1030°
9.0

IGN: Left 4 Dead 2 Review

"Here we are roughly one year after the release of Left 4 Dead, and its sequel is already out. For Valve, Left 4 Dead 2 represents an unusually speedy turnaround time considering the delays and release date fuzziness generally associated with its games, notably in the years leading up to Team Fortress 2 and the still mysterious status of Half-Life 2: Episode 3. Despite that history and the potential concerns associated with how soon this game is showing up after the first, Left 4 Dead 2 is very much a complete game, much more so than the original, and is without a doubt the better product. If you're still in the mood to group up with friends and slay packs of ravenous undead, then it doesn't get any better than this. However, if you're tired of Left 4 Dead's gameplay formula, the sequel, as good as it is, may not be enough to warrant a purchase. It's a game that's more about refinement and augmentation of existing features instead of offering something dramatically new.

"Whether or not Left 4 Dead 2 is for you really depends on your level of exposure and affinity for the style of hardcore team-focused gameplay Valve is offering here. If you're still interested in the gameplay, then you're going to enjoy every aspect of the sequel since it's improved in all areas, from available game modes to strength of character and personality to replayability and its visual style. After playing, you'll find it impossible to go back to the first game. Though plenty of other games offer co-operative gameplay against mobs of computer-controlled foes, no other game emphasizes teamwork as strongly as this, and few other games are as satisfying when you're able to pull through successfully, particularly when competing in Versus mode against four human-controlled boss zombies. If you saw the original and were always curious to try it out, then by all means get the sequel. It is, without a doubt, the better game. Yet despite all the advancements and additions, it's still very familiar, and something meant to appeal to those who are already sold on the concept. If you're someone never cared for the game, Left 4 Dead 2 isn't going to change your mind. Even so, it remains one of the most distinctive co-operative titles out there, and allows for some of the most nerve-searing team-based multiplayer gaming on the market."

- By Charles Onyett (IGN.com)

November 16, 2009

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xbox360.ign.com
iron_sheik5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

However IGN are usually generous with big games so expect a lot of 8s for this title. blame Valve .why release a title every year when it is more of an expansion of the previous iteration

@below
look the reviewers themselves complained about it and this game is on PC too. just read gamepro's review to see how the SP mode is. The initial reviews of any game are always positive. just look for more reviews which come later . you will see where this iteration which was done in just 1 year went wrong

XDF5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

If you don't like it or have no plan of buying it..why even comment. Going to gamestop in a few hours for the midnight launch with fans that love the game for what it is...FUN...one of the best online co-op experience you can get.

You are on all Xbox related news bashing away..I see a pattern here.

blitz06235264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

whats your problem? he's just stating his own opinion. it's apparent that you love the game in which he thinks it's more of an expansion, which I think it is too, and you're the one crying. it's a good score, but just like iron_sheik said, it may not be received well because there aren't any BIG improvements or new stuff added

sparta765264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

God I hope is better then the first.
Gonna wait on this, was disapointed with the first.
Not that it was bad, just got boring pretty quick

XDF5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

So it will be a great game. Gamepro gave this game a 4.5/5. So it is a great score.

I am upset because Iron Sherk said ".why release a title every year when it is more of an expansion of the previous iteration"

You know and everyone knows this is not an expansion. Little Big Planet GOTY edition is an expansion at full retail price.

3 more hours till midnight madness.

HolyOrangeCows5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

-Some new maps
-A few new zombies
-Boring new characters
-A couple new weapons

I'll probably pass. I still have plenty of fun with L4d1.
I wish they had just added in the maps and new zombies as DLC.

iron_sheik5264d ago

like i said wait for more reviews. The first one got the same score as second one from the reviewers which have reviewed the game. just wait for more reviews to see the aggregate

ofcourse this is on PC as well and not all reviewers will give this one the benefit of the doubt. the first one had 89% at meta

swiftshot935264d ago

Ok look I have no problem with the L4D franchise, its really fun, but man Id SO much rather have Valve taking the time and resources spent on this game and use it on Portal 2 or the next Half-Life.

As for the game being an expansion pack, I kind of agree. One one hand this game offers A LOT more content than the first, on the other this game doesnt do anything that wasnt possible with the first game, it plays it too safe IMO.

Sitris5264d ago

Crappy graphics, repetitive gameplay, and lack of new ideas made the game bad. But something about it was fun as hell lol. I loved the first one even though my eyes and mind were saying it's bad, but it was very fun. And at the end of the day, isn't thats what games are about? I only played it for like a week or two but it was a heck of good week or two haha

nix5264d ago

yes... IGN is pretty generous and forgiving for the big games specially when it comes to multiplatform and 360 exclusive titles. 10/10 for GTA IV. 9.5/10 for MW2 and not to forget 10/10 for graphics for MW2.

i do expect metacritic between 80-90.

Jamrock32925264d ago

funny cause if a 360 fan post his opinions about a game every1 will disagree and take his bubbles. Face it there are 2 many ps3 fanboys here and 360 fans can never get a word in or receive bubbles if they wanna support their console..on N4g its either PS3 or the highway...nice score i will be picking this up also

Shepherd 2145264d ago

How can the game be more like an expansion, why do you say this? Its a full blown sequel, not even close to an expansion.

Five brand new campaigns compared to the the first L4D's four.

Dozens of new weapons like the desert eagle, combat rifle, AK-47, dragonuv sniper, grenade launcher, melee weapons like guitars, pans, machetes, nightsticks, equipment like boomer bile, and defibrillator, new enemies like the spitters, chargers, and jockies, new flame resistant infected types and bullet proof swat zombies.

And a few new game modes like Realism, and an objective game mode.

New features were also added like sick dismemberment and better physics, and slightly improved lighting and textures.

Its brand new game, no matter what you say, its not an expansion.

Greywulf5264d ago

9/10!!!

Not "wheres the innovation?"

lol. At least its proven & backed up by quotes now.

I rest my case.

Nikuma5264d ago

BS score for a rehashed game. Xbox fans will eat this garbage up too.

5264d ago
soxfan20055264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

"If you saw the original and were always curious to try it out, then by all means get the sequel. It is, without a doubt, the better game."

Not to mention "advancements" and "additions", while remaining "familiar", in the quote that that you pointed out.

The only thing that's proven & backed up in quotes is that 9/10 seems like just the right score for L4D2.

y0haN5264d ago

L4D2 exists as a standalone product because of the Xbox 360 and its limitations. There is no bias in that, it's just true.

Elaine Benes5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

Im all for you expressing your opinion, but your a sony fanboy.
Its kind of like the KKK "expressing their opinions" on MLK day----we get it, they hate blacks.

I think what a few people are trying to say is, your a ps3 troll, ergo, your predictable and biased opinion hold no merit on a 360 article.

The demo was great, and controls felt alot tighter than L4D1. It was a good review, deal with it. Gamepro's was good too. Its a good game.

raztad5264d ago

L4D is a PC, I mean PC game and it was even boycotted at some point by Valves main fans, PC gamers. Why are x-fans acting like it was a xbox exclusive?

FACTUAL evidence5264d ago (Edited 5264d ago )

You fail miserably. LBP still sells for 60$, and they're giving us GOTY edition with all the content basically for FREE! But i see you're not complaining when Fallout 3 GOTY edition is 60$ though..and you can buy the game for 30$...your logic is horrible XDF, please stop. Even IGN stated in the video review it's pretty much the same, just added weapons, and creatures. Get over it, you know damn well this would be the best DLC for L4D. Don't get me wrong i'm enjoying L4D2 as of now, and it's a pretty ok game, but we all know it's still the same.

Saaking5263d ago

Good score. I think this game will land at around 85-88

Shepherd 2145263d ago

Xbox fans say its an exclusive because PS3 does not get it.

The PS3 doesnt really have a definitive co-op game like the 360 does, and they need one. I guess you could count LBP, but all you do is hop around on your friends maps and stuff.

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LordMarius5264d ago

lol, left4bored flops once again

Pandamobile5264d ago

In what universe does a 9/10 warrant a flop...

chrisulloa5264d ago

@Pandamobile:

Apparently anything below UC2's score is a flop. I guess PS3 owners don't have much to play these days if they manage to avoid all those games.

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5264d ago
Why Dat5264d ago

Take a chill pill XDF. I'm pretty sure Iron_Sheik knows the game is also available on PC, so he isn't dissing the game, b/c it just happens to be on Xbox.

Infact, he isn't even dissing the game or crying. I don't see how he's doing either, if he is restating what the article has already said.

Jeez... I feel really bad for some of you trolls.

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190°

15 Xbox Games That Should Make the Multiplatform Jump

While there’s likely already a list behind closed doors, one can still speculate and offer logical suggestions for titles new and old that should find their way into the PlayStation and Switch libraries.

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technabob.com
GamerRN31d ago

Single A games and live service games. Those make sense

S2Killinit30d ago

None of it makes sense. But its happening.

Ps5conehead30d ago

That’s up to Microsoft they want return on there investment. From buying up those publishers. That’s what there in business for. And they made a mistake putting day one exclusive on game pass. So now Microsoft wants to profit any way they can.its called buisness . Just like Sony putting games on pc a year are two after ps5 launch.
So if they can make money off PlayStation and Nintendo. They will do that. And I bet soon real soon they will release some aaa exclusives .and I bet one day it will be same day release

TheEroica30d ago

Sony gamers begging for Xbox games.... Who would've thunk it?

BISHOP-BRASIL30d ago

Yeah, because random site off the internet represents all Sony gamers, they have the letter of attorney and all...

S2Killinit30d ago

Lol what a spin. You dizzy?

AsunaYuukiTheFlash30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

We don’t care about shovelwares. Get that junk out of PS5

StormSnooper30d ago

More like MS begging to put their games on PlayStation.

TheEroica28d ago

Keep begging Sony gamers!

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Friendlygamer31d ago

Some of these seem to be exclusive for lack of enthusiasm of the publisher rather than because of deals. A lot of cool indies skip ps for some reason like katana zero, el paso, elsewhere and gunbrela

S2Killinit30d ago

Even more indies skip xbox. We know that right?

Friendlygamer30d ago

Quality over quantity, Microsoft got some really interesting and curated niche games on their machines, maybe in part because of gamepass

S2Killinit30d ago

Quality and MS are not things you bring up in same sentence.

shinoff218330d ago (Edited 30d ago )

Alot of indies skip xbox to. It goes round and round. Personally I think your off base on that but no need to have the argument.

Friendlygamer30d ago

Between katana zero, valheim, Battletech, el passo... I don't feel off base. maybe ps got a million of light novel games that will never release on Xbox but like I've said, I'm talking about niche games highlights, the 10%.

  Heck, it's probably thanks to Microsoft that the s.t.a.l.k.e.r games came to console ps included, meanwhile Sony backwards compatibility continues to be extremely anemic.

And I'm sure most ps5 users are happy to ignore these games and just play wathever new 3rd person action game is trending but it's cool that Microsoft gives some love to smaller audiences and software preservation

shinoff218330d ago

Again your off base just to be snide. All it's showing though is your ignorance.

One light novels wtf is that even. Ps has plenty of pretty damn good indies.

Speaking of indies and ms being responsible. You know F.I.S.T. of course you do alot of you guys just support gamepass. Well here's a history of Sony being responsible for helping indies. Look up the China project from Sony.

Lastly lol your ignorance showing again. Sony has plenty of games. Personally third person is better then first anyway but that's besides the point. Sony gets so many games that xbox doesn't get because yall don't support the games. Jrpgs being a great example. I personally am not into every Sony first party game. Alot of us aren't. On the other side you don't get to eat often so you gobble up everything. Me personally God of War not my cup, etc. For me I'm into jrpgs and ms just can't touch Sony on those. Again because the Xbox base doesn't support it. Devs dont wanna waste their time or money. Hit me up when falcom develops a game over there.

Speaking of third person narrative games. Aren't yall drooling over hellblade 2. The first one was Sony exclusive at one point. Another not my cup game. Showing we don't have to fall in line and agree we love everything Sony puts out. The facts are they sell though unlike elsewhere(not nintendo)

StormSnooper30d ago

You are same person as GamerRN, yes?

Abnor_Mal30d ago

They really think PlayStation fans would want to play Redfall? Pfft.

Personally nothing on that list would be any game I’d want to play.

TwoPicklesGood30d ago

I’d absolutely love Hellblade 2, Palworld, and Quantum Break on ps5 as I’m sure tons of others would too. There’s nothing wrong with wanting games from another console and its sad that people try to act like they aren’t interested in them.

shinoff218330d ago

While indont agree with the games. I agree with the point. Your not wrong.

DarXyde30d ago

Sunset Overdrive makes very good sense. Palworld might.

Don't know about the others. Hellblade II does make sense given the original launched on PS4 first. Quantum Break was a massive letdown for me. I absolutely hated the whole TV show thing and I don't think anyone should have to relive that on modern hardware.

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170°

Valve Made Left 4 Dead 2 Because The First Game Was A Broken Mess

Left 4 Dead lead Chet Faliszek describes the original Left 4 Dead game as "such a broken thing that nobody wanted to touch it."

Number1TailzFan142d ago

And then couldn't be arsed to make a third game.

If they can add a lot more stuff to a 2nd game in just 1 year why didn't they make a third game a few years later with tons of stuff extra? Because that shows they could've.

I know Source 2 was kind of broken and was a reason they cancelled L4D3 but it seems wasteful to just toss it away.

Don't know what Valve were thinking.. it's like nobody wanted to fix the issues to get going. They certainly aren't the Valve of 2004 that released fun games with pretty cutting edge graphics.

cthulhucultist140d ago

Valve is allergic to number 3 it seems. It would be easier for them to release a Left 4 Dead 2.5 enhanced version instead of releasing a game with "3" slapped on its title.

rakentaja140d ago

They stopped making games a long time ago. Steam brings in so much money that it's really not worth the effort. Nowadays, people only look for faults in games, and spend more time whining on Twitter/X than playing the game anyway. Valve says a big fat no-no.

anast140d ago

Value is the Blockbuster of video games. They have no need to invest in deving a game, when they can make handfuls of cash renting them.

-Foxtrot142d ago

What are they talking about? Seemed pretty alright to me at launch it just wasn't supported the way Valve promised us

They should have just worked on a revamp / massive update to the game but they didn't they jumped straight to a sequel with brand new characters despite having some sort, if small, story about where the original survivors were heading.

I didn't care for the direction they took the sequel, the original games tone and atmosphere was missing in the second game and is still unmatched. Daytime levels, more whackiness, melee weapons where you could attack a Tank with a frying pan...just wasn't the same to be honest and the new survivors just didn't hold up the originals.

Here's my speculation. I think they did a sequel because they didn't want to update a game co-developed by Turtle Rock, they wanted the franchise to be known as a Valve game only and knew if they updated the first one Turtle Rocks name would still linger on it.

shaenoide140d ago

I want broken games like L4D all day long...

GhostScholar140d ago

Well the first game was by far the best

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50°

The Best Co-Op Horror Games You've Missed in Halloween

Try to cope with your friend through terror with this list featuring the best horror Co-Op games you can play today.

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altarofgaming.com