‘Left 4 Dead 2,’ Valve’s new man-eating zombie thriller

It’s a zombie slugfest. Much like the game’s predecessor, “Left 4 Dead,” the new “Left 4 Dead 2” doesn’t get heavily involved with the logistics of storytelling. From level one, there’s a relentless barrage of chaotic arm-flailing zombies charging in masses.

If you’re into mindless zombie slaying, then fight the pouncing, clawing and rodeo-riding zombies off your back and grab the controller, because this is definitely the game for you.

The new release from Valve is fast paced, completely frenzied, and is best for its online game play and multiplayer modes. Either way, it turns into a free-for-all killing fest. Besides avoiding friendly fire and healing injured players, there is very little teamwork involved.

Play as Coach, Ellis, Nick or Rochelle in standard single player, multi-player and versus modes, or utilize vomit attacks, tongue snaring, spitting and pinching in “scavenge” mode as the infected team, out to stop an enemy survivor team searching for fuel.

Sadly, Playstation 3 owners might have to wait a while for this one since it is currently only offered on Windows and Xbox 360, both of which allow you to join with zombie hunters all over the world in an effort to stop the infestation.

The cut scene graphics are astonishing, and besides a little choppy game play, “Left 4 Dead 2” is pretty solid.

Popular game ranking Web sites like Gamespot.com and Allgame.com give it excellent ratings. Since nothing has changed in the way of a zombie plot line, this one is really all about teaming up in the online game play and multiplayer modes. At the very least, you can’t help but comfort yourself that “Left 4 Dead 2” really is better than its predecessor.

Grade: B+

‘Left 4 Dead 2’ Avatar Awards

Bull Shifters Shirt: Win 10 games of Versus. ?
Depeche Mode Shirt: Rescue Gnome Chompski from the Dark Carnival. ?
‘Left 4 Dead 2’ Shirt: Win 10 games of Scavenge. ?
Med Kit: Successfully complete all five campaigns. ?
Zombie Hand Shirt: Kill 10,000 Infected.