Left 4 Dead (review)

LEFT 4 DEAD [Xbox 360 & pc - microsoft windows] [18+]

Where would the horror movie industry be today without the classic zombie movie. Over the last few years we have seen a huge growth in the genre & with movies like 28 days/weeks later & dawn of the dead zombies are again invading our world so its no surprise there have been so many games featuring them - resident evil is perhaps the best example of a successful chain of zombie/survival horror games spawning a huge number of sequels & prequels. Left 4 dead follows the same trend of survival horror & not only does it work but it works even better than expected.

The game puts you in control of 4 survivors that must fight their way through a seemingly endless swarm of zombies. Louis/Francis/Bill & my personal favourite Zoey - to help your character you are supplied with a good selection of weapons & guns including - m1911 pistol (pick up 2 & you can carry dual pistols) uzi sub maching gun/ruger 14 rifle/benelli m4 super 90 shotgun & much more, Molotov cocktails & pipe-bombs can also be picked up along the way. If you do pick up a pipe-bomb you can throw it & the zombies will automatically be attracted to the bomb by its siren & flashing light so it’s a good way to get out of a tight spot. As for the zombies themselves or the infected as some people like to call them - its obvious they are inspired by the newer 28 days/weeks later style of movie rather than the classic zombie movie & it doesn’t take long to realise this! They are fast but weak..however if you get enough of them around you they will start to overpower you, the number of zombies on screen is very impressive. Along with the common zombies there are also a number of boss zombies that pop up now and then such as the tank which can crash through walls & even throw cars & other things at you - the witch which will not attack unless she is disturbed by the light of your torch will..but when she targets you it becomes a tough job to actually take her out.

The environments in the game are very cinematic & you will easily feel like you are in a horror movie - dark streets & alleyways are perfect locations for swarms of zombies to ambush the survivors - while interior buildings will leave you stumbling around the in the dark with only your flashlight & wits to guide you through - airports/alleyways/streets & even farms provide for a great gaming arena. As for the graphics they are impressive, surfaces appear realistic with water reflection & light interaction - the look of the game is all about cinematics - film grain can be added & fog or mist adds a classic movie feel to the game.

Because the game relies on so much teamwork its no surprise the game shines at its best when played online with a team of players. Its very satisfying & indeed much more realistic when you can work with a group of actual people & not have to rely on the games artificial intelligence - the A.I. itself is in no means weak & one of the best features is the director mode where any time the game is played a unique experience will be had by the gamer - not only that but the games A.I. director will decide what to throw at you & where to do it depending on your situation. Versus mode is great fun & when a player gets taken down by a zombie they themselves will become infected & become one of the undead - when this does happen it provides a completely unique multiplayer experience, the infected will be given the choice of where to spawn/information on secret pathways/even the ability to control a boss zombie.

My final verdict of the game is a good one, it plays well for what it is & the experience of play is always different which expands the lifespan of the game. The multiplayer is fun & great for anyone who just wants to have a quick blast with friends. The fact you get the opportunity to play as a zombie is something that really appeals to people who want something more from the usual survival horror game. The graphics work for the film look & if you are after a cinematic experience then you wont be disappointed. My few quibbles with the game are as follows - unless you have a super fast broadband connection then playing online can be a problem (mines super fast & didn’t have any problems but I have heard from some people they cant play it) the lack of music..there isn’t much of a score here, boss zombies become too well known & there is a lack of new bosses nor is their unique level bosses. Other than that the game is highly enjoyable & will provide hours of fun for either a casual or hardcore gamer - if you liked any of the resident evil games then this one will not disappoint.

[8-10]