Again I'll say it...we have 12 months out of the year and what happens....not one, not two or even three of the most sought after games of the year being realeased in the same month but you can add number four to it now.
Left 4 Dead 2 Announced - Scheduled for November 14
release.
First, it was COD:Modern Warfare2 for the second week in November
Second, it was Bioshock 2 for the first week in November
Third, Assassin's Creed 2 for around November
Now Left 4 Dead 2 scheduled for November 14th
From Teamxbox.....
Valve, creators of best-selling game franchises (such as Half-Life and Counter-Strike) and leading technologies (such as Steam and Source), today announced Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2), the sequel to the best-selling and critically-acclaimed co-operative multiplayer thriller.
Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 and PC, L4D2 promises to set a new benchmark for co-operative action games and become one of 2009's marquee titles.
"A large part of how Left 4 Dead became 2008's top-selling new IP on Xbox 360 and the PC was the custom-tailored gameplay made possible by the AI Director," said Gabe Newell, president and co-founder of Valve. "With the knowledge gained from creating the original, new technology, and a passionate team, L4D2 will set a new benchmark for cooperative action games."
Set for release on November 17, the title adds melee combat to enable deeper co-operative gameplay, with items such as a chainsaw, frying pan, axe, baseball bat, and more.
Introducing the AI Director 2.0, L4D's dynamic gameplay is taken to the next level by giving the Director the ability to procedurally change weather effects, world objects, and pathways in addition to tailoring the enemy population, effects, and sounds to match the players' performance. The result is a unique game session custom fitted to provide a satisfying and uniquely challenging experience each time the game is played.
Featuring new Survivors, boss zombies, weapons, and items, Left 4 Dead 2 offers a much larger game than the original with more co-operative campaigns, more Versus campaigns, and maps for Survival mode available at launch.
Supported by a $10+ million marketing campaign, Left 4 Dead has sold over 2.5 million retail copies since it was released in November of 2008. Left 4 Dead 2 is targeted for release on Xbox 360 and the PC on November 17, 2009, and will be launched worldwide with a multi-million dollar marketing campaign across TV, Outdoor, and Online.
"Left 4 Dead was backed by our most aggressive advertising campaign to date, and resulted in a top 5 showing on two platforms during holiday 2008," said Doug Lombardi, VP of marketing at Valve. "Left 4 Dead 2 is a larger game and will be supported with even more consumer and retail advertising programs than the original."
Left 4 Dead 2 will be featured as the cover story on PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazines this month. For more information, please visit www.l4d.com
TheBigDave
06-01-09, 10:37 PM
I was hoping we'd see an announcement from Valve. But I figured it would be something for Portal or Half Life.
I'll be pre-ordering this one. I'm surprised they're not going for a Halloween release.
*edit* just watched the trailer and it looks like at least one level is in New Orleans. That's awesome!
Panda Phil
06-02-09, 02:59 AM
Well I just came.
L4D2 though? I figured they'd do expansion packs before releasing a whole new game. Love having properly gory zombies now and not just 28 Days Later type infected humans.
+ Not so sure about the chainsaw though. Its kind of a fps cliche.
i guess they figured why release an expansion when we can, in a year, make a sequal with more guns, more zombies, better gore effects, melee, total level customization/randomization, etc this game is going to be amazing!!! ps the teaser is siiiick
Superman07
06-02-09, 08:23 AM
That trailer needs to be rated M for sure!
I probably shouldn't be surprised, but I guess I wasn't expecting a new set of characters. I'll miss Bill, Zoey, Louis and Francis.
Frying Pan = inspired awesomeness!
Michael Corvin
06-02-09, 08:38 AM
That trailer is awesome.
Frying Pan = inspired awesomeness!
The frying pan was awesome two years ago in Dead Rising against slow moving zombies. The frying pan against fast zombies sounds like a recipe for disaster and a weapon that will never get used.
jeffbase34
06-02-09, 09:51 AM
That is really surprising considering how long Valve takes to release games. Have they just given up on the Half Life 2 franchise? The engine is going to be outdated soon.
I am bummed to see Bioshock 2 moved down to Nov. date. It annoys me every year when they wait till one single week in November to release all the biggest titles. Only big game coming out for the whole month of July is Wolfenstein!
thelwig14
06-02-09, 10:55 AM
Hopefully they will add sights.
Cosmic Bus
06-02-09, 11:49 AM
Out of curiosity, is this a Microsoft owned/funded series or does Valve just not want to work on the PS3? I'd like to play 'em. :|
Michael Corvin
06-02-09, 11:52 AM
Out of curiosity, is this a Microsoft owned/funded series or does Valve just not want to work on the PS3? I'd like to play 'em. :|
The latter.
lordwow
06-02-09, 12:12 PM
I think I'm going to go the same route I did for L4D, and wait for the infamous 50% off sale that'll probably hit on XMas for this.
spainlinx0
06-02-09, 01:02 PM
I'll be purchasing day one. I have had, and am still having, so much fun with this game that I have no qualms paying full price.
GizmoDVD
06-02-09, 01:58 PM
Play L4D all the time. So Day 1 purchase for me.
GreenEggs248
06-02-09, 02:24 PM
Anyone on here play the PC version?
Maxflier
06-02-09, 03:01 PM
Anyone on here play the PC version?
Yep, can't imagine playing this game with a controller.
Giantrobo
06-02-09, 04:53 PM
The frying pan was awesome two years ago in Dead Rising against slow moving zombies. The frying pan against fast zombies sounds like a recipe for disaster and a weapon that will never get used.
I don't know, Melee in L4D works better than expected. It's not like some games where trying to Melee gets you killed. I'll bet there's an achievement for just using the frying pan. :lol:
steebo777
06-02-09, 05:01 PM
L4D2 looks f'n awesome... I'm just another sad PS3 owner that won't be able to play this :(
Michael Corvin
06-02-09, 05:06 PM
I don't know, Melee in L4D works better than expected. It's not like some games where trying to Melee gets you killed. I'll bet there's an achievement for just using the frying pan. :lol:
It's good with the butt of your gun because it's quick. Changing to a melee weapon that only melees(and then back to your gun) doesn't sound like it will work too well when you have a dozen zombies on you.
Giantrobo
06-02-09, 05:14 PM
It's good with the butt of your gun because it's quick. Changing to a melee weapon that only melees(and then back to your gun) doesn't sound like it will work too well when you have a dozen zombies on you.
Dude, NO melee works when you have a dozen infected on you. I guess we'll see when L4D2 hits.
Groucho
06-02-09, 05:26 PM
My guess is that they're going to eliminate the infinate ammo for the pistol in order to force you to melee at least some of the time.
Superman07
06-02-09, 05:27 PM
It's good with the butt of your gun because it's quick. Changing to a melee weapon that only melees(and then back to your gun) doesn't sound like it will work too well when you have a dozen zombies on you.
I just assumed that the frying pan was your weapon!
Panda Phil
06-02-09, 05:58 PM
Anyone on here play the PC version?
I do. Mouse and arrow buttons like the good Lord intended.
Oh, and they've started posting gameplay footage on Youtube.
New weapons in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMYJ7LakCyE&feature=related
Giantrobo
06-02-09, 07:11 PM
Oh, and they've started posting gameplay footage on Youtube.
New weapons in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMYJ7LakCyE&feature=related
Ok...the frying pan sounds AWESOME when used. :lol:
Panda Phil
06-02-09, 09:17 PM
Ok...the frying pan sounds AWESOME when used. :lol:
I can see the axe becoming a favorite. Loved the zombies in antiviral suits and the twisted fiddle music during the horde attacks.
Not sure about the incendiary rounds though. That seems a bit too powerful.
Michael Corvin
06-02-09, 09:24 PM
I loved the zombie climbing up on the street light.
K&AJones
06-03-09, 02:03 PM
L4D2 looks f'n awesome... I'm just another sad PS3 owner that won't be able to play this :(
Everytime I think of buying a PS3 something like this happens and I just end up waiting even more.
I don't get those people at all. Just with the 4 campaigns alone I more than got my $50 dollars worth from this game.
FusionX
06-03-09, 04:17 PM
Valve has done right by its fans for a while now, but they're still a business above all else. If people will buy a new Left4Dead every year, Valve will pump one out, I'm sure. I think the backlash is based on that, as Valve has been viewed as "above" the usual corporate tactics up until now, but those days are over. I doubt I will buy a sequel on release, as there aren't many games I need a new yearly installment in. I'll grab it on sale though if it goes cheap enough.
Panda Phil
06-03-09, 05:40 PM
What a bunch of whiny bitches. So what is the minimum wait time between game sequels anyway?
Quite looking forward to hauling ass down the French Quarter, El' Kabonging zombies with my skillet.
K&AJones
06-03-09, 06:12 PM
I'll find a way to grab this though COD and Bioshock2 are a must. But when it comes down to 4-player co-op this game is hard to beat for the fun factor.
Fandango
06-03-09, 06:56 PM
I think their point is they could have easily made it an addon pack.
Panda Phil
06-03-09, 07:35 PM
Oh I can see their point. It probably would've helped if Valve had given it a chapter name, ala GTA or HL2 rather than slapped a '2' on it. Somebody in marketing screwed up.
But all this talk of boycotting and raising hell online seems useless to me. Just don't buy the damn game and let the franchise die if it pisses them off that much.
FusionX
06-03-09, 07:43 PM
I'm not mad about, but I feel like there is so much potential left in the first, which Valve usually is good about fulfilling. I'll still pick this up, especially if Buzz and the others get it, but I am not as excited as I was for the first one, so I doubt a day one purchase will happen.
Panda Phil
06-03-09, 11:55 PM
A longer text preview of whats in store. I got wood. :D
It's pretty fucking ironic for a forum whose favorite game seems to be Rock Band 2.
Groucho
06-04-09, 10:28 AM
Put me in the category of the "boycotters are whiny bitches". They can boycott all day long, I'll be kicking back and enjoying the game!
spainlinx0
06-04-09, 11:26 AM
Fuck yeah. I still have never played online with you Groucho.
actyper
06-04-09, 01:06 PM
Those protestors better not ruin it and makes us wait longer for l4d2. Fuck i'd pay for a l4d release every month for all i care. I don't think i've ever gotten my $s worth in more of a game than this. Easily one of the best coop games ever. Whinny bitches can wait for the 50% off
FusionX
06-04-09, 02:09 PM
It's pretty fucking ironic for a forum whose favorite game seems to be Rock Band 2.
I would LOVE if Valve released DLC weekly for Left4Dead.
K&AJones
06-04-09, 06:14 PM
I think the timing is about right (one year) but the timing for the release is all wrong. With everything coming in November they would be smart and release it mid October with a Halloween theme.
I'll probably get it but it'll be tough to play it along with Bioshock 2 and COD both a sure hit online, especially Bioshock 2 offering MP this time around.
Panda Phil
06-05-09, 12:17 AM
I'm not a big gamer so I don't have that much of a problem with the release schedule. But isn't Windows 7 coming out at around that same time too?
If Valve is smart, they'll throw the whiners a friggin bone over the summer and release some nice DLC for the original. I suspect though that most of the complainers will be picking it up anyway. Most more than likely will be burnt out on he first game by then.
someone, who has too much time on their hands, is obviously not happy about L4D2.
spainlinx0
06-06-09, 01:31 PM
Well, can't say the video doesn't have a point.
Giantrobo
06-06-09, 02:33 PM
The video maker needs a life.
So VALVe changed their strategy. So fuckin' what? Is this the 1st time a game company has done this? In this day and age "Change" happens. These people need to get with the program.
maxfisher
06-06-09, 03:17 PM
The way I look at it, if they released DLC of 5 new campaigns, new weapons and new monsters, the Microsoft points to get them would cost as much or more as a new game. I'm just as happy to get it all on a disc and have it be a sequel.
TripWire
06-07-09, 04:38 PM
heh why do people think they are owed more than what they got with the initial package.
didn't these people grow up where you bought a game and you didn't get shit at all afterwards?
Fandango
06-07-09, 05:05 PM
That may be true but Valve has always done it differently and that's what the point of it all is.
Giantrobo
06-07-09, 05:19 PM
That may be true but Valve has always done it differently and that's what the point of it all is.
But people still need to mellow out. But I also get that Valve has set a precedent with this and has spoiled many gamers. That's not a bad thing, but then the slightest deviation causes what we're seeing here.
spainlinx0
06-07-09, 11:17 PM
But people still need to mellow out. But I also get the Valve has set a precedent with this and has spoiled many gamers. That's not a bad thing, but then the slightest deviation causes what we're seeing here.
I can see their point. Let's say you spend a certain amount of money on a game. Me personally, I try to avoid most new releases, especially those without an online component, until they drop significantly in price. I feel there are very few games that are worth the prices they are commanding.
Now let's say that I buy Valve because I know that even at full price I'll get plenty of free DLC, user created levels, and basically anything that makes me feel that I'm getting my money's worth buying day one. I follow the development of this game, and I listen to the creators basically say, "hey, we're Valve, we support our games, and this one is NO DIFFERENT."
Based on that information, I purchase the game at the full price of $60, which I wouldn't do for any other developer, because of the reputation I feel Valve has earned with me. Then Valve takes a heaping shit on their promises and instead decides to create a sequel after only recently releasing the 2 versus campaigns that really should have been in there from the very beginning, and only a year after the first game, plus never releasing the level editor.
Me personally, I didn't base my buying decision on that. I bought it not knowing what the addon stuff would be. I wanted to play a zombie coop game online, and I decided it was worth paying full price for. I'm probably going to buy the next release at full price because I felt I easily got all my money's worth on this purchase.
However, I can definitely see why some people would be rightfully pissed.
superfro
06-08-09, 09:41 AM
However, I can definitely see why some people would be rightfully pissed.
I can too.....because people have this warped sense of entitlement. :lol:
Me personally, I didn't base my buying decision on that. I bought it not knowing what the addon stuff would be. I wanted to play a zombie coop game online, and I decided it was worth paying full price for. I'm probably going to buy the next release at full price because I felt I easily got all my money's worth on this purchase.
Same here. I get what you're saying about the company and that making people expect extra things than what the game was sold as, but honestly when it comes down to it, that is 100% on the consumer. We were all able to read the box before we bought the game and knew exactly what our $60 was getting us.
Giantrobo
06-08-09, 02:13 PM
I can see their point. Let's say you spend a certain amount of money on a game. Me personally, I try to avoid most new releases, especially those without an online component, until they drop significantly in price. I feel there are very few games that are worth the prices they are commanding.
Now let's say that I buy Valve because I know that even at full price I'll get plenty of free DLC, user created levels, and basically anything that makes me feel that I'm getting my money's worth buying day one. I follow the development of this game, and I listen to the creators basically say, "hey, we're Valve, we support our games, and this one is NO DIFFERENT."
Based on that information, I purchase the game at the full price of $60, which I wouldn't do for any other developer, because of the reputation I feel Valve has earned with me. Then Valve takes a heaping shit on their promises and instead decides to create a sequel after only recently releasing the 2 versus campaigns that really should have been in there from the very beginning, and only a year after the first game, plus never releasing the level editor.
Me personally, I didn't base my buying decision on that. I bought it not knowing what the addon stuff would be. I wanted to play a zombie coop game online, and I decided it was worth paying full price for. I'm probably going to buy the next release at full price because I felt I easily got all my money's worth on this purchase.
However, I can definitely see why some people would be rightfully pissed.
Hey, fair enough. Like I said, I get where they're coming from too. I mean Valve set a precedent and now gamers expect certain things from them.
Personally, I bought the game to kill Zombies. Period. I had no prior knowledge of what Valve does with all the additional game content so that didn't figure in. To be honest, if the latest 360 DLC had not been free, I would NOT have purchased it.
Michael Corvin
06-08-09, 02:35 PM
I can too.....because people have this warped sense of entitlement. :lol:
That's exactly what it is. You would think people would be grateful for a sequel with a decent turnaround time compared to Valve's other franchises. -cough- Half-Life -cough- Would those people be bitching if it was a sequel to Portal?
superfro
06-08-09, 02:59 PM
That's exactly what it is. You would think people would be grateful for a sequel with a decent turnaround time compared to Valve's other franchises. -cough- Half-Life -cough- Would those people be bitching if it was a sequel to Portal?
This is the exact problem a company has when it's generous and has a regularly open line of communication with it's customers. I watched the same thing happen with the first 6 months of Rock Band releasing and the way people responded to Harmonix on the RB forums, which is why I completely stopped looking there. Those people were ridiculous!
Faliszek also promised Left 4 Dead fans that updates are still due for the original. “In fact Left 4 Dead one, we still aren’t done with it,” he said. “We still have updates coming."
Sooooooo....is that the international symbol for STFU?
DRG
06-08-09, 11:22 PM
I think this is different than from what's already been posted, apologize if it's a dupe:
I love it all. The wandering witch, traveling crescendo events, melee weapons, uncommon common, and flaming bullets are all great additions.
Panda Phil
06-08-09, 11:39 PM
Yuo can guess how this will play out. They'll bitch and moan for about another month til they get sick of it. Then when release day comes most of these people will rush out to buy the game. Followed by a flurry of "Why'd they have to change..." and "It's not as much fun as L4D!" "It's too hard/easy!"
Of course I'm also waiting for some 'spokesperson for the African American community' to jump on the bandwagon and say the game is racist because most of the zombies are black. :)
lordwow
06-08-09, 11:55 PM
The gambler dude (the guy who the dev is playing), looks a lot like the TF2 Doctor from behind :lol:
Apparently Valve is looking into making L4D and L4D2 work together - whatever that means.
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175086
starseed1981
07-07-09, 11:21 AM
I'm not a PC gamer, so I guess I just don't understand what the fuss is about. I've been strictly a console gamer my entire life, so I'm very pleased if a title gives me more than 15 hours of playtime. I'd imagine I've given close to a 100 with many more to come on Left 4 Dead. Paying $60.00 12 months later for part 2 doesn't seem like a bad deal to me. Just IMO.
slop101
07-07-09, 11:53 AM
I'm surprised there wasn't a boycott with the first L4D - I'm not dissing on it's quality or saying it's not fun to play, but it's basically a multi-player only game with just 4 levels - I'm stunned it's as popular as it is. And seeing as how they were able to crank a sequel out so fast (especially for Valve), it's obvious that these games don't take nearly as much work as something like Portal or Half-Life, speaking of which, where my HL episode 3?
Michael Corvin
07-07-09, 12:00 PM
Apparently Valve is looking into making L4D and L4D2 work together - whatever that means.
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175086
Maybe, export the 4 chapters from the first game to be playable in L4D2(think Rock Band)? That way those 4 maps stay in the MP rotation and you can play with either disc. That would prevent splintering the online community.
Seems kinda late in the game to add something like that when the release is right around the corner.
DRG
07-07-09, 12:43 PM
Apparently Valve is looking into making L4D and L4D2 work together - whatever that means.
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175086
I can't imagine how this will work even in theory. The only thing I can think of working is having the ability to select stages from either game from one menu/lobby, so you could play a L4D2 level followed by a L4D1 level without swapping games. But I'm not sure how that would be of any benefit to L4D1 only users.
Edit: Took to long to post, looks like Michael Corvin had the same idea.
Michael Corvin
07-07-09, 01:01 PM
Edit: Took to long to post, looks like Michael Corvin had the same idea.
:hscratch: It took you 43 minutes to post that?
K&AJones
07-07-09, 10:39 PM
Well this is a bit of good news for both LFD versions......
From Teamxbox
L4D to Get DLC, Pre-Release Demo for L4D2 Confirmed
Valve's Doug Lombardi has revealed the company's plans to keep supporting the Left 4 Dead game. CVG reports:
At a recent press event that took place in London earlier today, Lombardi told us, "We plan to keep supporting Left 4 Dead 1. There will be some announcements coming before summer's out about what's coming there, and then we haven't shown everything that's in Left 4 Dead 2 yet."
A pre-release for the sequel has been confirmed too.
As for Left 4 Dead 2, you'll be able to try before you buy with a pre-release demo. With Left 4 Dead in particular we've found that word of mouth really is the strongest thing," Lombardi told OXM. "With Left 4 Dead 2 we plan do a demo before the game comes out that'll have multiplayer in it and hopefully we can continue the free weekends with the full game post-launch."
Superman07
09-09-09, 12:18 PM
Anybody turn up information on the exclusive content for pre-orders at "select" retail partners?
Krayzie
09-09-09, 01:22 PM
Anybody turn up information on the exclusive content for pre-orders at "select" retail partners?
Exclusive content for preorders?? I preordered direct from EA. They better be giving me something if gamestop and the other stores each have something special....
Superman07
09-09-09, 07:56 PM
Special = baseball bat (apparently it's more than a bat). The good news is if you have a copy and 3 friends don't, when they are playing with you they'll have access to the bat as well. :up:
Buy: