
For over 15 years, Left 4 Dead has dominated the co-op shooter genre. Its impact is so profound that many believe no other game will ever dethrone it. Numerous attempts have been made, including some by the original creators at Turtle Rock Studios, but none have managed to advance the genre or surpass the benchmark set by Left 4 Dead. In fact, most co-op shooters haven’t even matched its standard. EvilVEvil is the latest entrant in this space, but like its predecessors, it falls short of Valve’s 2008 classic.
While it might seem unfair to compare every multiplayer PvE shooter to Left 4 Dead, it’s almost inevitable. EvilVEvil does bring its own unique elements to the table, and ideally, both games could coexist without being in direct competition. However, Left 4 Dead’s status is almost unparalleled in the co-op shooter world. Its design, accessibility, and iconic status make it a constant point of reference for any new game in the genre. The enduring popularity of Left 4 Dead 2, with its steady 30,000 concurrent players on Steam, highlights the challenge new games face. To stand out, a new co-op shooter needs to be exceptional, and EvilVEvil, unfortunately, is not.
That being said, EvilVEvil isn’t without its merits. The game’s vampire heroes are agile and can stylishly decimate hordes of cyber-demons. Its comic-inspired art style and techno-gothic aesthetic add a unique flair, and the currency-based progression system is satisfying for those who enjoy incremental progress. However, the specter of Left 4 Dead looms large. EvilVEvil’s enemies lack the challenge and intelligence of L4D’s mobs and special infected. Its linear levels and uninspired arsenal leave players longing for L4D’s dynamic pacing and memorable weaponry.
Additionally, EvilVEvil lacks the engaging character interactions and voice lines that make Left 4 Dead’s world feel grounded. There’s no AI director dynamically adjusting the game’s difficulty based on the player’s performance. While EvilVEvil differentiates itself as a hero shooter with distinct abilities for each character, these abilities are minimal and fail to provide a unique playstyle until much later in the game.
The progression system in EvilVEvil is another area where it feels outdated. Many upgrades are incremental stat increases that don’t significantly impact gameplay. This type of progression can feel tedious and unrewarding, contrasting sharply with the more impactful and satisfying upgrades found in modern RPGs and hero shooters.
While other genres may accommodate games that lean heavily on nostalgia without innovating, the co-op shooter genre demands more. With a robust modding community and a solid foundation already in place, Left 4 Dead 2 remains a compelling choice for those seeking this type of experience. Despite its vampire-themed appeal, EvilVEvil lacks the depth in story, characters, and gameplay to be more than a shadow of its predecessors.