System: Xbox360 and Microsoft Windows
ESRB Rating: M (for Mature)
When individuals think about zombies, most gamers around the world would think about the landmark titles of Resident Evil or the zombie survival movie series Living Dead by director George A. Romero. With the haunting images of the walking undead stalking the city streets yearning for blood and human flesh to consume, it is no surprise that in 2002 the film 28 Days Later revolutionized the overall image of zombie terror as we know it. Now seen as walking corpses able to reach inhuman speeds, video games now incorporate these heart-pounding images into the survival horror genre. With a first person shooter look, Left 4 Dead offers an engaging and entertaining escape.
Set in a post-apocalyptic city setting, Left 4 Dead stars four of the most unlikely characters to ever work together. From a tattooed hardcore biker, to a horror movie obsessed college student, an overworked employee, and a Vietnam Wan veteran, Left 4 Dead creator Valve Corporation weave together a flawed but fun first person shooter. Able to choose which character the player wishes to control, the solo game play can last a solid four to six hours before becoming dull. Repetition is to be expected when dealing when gamers are merely trying to survive exploring a city filled with undead walking corpses.
Layout of the game sadly fails to awe the typical player as the whole story plot is split over four to five levels which subplots to explore. While lighting and controller angles were worked out beautifully, the scenario of zombies jumping out of a dark corner gets old quickly. However, the soundtrack lives up to the reputation as the howling screams of bloodlust from hundreds of hording zombies never fails to send chills up the players spine.
Weapon usage proves valuable and amusing throughout the game as players gain access to weapons ranging from dual wielding pistols to pipe bombs. However, within the solo setting, the variety can become tiresome when running out of ammo at inopportune times results in your character becoming an all you can eat course. Future installments in the Left 4 Dead Xbox360 version will hopefully fix any issues that the final cut of production did not work out.
The shining element of Left 4 Dead lies in the short but fun co-op setting involving up to four players. Here, players get to choose not only one of the main characters but a list of the dominant zombies seen throughout the game. Now armed with either guns and strategy or speed and inhuman strength, co-op can be fun and unpredictable. The only ploy that gamers will find annoying is the lack of options the zombies have in order to take down their pray. Getting up close and personal seems to be the only way to do any damage to the opposing team and with guns constantly being fired in gamers’ general direction, it can get aggravating.
In the end of all things, Left 4 Dead does not shine a competitive light on zombie series Resident Evil, but it serves as a fun opportunity to pass a weekend quickly or spend an evening with friends. Being quick on your “feet” and able to predict moves with your trigger finger on the controller has never been more fun and for a one time show, Left 4 Dead takes the cake.
Overall Score: 7.5 out of 10
