Day vs. Night
Again, Techland isn’t ready to share the intricate details, but they claim that gameplay at night has vastly improved and evolved. Apparently, the map provides new ways to traverse under cover of darkness, and the infected are more harrowing than ever before. Scattered throughout the map are dark places where zombies hibernate. Entering them during broad daylight can be incredibly risky, as the darkness provides them full strength and mobility. However, braving their nests can result in discovering some substantial rewards and hidden areas. Techland states that day and night feature entirely different ways to play, and approaching specific objectives varies exponentially based on the time of day.
Choices and Consequences
Fifteen years have passed since the fall of humanity. Overrun by the infected – fear, hunger, looting, and pillaging are rampant. It’s the modern dark ages, and desperation is commonplace. Your choices deeply impact the world. During the demo, Techland presented the repercussions of two paths pertaining to a quest involving a gang of thugs and an emissary. The thugs are responsible for killing an emissary who was sent to gain control of a water tower. The gang aims to offer water for the population at a price, providing you with a stable income. The emissaries yearn to provide water free of charge but under strict regulation. Siding with them results in the installation of water fountains throughout the city, yielding a means of regaining health at any time. The goons may have a shady way of fulfilling their agenda, but the emissaries rule with an iron fist. Choices like this one occur throughout the narrative and profoundly alter gameplay and the state of the world.
Impressive Writing
Like many, I love a good story. A robust overarching narrative is one thing, but the nuances found in many short stories belonging to side quests can be just as memorable. Techland intends on making a lasting impression with Dying Light 2’s story, and they’re collaborating with writers from CD Projekt Red to do so. Specifically, the writers who worked on the Bloody Barron quest line in The Witcher 3; a favorite among countless fans, myself included. Honestly, that’s all they needed to say. Combine open world parkour action, survival, with Witcher 3 quality writing, and I’m on board.
These reasons alone are enough to believe that Dying Light 2 will outshine its predecessor. It’s bigger, badder, and packed with zombie slaying action. I eagerly await its release, whenever it may be.