Techland and Deep Silver are at PAX, right now, showing off Dead Island Riptide to a horde of nerds. Kind as they are, they also released some new details for us to share, since we all couldn't make it to Seattle for the weekend. It shouldn't surprise you to hear that their goals include stepping up the action, adding more exciting gameplay content and cooperative features, and what looks like a new "Horde Mode" style of mission. Did I mention lots of water, boats and crazy weather? Water zombies... prepare yourself.

Perhaps most significant is Riptide's dedication to continuity, or bringing over the story and progression of the original Dead Island into the sequel. All four characters will be returning, picking up the story where the original left off, though a fifth character with new skills and abilities will also be available. Character stats, etc, should be importable as well.

In regards to cooperative play, Dead Island Riptide will be implementing several new communication features, said to create a more "strategic and intense" experience. To amplify this, new "hub" missions will be available in the game where players will place traps, fences and turrets in an attempt to prevent an "onslaught" of zombies from reaching the delicious humans within.

And of course, it wouldn't be a zombie game without several new mutations of zombies in a spectacularly spooky new setting. A monsoon has hit the Dead Island archipelago, flooding the streets and the only way to get around is by boat. I have a feeling we're not talking about big, secure yachts... more so rickety, leaky rafts held together with duct tape and bubble gum. Well, at least zombies can't swim, right?

Expect more information of Dead Island Riptide soon, including plenty of hands-on experiences from PAX this weekend. The title has no currenty release date, but is planned for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.