Did the lacking single-player hurt Left 4 Dead?
The Showdown continues. In the Showdown, we pick a topic, argue both sides, and then present the results to you. Today, Ben and Frank argue about the need for single-player modes in multiplayer games. Our subject? Left 4 Dead. Ben: This seems like a subject we’ve spoken about before, but I think this problem comes up with purely single-player games. Many people won’t buy a game that doesn’t have a strong multiplayer section, since that’s where they see the long-term value in their $50+ purchase. With Left 4 Dead, the game that’s currently eating up all my free time, the problem is the exact opposite. Online co-op with three friends is the best way to play the game, and the competitive mode is much deeper than it first appears. The issue is that single-player is pretty lacking. The A.I. characters make you take the lead in every situation, which is a pain in the butt when you’re hurt, and it seems to take most of their brainpower to keep from walking into your fire. It’s not bad, and si
