Don’t get too excited; this “crossover” isn’t nearly as impressive as you’d hope.
A few minutes ago an email appeared in my inbox. It’s subject line read, “Capcom and Valve Announce Resident Evil 6 X Left 4 Dead 2 Crossover Project.” My eyes grew wide at those words, and I frantically clicked through to read the text. 30 seconds later I was a whole lot less excited.
Yes, Capcom and Valve have joined forces for a crossover between Resident Evil 6 and Left 4 Dead 2. Nothing goes better with zombies than more zombies, right? Unfortunately, this project is not a new game in either series, or even a special off-shoot combining the two similar properties. Instead, the announcement heralds the arrival of Resident Evil characters in Left 4 Dead 2 and Left 4 Dead 2 characters in the upcoming PC version of Resident Evil 6. Have a look at Capcom’s official description:
This crossover project between two of the interactive entertainment industry’s most respected publishers will see characters from Left 4 Dead 2 featured exclusively in the forthcoming PC version of Resident Evil 6, while enemies from Resident Evil 6 will invade the PC version of Left 4 Dead 2.
Though not as awesome as it initially seems, those of you with particular affection for these two titles will be happy to hear that these additions are completely gratis. If you own Left 4 Dead 2 or purchase the PC iteration of Resident Evil 6, you won’t need spend any extra cash to see these bonus characters in action.
As far as which characters will be making the jump to a different gaming universe, the roster is actually quite fleshed out. According to Capcom, Left 4 Dead 2’s quartet of heroes (Coach, Nick, Ellis and Rochelle) will make playable cameos in Resident Evil 6’s PC-exclusive “The Mercenaries No Mercy” gameplay mode. Each “will have a special customized weapon load-out created just for use in Resident Evil 6.” Further, two of Left 4 Dead 2’s special infected will make appearances as enemies in this mode: The Witch and the Mini Tank.
On the Valve side, Left 4 Dead 2 will see three enemies — the Lepotitsa, Napad and Ogroman — from Resident Evil 6 join the legions of shambling horrors attempting to kill players.
There’s currently no official release date for these content additions, but we expect them soon. Most likely they’ll appear alongside the retail debut of Resident Evil 6’s PC port, which hits shelves on March 22.
