REVIEW: Left 4 Dead 2

Developer: Valve | Publisher: EA | Format: 360

Reviewer: Craig Jay Gallagher Gamers everywhere are well aware of the campaign to boycott Left 4 Dead 2 over the decision by the developers to release a full priced sequel instead of the promised download content. Rather than discuss this issue further this review will simply look at the game on it’s own merits.

Zombies have long been one of the most beloved of horror creatures, from the stumbling brain dead ghouls in the classic Night of the Living Dead to the cheesy 80s variant so popular in Italian exploitation flicks right up to the faster, more vicious undead in modern films such as 28 Days Later. Left 4 Dead embraced these newer variant and delivered a fast paced team oriented shooter which to this day remains one of the most entertaining and enjoyable multiplayer experiences around. L4D2 remains quite faithful to the original, again 4 survivors must band together in order to try and survive in post apocalyptic New Orleans.

Perhaps the most pivotal change in the game is the introduction of melee weapons which add a whole new level of violence to the endeavour. Grabbing a chainsaw you can now lay waste to hordes of the undead as well as utilising weapons as diverse as guitars, swords and a whole host of others. The greatest aspect of this is that ammo never runs out of a baseball bat so you can keep swinging till your hearts content.

As well as these new weapons the game also introduces a host of new zombies to deal with. The three new breed of special infected add new layers to the experience. The three new breeds are the Spitter who vomits green slime, the Jockey who jumps on your back controlling your movements and the Chargers who with one deformed arm who pick you up and repeatedly try to smash your brains in against the walls or floors.

Graphically the game has improved with zombie damage now looking far more realistic, weapon damage is also far more entertaining given the added bloodiness of it all. There’s just something immensely pleasing in watching blood and body matter paint the walls. Perhaps most impressive of all the new locale really does result in a richer gaming experience. Moving from the dark of the city to the bright streets and swamps allows for a more visceral experience.

As with all multiplayer sequels there have been a number of new modes added. The best of this allows for four players to play as the infected and take on four humans. This actually makes for a more realistic experience as your team mates are not highlighted meaning danger may come out of nowhere leaving you on your own to deal with it. The ability to shoot friendly members may see a number of players causing trouble but thankfully the ability to kick players out of a game using a vote system means that any trouble can quickly be rectified.

Left 4 Dead 2 is one of the most entertaining and enjoyable gaming experiences around and while the full price tag may put many off the game more than makes up for it. Grab some friends, a few beers a copy of the game and you’re in for one hell of a time.

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