The originalLeft 4 Deadhad a lot of things going for it from the get-go. Some players can argue thatLeft 4 Deadis inferior in some regards to its sequel,Left 4 Dead2, which brought innovations to the table. However,Left 4 Deadhas an irresistible charm that wasn’t replicated exactly for the sequel, nor has it been done better years later with new modern games in the same vein as theLeft 4 Deadseries.
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Despite the more active player base onLeft 4 Dead2, and the fact that players can even go through the campaign maps with the originalLeft 4 Deadcrew within that game, there are some things in the originalLeft 4 Deadthat justcannot be taken from the original experience, and those things help to makeLeft 4 Deadbetter than its sequel in some ways.
6Group Dynamic
The survivors inLeft 4 Deadare often mismatched from a group of outcasts and different backgrounds. The survivors rarely have things in common, other than the fact that they have yet to be turned into flesh-eating zombies. The crew inLeft 4 Dead2is iconic. No one can deny the status of Coach, Ellis, Nick, and Rochelle. However, there is something more charming about the originalLeft 4 Deadcrew.
TheLeft 4 Deadsurvivors, Francis, Bill, Zoey, and Louis simply have more personality about them. Their interactions, emotions, and backgrounds are far more interesting. Even visually, the group seems more interesting. From a rogue biker, a rugged veteran, a scruffy businessman, and a college girl. The group dynamic inLeft 4 Deadworks because the characters are so vastly different, creating much better chemistry between the group of misfits.
5Scarier Atmosphere
For the majority ofLeft 4 Dead, players are kept in the dark. Literally. The lighting, weather, and grogginess of the game all work in their favor to create a realistic and terrifying experience.Left 4 Dead2lends itself more to the cool factor of zombie killing, and has some pretty fun set pieces. Meanwhile,Left 4 Deadacts in the spirit of a horror game, and every new building that isengulfed in darknessand flame is horrific to take a step in.
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The atmosphere inLeft 4 Deadlends itself well to the game’s design. It makes for a scarier experience, even with friends, the game can terrify players as to what lurks around the corner, or whatWitch’s sobswill players be victim to from within the dark. Meanwhile,Left 4 Dead2is rather peaceful and comedic, in terms of killing zombies in broad daylight.
4Interesting Narrative
From the opening scenes ofLeft 4 Dead, the objective is clear. Players need to get to Mercy Hospital to evacuate and find safety from the evolving Green Flu that is turning the world into zombies. The story is simple, yet interesting thanks to the dynamic between characters, and the dangerous journeys they take to find sanctuary in a world that has beeninvaded by the undeadof the flesh-eating variety.
The story is filled with intrigue and character motivation. AlthoughLeft 4 Dead’s story takes a back seat thanks to the exciting gameplay of ridding the world with zombies through many different weapons, it is still present, whereas the narrative ofLeft 4 Dead2is somewhat forgettable thanks to the joys of zombie killing with the interesting mods that turn them into Teletubbies.
3The Sacrifice And Choice
On the topic of the narrative forLeft 4 Dead, the game does extremely well in presenting sacrifice within gameplay. As the survivors make their daring last escape for freedom amongst the hordes, one of them has to go back and restart the generator. Fearless and heroic, Bill takes it upon himself, knowing that it will cost him his life.
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This sacrifice was not seen inLeft 4 Dead2from one of the characters, and it madeLeft 4 Deadall the more exciting knowing that one of the survivors had to die to progress the story. It was a tragedy that helped Billsave his friendsat the cost of his own life. However, some secret choices allowed Bill to live, in a what-if type scenario.
2Aggressive AI
The special infected inLeft 4 Deadare relatively the same as inLeft 4 Dead2. However, these special infected seem far more aggressive and vengeful, truly out for the blood of the player and their allies. It’s not that the AI inLeft 4 Dead2is stupider than from the previous game, but the original just had a difficulty that worked to make the game feel more challenging to those that wanted to fight theadditional special enemy.
The aggressive AI found inLeft 4 Dead’s maps alsoassisted the team’s AI, and not just the enemies. The team AI inLeft 4 Deadwould seek out weapons, picking what they believed would be the best. They would also explore near to the player, but take charge in some situations, whereasLeft 4 Dead2they mainly stick to the player like glue, and don’t offer much of anything outside of a bodyguard.
1No Mercy
The missions in theLeft 4 Deadgames are relatively the same. In each level, players run through a map, getting an array of kills as they venture from point A to point B in hopes of reaching the beautiful safety room that will keep them free from any disturbing enemy types that seek to take a bite of flesh. However, the No Mercy mission inLeft 4 Deadis one of the best across both games in the series.
Players will scale rooftops, venture through destroyed apartment buildings, and find swarms of infected waiting in the city. This mission takes players across an array of fearful areas, like the sewer, subway, and finally the Mercy Hospital. It’s intense, fun, and a bundle of scary in one zombie-filled package.
