Left 4 Dead (PC) review

December 3, 10:17 AMPC Game ExaminerBryan Edge-Salois

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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