I have followed most things about the upcoming Left 4 Dead title - Left 4 Dead 2. There are new game modes, new weapons, new characters, new enemies and new levels. A new gory feature and an improved AI director containing a weather- and environment change feature.
Probably the first thing I noticed about the game, with its first teaser trailer and screenshots, was that it was much more colorful than its predecessor, almost in direction towards Team Fortress 2. But also, the teaser trailer looked a little rough. But that might just have been me, expecting something better. I still think the teaser trailer is awesome, so don't get me wrong.
Left 4 Dead 2 teaser trailer
Left 4 Dead was a short game, but I accepted it since the multiplayer was so strong, new and fresh at the time. The recent free downloadable content and constant updates throughout the year also make up for it. But now with Left 4 Dead 2 coming out I get mixed feelings. I can’t get over the feeling of it being a money thing. It’s not a win-win situation. Valve gets more this time, we get less. There is also this huge amount of money spent on the upcoming advertising campaign - $25 million dollar. That’s more than double the advertising budget for Left 4 Dead. I wonder why it need this much money. It’s almost like they are in doubt, as if the game isn’t good enough or the need for a follow-up to the previous game isn’t there. But I am wrong, because they have already stated that Left 4 Dead 2 has been pre-ordered in huge number and doing much better than Left 4 Dead did. Actually they said it’s the most pre-ordered Valve game. That’s awesome, good to hear. I have pre-ordered it myself and looking forward to playing it on its release date.
Anyway, I feel I have paid too much for Left 4 Dead 2 and giving more than I get. But I hope I am wrong. I was way more psyched about Left 4 Dead than I am now for Left 4 Dead 2. I feel as if I have already seen it. There are not that many new things and the visuals are the same. That’s not a bad thing, because they are good, but I have already tasted it.
I remember seeing screenshots from the first game where zombies are running through a cornfield. That’s how you sell a game. In Left 4 Dead 2 you will have the amusement park and I am reaaaally looking forward to kick some ass in that level.
Left 4 Dead, cornfield.
Left 4 Dead 2, amusement park
The release is exactly a year after the first game, coming next month. See you guys on the servers during Christmas! Hopefully Santa Clause isn’t infected!!
