One of 2008's biggest games, Left 4 Dead, left quite an impact on both the Xbox 360 and PC, selling millions of copies and bringing hundreds of zombie-killing teams together to tackle the apocalypse. Now Valve is back with an encore, the much anticipated Left 4 Dead 2, which is set to hit store shelves on November 17th. If you haven't tried the Xbox Live demo yet or just don't "get" why you need this sequel, we're here to provide several reasons why you shouldn't be without it.
It's Actually a Sequel
When Valve revealed Left 4 Dead 2 at E3, many fans complained that the game should have been released as downloadable content instead of a retail format. However, there's something these folks just don't get. This is an actual sequel, and not just a cheap add-on to make a few extra bucks. Left 4 Dead 2 features an all-new campaign that takes you through the Southlands, with four new characters in tow. It also features a slew of new weapons and zombies, along with a new mode that will challenge even the most skillful gunmen. To try and cram this into one big chunk of DLC would've cheapened it, and we're glad it's on a disc. Once you play it, you will feel the same. Believe it.
Left 4 Dead 2 features four new characters to choose from. Click to see more images from the game...
The New Story and Characters
We would've been just fine tagging along with Bill, Zoey and the others through an all-new undead campaign. Instead, however, Valve introduces four new characters in Left 4 Dead 2, all worthwhile zombie killers. Coach, Ellis, Nick and Rochelle must team up to fend off the zombie horde, using whatever weapons they can carry as they travel from checkpoint to checkpoint. The story also takes place in a completely different location than the original, starting in Savannah, Georgia and finally winding up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Each character lends their own personality to the story, some noble (mostly Coach) and some weasel-like (the self-absorbed Nick). But they'll need to work together, or they'll be overrun by Tanks and other monstrosities. This story should be right up to par with the original, if not better.
You Kill Zombies In the Daytime
Most of Left 4 Dead 2 took place in the middle of the night. This was both an advantage and a disadvantage. While it did wonders for the game's creepy atmosphere, it also made it hard to see what zombies were charging at you. In Left 4 Dead 2, you'll spend most of the campaign running through daylight, getting a good, hard look at the hundreds of zombies that are coming your way. You'll also have a better view of your surrounding environments, so you can see all the decay that's affecting the Parish and other parts of the area. There's still plenty of killing to do at night, though, so don't worry about that.
The Old Zombies Are Back
A lot of the old super zombies are making their return in Left 4 Dead 2, including the Smoker (a creature that spits out a limb at you and strangles you with it), the Boomer (a big, fat zombie that explodes and leaves dead-attracting bile on you) and the Tank (a near unstoppable beast that will beat the living crap out of you). However, there are also some new ones, and they're awesome. The Witch is also back, and this time she's walking around. No more just sneaking up around her while she sits and cries. You now have to watch your step, or she'll go off on you.
...And There's New Ones, Too
Several new super-mutants join the fray in Left 4 Dead 2 as well. The Spitter is the deadliest of the bunch, we believe. She vomits up pools of acid that can melt away your energy in seconds if you're unlucky enough to be standing in it. It also blocks your way of escape at times, forcing you to deal with oncoming zombies without being able to run. The Charger is also lethal, as he uses his gigantic arm to knock you over and pound you into the ground. Finally, the Jockey is a horrendous creature that jumps on your back, taking control of you and steering you further into danger/ He'll hop aboard and drive you into groups of the Infected or towards other traps. Avoid him at all costs. If that's not enough, you'll also have to deal with Infected in Hazmat suits and body armor. Pack lots of ammo.
Melee Weapons Rule
You are no longer limited to firearms and shoving off zombies like you were in Left 4 Dead. You now have the option of taking them out up close and personal. Melee weapons are a new addition to Left 4 Dead 2, and you'll be able to behead the undead using a variety of tools, including a nightstick, a guitar, a katana sword, a frying pan, and, our personal favorite, a chainsaw. That's right, you can re-enact Bruce Campbell's glory days from the Evil Dead movies by beheading a few deadites with your Black and Decker, then pulling out your boomstick (shotgun) and finishing them off. We simply cannot wait.
Weapons, Weapons Everywhere
In addition to the cool melee weapons, Left 4 Dead 2 will have plenty of firearms to play around with. The chrome shotgun is back again, along with a sniper rifle, grenade launcher, silenced submachine gun (perfect for sneaking up on unaware zombies), and an AK-47. In addition, you'll be able to take out groups with pipe bombs and improved Molotov cocktails, watching them burn as they collapse to the ground. These weapons will also prove useful in multiplayer, particularly the grenade launcher. Talk about messy.
Multiplayer Kicks Ass
The main "hook" for Left 4 Dead is being able to team up with three other players in co-op fashion, working together to fend off zombies. This mode once again makes a return in Left 4 Dead 2, as you can work together through each campaign, watching each other's backs and coming to the aid of those in need (especially when a Smoker starts strangling a member of your party). If multiplayer is what you prefer, that will be back as well, with some players controlling humans and others taking control of the Infected. A new Scavenge mode will also be introduced in the sequel, as you'll need to use gas canisters to keep power generators going while fending off zombie hordes. It's as challenging as it sounds.
Let's Get Real
Last but definitely not least, Left 4 Dead 2 has an awesome new Realism Mode. Here, you won't have the benefit of friendly fire, as halos will be removed from your fellow players. You'll also need to work more closely with them in communication, or risk being overrun by the opposition. Furthermore, hit points on zombies actually count more here. If you head shot them, for instance, there's a better chance they won't be getting back up than they would being hit in the arm or the leg. You can play Realism Mode in any difficulty, but if you're a veteran of the series, you'll want to crank it up to Expert. Be ready for a fight, though.
Left 4 Dead 2 arrives November 17th. Be sure to check back for our review around that time.
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