Comments on: E3 2009: Left4Dead 2 Announced, Zombies Moan in Disappointment

By: Shawn Sines

Shawn Sines — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:17:28 +0000

Maybe, maybe this is a matter of being ungrateful. And with a little time between the post and consideration I think I have an answer to why we're not just getting a content upgrade/update with DLC.. the same reason that The Orange Box has been such a mess for 360 - unlike Steam, the console version of the game is not easily updated.

The source engine has received entire code rewrites and updates since its launch - which would fall in line with the Director 2.0 additions and new gameplay tweaks.. but how does one do this on the console version? So from that respect I completely understand that as a factor in deciding to quickly release a second improved product... but you know what.. just say that if that is the case.. don't hide it behind PR flak.

The last two days Valve has been in firefighting mode from questions made by folks like myself about this decision. One of the biggest failings of L4D was always that it was content light. A great game but content lacking.. and Valve responded in its release cycle with "Don't worry we always support our games and we promise more good stuff to come and make this worth the investment for you."

So what did we get? Two maps that should have shipped with the game - the other two versus levels - and a new game mode that doesn't really offer much new other than a short sprint to challenge achievements.

L4D is built on source.. we know it can already handle melee. I'm not against DLC I have to pay for to support a game I really love.. but this approach feels contrary to Valve's traditional support position and that is what I take objection to.

The new game will be another $60 console investment.. full priced game.. and it looks like it will include much of the value promised for L4D but am I ungrateful for calling attention to that? This is an example of Valve disappointing me as a consumer.. and this post is my venting on it.

Anthony, I'm glad you have not lost faith in them. I'm sure we'll all enjoy the product they produce in their usual level of excellence but its a disappointing move for a company that always seems to over promise before eventually delivering a superior product. I'd have preferred new additions to L4D on the console to keep it alive.. on the PC I have no worries - the community developers always provide when Valve moves on.

By: Anthony S

Anthony S — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:12:28 +0000

Ungrateful. The one word that best describes the author of this post. I think I speak for most when I say that I am EXTREMELY grateful for the quick turnaround on L4D2. In addition, the opportunity to support the makers of such a wonderful game is something I can look forward to with the knowledge they are so dedicated to what they do. It is few and far between that a company is so supportive of its customer base. Thank you valve!

By: Morning Toast

Morning Toast — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:17:56 +0000

Oh…and frankly, the little preview shown at E3 didn’t really impress me. Looks like a typical sequel – more, bigger, better looking. So be it but it doesn’t have me drooling like when L4D came out last year.

By: Morning Toast

Morning Toast — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:17:03 +0000

I agree with the short turnaround. This era of games is all about pushing content to the release. Burnout does it. Rock Band does it. You build a great, solid base and just keep building on it. The L4D base was great…do we really need a complete new release?

They had the Orange Box, now I forsee a Green Box that has L4D bundled up with some other add-on or game. To see a high profile game like L4D go from top shelf to bargin bin in less than a year is silly. I hope it’s not a trend that others will hop on.

By: Shyfty

Shyfty — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:06:35 +0000

I agree 100% I may go out on a limb as well and throw TF2 onto that pile. Releasing part of a game and patching in the rest later seems to be Valve’s standard operating procedure. Lead with Half Life, then push the Half Games.

Thats why I only buy Valve games Half Off