Left 4 Dead
Review
Braaiinnss!!!
by Chris Scott
reviewed on X360
Four scenarios to try (cntd.)
The four campaign scenarios are all playable with four people and, because humans are entirely unpredictable, you will never know exactly what to expect. That is certainly all a blast but the game really shows its best side when you play the Versus mode. The ideal way to play versus is four versus four. One team will assume to role of the survivors, while the other team will take over as a team of "super" zombies, minus the Witch who is not playable. Playing as the "super" zombies can be difficult, given that everyone but the Tank can be brought down with one or two shots, but the satisfaction of bringing down a team of survivors after a well-planned attack is nothing short of exhilarating. The round ends when either the survivors make it to a safe room or the "super" zombies kill them all, then the sides switch and it is all done over again. Unfortunately, the Versus mode is only available on two of the four scenario maps but it should offer you plenty of fun action until Valve can get some more scenarios out to players.
Not for solo players
Aside from the low number of scenarios, I must throw out this warning to potential gamers. If you do not plan on playing Left 4 Dead with others I urge you to wait on purchasing it. There just isn't enough substance to justify the game for solo players at the current price point, considering especially that a third of the game will be locked to you. While it is entirely possible to play the game and have fun in solo mode - the AI for the survivors is fantastic even on higher difficulty levels - it just is not going to be a whole lot to keep you interested. However, if you do plan on playing it online via XBOX Live or with a friend via split screen then you are in for a treat.
3D sounds
On the technical side of things, Left 4 Dead is fairly impressive. The game is powered on a modified version of the Source engine and while the engine is starting to show its age the game still looks and runs great, an impressive feat considering the number of zombies that can be attacking you at any one time. Most impressive, though, is the 3D sound which, if you have a good surround sound set-up, can be used as a gameplay tool, alerting you to attacks from behind before they happen.
For all zombie-lovers
Left 4 Dead is a great game that everyone should play, although the inclusion of only four scenarios is a major drawback. Valve will hopefully rectify this in the coming weeks and months. If you are a zombie fan, this is a game you must own now. If you aren't, you may want to wait to see what Valve does with the title down the line. One can only hope that Valve learned from their mistakes with Team Fortress 2 on the 360 and they give Left 4 Dead a chance to thrive because there is no other game on the system like this.
8.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
