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Left 4 Dead 2, demo impressions

Man, I did not plan on making another new game purchase this Fall. But after playing through the Left 4 Dead 2 demo a few times this afternoon, things are going to be pretty tempting come November 17th. I played through the demo content twice by myself (once on normal and then advanced) and once with one other human player. I plan on trying out some online play and 4-player co-op later on tonight. But, until then, I thought I'd share some thoughts I had while playing.

- How rad was that intro video? That's probably one of the best cut scenes I have seen in a long time. Of course I had checked it out a week or so ago, but watching it again while gearing up to play had me that much more excited about jumping into the action. I may or may not have fist pumped when Coach chainsawed through two zombies and a smoker tongue to save Ellis.

- I was so unaware of the extent of weapon variety in this game. In my time playing, I ran across three different shotguns, three different SMG-ish weapons, a sniper and two pistol types. Not too mention all the new melee weapons. Machete for the win, by the way.

- The sniper seems to be a more accessible weapon type this time around. I never saw the appeal in the first game, but the rifle I picked up had a quicker fire rate and a short zoom. I may actually give the long range approach a try this time around.

- I've really enjoyed the new special infected types, too. The charger is my favorite so far. The idea of a "glass cannon" special zombie adds a really interesting dynamic to the game. If the group spots a charger from far off, he's never a big deal. But when he manages to catche you off guard, he becomes a HUGE problem. Jockeys are hilarious and sneaky as hell and I absolutely cannot wait to play as a Spitter in versus mode.

- Any dormant "anti-L4D2" feelings I had were completely washed away once I as able to see first-hand how much of a graphical improvement this game is over the original. Everything from regular zombies to special infected, guns and environments feel fresh and revamped. I noticed some really nice touches in regards to the way zombies take damage and react to different weapon types. You'll be splittin' limbs and bashin' heads in a variety of ways. These changes are especially noticeable with the newly added melee weapons.

I can't wait to go back and play some more. How do you guys feel about L4D2? Anyone convinced to make a purchase on the 17th after playing the demo?

Comments
  • Staff

    Man, glad to hear you had such a great time with the game. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing the intro to L4D2 on a movie theater screen. It's hands down one of my favorite cinematics ever. I love the music.

    Additionally, make sure not to overlook the seemingly benign frying pan. That little sucker can pack a wallop. The sound it makes is utterly satisfying as well. WONK!

    I think once the haters get their hands on this demo they'll change the tune of their "sequel too soon" blues.

  • Mannn, a movie theater screen? I are jealous.

  • This is an excellent review of the demo man!  I was planning on buying it anyway and I am avoiding the demo just so that once I get my hands on it, its for good.

    I am very glad to hear of the graphic revamp only because I knew the gameplay was going to be amazing and so the graphics were the next step of immersion into the game.  Also, it will help to shut the haters up about it needing to be an expansion.  When everything is revamped, it's not an expansion.

  • Im a gamer who loves music and gaming. They now have dj hero and they have many versions of rock band and guitar hero.Using artists such as The Beatles Aerosmith and so on, im wondering why they havent made a game of music about Michael jackson. I know some dont like him but he does have the biggest selling albums of all time and he did break many records in music and in other things.Alot of people love listening to him, why not make a game so they can play and listen to him. Send me a message or comment of what u think everybody. I love opinions

  • @Leo

    Kind of off topic. But, while you're here - www.youtube.com/watch

  • Awesome review, glad to hear it was really fun. Me and my friend are going to play the demo thursday after school. I'm defiantly excited after reading the review sense I haven't been keeping up with this game.

  • Mod

    Great review Matt. Like you were before, I am not planning on making another purchase this fall (outside of MW2 and Assassin's Creed 2  ; ) but I'm looking forward to playing L4D2 sometime soon. I'm at least going to check out this trailer  : )

    Good info about the weapons. I always found myself playing though L4D with either an SMG or Assault Rifle, and every once in a while with a shotgun. Maybe more variety would open up some things for me too.

  • I'm trying to hold back on purchasing anything but....I might have to.  I enjoyed it, I also realized theres more throwing objects.  I found boomer bile, I never got around to using it though I was too busy getting chased.  

    Anyway, wanna do some co op later?  I'm all up for it.

  • @Anthony

    Definitely. I'll look for you on XBL this weekend.