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We’ve just replaced our Left 4 Dead 2 Media page with the thread written by Ltr.two on the forums, since we never seemed to be able to get around to updating it properly. Please head over to the forums and give him some rep if you get a chance! Thanks also to Ramzy for making the original thread.
The Left 4 Dead 2 Info page has just been updated with all the juicy new information that came out of PAX this year in Seattle! We strongly recommend that you read the page and look for update tags, but here’s the quick synopsis:
The Jockey jumps around and hops on Survivors’ backs, actually controlling their movements. This allows him to steer them into sticky situations. Survivors who are snagged by the Jockey lose most of their control over their movements, but they are able to steer very slightly. The Jockey has a telltale snicker and makes a maniacal laughing sound when controlling players.
The Spitter has undergone a major facelift. Or…rather, her face now looks like it was slammed into some burning-hot asphalt made out of lava and then wrung through a hyperactive Van De Graaff generator. The look of her spit itself and the AOE it causes has changed. Also, she now drools. Lovely!
In other Special Infected news, the poor Tank is now bald.
The festive shoes of the Zombie Clown attract other Infected, potentially causing minor hordes frequently. There may be an achievement for honking his nose.
Electric guitars, crowbars, machetes, and police batons have been either seen or reported. The wooden baseball bat also made its first appearance. The bat is available in the pre-order demo, but players who don’t pre-order can unlock the bat when they play with pre-ordering players. Melee weapons now replace pistols in their slot when picked up. Originally, they were held like large explosives.
In addition, the Desert Eagle has been added as an alternative to the standard pistols. The Deagle has a 8-round capacity but cannot be dual-wielded. It replaces the standard pistols in their slot, and can be fitted with a laser sight.
After fleeing Savannah in the first campaign, Survivors hit a traffic jam and are forced to leave the highway. They reach a two-story motel, then make their way to the Whispering Oaks amusement park, where nefarious thrills await. See videos. ▼
The first chapter begins on the highway and encompasses the motel and the path to the fairgrounds. The second chapter, aptly titled “The Fairgrounds,” begins in a small shed outside the main entrance. The early areas of the fairgrounds include concessions like hot dogs and other food stands. Later on, Survivors will make their way through a number of courtyards, and then slide down from the top of a giant slide.
Later, Survivors will encounter a carousel, where the second chapter’s crescendo occurs. Survivors must activate a switch that turns on the carousel and opens a gate on the far side of the carousel. They must then fight through the ocean of undead to turn off the merry-go-round and stop the onslaught. From there, Survivors must travel a short distance to a lover’s lane, where the saferoom awaits.
The remaining chapters have not been released, but Dark Carnival is likely a 5-chapter campaign. The outline of a ferris wheel suggests that one may be included. Chet has said that the crescendo has something to do with the electric guitars added very recently, so we believe that it may have something to do with a stage or other performance venue. In the final build, the fairgrounds will include playable parlour games (mini-games). For instance, Chet hints that there may be a shooting gallery that has an associated achievement.
According to an interview with Valve developer Yasser Mailaka, Valve is looking into ways to bring custom content to Xbox 360 players. The custom content, which is crafted in Left 4 Dead’s SDK, is currently only available for PC players.
Mailaka identified integration with Microsoft’s distribution system and finding a way to filter out copyrighted content to be primary hurdles in the way of the potential offering.
One of Destructoid’s sources has leaked a new Special Infected, which will be galloping onto the scene at this week’s Penny Arcade Expo in Seattle. The new SI, potentially called The Jockey, is a miniature Infected that has a very distinct laugh and moves around by jumping, much like an overgrown, undead rabbit.
The Jockey can attach himself to a Survivor, clawing at his back and actually controlling their movements—potentially leading them off cliffs, into Witches, back to their in-laws, etc. When players are disabled by the Jockey, they are unable to control their characters at all. You can read more about the Jockey at the Official Forums, as well.
Thanks to punks4life, Necross, 1337_noob, Lavender Demon, Danny, and evolvedant for this info.
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