Tear through hordes of flesh-hungry zombies or become one and systematically execute survivors - can't beat that.
Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 8/10
Replayability: 10/10
Learning Curve: Simplistic, anyone with prior knowledge of shooters will be able to pick up and play right off the bat, learning to use the Infected is intuitive and not particularly demanding, but mastering how to utilize tactics on both sides takes a little time to sink in.
Pros:
- First off, the Source Engine makes for some brilliant ragdoll physics whether popping off several Infected simultaneously or mashing through the survivors as a Tank.
- Blood and guts are well rendered on the side of the Infected at least - intestines, vomit, brains and entrails are scattered throughout after a touch of mutilatory goodness.
- The AI generator is vastly clever, ensuring that hordes will always track you down should you dawdle, and taking advantages of these times is critical in ensuring you can kill or seriously injure a survivor (Yes, there is some tact involved).
- The fast-paced arcade style action is refreshing and runs at a pleasant pace, lightning fast reactions are required in order to keep yourself and your pals alive.
- The variety of weapons is far greater than the first installment, the introduction of melee weapons being greatly entertaining. Nothing like a slash through the hordes with a katana or literally pasting them with a chainsaw.
- The additional Special Infected such as the Charger and Spitter are very welcome additions and aid this game's wow factor many times over. There are few games where using a monster with a questionably massive right arm could get tedious, this not being one of those.
- DLCs are still being produced and Valve's dedication to the fans is admirable, despite the game being out for so long already
- The atmosphere is altered from the first with the addition of properly outside maps and daylight butchery. Fun little level designs and quirks such as the Dark Carnival with the mini games and the tunnel of love are an added hint of light-heartedness during the apocalypse. It's pleasant.
- It is ridiculously fun to play with friends. Ridiculously fun.
Cons:
- The damage inflicted from each bullet could be more bloody and cause bigger holes and loss of organs than is currently displayed. I think with a game like this over the top gore would make it perfect.
- Maybe an improved destruction engine so that when you for instance spray lead into a building, the walls are penetrated and/or cave in.
- The ability to choose the Infected you spawn as (that isn't already on the map) as opposed to leaving it to chance would be desirable (for me at least).
- Since the first one, single common Infected can stop you far easier, and that can be quite annoying. Maybe if that was back to the way it was expert mode wouldn't be so goddamn impossible.
The Verdict:
For the price Left 4 Dead 2 is going for currently, it's absolutely pointless going out and buying full-priced new charts games. Save up a measly £10 ($15) and rip your way through this until those charts games are down in a similar price category. This game is far from outdated, boasts a massive online community/fanbase and the multiplayer is incredibly addictive. My negative points were mainly areas that should be considered if a sequel should be made (which we all really hope is), because truthfully, it's not going to get much more fun than shallow gore, Ellis' notable quips and consistent discombobulation. Ladies and gentlemen of the gaming world, if you have not played Left 4 Dead 2 by now, you must stop what you are doing and go get it. If you're bathing a pensioner - let them drown. If you're saving a hostage from a volatile situation - leave them to it. If you're a lifeguard and someone isn't resurfacing - they'll be fine. All I know is - you'll want to play this.