] Dying Light 2 - Preview, Zombies invade Cologne

Many of the fans will have clear images of Dying Light, or the first chapter released several years ago. The game achieved some success, then going to increase over time thanks to offers and introductions through additional content. All away the announcement of Dying Light 2 was totally unexpected, especially if we think that this second episode, although it shares the same universe, will be totally disconnected from the adventures of the first. We didn't get to play it in Cologne during Gamescom, but the developers showed us an abundant hour of gameplay, explaining the various scenes piece by piece. The idea we have made is that of a title that tries to reinvent itself, letting it be understood that what we have seen previously only serves to lay solid foundations for a product whose purpose is to be remembered for a long time. Definitely the name of Chris Avellone does nothing but increase the expectations on the title, which we tell you right away from us are already very high.

Route change

After a brief introduction in which there was a way to rediscover the basic mechanics of the game, we were able to discover the new level design of the maps, now structured right from the start in order to favor both a vertical and a horizontal approach. The atmospheres have remained unchanged, with destruction and desolation that are the background to the raids of the player, who between a jump and a climb will have to worry about staying alert in order to avoid dying at the hands of some wandering zombie. During the presentation we were interrupted by a film by Chris Avellone, where he explained how narrative events can be subject to change depending on the player's actions. In fact, you can choose whether to support 3 different factions, the choice however will not be linear, but will be the consequence of some choices imposed by the game world. Based on your decision, the city could undergo not only aesthetic changes, but also game mechanics that will drastically change your story.

In the demo seen, the protagonist was part of a strongly militarized faction, whose purpose is the safeguarding of humanity. Unfortunately, the area was under the control of a unit of bandits, whose only desire is to get rich quick. The entire gameplay sequence shown was concerned with reaching a water tower, the summit of which was the home of the two leaders of this evil organization of criminals. Once we arrived at the place of interest we witnessed a dialogue that represented a sort of bargaining, which for obvious reasons immediately degenerated into a no holds barred brawl, and above all very scenic. Since that time there is a time jump of about two weeks: the whole map has changed, introducing new structures and, above all, the disappearance of the infected due to the militia. Humans now have totally accessible water sources, but they paid for this freedom with a dictatorial regime that punishes any transgression with life. Do not in the least think that the infected hunted disappear from the game, quite the opposite. In fact, the zombies will go to gather in nests, hidden in the shadows and abandoned buildings.

There is always an alternative

Take what has been said and replace it with the opposite. In fact, Techland also shows us what would have happened if we had acted in a totally opposite way. The game runs quickly backwards, until it takes us to a universe in which we are "hostages" of a choice never made. The structures have totally changed, as have the behavior of the population and the streets. The bandits have won, and we are their closest allies. This phalanx was responsible for the reconstruction of the bridge, thus favoring commercial exchanges between criminal organizations, the focus is the black market of La Puerta, a completely new and inaccessible location if you had chosen another faction. An important part of the income, however, is ours by right, plus as an additional reward the character has unlimited access to some vehicles. Obviously, the multiplayer sector has also been thought of, thus giving players the opportunity to see worlds that are inaccessible due to their decisions.

The choice to implement these mechanics also to the consequences of the gameplay does nothing but significantly feed the playful component of the multimedia work, an unprecedented leap forward compared to the past chapter where these features were not even mentioned. In conclusion we can say that Dying Light 2 is ready to be seen in all its glory, showing the world the potential that the developer has to offer. Even the signing of Chris Avellone makes it clear right away that Techland is serious, ready to amaze players with a definitely not ordinary experience.