Skip to main content

Dead Island: Riptide (First Impressions)

Dead Island: Riptide releases today and fans of the series will be able to continue their journey of survival against hordes of undead. Riptide has been overhauled in many ways over its predecessor and features more zombies, hours of decapitations and even an additional playable character. Dead Island has seen its share of problems and Riptide is no different. However, Riptide is more polished and entertaining than the original, and comes with one hell of a zombie adventure.  

Dead Island: Riptide is what a zombie RPG should be and focuses heavily on the game's co-op mechanics and making melee combat fun again. Players will loot the decimate island of Palanai located in the South Pacific and upgrade their various weapons to survive. Riptide begins right were the original ended, with our four survivors, Sam B, Xian Mei, Logan Carter and Purna. We also see the addition of a fifth playable character, John Morgan, who is a Navy ship cook that specializes in hand-to-hand combat. John is a welcomed addition to the team and his skills come in handy later on when all hell breaks out. The team crash on the flooded island and find that the only way to get around is with boats.



New enemies make the adventure even more terrifying with the addition of the Drowner, Grenadier and Wrestler zombies. Riptide has also seen a major overhaul in the game's engine, and players will now face environmental weather effects which add tension and atmosphere to the chaotic zombie battles. Gamers will soon realize they are not safe anywhere, not even on a boat, since zombies can pull you off here as well.

The game's setting is wildly entertaining and the enemies will adjust to the player's level. What does this mean? Well if you are a level 50 then the zombies around you will be this level as well. The team shares in the gained XP and money from their kills as the team scours the island and finishes off quests.

All-in-all, Dead Island: Riptide is a fun and entertaining game that is worth the money spent on it despite the game's minor flaws. Stay tuned for our full review from the team later this week.

Overall First Impression: A+

Popular posts from this blog

Dance Like It’s 1999 at The Beer Hog - January 16, 2026 (Event Preview)

Step into a neon‑lit throwback and dance to the soundtrack of the late 1990s at Dance Like It’s 1999 , a high‑energy evening of line dancing, partner work, and country swing hosted by Boots & Beats Line Dancing at The Beer Hog - Madison. Expect a nonstop mix of hot hits and classic throwbacks, requests played all night, and a friendly, inclusive floor where beginners and seasoned dancers alike can learn new steps, sharpen partner moves, and keep the party going until closing. Event details • What : Dance Like It’s 1999: an energetic night of line dancing, partner dancing, and country swing hosted by Boots & Beats. • When : Friday night; lessons run 6:30–7:30 PM, with open dancing before, between, and after the lesson block. • Where : The Beer Hog - Madison, 130 Plaza Blvd, Madison, AL (listed as 470 Providence Main St NW, Huntsville, AL for event listings). • Cover : $7 cash at the door; card payments accepted with a service fee. No outside food or drinks, please support the ve...
Level Up: Read More »

Blood, Screams, and Southern Nightmares: Inside PV Slaughterhouse’s Reign of Terror in Rainsville, Alabama

If you’re brave enough to step inside a real-life slaughterhouse after dark, PV Slaughterhouse in Rainsville, Alabama, is ready to test your limits. This homegrown haunt isn’t just spooky—it’s southern fried terror at its finest. With $25 tickets at the door, you’re buying entry to an immersive nightmare that proves small-town scares can pack big-time chills. What began as a family-run yard haunt has mutated into one of Alabama’s most notorious horror attractions. Housed inside the former Rainsville Quality Meats building, the walls practically breathe history—and horror. The Tomlinson family, who own and operate the experience, have turned this creepy relic into a blood-soaked maze of screams, strobe lights, and expertly placed scares. The story behind the haunt gives it real grit—you’re not walking through a warehouse pretending to be a slaughterhouse. You’re walking through the real thing. Once you step through the door, the nightmare begins. Actors seem to emerge from the shadows...
Level Up: Read More »

Basics of 3D Printing at Downtown Huntsville Makerspace - January 14, 2026 (Event Preview)

Explore how 3D printing actually works and what the Downtown Huntsville Makerspace offers in this hands‑on introduction from the Huntsville Madison County Public Library. Whether you’re simply curious about the technology, planning your first print, or scouting library resources for a project, the workshop breaks the workflow into clear, practical steps; design, slicing, and printing, so you understand each stage. Expect live demonstrations, straightforward explanations of common materials and settings, and tips for avoiding typical print failures. By the end you’ll have the confidence to find models, prepare files, and use Makerspace services to bring your ideas to life. Event details • What : Basics of 3D Printing: an introductory, hands‑on workshop at the Downtown Huntsville Makerspace. • When : Wednesday, January 14, 2026 • 4:00 PM. • Where : Downtown Huntsville Public Library, 915 Monroe St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. • Registration Required : Reserve your spot at go.hmcpl.org/3DPr...
Level Up: Read More »