He calls to me as I approach the fairgrounds, waiting, held captive by the rigged carnival game. “We ain’t got time for this, Ellis!” Coach yells as I run towards the shooting gallery. It cranks to life, carnival quality music and all, and I get to work saving Mr Chompski. Targets fall as the time ticks down, my AI-controlled teammates diligently covering my flanks. ”Nice shot!” Rochelle cheers as my score crosses the 750 mark.
To the left, Gnome Chompski’s cell opens. But the fight is just beginning. I holster my weapon and grab the tiny bearded man.
“I ever tell you about the time my buddy Keith…”
“Ellis? Is now the best time?” Nick interrupts.
He’s right. This is no longer just another run through the Dark Carnival campaign in Left 4 Dead 2. This is a rescue mission. We make our way past games and food stands, through rides and animal barns, repelling hordes trying to stop the gnome’s escape. With each scream of a Hunter and intestinal growl of a Boomer, I grab Gnome Chompski tighter. I’m committed to seeing this through to the end.
We finally arrive, blood-soaked and tired, at the final stage. I carefully chuck Chompski into the stands giving him a front-row seat to watch our zombie-slaying expertise be put to the test.
With the first screech of an electric guitar, the concert is on. Hordes fall to the beeps of our pipe bombs, tanks stumble into the flames of our molotov cocktails, and our health bars widdle away.
Then our eyes lock. Chompski’s kind, loving gnome glance pierces deep, reminding me of what’s at stake. The chopper drops in low as I stab adrenaline into my chest, grab my friend, and make a final dash to safety. Rochelle, Nick, and Coach are down, but as bots, they know the drill. With a quick dodge of a Charger and small leap to the chopper, Chompski is safe. I received an achievement that day. But I didn’t do it for the gamer score. I did it for him.
