When comparing Team Fortress 2: Mann vs. Machine vs Left 4 Dead 2, the Slant community recommends Left 4 Dead 2 for most people. In the question“What are the best 4-player local multiplayer games on Steam?” Left 4 Dead 2 is ranked 14th while Team Fortress 2: Mann vs. Machine is ranked 40th. The most important reason people chose Left 4 Dead 2 is:
Left 4 Dead 2 features a co-op versus mode that pits two teams against one another. One takes on the role of survivors, which is very similar to the normal campaign. The other team, however, plays as the infected, opening up a whole new play style and set of strategies.
Specs
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Pros
Pro The Mann vs. Machine co-op mode let’s players work together, a nice change of pace from the PvP modes
Mann vs. Machine is a co-op mode in Team Fortress 2 that places 6 players on a team with the objective of stopping robots from deploying a bomb. While not the central mode of the game, it allows for enjoyable cooperative play rather than competitive play.
Pro Free-to-play that does not require money to be at a competitive level
This game is mostly pay-to-gain, for example by unlocking new weapons, as opposed to pay-to-win. You can randomly earn or find things without having to purchase them, and some of those can be used to craft even more rare and powerful items.
Pro Free-to-play for everyone and anyone
Team Fortress 2 has been totally free-to-play since 2011. This means anyone can download and enjoy the title.
Pro Easily play with friends on different OSes
The game runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux machines, which makes it easy to enjoy the game with friends no matter what OS any of you use.
Pro Offline LAN support for those that do not wish to play online
You can play local multiplayer matches even without an internet connection as long as you follow the proper steps to set it up. This way people can set up LAN battles without worry of internet connections or ping times.
Pro Great humor breaks up the monotony of repeated gaming sessions
Valve is known for its sense of humor, and Team Fortress 2 does not disappoint. Unlike other popular first-person shooters, this is a game that does not take itself too seriously. This is great for those that may find the gameplay getting stale after repeated plays, as there is still something to enjoy.
Pro Turn the gameplay upside down by hunting the hunters in a unique co-op mode where you play as the zombies
Left 4 Dead 2 features a co-op versus mode that pits two teams against one another. One takes on the role of survivors, which is very similar to the normal campaign. The other team, however, plays as the infected, opening up a whole new play style and set of strategies.
Pro Invigorating cooperation based survival dynamic
Left 4 Dead 2 requires players on the same team to cooperate to survive. This makes for an interesting dynamic for teammates, as it will be increasingly difficult to make it through a level if any one player decides to go off on their own.
Pro Highly improved over Left 4 Dead
Those who loved the original Left 4 Dead will find this game even more enjoyable. Almost everything has been improved, including the AI. Other additions to the game include new enemies and melee weapons.
Pro AI teammates work great in single player gameplay
For those that prefer to play with AI, this is one of the best co-op games for offline bot play.
Pro Low Spec
This game can practically run on a potato.
Pro Melee weapons have the best visceral experience
Left 4 Dead 2 includes melee weapons for the player to use during the game. These allow for not only more graphic violence, but also a more personal and visceral experience.
Cons
Con Free accounts are slightly limited
Free accounts do not get the same rare and cosmetic items as paid accounts, nor do they have as many storage slots for items.
Con Very difficult without team engagement
For those looking for a casual co-op experience, Left 4 Dead 2 probably isn't the best option. Without a good sense of teamwork and focus, this game can get very challenging.
Con AI not the smartest
The AI has a tendency to make ridiculous choices that can screw up what players are doing. This can become a big problem when relying on AI teammates in order to get through a level.
Con There is no variation of gameplay
Making it very boring after a few hours of playing. Slaying zombies is fun and all, but it gets exceptionally dull once the "wow" effect of blowing zombie's brains out wears off.
Con More of the same
While the game has been improved compared to the original, there are no wildly different game mechanics. If you did not have much fun with Left 4 Dead, you will probably not get much enjoyment out of the sequel. Some have gone so far as to complain that it feels like a large DLC update rather than a discrete game.