Yeah, it was too hard for me and my buddy tonight. Got to the mall but holy fuck getting those gas cans was a bitch and a half. Had to pull the plug after a while, which was VERY disappointing. As much as I hate to break out Easy mode, once I get to the stock car, I think I very well might.

I disagree. On normal before w/ an avg "team" you could get through a level in about 50-60 mins and be successful 8 or 9 out of 10 times. That was about right IMHO since there were still two levels above normal for those that want more of a challenge. I played maybe 10 rounds or so yesterday and the only time we were successful was when we played on easy (and even then there were times when most of the team was dead/knocked down -- which shouldn't happen on easy IMHO). From the comments other people were making I wasn't alone in thinking things were a bit ridiculous. It's also not just the layout of the maps IMHO... There seems to be very few breaks in the game, it is pretty much non-stop attacks and the "random" hoard attacks are more back to back than previously. The other thing I noticed last night is that it might work out better to rely on the hand-to-hand weapons primarily and then use the firearms for the specials. At least that's how we got through the easy level, I'll have to try the same approach on normal and see how that works.

That is certainly one of the more curious statements I have read on this forum.
I assume you are joking?

phrased it wrong because I was typing fast- what I meant is difficulty compared to the first game is harder.

Add to the fact that hordes now come out of all sides, sometimes it feels like they fall out of the sky.

I've seen them spawn (while Infected) in mid-air.

Also was there some sort of aim assist in the first that wasn't carried over to the second? I swear sometimes I've shot some of the common ones at a medium to close range and it either missed or took several shots whereas before they would have been put down w/ one shot.

Still enjoying it overall... but it's going to get more frustrating restarting time after time (or just having to give up) if they don't change it w/ an update. JMO

Having finally played all five scenarios, I really appreciate the variety this game offers in terms of level design. L4D1 had some minor differentation here and there, but for the most part the scenarios were based on the same formula. L4D2's scenarios are full of twists on that formula. The backtracking on Hard Rain is an interesting change. The Bridge at the end of the Parish is a brutal marathon. Dead Center's finale is a mini fetch mission. It's great that you have to change up your strategy time-to-time from the simple 'find a defensible spot and stick it out'. Even the relatively traditional Dark Carnival finale offers a changing landing spot for the helicopter to throw you off.

Seconded. They did some really great stuff this time around.

Damn, I just finished playing a Parish session, and we got stuck on the bridge. We tried to get through about 7 times, but we just couldn't make it. This was on normal. It didn't help that we had one bot playing with us, but damn. There are certain choke points in the bridge section were they throw every special infected at you that are just a bear. I know everyone talked about the witch from the first game, but I cannot stand the charger. Hate that sumbitch.

I saw one of those "behind the scenes" shorts that they post on LIVE and I'm pretty sure I heard them say that they made it harder to kill the regular Infected. It sounded like one of the things they changed for this game due to bitching that it was too easy to kill them or some shit like that.

I haven't picked this up yet..

Well I'll say this....normal in this version is not "normal" in the first version. But to me that's a good thing. Why spend $60.00 for a cakewalk and then end up complaining it was to easy and has no replay value. No doubt some frustration has set in tha wasn't with the first game. With four players survial and getting thru does depend on just that....coop a.k.a team play.

My gripes so far is the teamate AI....they're stupid some times and still see some lagging. But loving all the weapons especially the Bat, Frying Pan, and chainsaw.

I played through the Mall last night with 3 other random players (on PC). All 4 of us ended up being on headset so that helped. We played through on normal, and I honestly thought it was easier than the first L4D, until the gas tank part at the end. I thought the gas tank part made up for the lack of challenge most of the rest of the game.

Well Gamestop finally emailed me a code (2 of them actually), several days after I had already given up and returned the game to the store and repurchased from Best Buy who doesn't lie about having an exclusive for something. But the dumb fucks sent codes for the XBOX....Gamestop really is a clueless fucking operation. So basically I have 2 XBOX Live codes for the Louisville slugger for whoever wants them. I will PM them to the first 2 members to post here asking for them.

I'd like one please! Thanks very much!

Maxflier I wouldn't mind the other one. Thanks!

Sent you both PM's.

Thanks again! I didn't think I was going to get this game anytime soon due to $$$. But I took advantage of Gamestop's Trade 2 for $20 deal and picked it up tonight. I can't wait to use the fancy bat!

Wow, this game really makes you work your ass off this time around.

Thank you very much! I'll kill some zombies with it in your honor.

Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I don't find the versus mode fun at all. Controlling the infected is kind of clunky.

Remembering that the LB is crouch now is really a pain. What's up with that? Was this something the Fanboys bitched about?

This is why ALL GAMES should allow the players the option to map the controls to fit they're playing style.

I still don't get why more games don't let you change the button layout. It seems like such a simple thing.

LB was crouch in the first as well.

I agree that you should be able to customize your controls, but they are exactly the same as the first game, including crouch.