It's the Zombie Apocalypse -- do you know
where your shotgun is?
Left 4 Dead is an arcade-style, first person shooter that delivers a thrilling, satisfying multi-player co-op action game.
Co-op multiplayer is definitely what makes Left 4 Dead truly awesome. The single-player game, while entertaining, isn't engaging enough to keep the relatively repetitive (albeit fun) zombie-blasting interesting for extended stretches. While the AI team mates are competent, the single player Left 4 Dead is a mere shadow -- or perhaps a bit lifeless -- compared to the multiplayer game.
Multiplayer Left 4 Dead is the only way to play. While the maps (all 20 of them) are static, the placement of zombies and how they attack you is dynamic, and semi-randomized in some way. Playing with three other human players only makes things more interesting. And if you get "bored" with the normal difficulty level, you can ramp it up to advanced or expert if you really want to throw down with zombie hordes.
The Good
- Some of the best co-op multiplayer play money can buy.
- Randomized elements and human players require adaptive, tactical strategy.
- No shortage of exploding zombie heads
- Play as a zombie or a human in the vs. maps
The Bad
- The single player game is ok, but relatively lame compared to multiplayer.
The Ugly
- Boomers blow green vomit on you. Eww.
Overall
- An outstanding zombie-apocalypse shooter -- but buy it for the multiplayer game, not the single player game.
Read more about Left 4 Dead on Valve's Steam Page
Comments
Since the Left 4 Dead SDK, or software developer kit, was released, many people have been creating custom campaigns. Most of the custom campaigns are still being worked on and are one two three chapters complete, there are a few that are completed such as Night Terror, DeadCity Campaign, and Death Aboard. There are several very creative campaigns such as the three listed in the previous sentence that put the four survivors in environments different from the original campaigns.
It would be a great idea to write an article on the custom campaigns if you have played any, Bryan. I have played several and some are amazing. Screen shots and videos the the campaigns would be a plus as well.
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