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In the prime era of computer cafes, the main hub for gamers of all ages, we reminisce about how easy it was to have fun playing games. Some of the games popularly played before were Warcraft III (DOTA specifically), Counter Strike, Ragnarok, MU Online, and many more. However, there’s one notable classic that survived throughout the years which is still alive today — Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2).
Left 4 Dead 2 is a classic survival first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve back in November 17, 2009. If you ask gamers that are regulars on PC shops what multiplayer games they play, they’ll definitely mention L4D2 as one of them.
Some of the earlier mentioned games are still kicking today but, those now have their own modernized versions. We know that Left 4 Dead 2’s modern counterpart, Back 4 Blood, is already out, however, its hype is short-lived. Just take a look at the comparison of their concurrent players in Steam.
One look from the graph, and you’ll know that there are loyalists consistently playing Left 4 Dead 2. Even its all-time player base shows that the game only stagnates or bumps the graph up. Apart from its replayability, we’ll discuss the factors why L4D2 is still one of the best multiplayer games out there even after more than a decade from launch.
Nothing Beats Your First Jumpscare
If you’ve played Left 4 Dead 2 for the first time, you’re probably one of those people who shouted or jumped out from their seats due to monsters popping out of nowhere. Panicking because a horde surrounds you will always give you an adrenaline rush. Special monsters like the smoker, hunter, and boomer will make you very anxious if you stay at one place for too long.
These things are what make L4D2 very memorable, especially if you’ve lived to tell the tale. Finishing a campaign alone or with friends will always be satisfying after the nightmare you’ve experienced.
Play As One Of The Monsters
If you’ve had enough playing as humans, worry not, you can play as one of the special infected instead. Playing a Versus or Realism Versus or VS Survival, or Scavenge mode allows you and your friends to take turns in attempting to stop or finish a match.
These modes are always fun especially knowing you’re facing other people and not just bots. Normally, you can do a 4v4 match, however, various mods take out that limiter so you can play with more people.
More Game Modes, More Fun
Apart from the usual matches, entertain yourself along with your friends by doing some challenges and playing various other game modes.
- Survival – Hold out as long as your group can before the enemies get to you and overwhelm you completely.
- Realism – This game mode will make you play smartly and cooperate more with your teammates. In Realism, all distinctive auras are hidden for players which means your fellow teammates and the interactive items such as guns and meds can’t be seen unless you look for them closely.
- Mutation – Valve released various game challenges each week on its initial release to give players more options to have fun. Check this out and see what mutations you like the most!
Active Modding Community
One reason why Left 4 Dead 2 is a timeless masterpiece is because of its active modding community. Mods make the game fresh and give players more ways to enjoy it.
From character models to gun skins to tweaking the already existing rules of the game, mods will never fail you. Each time you browse at the Steam workshop, you’ll be surprised at how creative people are. If not for these, the game would’ve probably died already, in terms of replayability.
Dedicated Community Overall
Left 4 Dead 2 is one of those games that have loyal players. If not for them, again, the game would be dead already. Looking back at the graph, you’ll never see it crash beyond its baseline and that says a lot. Even popular streamers like the Offline TV and Friends play this game as if it’s still the latest trend today.
Here at Dice and D-Pads, we occasionally play L4D2 because it brings us joy every time we complete scenarios or fight against each other. We are not regulars but, we always go back to this classic because this is one game that will never get old — at least for us.
Left 4 Dead 2’s price in Steam is PHP 289.95, though the discounts during sales can push that down to as low as ~PHP 70. What do you guys think? Do you agree that Left 4 Dead 2 will never die and will always be a masterpiece? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
