Review

To coincide with the release of Dead Island for consoles and PC, strategy guide publisher Bradygames decided to parade out a new technology to reinvigorate the strategy guide market: the Dead Island Map App.  Besides having a snappy name worthy of the best marketers, it promises comprehensive maps of the game's locations to help you get further in Dead Island.  Does it work?  Find out after the break.

As loathe as I am to use strategy guides, usually due to their spoiler-filled nature, the Map App came in handy during my trek across the island of Banoi.  The maps are pixel-perfect replicas of the game's automap, complete with footnotes showing just where you can find the game's many collectibles, complete with a screenshot that focuses even closer on the item's location.  Even better, a simply tap of a check box marks the item as "found" so that you won't keep revisiting the same areas looking for that last ID card or newspaper clipping.

While it works remarkably well on my iPhone, there is the caveat that trying to look over a map on said device's small screen, especially when the collectibles become dense, is easier said than done.  I imagine this problem is virtually nonexistent on the iPad's more generous screen.

All in all, however, the game's fantastic functionality and dirt-cheap price make this a worthwhile companion for your stay on Dead Island.

The Official Dead Island Map App is available now on iTunes for $2.99.