Oftentimes the real horror of playing Left 4 Dead 2 comes from being stuck with a group of players so hostile and aggressive that an actual worldwide pandemic is preferable to sticking it out another minute with a band of misanthropic teenagers who seem far more invested in bickering at each other than actually playing. Once you link up with the perfect group, though - that's where the fun begins. It's no exaggeration to say that you can sink thousands upon thousands of hours into Left 4 Dead 2 without ever really feeling like you've mined all you could out of the experience; it's THAT addictive. If you're unfamiliar with the series you may not understand how it's possible to lose entire afternoons replaying the same maps over and over until the sun goes down, but that's where The A.I. Director comes in - with randomized item and enemy placement, Left 4 Dead 2 is a kaleidoscope of terror and the game's ever-shifting landscape knocks monotony on its ass. And while Left 4 Dead 2 is far from being the scariest game of the seventh generation, there's no denying the shooter's effectiveness in provoking the occasional heart palpitation. Witch attack, anyone?
