Left 4 Dead 2 is the sequel to Valve’s famous cooperative survival horror shooter Left 4 Dead. Electronic Arts served as the worldwide publisher, while Akella published the game in Russia. It was released for Xbox 360 and Microsoft Windows in November 2009. A year later, the game appeared on Mac OS X.
According to the game’s story, an unknown virus has swept across the United States. Infected people began to mutate, turning into real zombies whose favorite food is human flesh. The infection spread to several states, and the government began a mass evacuation of all survivors. However, some people failed to reach the checkpoints in time and could not escape. The four heroes of Left 4 Dead 2 are among these unlucky survivors. They are immune to the virus and work together to escape the areas ravaged by the outbreak.
Each campaign is divided into several levels set in different locations, from the urban slums of New Orleans to the swamps of Louisiana. The group’s main objective is to make it through each dangerous area with as few casualties as possible. Around every corner, behind every tree or dumpster, infected zombies lie in wait, eager to knock down and devour the survivors. Along with the common creatures, there are also some truly terrifying mutants. Joining the Hunters, Tanks, Smokers, Witches, and Boomers from the first game are three entirely new monsters: Spitters, which spew poisonous sludge; Jockeys, deformed creatures that leap onto survivors’ backs; and Chargers, smaller but no less dangerous versions of Tanks. To complete a level, the heroes must reach a safe house. It is almost impossible to deal with the zombies alone, so teammates must support one another and help out in difficult moments. Teamwork is the key to success.
As before, the game’s main feature is its cooperative mode. Playing with teammates is several times more fun, engaging, and… terrifying. When the safe house is just a few steps away, but a teammate being torn to pieces around the corner is screaming desperately for help, it is very hard to make the right choice. The terrifying atmosphere of Left 4 Dead 2 completely draws you in.
Compared with Left 4 Dead, the sequel looks a little better, and the rainy, gray locations are offset by sunny, seemingly peaceful levels—if you ignore the zombies wandering around. Entirely new heroes have been introduced: Coach, Ellis, Nick, and Rochelle. The arsenal of melee and ranged weapons has grown several times over. Overall, everything from the first game has been reworked, improved, and upgraded in Left 4 Dead 2. Fans will be delighted.