Go Bobcats! A New Breed of Survivors in Dead Island 2’s Neighborhood Watch
Dead Island 2 · published
Dead Island 2’s Neighborhood Watch shifts the focus from Hell-A’s mighty slayers to a group of college students from VCLA (a fictional blend of UCLA and USC) scrapping to survive. Unlike the superhuman Slayers from the main game, these young heroes rely on each other to survive in a world overrun by the undead.
Who Are the Bobcats?
You’ll play as Rav, Dez and Bozzy of the VCLA squad, fighting to hold down their frat-house fortress against the ever-hungry undead. You might remember them from some of Dead Island 2’s most compelling side quests, as you helped Rav out with his Caustic-X-periments or tracked down Bozzy in Monarch Studios. However, the Bobcats were originally created specifically for Neighborhood Watch.
Fishlabs and Dambuster Studios, collaborating on Neighborhood Watch, initially struggled to agree on a Horde mode concept. That’s when a furious brainstorming session between designer PChan and the then art lead, Mickael Balloul, spawned a fusion of LA’s vibrant college sports scene and the classic apocalypse, where you and your crew are scavenging for food and guns, then hunkering down to survive.
“We had this very strong visual and gameplay narrative”’ says PChan, “where you have these college students, stuck in this shitty situation. They’ve survived, but what do they do now? These characters are younger than the slayers. They’re not immune and they’re not superhuman. They have to depend on each other.”
Brains vs. Brawn
Each Bobcat brings unique skills to the table. Dez, a chemistry major, creates bombs and acid sprays; Bozzy, a mechanical engineering student, excels at setting traps; Rav, a medical student, provides healing and sets up medical stations. These characters are led by Hana, their NPC leader, as they navigate the streets of Hell-A.
Beyond their in-game roles, these characters were thoughtfully crafted to reflect the diversity of Los Angeles. Dez - inspired by the real-life friend of designer PChan - natural hair and pride in her heritage, were important aspects of her character. Dez is a top student, athlete and the group’s moral compass, wearing chemical protection gear in homage to Breaking Bad's Walter White.
Bozzy represents the survivalist archetype. A mechanical engineering student, he has always been a bit of a doomsday prepper, relishing the opportunity to live out his zombie hunter fantasies. His look—complete with a mask reminiscent of The Purge and a crossbow similar to The Walking Dead's Darryl Dixon— reflects his love for horror films. Though not a stellar student, his trap-making expertise is crucial for the team's success.
Rav, representing California’s South Asian subculture, is a medical student, balancing societal expectations with rebellion. His expensive gear contrasts with his love for street rebellion and hockey. His peaceful nature complements Bozzy's rough demeanor and their friendship strengthens the group.
Their leader, Hana Suzuki – a wheelchair user - offers the Bobcats critical guidance. Hana is the tactical genius behind the Bobcats’ survival, organizing their survival from the Venice Canals and contributing to the neighborhood's defense.
The Bobcats add a unique touch to Dead Island 2. While they might not have the epic storylines of the main slayers, they still have intriguing tales.
PChan suggests, "If players enjoy the Bobcats, there’s plenty of hidden lore. I encourage them to explore the menus and tutorial pages for more information."
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