Left 4 Dead 2 demo on Xbox Live

By Robert Purchese Published 3 November, 2009

For Gold subs now. Silver to follow.

Xbox Live Gold subscribers and PC owners can download the Left 4 Dead 2 demo today.

We strongly suggest you do. The 2GB file shouldn't scare you.

PC pre-orderers of L4D2 have been playing the demo since late October. Xbox Live Silver members won't have access 10th November.

The demo features a section of The Parish, set in New Orleans' French Quarter, and can be played by 1-4 players either locally or over the internet - although Xbox is limited to two-player split-screen locally.

Left 4 Dead 2 will be released in shops on 20th November. Steam, however, will sell the PC version from 17th November.

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (53) Latest comment 2 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Invisible_Cow #1 2 years ago

    Oh hell yes. The multiplayer demo at the Expo gave me Valve-wood, and now I finally get some release..

  • patchbox360 #2 2 years ago

    paying for demos haha

  • darkmorgado #3 2 years ago

    @patchbox, f*ck off you moronic troll.

  • DaveTHX #4 2 years ago

    Available for PC as well, excellent. I'll be downloading that tonight.

    @Invisible_Cow
    Just make sure to clean up after yourself.

  • darkmorgado #5 2 years ago

    For god's sake it only took 5 comments to turn into yet another console-war thread.

    *sigh*

  • Petulant_Radish #6 2 years ago

    double sigh

  • KeatsSeven #7 2 years ago

    some of the people on here are such morons

  • bad09 #8 2 years ago

    While I'm with patchbox360 with the "haha paying for early access to a demo", I'm well up for some L4D2 today! \o/

    Fugly looking 360 (sorry it is I saw it at the expo) for now, PC version later ;)

    Now Valve.....50% off Steam L4D 1/2 pack STAT!!!!

  • jaywalker3010 Verified Mastering Manager, Square Enix #9 2 years ago

    they arent paying for the demo are they.. they preordered the FULL game and got early access to the demo, sometimes the comments people make on here are so ridiculous its amazing they can post on a forum let alone work out how to use a computer without electrocuting themselves :)
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 14:49

  • PlugMonkey #10 2 years ago

    EarlBassett:

    Maybe I'm being stupid, but wouldn't you need a Gold subscription to actually play the game with your friends anyway, regardless of who the demo was released to?

  • kwesleyb #11 2 years ago

    Its like you either all forgot or dont even know that valve did the pre-orders get the demo first for L4D1.
    You didnt moan then, so why moan now?

    I think their "pre-order gets early access to the demo" layout is a great idea, as it generally makes the majority of us want to actually pre-order it. It makes me want to pre-order it and im a person who has never pre-ordered a game. Ever.

    They are a company with the right company-minded methods.

  • chessboxer #12 2 years ago

    @ jaywalker3010

    PC owners who have pre-ordered L4D2 get early access to the demo, whereas any 360 owner with a Gold sub can access the demo now.

  • RedSparrows #13 2 years ago

    You can Henry, but most people don't.

    Platform snobbery must die.

  • Collymilad #14 2 years ago

    "@patchbox, f*ck off you moronic troll. "

    *Claps*

    Glad this is out, can't wait to play dling now.

  • jaywalker3010 Verified Mastering Manager, Square Enix #15 2 years ago

    @chessboxer - preorders have been playing the demo a while now even on 360 (actually due to a problem it was on 360 for preorderers before on pc).. only TODAY is it available to all gold subbers.. they still got `first access`
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 14:55

  • bad09 #16 2 years ago

    @ HenryVIII

    "Also, all the PC people "laughing", one thing you don't have on your fancy PC, is sitting in the lounge on the wide-screen with some beers and some friends, making a night of it."


    you clearly do not own a PC or a HDTV :)

  • kwesleyb #17 2 years ago

    @HenryVIII :

    Actually as a pc gamer, i have my pc hooked up to my wide-screen, with 2 rumble pad controllers and l4d in split screen mode. So yes pc gamers can do exactly what the consoles gamers apparently do with left 4 dead.

    Obviously thats for when people are round, when on my own im back to the mouse and keyboard layout as thats always best for fps.
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 14:57

  • Collymilad #18 2 years ago

    I'm sick of hearing about the PC.

    Yes, it has better graphics and mods. It's not an issue of contention. Everyone knows. No-one really gives a **** though. Just go and play your damn PC (not directed at anyone in particular btw :p)
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 14:58

  • Zidargh #19 2 years ago

    Am I the only one that finds all this console-war stuff utterly utterly sad? Does owning a greater console make one a greater being?

    Surely any console competition belongs in the realm of those who create and market them. I cannot for the life of me understand why consumers choose to ally themselves with a piece of plastic rather than just play the damn thing, accept other alternatives and ya know... have a life? Or have the majority of us still not grown up past the years of :-

    "My bike is better than yours."
    "Shut up or I'm telling my mum."

    *Sigh*

    On a more relevant note, I will most certainly be downloading this tonight. If it was anything like the first, this will be the first demo in a while to get me truly truly excited about the product.

  • kwesleyb #20 2 years ago

    Actually one more point about what eurogamer said: "Xbox Live Gold subscribers and PC owners can download the Left 4 Dead 2 demo today."

    Anyone living in Europe, as the majority reading this site will be, will soon realise that the demo will be available on steam (pc) early tomorrow, yes the 4th. Its released on the 3rd at 11am Pacific time. Eurogamer needs to do some revision before posting these "news" articles to their target audience.

  • thewool #21 2 years ago

    @HVIII

    also game downstairs with PC hooked up to 50" plasmoid, this setup shits all over my 360 and PS3. The majority of games I can play in true 1080p too :0p

    p.s. can't imagine playing L4D with a joypad, wouldn't seem right...
    Edited by 2 at 03/11/09 @ 15:19

  • themorganator #22 2 years ago

    In the style of LFD1... "DOWN-loading!

  • Gecks #23 2 years ago

    pc/xbox argument is totally redundant with a co-op game like left 4 dead. i buy it on the system my friends buy it so we can play together, and most of us gave up wtih pc gaming some years ago.
    Edited by 1 at 05/11/09 @ 11:34

  • kinky_mong #24 2 years ago

    "Console Wars" are the sole preserve of poor people with buyer's remorse.

  • kwesleyb #25 2 years ago

    I'll really stop posting in here now lol but i thought id share this link.

    Incase anyone missed it, you can pre-load L4D2 on steam/pc so when the demo gets released, its just simply unlocked instantly.

    http://cd n.store.steampowered.com/messag...

  • Negotiator #26 2 years ago

    Will I download this demo, oh yes, will I like it, oh yes, do I feel sorry for PS3 only owners (i own both), oh no.

  • mega7ech #27 2 years ago

    Best Console/PC + internet arguments = Extreme retardation + tediousness!

    Seriously though, I never got round to getting L4D. Have heard many stories from friends of its greatness but was wondering if its still worth getting the first game now or should I just jump straight in there with L4D2?

  • superdelphinus #28 2 years ago

    never played any l4d. worth it?

  • Teamallstar #29 2 years ago

    Couldn't be less interested about a game made for PC and then shoe horned onto a console!

    When valve can be bothered to make a new game engine rather than rushing games out using an engine that has been around since half life, I may become interested!

  • ronuds #30 2 years ago

    Isn't this article talking about how the demo is on XBL? Yeah, so screw PC!!! Enjoy your constant crashing. :p
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 15:38

  • kwesleyb #31 2 years ago

    @ronuds

    Actually it makes a few references to pc too.

  • Toothball #32 2 years ago

    Yeah so anyway, the demo on Xbox. Nice that it's out and about, but I think I'll just buy the game on launch. I don't think it will be possible for me to be dissatisfied with this game.

  • kingnothing12 #33 2 years ago

    I don't understand how the 360 can only have 2 player local multiplayer? the engine isn't that sophisticated, only the ai director is. so your telling me this engine can't be done 4 ways, or even a 2v2 deathmatch of some sort? where have all the old school 4 player games gone! Not everyone wants to play online all the time.

  • southpaw #34 2 years ago

    My console just red ringed while downloading this so no left 4 dead or anything else for the next month or so :(

  • kangarootoo #35 2 years ago

    This console vs PC nonsense is some of the saddest shit I've ever seen.

    No wonder half the world thinks video games are for geeks and children.

  • login_name #36 2 years ago

    This console vs PC nonsense is some of the saddest shit I've ever seen.

    No wonder half the world thinks video games are for geeks and children

    Indeed, as with the console vs console crap. I don't understand it, I really don't.

  • kangarootoo #37 2 years ago

    @EarlBassett

    No doubt the demo will eventually be available for download under a Silver account, before the title is released, so cool your boots.

  • keano #38 2 years ago

    can u guys even read the article.....

    PC pre-orderers of L4D2 have been playing the demo since late October. Xbox Live Silver members won't have access 10th November.

  • PlugMonkey #39 2 years ago

    @EarlBassett - have you not got any free trial codes? I'll see if one came with any of the games I bought recently (Borderlands would have to be a prime suspect, you would think) and shoot you a code if that would help?

    Edit:

    PC pre-orderers of L4D2 have been playing the demo since late October. Xbox Live Silver members won't have access 10th November.

    Yes, but how do you play a demo of an online game with a Silver account? Badly and on your own, I think is the answer.
    Edited by 1 at 03/11/09 @ 17:35

  • GaidenZero #40 2 years ago

    @superdelphinus - Yes. That is all

    :)

  • PlugMonkey #41 2 years ago

    @superdelphinus - Yes. That is all

    Well, that and a) don't play with bots and b)don't play it on too easy a skill level.

    The sensational clusterfucks are the most fun part, and also when it most feels like an awesome horror film. If you're not dying at least as much as surviving, then you're playing it wrong. :)

  • sanctusmortis #42 2 years ago

    "Ok, I'm not a troll or anything.
    But I'm actually going to take a stand and not buy this because the trial is only silver.

    Why?
    Because I'd have to buy this game and a gold-sub to play this with my mates, and I want to try it out first THIS WEEK when all my friends are going to be trying it"

    Well, to play weith them you NEED Gold. Seeing as it's 4 player ONLINE and all.

  • vegard #43 2 years ago

    had fun with the demo! but still, i can't see what was worth making this into a sequel instead of DLC.

  • El-Dev #44 2 years ago

    "Downloaded the demo its ok but it looks terrible on 360 i will buy it when it sub £20 in the run up to xmas"

    I doubt that, the original is still near enough full price. Downloading the demo now since the Sky player isn't working so I'll give it a bash later.

  • Bazfrag #45 2 years ago

    Soooo... anyone care to post actual impressions of the 360 demo?

  • Nephirion #46 2 years ago

    The PC version is superior and the DLC will be free unlike on the 360.

  • neosalad #47 2 years ago

    i also didnt think the graphics onthe 360 versionwere anythign special... and wondered why this wasnt just DLc for the original. (prob more money to be made releasing it as a new game altogether, especially this time of year and peopel who enjoyed the original).. but, i was expecting *graphically at least* some more improvements.

  • DDevil #48 2 years ago

    I played this quite a bit on the 360 yesterday... Then later in the evening I jumped on the PC version as well. Choice is good :-)

  • PlugMonkey #49 2 years ago

    I thought they would open it up online free for a week when it is on silver so you could try it.
    Why else would there be a demo?

    Well, they'd have to open up the whole of Gold free for a week too. I'm not sure they could do it for just one game.

    But you'd think that would be a pretty good idea around about now anyway - what with Borderlands and L4D2 and COD:MW2 all coming out, they could really drive gold subscriptions from those. Typical MS 'left hand not knowing what right hand is up to' style joined-up thinking.

    No joy from the free subscription vouchers I'm afraid. They must have stopped doing them. You used to get one with virtually every game you bought. :(
    Edited by 1 at 04/11/09 @ 08:39

  • kangarootoo #50 2 years ago

    Played the demo last night. Had terrible lag at first, but then switched to local server instead of dedicated Valve one and that sorted things (reminded me of the IW debate - dedicated servers are not always good news if they are swamped).

    Thought the graphics looked nice. Don't know how it compares to the PC version visually, and really don't care, as I'm not playing the PC version.

    Gameplay wise, it was more of the same but it didn't give me the same buzz as L4D1. Maybe it was the daylight level setting, maybe it was the wide spaces. But it just didn't create the same tension as the dark claustrophobic areas common in L4D1.

    And I have to say, I think the characters are rubbish for the most part. The Coach is very good, Ellis is mildly interesting, but Rochelle and Nick have zero personality. Zoe in L4D1 was pretty bland, but the other 3 were good characters and I just felt they were missed. Patch in full character support Valve, if you are listening.

    I am really hoping that the demo is not representative of the whole game (as is so often the case), as it just didn't shake my boots the way I hoped it would. To me also it felt a bit L4D1.5. Will rent before buying (or scour a lot of reviews at least), that is for sure.

  • kangarootoo #51 2 years ago

    @HugeXbox360Fan

    See my mention of the local server option.

    I would imagine that on demo launch day Valve's own dedicated servers were getting swamped. I too was seeing unplayable lag. But then I switched the server to local (in the server settings options, after you have created the lobby) and it was perfect after that.

  • carlitoswagon #52 2 years ago

    Good demo but doesn't feel eerie enough. Not sure if the daytime settings will help crank up the fear factor. In fact, there was non of the "oh shit" feeling that I got from L4D1. Maybe I've become numb to the terror.

    Melee weapons good for crowd control. I can see why they've been added. No more backing up against walls and sitting tight.

    It's still going to be good but will have to see how daytime and open map setting will affect the rest of the game.

  • Invisible_Cow #53 2 years ago

    I was also initially skeptical as to why this wasn't an expansion, but there are enough changes that I can see engine modifications would have been needed.

    Definite graphical improvement; better textures and effects on things like fire and smoke. The normal zombies seem to be able to surround you a lot more easily, though I can't put my finger on why. Melee weapons are hilarious. Defibrillator is cool (though I'm sad it takes up the space of the medkit). The balance of new and old zombie types seems good. Multiplayer looks like it will be better than the original.

    All in all: maybe not 'EPIC WIN !!1', but still WIN.