Dead Island: Definitive Collection has a Metacritic all-platform critic score of 63/100 from 32 reviews, rated “Mixed or Average.” The PC-only page is a separate snapshot: 70/100 from 8 critic reviews. Critics see the bundle’s visual refresh and breadth as appealing to newcomers, but the remasters retain familiar repetition and bugs, with less to offer people who already played the games.
What critics scored Dead Island: Definitive Collection
| Metacritic scope | Critic score | Reviews | Displayed distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| All platforms | 63/100, “Mixed or Average” | 32 | 6 positive, 24 mixed, 2 negative (19% positive, 75% mixed, 6% negative) |
| PC | 70/100 | 8 | 2 positive, 6 mixed, 0 negative |
These are distinct Metacritic critic aggregates, not scores for every platform individually. The all-platform page lists the collection’s initial release date as May 31, 2016. Aggregator scores can change if Metacritic updates its records. Metacritic’s collection review page and PC critic page show the review snapshots.
![Steelbook Dead Island Definitive Collection (No Game) Limited Edition - Perfect for Collectors or as a Gift [playstation_5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-MUPR5xKL._SL160_.jpg)
Critic aggregates should not be confused with player ratings: Metacritic displays a separate user score, while PlayStation Store owner ratings represent a different review population.
What critics liked—and what held the collection back
Visual improvements and a substantial bundle
Reviews recognize the updated presentation and the amount of content in one package. A PC critic excerpt describes the two zombie games as brought together “in a remastered way” alongside a retro minigame. IGN’s review, as reproduced by GameFAQs, called it “the best way to play if you missed these zombie-smashers.” That newcomer appeal is the clearest case for the collection.
#1 Best Overall
- Dead Island Definitive Edition:Fully remastered version of Dead Island including all released DLC and patches.
- Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition: Fully remastered version of Dead Island: Riptide including all released DLC and patches.
- Dead Island Retro Revenge: A brand new stand-alone 16-bit game set in the style of a classic side-scrolling action/endless runner within the Dead Island universe.
- Game mechanics include power-ups, super-attacks and combo-systems.
Repetition, bugs, and limited novelty
The visual refresh does not erase complaints about the underlying games. PC review excerpts praise the graphics while noting unresolved bugs and describing Riptide as repetitive. For players who have already finished the originals, the collection offers less incentive to return: PlayStation LifeStyle’s excerpt, reproduced by GameFAQs, says “there’s not much in the Definitive Collection to drag us back.” The quotes are attributed to publications in GameFAQs’ review excerpts; they should be read as publication-level criticism, not as comments from a named reviewer.
What’s included in the Definitive Collection?
The collection combines two remasters and a standalone retro-style game. Metacritic lists PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC as platforms.
Rank #2
- Dead Island Definitive Collection contains Dead Island Definitive Edition, Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition, and Dead Island Retro Revenge
- Dead Island Definitive Edition: Fully remastered version of Dead Island including all released DLC and patches
- Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition: Fully remastered version of Dead Island: Riptide including all released DLC and patches
- Dead Island Retro Revenge: A brand new stand-alone 16-bit game set in the style of a classic side-scrolling action/endless runner within the Dead Island universe
- Dead Island Definitive Edition
- Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition
- Dead Island Retro Revenge, a standalone 16-bit game
The two remasters include released DLC and patches. The US PlayStation Store describes the PS4 bundle as including Dead Island, Dead Island: Riptide, and previously released DLC. It lists a May 31, 2016 release date and advertises improved graphics and models, 1080p resolution, and physically based shading. See the US PlayStation Store listing for the platform-specific description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Dead Island: Definitive Collection worth it?
It makes the strongest case for newcomers who want both remastered games and the bonus retro title in one package. The critic feedback points to refreshed visuals and content breadth as strengths, while warning that repetition and bugs remain. If you already played the originals, the visual update and included material may not be enough to justify another run.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRank #3
- Paradise meets Hell
- Welcome to the Zombie Apocalypse experience of a lifetime and now more beautiful than ever. Caught in the midst of an epic zombie outbreak on the tropical island of Banoi, your only thought is: Survival
- The Dead Island Experience
- Smash heads, crack skulls and slice em up with visceral melee combat and true story based 4 player co op in a sprawling open world just waiting for exploration.
- Paradise meets Hell meets Retro .A classic side scrolling action game set in the unique Dead Island universe. Built from the ground up as a stand alone experience, this 16 bit retro game requires you to master the onslaught of Zombie hoards and claim the top of the leaderboards..Dead Island Definitive Collection contains:.Dead Island Definitive Edition: Fully remastered version of Dead Island including all released DLC and patches.Dead Island: Riptide Definitive Edition: Fully remastered version of Dead Island: Riptide including all released DLC and patches.Dead Island Retro Revenge: A brand new stand alone 16 bit game set in the style of a classic side scrolling action/endless runner within
The PlayStation Store listing is for the PS4 version, not a native PS5 edition, and warns that playing it on PS5 may result in errors or missing features. Anyone buying for PS5 should factor in that compatibility caveat rather than assume a dedicated PS5 release.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Survive in a tropical island paradise that becomes the zombie hell!
- The genre-embossing zombie classics Dead Island and Dead Island Riptide complete by developer Techland
- Ultimate HD remix of survival horror, role-playing and open game world!
- Includes all DLCs and the brand new game Dead Island: Retro Revenge as a free download
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