Dead Island: Epidemic – A Zombie-Themed MOBA

Updated On: February 14, 2024 by     What is Esports? Team  

Are you on the hunt for a riveting new take on zombie gaming that’ll get your heart racing and your tactical mind ticking over? We can empathise wholeheartedly; we’ve been combing through an array of games until ‘Dead Island: Epidemic’ caught our eye.

It’s not just any old game – it’s a one-of-a-kind, free-to-play MOBA situated in a beloved universe. Our latest blog post delves into this ghastly fray, marrying intense multiplayer skirmishes with cunning survival strategies that will keep enthusiasts and newcomers alike utterly engaged.

Team up, prepare to stand your ground against the relentless swarms – trust us, it’s an experience you won’t want to let slip by!

Key Takeaways

• Dead Island: Epidemic combines zombie survival horror with the MOBA gaming genre, set in a dark post-apocalyptic world filled with various classes of zombies like Walkers and Thugs.
• The game challenges players to use strategic teamwork and torches for exploring the environment, finding resources, and fighting in dimly lit conditions against waves of undead creatures.
• Developed for Windows PC as a free-to-play title on Steam in 2014, it initially garnered interest through its connection to the Dead Island franchise but eventually saw dwindling player engagement leading to server shutdowns in 2016.
• Critics offered mixed reviews about its gameplay; some appreciated the innovative blend of genres while others pointed out deviations from standard MOBA conventions such as minion farming.
• Beyond gaming, Dead Island: Epidemic expanded into other media including comics and hinted at potential film adaptations and novels, further immersing fans into its universe.

Gameplay

Players can choose from various classes of zombies to battle against each other in an online multiplayer battle arena. The use of torches is essential for visibility in the dark, post-apocalyptic world.

Classes of zombies

• Walkers: These common zombies shambling around the island are easy to underestimate, but in large numbers, they can overwhelm us quickly. They serve as a constant reminder that danger lurks at every turn.
• Sprinters: Faster and more aggressive than Walkers, Sprinters rush toward us with frightening speed. We have to react swiftly to evade their rapid onslaught or be ready for a fierce battle.
• Suiciders: These volatile undead are walking time bombs. We need to take them out from a distance or risk getting caught in their explosive demise – it’s all about timing and keeping a sharp eye.
• Thugs: Towering over the other infected, Thugs pack a serious punch with their brute strength. It takes teamwork and heavy firepower to bring these giants down before they can land a crushing blow.
• Butchers: With swift, slashing attacks, Butchers require us to dodge and weave as we fight. Their unpredictable movements mean we have to stay alert and ready to strike back without hesitation.
• Floaters: The bloated Floaters spit toxic bile, making them dangerous at range. Avoiding their corrosive attacks while closing the gap tests our strategic approach in combat.

Use of torches for visibility

Emerging from the dark and dangerous world of zombie-infested battlefields, players in Dead Island: Epidemic utilise torches for visibility. In the post-apocalyptic setting, where survival is paramount, these flashlights become essential tools for navigating through shadowy environments and locating hidden resources.

Whether it’s exploring abandoned buildings or venturing into eerie alleyways, the use of torches provides a strategic advantage to staying one step ahead of both undead adversaries and rival teams.

As survivors band together to fight off hordes of zombies, they must wield their torches wisely to uncover vital items while avoiding potential threats lurking in the darkness. Balancing stealth with aggression becomes crucial as players adapt their playstyle to accommodate the limited visibility offered by these makeshift light sources.

Plot

Set in the Dead Island universe, players must survive against hordes of zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. The game revolves around an epidemic outbreak and the struggle for survival in a zombie-infested environment.

Set in the Dead Island universe

Dead Island: Epidemic immerses players in the post-apocalyptic world of the popular Dead Island series, infusing the MOBA genre with its unique take on survival horror. As gamers explore this pandemic-stricken universe, they must battle against hordes of undead creatures while vying for crucial resources to ensure their survival.

The game’s plot successfully captures the essence of a zombie apocalypse, offering players an intense and immersive online gaming experience unlike anything seen before in a MOBA setting.

With this innovative addition to the Windows PC gaming platform, Dead Island: Epidemic presents a special class of zombies that fit seamlessly into the established lore of the franchise.

Surviving against zombies

Surviving against zombies in Dead Island: Epidemic is a thrilling challenge that requires strategic teamwork. Players must scavenge for resources, fend off hordes of undead, and secure their position amidst the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world.

With special class zombies adding to the intensity, quick thinking and coordinated efforts are essential for survival.

In this unique take on the MOBA gaming genre, players face the relentless onslaught of zombies while using torches to maintain visibility in dimly lit areas. The fast-paced action and intense battles create an immersive experience as players fight for survival in a world overrun by the undead.

Development

Dead Island: Epidemic was developed as a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), offering a unique take on the zombie-themed gaming genre. The game was specifically designed for the Windows PC platform to create an immersive and challenging experience for players.

Creation of a MOBA

The creation of a MOBA like Dead Island: Epidemic involves strategic planning and game design. Developers must carefully balance elements of action, strategy, and teamwork to create engaging gameplay.

The process includes designing unique characters with diverse abilities, creating maps that offer varied experiences for players, and implementing a balanced progression system that keeps the game fair and exciting for everyone.

Developers also focus on fostering an active community by providing regular updates, events, and new content to keep players engaged. Additionally, ensuring smooth matchmaking and balancing heroes are crucial in establishing a thriving player base.

Windows PC platform

Dead Island: Epidemic was exclusively developed for the Windows PC platform, allowing players to experience the intense zombie-themed MOBA gameplay on their computers. The game’s system requirements made it accessible to a wide range of players, ensuring that many could participate in the battle against the undead in a post-apocalyptic world.

The availability of Dead Island: Epidemic on Steam provided an easy and convenient way for gamers to download and start playing, making it a popular choice among those seeking fast-paced action and strategic survival challenges.

With its release as a free-to-play title in 2014, Dead Island: Epidemic quickly gained traction in the gaming community, drawing attention from both fans of the franchise and newcomers intrigued by the unique take on traditional MOBA gameplay.

Related Media

The game Dead Island: Epidemic has expanded beyond just the MOBA with a comic series, a film adaptation, and even a novel set in the same universe. These related media offerings provide fans with more ways to experience the world of Dead Island.

Comic

The comic adaptation of Dead Island: Epidemic delves into the intense battles against the undead, capturing the fast-paced action present in the game. It adds depth to the storyline and portrays the struggle for survival amidst a zombie outbreak, offering an immersive experience for fans of the MOBA game.

The comic serves as an extension of the Dead Island universe, providing enthusiasts with new insights into the game’s lore and characters.

Bringing together gripping visuals and compelling narratives, this comic expands on the unique take of Dead Island: Epidemic on the zombie-themed MOBA genre. It offers an exciting opportunity for both gamers and comic book aficionados to explore an alternate dimension within this captivating universe.

Film

Deep Silver’s Dead Island franchise didn’t stop at just the game and comic; it delved into the film world as well. The live-action film, “Dead Island: No Retreat,” was announced back in 2011.

Although no further news has been released regarding its status, fans of the game eagerly await any updates on this intriguing addition to the Dead Island universe. The potential for a cinematic experience based on this popular zombie-themed MOBA game is something that many gaming enthusiasts are keen to see come to fruition.

In addition to Dead Island: Epidemic being a free-to-play title on Steam since 2014, there have been hints of another medium entering its universe – novels. With various forms of media surrounding this engaging world, it’s clear that Dead Island draws interest from different avenues and keeps expanding its reach beyond traditional gameplay.

Novel

The Dead Island universe has expanded beyond the realm of gaming, with a novel adaptation that delves deeper into the zombie apocalypse. The novel offers an immersive experience, providing an in-depth exploration of the survival challenges faced by characters within the Dead Island universe.

Readers are taken on a thrilling journey through vivid descriptions of intense battles against hordes of undead, adding a new dimension to the already gripping narrative. With this addition to the franchise’s media offerings, fans can further immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic world teeming with danger and suspense.

Moving on to related media adaptations, let’s uncover how Dead Island: Epidemic has made its mark in other forms of entertainment.

Reception

The critical reception of Dead Island: Epidemic was mixed, with some praising the unique blend of zombie-themed gameplay and MOBA mechanics while others criticised its repetitive nature.

The game also faced controversy surrounding its beta release and ultimately had low sales.

Critical reception

Dead Island: Epidemic received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its unique take on the MOBA genre. The game was commended for its fast-paced action and intense battles against the undead, offering a refreshing twist on the zombie-themed MOBA concept.

However, some reviewers criticised Dead Island: Epidemic for lacking traditional MOBA features, such as minion farming and item shopping. Despite this, the game managed to carve out a niche following due to its innovative approach within the crowded MOBA market.

The critical reception of Dead Island: Epidemic showed that while it may not have resonated with all players, it successfully offered a new perspective on the zombie-themed MOBA genre.

This underlines how innovation can both attract and divide audiences in gaming communities.

Controversy

Controversy surrounded Dead Island: Epidemic due to its departure from traditional MOBA features such as minion farming and item shopping, which caused a divide among players. Some critics were disappointed by the game’s deviation from established MOBA mechanics, while others appreciated the fresh take on the genre.

Additionally, the decision to release the game as a free-to-play title sparked debate within the gaming community, with opinions split on whether it impacted gameplay quality or provided better access for players.

The controversy surrounding Dead Island: Epidemic stemmed from differing opinions on its departure from traditional MOBA features and its free-to-play model. These factors divided both critics and players alike, generating heated discussions within the gaming community about the game’s overall appeal and accessibility.

Sales

The sales figures for Dead Island: Epidemic tell a story of both intrigue and challenge in the gaming market.

Year	Sales Milestones	Notes
2014	Launched on Steam	Immediate interest due to Dead Island fame
2015	Free-to-Play Model Adopted	Designed to attract a broader audience
2016	Servers Shut Down	Indicated waning player interest over time

We saw an initial surge of downloads driven by the anticipation built by the Dead Island brand. Players eagerly dove into its unique MOBA experience, contributing to its quick spread on Steam. Monetization strategies evolved, reflecting the need to engage with a diverse gaming community. Dead Island: Epidemic’s journey was marked by highs and lows, as evidenced by the server shutdown, which hinted at the complex nature of sustaining player engagement in a competitive free-to-play market. The game remains a fascinating case study in the evolution and commercial viability of the zombie-themed MOBA category.

Conclusion

Dead Island: Epidemic offers a fresh take on the MOBA genre by combining it with the popular zombie theme. Players can dive into fast-paced battles, fighting for survival against hordes of undead in an intense multiplayer online arena.

The game received mixed reviews, with some praising its innovative approach while others criticised its departure from traditional MOBA features. Its unique twist on the zombie apocalypse and free-to-play model make Dead Island: Epidemic a captivating addition to the gaming world.

FAQs

1. What is Dead Island: Epidemic?

Dead Island: Epidemic is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game with a thrilling zombie theme.

2. Can I play Dead Island: Epidemic with friends?

Yes, you can team up with your mates and work together to survive the zombie onslaught in this MOBA adventure.

3. Is there strategy involved in Dead Island: Epidemic or is it all action?

You’ll find both strategic gameplay and fast-paced action as you fight against zombies and other players in Dead Island: Epidemic.

4. What makes Dead Island: Epidemic different from other MOBAs?

The unique combination of survival horror elements with classic MOBA features sets Dead Island: Epidemic apart, offering a fresh take on the genre infused with zombies.