Yet, as we played though the full PC version of Left 4 Dead 2 we begin to see that this sequel has truly benefited from the lessons that Valve learned from the original game. For one, this game's single player element is longer with better designed missions and objectives. The locations that were selected for the sequel are also more varied than the first game. Most importantly, the game has a lot more gameplay modes to offer. The original game had campaign, single play and Versus for two of the campaigns, and later updates expanded the Verses map selection and added a Survival modes. Left 4 Dead 2 has all that including verses mode for all five campaigns along with two all-new gameplay modes: Realism and Scavenge.

While the basic gameplay design has not changed much, Left 4 Dead 2 is actually a better and more complete game than its predecessor. Most fans are likely to completely move on to Left 4 Dead 2, but we just hope Valve makes good on its promise to continue to support the first game with updates and content.

Left 4 Dead 2's "storyline" is pretty much non-existent. Similar to the first time around, the sequel follows four characters who must rely on each other to survive a plague that turns humans into violent creatures. Similar to the first time around, the game provides a variety of settings to play through, but players will mostly have to fill in the gaps for themselves for an actual plot. The game takes place in various sections of Louisiana and the Deep South setting is perfect for some satirical jabs at the culture. NASCAR racing, southern rock and more all get a little "treatment" in this title.

The characters, while somewhat stereotypical, are fun to watch and interact with as you play the game. They sometimes have short monologues that are delivered at select times in between zombie horde pushes. "Coach" is the one with the most common sense even if he doesn't have a lot of book learning. "Nick" is the world weary gambler who would rather have a drink than a shotgun in his hand. "Rochelle" is a young woman who is spunky but not over-the-top about it. Finally there's "Ellis" our personal favorite. He's the typical Southern redneck who actually seems to enjoy the fact that the world has gone down the tubes so he can shoot things and get away with it.