When a sequel materialises just a year after the original game and isn't an already annualised franchise, alarm bells start ringing. However, this is Valve, and they don't half-a** anything, allowing the absurdly-titled Left 4 Dead 2 to build substantially on the strong frame-work set in the first game, making for even more satisfying multiplayer mayhem. The core gameplay is mostly the same, revolving around you and a group of buddies trying to survive a zombie outbreak over the course of several campaigns, with an emphasis on teamwork to make it through each level. Everything from the punchy sound effects to the level design and weapons has been greatly overhauled, and though the story is still totally forgettable, you'll likely be having so much fun taking the Infected down you won't even notice. The addition of a new 8-player Scavenge mode proved particularly popular with gamers, and of all the games Valve have made over the years, it's possible that none provides as much value for money and incentive to re-play levels as L4D2. Brimming with personality and milking the tension inherent in its claustrophobic multiplayer set-up, we're just sad Valve haven't released a long overdue third game yet.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
