Intense co-op zombie shooter with thrilling survival modes
Intense co-op zombie shooter with thrilling survival modes
Pros
- Tense, spooky atmosphere
- Adjustable "AI director"
- Enjoyable multiplayer modes
Cons
- Less enjoyable in single-player mode
- Couch co-op tricker on PC
Left 4 Dead is a zombie shooter with strong co-op play. The game stars four survivors of an epidemic that has transformed victims into monsters. Vietnam vet Bill, university student Zoey, tough biker Francis and white-collar worker Louis must sneak, fight and flee their way through a series of areas swarming with deadly "infected." Just when it seems that the group have reached safety, some new crisis always comes along, forcing them to go on the run once again.
The key element of Left 4 Dead play is teamwork; when there are fewer than four players, the remaining roles will be filled by computer-controlled characters. In the standard campaign mode, he survivors must make their way to the end of a series of levels, evading or fighting off the infected. Although the levels are ultimately linear, with a single beginning and end, there are usually multiple ways to move through them. Along the way, the survivors will get the chance to get new and more dangerous weapons and will encounter a variety of different enemies.
In addition to the normal infected -- who behave like traditional zombies -- there are five special types of infected. The Tank is a muscular behemoth, capable of knocking survivors out with a stunning blow or hurling cars and rubble with deadly force. The Smoker uses its lashing tongues to grapple survivors, while the Hunter uses its superior speed and agility to attack. The Boomer spits toxic, blinding bile and can attract other infected. Watch out: Boomers explode when they die, spraying more bile. Worst of all is the Witch, a powerful Infected who remains dormant until light or noise awakens her. The Witch is the most dangerous foe in the game, so survivors must use stealth to avoid her wherever possible.
In addition to the standard campaign mode, there are other multiplayer modes. In Survival mode, the players attempt to survive a wave of zombie survivors; this mode was released in an expansion pack in 2009. The versus campaign mode pits two groups of players against each other -- one group plays the human survivors, while the other plays a group of infected (one of each special type except the Witch). The teams play through each level, switching sides so that they have a chance to play as both survivors and infected.
Left 4 Dead is a fun, atmospheric zombie shooter; the game's AI controls not only the enemies but also elements like the music to create a more enjoyable zombie-hunting experience. If you like multiplayer shooters and zombie horror, it's an excellent fusion of the two genres.
Pros
- Tense, spooky atmosphere
- Adjustable "AI director"
- Enjoyable multiplayer modes
Cons
- Less enjoyable in single-player mode
- Couch co-op tricker on PC
Pros
- Combines elements of science fiction, horror, and survival games
- Co-op campaign mode lets you play with up to three others online
- Includes four modes of play, including a survival and timed games
- Lots of exciting action and terrifying jump scenes
- Unlimited ammunition helps you progress faster
Cons
- Some zombies are too hard to kill
- Lower levels are too easy for experienced players
- Game play in single-player mode can feel boring
- Fewer online players since the release of newer games in the franchise
Left 4 Dead is a first-person shooter game that combines elements of horror with survival scenarios as you run for your life from zombies.
Released in 2008, the game starts off with clips that explain what happened to new players. You learn that the Green Flu spread across the city and turned humans into zombies. The game shows you four survivors who manage to get across the city and find a helicopter to take them away, but you then discover that the pilot has the infection. You then select one of the survivors and play as that character through multiple levels as zombies keep coming at you.
Though you only have a pistol at the start of the game, you have access to unlimited bullets. You can find and use other weapons in various levels, and the game lets you carry up to two weapons at the same time. Different levels will also introduce you to other weapons like knives and swords and to first aid kits that you can use to heal yourself after an attack. If your health meter runs out before you get to help, you die and must start the level over again.
Left 4 Dead includes four impressive game modes. Campaign mode is a cooperative mode that pairs you with one or more other online players. In versus mode you play as part of a team of survivors and a team of zombies. Survival mode sends you to a new area of the map and awards you points based on how long you survive the zombie enemies coming at you. It also includes a campaign mode that you can play by yourself. The game will send three artificial intelligence characters to assist you.
This game is easily one of the top zombie survival games of all time, which is why it inspired so many sequels. Many of these sequels cannot compare to the original though. It has a number of jump scenes that will get you out of your seat and plenty of action. While the traditional campaign mode lacks the action of the four-person campaign mode, you'll still want to try all of the modes. Some of the zombies are easier to take down than others, but you will find new and exciting action every time you turn on Left 4 Dead.
Pros
- Combines elements of science fiction, horror, and survival games
- Co-op campaign mode lets you play with up to three others online
- Includes four modes of play, including a survival and timed games
- Lots of exciting action and terrifying jump scenes
- Unlimited ammunition helps you progress faster
Cons
- Some zombies are too hard to kill
- Lower levels are too easy for experienced players
- Game play in single-player mode can feel boring
- Fewer online players since the release of newer games in the franchise
