Whenever the zombie phenomenon appears to be slowing down, it seems to find new legs (arms, torsos, etc) to feed its insatiable appetite. Dead Island is the latest offering to shamble up to the plate. If its pre-rendered announcement trailer is any guide, Polish developer Techland will be aiming for a level of pathos largely absent from existing titles in the subgenre.

According to publisher Deep Silver, the game will deliver “first person action with a heavy focus on melee combat”. In offering four player co-op and makeshift weapon customisation, the producers of Dead Island are inviting direct comparisons to the likes of Left 4 Dead and Dead Rising 2. While the current trailer has piqued our interest, we’ll need to see some in-game footage before we can determine Dead Island has a soul of its own.

The three minute clip also serves as an excellent reminder to read the comments on Trip Advisor (“Nice view, shame about the zombies”) before booking your holiday accommodation.

Dead Island is due for release on 360, PS3 and PC in 2011.