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Last year's surprise hit "Left 4 Dead" taught us surviving as one of four humans in a zombie-dominated world takes more than just a willingness to dish out bloody carnage.

Teamwork again is key in "Left 4 Dead 2," which improves on its predecessor in nearly every way - an expanded weapons arsenal, new virus-infected attackers and more engaging environments.

"Left 4 Dead 2" is set in the deep South, with the foursome's quest beginning in Savannah, Ga., and progressing to New Orleans. The new team consists of Coach, a defensive lineman turned health teacher; Ellis, a blue-collar, storytelling mechanic; Rochelle, a TV newswoman; and Nick, a drifter con artist.

Working together requires listening to the other characters' dialogue. Share first aid kits, pain pills and adrenaline shots with downed teammates, and protect friends who are busy reloading weapons or improving their vital signs. You'll expect the same from them, and going rogue will only ensure an untimely death.

Unlike in the original "Left 4 Dead," many of the sequel's scenes play out in daylight, which reveals two key points: the settings and graphics are spectacular, and the gore is taken to another level.

Five distinct campaigns involve such varied challenges as maneuvering through fire and across window ledges to escape a burning building, and enduring violently shifting weather in the Hard Rain campaign. Plane wreckage in a swamp inhabited by mud men and a carnival complete with a roller coaster and evil clowns add to the fun.

Three new zombie types join Boomers, Hunters, Smokers and Tanks, and the monsters seem to work together to make things difficult. Chargers grab and carry survivors, and Jockeys jump backs to steer characters toward danger or away from the group. Spitters lob toxic green gobs of acid.

The horde is back, and it's more aggressive and varied than ever.

The cadre of fast-moving zombies can converge on the group at any time, especially if one of the foursome accidentally sets off a car alarm or gets splattered with Boomer bile.

All of the zombies are scary and gross, and their reactions to getting riddled with bullets and shells or slashed up with a ninja sword or ax are greatly enhanced from the previous title. Incendiary ammo and laser sights add to the weapons offerings.

"Left 4 Dead 2" is best played with other humans, either through split-screen or online, as computer-controlled teammates don't always take enough initiative.

But the game's campaigns and myriad multiplayer offerings will provide hours of zombie-shooting fun.

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The "on-rails shooter" genre - in which a player concentrates on weapon attacks and item gathering while being guided along a set path - is a bit of throwback.

But Nintendo Wii owners starved for M-rated games will welcome "Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles," an arcade-style shooter best experienced using the gunlike Wii Zapper attachment.

The series' previous Wii installment, "Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles," borrowed liberally from previous titles and Capcom used the same formula here.

"Darkside Chronicles" draws from the events of "Resident Evil 2," resurrecting the characters of Claire Redfield, Leon Kennedy and Jack Krauser in such familiar settings as South America and Raccoon City.

The controls are simple - point the remote at the screen, press the trigger to shoot and shake to reload. Press the "A" button to pick up items or open doors and use the control pad to switch between weapons, which range from the unlimited ammo handgun to shotguns and submachine guns.

The game is best enjoyed when playing co-op with a friend, with the pair sharing inventory such as weapons, equip items and ammo.

The graphics, though nowhere near as impressive as more modern "Resident Evil" games on other consoles, are much improved from "The Umbrella Chronicles." The fast-paced camera movement adds a sense of urgency, but it can occasionally leave you a little woozy.

"The Darkside Chronicles" can't provide the depth of its more mature "Resident Evil" brethren, but the game fills a void for players limited to the Wii.

'Left 4

Dead 2'

For the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 $59.99. Rated. M.

'Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles'

For the Wii, $49.99. Rated M.

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