Things I like: L4D2! And I’ll be picking up DA:Origins next week.
Posted by Jay | Filed under Game Industry, Things I Like!
L4D2 delivers. Not in the same way that L4D delivers, they are totally divergent experiences of the same universe.
L4D on one hand is an introduction to the cooperative shooter experience known as L4D#. The balancing is great if limited in content. This rifle is my rifle, there are many like it but this is my rifle and I’ll have this one rifle until the finale and if I don’t die, I’ll have this rifle until the final finale. Etc Etc.
That last thought is in high contrast to the pacing and balance of L4D2. Hordes in L4D were overwhelming is scope. The AI director throwing 50-100 infected at the survivors at one time! Different then the various horde structures of L4D2. The AI director is still there. The AI director is still “throwing” hordes but they’ll trickle in gradually. The #s may be the same but I’ll be fighting them longer.
Because the hordes are more spread out, I use more ammunition. Because L4D2 provides other weapon choices more often then an ammo pile I end up switching weapons rather frequently. That is a nice touch.
The levels are arranged differently too. Specifically I find there are fewer long shooting lanes. There’s always a corner is sight or a bend to go around. The only further word I can use to describe this is a funnel. The level design funnels zombies my way. Oh! And by the way, “Turn around to hit zombies behind you!” No shit Sherlock…
Finally and the best aspect of L4D2 excellent delivery: The narrative. That’s right folks, the story! Each campaign is closely interwoven, as if it is apart of a larger movie. Or perhaps a string of hour long HBO mini series. Spectacular.
On another note, I’ll be picking up Dragon Age: Origins next week. Feels icky to call out certain aspects of its rating without experiencing the game first hand. I imagine if the game is half as enjoyable as the flash game, it will be well worth the investment.
Happy Turkey Day folks!
