Of course, even without the lag, you're still going to die. But at least now you'll be able to see where it's coming from. (Hint: It's probably from those three oncoming tanks.)
Valve addresses Left 4 Dead 2 server lag on Xbox 360
by Griffin McElroy 
on Nov 26th 2009 11:00AM
125
Of course, even without the lag, you're still going to die. But at least now you'll be able to see where it's coming from. (Hint: It's probably from those three oncoming tanks.)
Reader Comments (125)
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 5:23PM Brysonial the Bison said
Good if they hadn't done this they might have got biacotted again which would be really stupid!
Reply
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:47AM Uncle Jesse said
So does this mean that you'll be picking it up now?
Reply
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:10AM (Unverified) said
My friends, offline friends that is, all decided not to buy the game after seeing all the lag in my copy. Hopefully an email with this article will change some minds. What am I talking about, all they freaking play is MW2! *sadface*
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:12AM (Unverified) said
Stop putting in sly little comments like "Of course, even without the lag, you're still going to die...(Hint: It's probably from those three oncoming tanks.)" into every l4d2 article just because you're bad at the game.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:22AM HydrophobicFish PSN ID Hydrophob said
Agreed, now, let's all bow down to Cloud's gaming goodness.
No, it is impossible for a dev to make a game that's infuriatingly hard. No, it is impossible, the more logical reason is that we suck at games.
Now, Cloud being the exception to this, is totally like, good at games!
Praise him. Tell your grandchildren of this day, where you were lucky enough to even read a post by Cloud. When you die and go to heaven, share this very same story with God himself.
Reply
No, it is impossible for a dev to make a game that's infuriatingly hard. No, it is impossible, the more logical reason is that we suck at games.
Now, Cloud being the exception to this, is totally like, good at games!
Praise him. Tell your grandchildren of this day, where you were lucky enough to even read a post by Cloud. When you die and go to heaven, share this very same story with God himself.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:33AM The Monarch said
Really, though...
It's seriously not that hard....
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It's seriously not that hard....
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:35AM (Unverified) said
Except the game actually isn't that hard? With bots, yeah, because for some reason they never pick up throwing weapons or use/pick up new medkits they come across, etc. but with human teammates the game really isn't that hard.
The bigger problem is that one of the new characters is a black hole of personality, another is annoying beyond belief, all but one of the campaigns are poorly designed, and so on.
Reply
The bigger problem is that one of the new characters is a black hole of personality, another is annoying beyond belief, all but one of the campaigns are poorly designed, and so on.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 12:09PM Babel said
As someone has already mentioned, the increased difficulty is kinda like an evolution - this is a zombie apocalypse after all. Surviving should be an achievement. And, having got bored of the original after a while, I have found L4F2 to be way more enjoyable simply because completing a campaign was a genuine challenge. And I haven't even played the hardest difficulty yet!
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 12:12PM CaramelZappa said
@Filthy Assistant
I'll agree with you in the black hole for a character. In general I like the first games characters more, they're more fleshed out and interesting.
However I'd say the campaigns are NOT horribly designed. They're all tens times better than the original. They're more open so you can explore and get items but it also feels more like you're a real survivor, lost, trying to find your way. On top of that the finales are all much more exciting since you can't play the game sitting in the corner button mashing like you did in L4D. The levels are much more varied and interesting, and force you to actually fight for your survival. It's epic.
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I'll agree with you in the black hole for a character. In general I like the first games characters more, they're more fleshed out and interesting.
However I'd say the campaigns are NOT horribly designed. They're all tens times better than the original. They're more open so you can explore and get items but it also feels more like you're a real survivor, lost, trying to find your way. On top of that the finales are all much more exciting since you can't play the game sitting in the corner button mashing like you did in L4D. The levels are much more varied and interesting, and force you to actually fight for your survival. It's epic.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 1:20PM Jerk Face said
Yeah, I'm with these guys. It's tougher than the first, to be sure, but it's not THAT hard. Certainly playable. I find the challenge makes it a little more satisfying than the first one, actually; and I'm not a guy who gets off on difficulty for difficulty's sake.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 1:44PM (Unverified) said
The finales are all way better than the first, but the campaigns on the way there are awful with the exception of Hard Rain. While I'm all for more open design, it's oftentimes far too confusing when everything looks alike, and those areas last way too long (tunnel of love, lots of the Parish, etc). The campaigns in the original were always very clear on what way you needed to go to proceed, even in larger areas, and each "segment" of a level had a distinct appearance. I could go on further, but if you like the game, you like it, there's no talking you out of it.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 2:11PM TheDarkWayne said
I agree with Jerk Face, it might be more difficult but not anywhere Ninja Gaiden 2 levels of punishment. The only problem though is that while the difficulty is certainly manageable, that doesn't make it any more fun. Running through a straight pathway with infinite zombies at the end of a level? Not fun. Tanks and specials in the witch area of Hard Rain? Not fun. Getting knocked off the third floor of the mall feet away from the alarm by a charger? Well, that was actually kind of awesome
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:12AM (Unverified) said
this is fucking awesome. Shame joystiq obviously sucks at the game and got their ass beat and threw a temper tantrum because of it. Maybe Chris should go back to renovating is house instead of playing games, and justin should keep playing monkey island. your opinions of L4D2 about it being a bad game are like those of the man who hammered Uncharted 2. Pathetic.
But awesome now I can go play it.
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But awesome now I can go play it.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:14AM (Unverified) said
"Of course, even without the lag, you're still going to die."
Really?! because I seem to be fine playing on advanced, maybe it could just be a skill issue? In the words of Tallahassee: 'nut up or shut up'
Reply
Really?! because I seem to be fine playing on advanced, maybe it could just be a skill issue? In the words of Tallahassee: 'nut up or shut up'
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:30AM MystileArmor said
What's up with all these assholes bragging? It's a goddamn game, no one gives a fuck if you're good at it or not. It's fucking thanksgiving, go stuff a turkey with all your mad skillz, asshole.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:43AM CaramelZappa said
MystileArmor, people aren't bragging. We're all pissed off at Joystiq giving everyone the impression that L4D2 is impossibly hard, because it isn't.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:44AM MystileArmor said
Who cares though? If you enjoy it and he doesn't, well who gives a damn?
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:55AM CaramelZappa said
This is the internet, we have to complain.
Joystiqs constant bashing of the game is going to lead a lot of people to think it's impossibly hard, and that could cause readers who would probably have a lot of fun with the game to pass it up completely because of the horrible impression they got from here. What's more, Joystiq didn't even properly review the game, and every post since the review has just been whining and whining about how hard it is, with no other real substance to the post.
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Joystiqs constant bashing of the game is going to lead a lot of people to think it's impossibly hard, and that could cause readers who would probably have a lot of fun with the game to pass it up completely because of the horrible impression they got from here. What's more, Joystiq didn't even properly review the game, and every post since the review has just been whining and whining about how hard it is, with no other real substance to the post.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 12:54PM MystileArmor said
I see your point, I guess I'm just more inclined to think people wouldn't be as stupid as to trust just one review on a game they're on the fence about?
But yes, you have a valid point there.
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But yes, you have a valid point there.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 2:02PM TheDarkWayne said
what do you mean they didn't properly review the game? Did you want them to have a 3 page blowout going into every little detail about Ellis' speeches, the benefits of new weapons and how many polygons are in coach's gut? I think reviewing their personal experience with the game is a great way to view games instead of arbitrarily listing all the details you could get from the back of the case.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 2:38PM (Unverified) said
Joystiq defense force assemble!
Defend Joystiq, even if they are wrong!
Reply
Defend Joystiq, even if they are wrong!
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 2:41PM (Unverified) said
I didn't think they were implying that the game was super-hard. I think they were just doing one of those things where you seem cool by adding a hint of knowledge about the game like, say, getting sniped if they were talking about Halo or CoD, or bringing up hot alien sex porn whenever someone in the industry talks about Mass Effect.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 3:23PM TheDarkWayne said
Im not saying they aren't wrong dreaded fear, i dont think it's painfully difficult, but i don't see what's wrong with their reviews.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 4:11PM CaramelZappa said
@The Dark Wayne
I mean they didn't review the game. The article breifly says that L4D2 has more of everything, but other than that the entire article is whining. They don't even mention how the campaigns are much more varied, how the finales are different and stop you from hiding in the corner, how the new special infected change the way you play, or how melee weapons really change things up. (Especially in the sugar mill since you don't have to worry about shooting all the wandering witches)
They didn't even talk about the new game modes. Everything that really made L4D2 different than L4D wasn't covered in the review. It didn't provide any insight into the game at all, it was just a page long rant about how the reviewer was too bad at the game to have a good time. I'm glad they touched on the difficulty being ramped up, it's an important note, but when you ignore everything else, it's not a review.
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I mean they didn't review the game. The article breifly says that L4D2 has more of everything, but other than that the entire article is whining. They don't even mention how the campaigns are much more varied, how the finales are different and stop you from hiding in the corner, how the new special infected change the way you play, or how melee weapons really change things up. (Especially in the sugar mill since you don't have to worry about shooting all the wandering witches)
They didn't even talk about the new game modes. Everything that really made L4D2 different than L4D wasn't covered in the review. It didn't provide any insight into the game at all, it was just a page long rant about how the reviewer was too bad at the game to have a good time. I'm glad they touched on the difficulty being ramped up, it's an important note, but when you ignore everything else, it's not a review.
Posted: Nov 27th 2009 12:59AM TheDarkWayne said
now that you say it I recognize you're right. I'd almost completely forgotten about scavenge and realism modes. Yeah you really are right, and I apologize
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Posted: Nov 27th 2009 2:14AM CaramelZappa said
No need to apologize for striking up conversation. I totally agree with you that personal experience is a lot more important in a review than reading stuff off the back of the box. I usually love Joystiq reviews because they give you more of an idea about what to expect instead of just 5 new levels, but in this case they just didn't give any insight into what the game was actually like.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:16AM (Unverified) said
Huu-zah. The lag on 360 made me want to maim things. Finally, be able to play with my non Steam friends. =P
Also, you forgot the 3 tanks, with a Jockey, Spitter, and Smoker. >_
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Also, you forgot the 3 tanks, with a Jockey, Spitter, and Smoker. >_
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:16AM (Unverified) said
dont really care for L4D2,but ive been experiencing some lag in MW2,should i still buy L4D2,maybe,these abbreviations are getting annoying
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:42AM Uncle Jesse said
Sweet. My buddy has been saying that he's been getting some bad lag (I haven't had any, but I'm hosting the games). Hopefully this clears it all up. Nice work, Valve.
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:43AM Uncle Jesse said
Oops. Not really a reply to you. I'll make this one a reply then...
So you don't really care for L4D2, but you're considering buying it?
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So you don't really care for L4D2, but you're considering buying it?
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:45AM (Unverified) said
cant be helped dude,i was really just gonna get cause its gonna be cheap friday,because i dont really like the game,but it is meant to be played co-op,so its probably why
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 3:19PM (Unverified) said
So you don't really like the game, but you will spend your money (or your parents money) on it because it has a co-op experience?
I know you mentioned buying it at a discount but come on! Why don't you buy a Gamefly subscription or some gas for your car? Maybe even spend the money helping another person!
I'm sorry I'm bitching but I hate to see people intentionally wasting money like that. Especially with our employment rates like they are.
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I know you mentioned buying it at a discount but come on! Why don't you buy a Gamefly subscription or some gas for your car? Maybe even spend the money helping another person!
I'm sorry I'm bitching but I hate to see people intentionally wasting money like that. Especially with our employment rates like they are.
Posted: Nov 27th 2009 4:23AM (Unverified) said
your right,maybe i should go buy fallout 3:goty,thanks for the advice
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:16AM MrSpaceCowboy said
Hopefully next, Valve can address the problem the Aussie version has with the lack of blood/gore/bodies.
Until then, I'll look into importing it just to stick it to Old Man Atkinson.
I hardly use ASCII art to express myself, but this guy warrants it:
....................../´¯/)
....................,/¯../
.................../..../
............./´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
........../'/.../..../......./¨¯\
........('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
.........\.................'...../
..........''...\.......... _.·´
............\..............(
..............\.............\...
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Until then, I'll look into importing it just to stick it to Old Man Atkinson.
I hardly use ASCII art to express myself, but this guy warrants it:
....................../´¯/)
....................,/¯../
.................../..../
............./´¯/'...'/´¯¯`·¸
........../'/.../..../......./¨¯\
........('(...´...´.... ¯~/'...')
.........\.................'...../
..........''...\.......... _.·´
............\..............(
..............\.............\...
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:45AM Uncle Jesse said
That really sucks. I can't believe how neutered that version is. It would make it tough to enjoy knowing that there's a far superior version out there.
The ASCII artwork is very appropriate in this case.
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The ASCII artwork is very appropriate in this case.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:51AM MrSpaceCowboy said
I hacked my demo to enable the uncut version and it was fantastic.
The edited version is basically unplayable.
I've also read stories of players being booted from games because they had the edited version. Nobody wants to play with someone who keeps the riot cops away...
Reply
The edited version is basically unplayable.
I've also read stories of players being booted from games because they had the edited version. Nobody wants to play with someone who keeps the riot cops away...
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:16AM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said
Aww, now you've done it, Joystiq.. one snide comment, and you're going to make all of the Left 4 Dead 2 fanboys cry.
"lolololz u just suck at teh game lololololz"
"Derpderpderp, we play on expurt and have no problemz lololol u suck lololol"
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"lolololz u just suck at teh game lololololz"
"Derpderpderp, we play on expurt and have no problemz lololol u suck lololol"
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:26AM Discotheque said
The only campaign that I found kinda hard was the carnival one, when you go to your last safehouse. Man that part is tough.
But the finale is epic.
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But the finale is epic.
Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:26AM Discotheque said
Also does anybody know of any decent mods out for L4D2 yet?
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Posted: Nov 26th 2009 11:32AM (Unverified) said
I got a chance to play through Dark Carnival last night (great setting). I played with a friend and someone from a steam group, plus one bot. We went through it on advanced – had to reply a level maybe 4 times. I'm not such a great player, but I can't get my head around why Joystiq review was so bummed out by the difficulty.
Did you you play an early release where the settings were still being tweaked?!
Reply
Did you you play an early release where the settings were still being tweaked?!
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