Common Sense Media Review
By Brett Molina
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, violent shooter with zombies requires teamwork.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Left 4 Dead 2
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 38 parent reviews
Based on 134 kid reviews
Kids say this game is highly entertaining but generally suitable only for older teens due to its graphic violence, frequent swearing, and intense themes centered on teamwork amidst a zombie apocalypse. While many players enjoyed the fun and cooperative nature of the gameplay, parents expressed concern about the exposure to gore and language, suggesting an appropriate age range starting from 11 or 12 depending on individual maturity.
- fun gameplay
- strong violence
- teamwork emphasis
- swearing present
- age recommendation
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
LEFT 4 DEAD 2 is a cooperative first-person shooter in which four people must survive a zombie apocalypse infesting the southern United States. Each campaign is a stand-alone adventure following a foursome of survivors as they attempt to escape. The game is a team effort, requiring players to work together and watch out for each other in order to survive. Players can tackle the campaigns alone, but the game is best played with others online. The game also features a Versus mode, where players can assume the role of zombies and attempt to eliminate the survivors. The game also includes a Survival mode, where players must outlast zombies for an extended time period, as well as a variation on the Versus option called Scavenge.
Is It Any Good?
The follow-up to last year's Left 4 Dead adds plenty more options in terms of weapons and enemy types. Players not only battle generic zombie hordes, but zombies with special powers. The Spitter, for example, spews acid. The addition of new weapons -- and especially the debut of melee items -- adds a greater level of variety to the action. The locales also feel fresh, taking players through various environments including an abandoned carnival and a shopping mall. While there are only five campaigns to choose from, there are plenty of modes available to enjoy, including Scavenge Mode, during which survivors must keep energy generators running while zombies attempt sabotage. Left 4 Dead 2 is also great at leaving the player feeling overwhelmed by throwing dozens of zombies in their direction. It's this kind of tension and thrill that makes it one of the year's best games for mature players.
Online interaction: Players can freely speak with each other in open chat, which means there is potential for inappropriate words, ideas, and information to be shared. Common Sense Media does not recommend open online play for children under age 12.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether a video game can be scary without being gory? Can you think of any games that fit this description? If a game has an option to lower the amount of gore seen on screen, do you ever use it? Why or why not?
Families can also discuss how the game places strong emphasis on using teamwork to survive. What do you think of this design? Would you rather be able to go off on your own? Does it feel strange to have to work so closely with strangers? Or do you prefer to play games like this only with close friends?
Game Details
- Platforms : Windows , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : November 17, 2009
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 22, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate