Tbh the game looks visually like the worst of both potential worlds to me, personally.
Too high definition to capture the retro aesthetic, but the architecture and structures are left in their clunky and simplistic state, so it all just looks kinda shitty and overtly video game. The neon light aesthetic doesnt help on that front either.
Sort of like a professional version of those HD texture pack mods that get released for old games and generally get disliked by the remaining nerds for fucking with the cohesion of the visuals.
Just my opinion, but the first person perspective is just not conducive to melee combat
Now that I think about it more I remember enjoying Dead Island, especially with heavy weapons, so either they pulled it off well or I just forgot it all.