Who doesn’t like zombies? No-one, that’s who. Unless, of course, you’re running for your life from them, which is exactly where you find yourself in the co-op centric Left 4 Dead. Taking on the role of four armed survivors of the zombie apocalypse, you move from safehouse to safehouse searching for an escape from The Infected.
Between safehouses the path is anything but hospitable; zombies are everywhere. On their own they are manageable, but an onrushing horde is enough to cause crosshairs to wave wildly in panic.
A cool head and teamwork is vital to survival. Those running off alone will only last so long before the pack attacks and separates you from the safety of your friends. It may not be on a par with Rainbow Six when it comes to checking corners and clearing rooms, but you need your buddies close to apply first-aid and pull up those who have been knocked down. Plus the trivial matter of helping keep the undead at bay.
The experience of seeing of your first horde descend is a memorable one. There are no slow, pondering zombies here. Expect a sprinting 28 Days Later style that will pour from the surroundings in their droves. Bicycle clips are recommended.
As well as your standard Infected zombie model, there are also Special Infected. Taking the shape of large tanks, swift hunters and ranged smokers that can lash you from a distance with their tongue. Each has their own distinct cry and all can incapacitate a member of the group in their own special way, causing the rest to concentrate their efforts on freeing their comrade before it is too late. The introduction of these special types keeps everyone on their toes, awaiting the noise through the trees that signals a hunter’s approach.
Worst, though, is the Boomer who can turn a moment’s calm on its head. A huge, obese monster whose vomit attracts vast swathes of zombies from seemingly nowhere. Taken out at range they prove no bother but yards from a safehouse with low ammo and low health they can be a downright pain.
Disappointing, Left 4 Dead only has four chapters, each taking roughly an hour to complete. Its replay value comes from an “AI director” that spawns Infected as and when it sees fit. Dawdling too long will probably provoke a zombie rush, but take too much punishment and the director might ease off giving you time to regroup. Whilst this does add variety and unpredictability, it doesn’t seem enough with the blandness and linearity of the levels and your mission.
A different dimension is added to the experience through the adversarial mode, where you are placed in control of the Special Infected. Being far weaker than the humans, Infected must play cat and mouse with their prey. Charging in alone is a definite way to see the respawn screen very swiftly and so waiting in ambush or following in on a horde rush are your best methods of getting the brains you desire.
Played offline Left 4 Dead is a midly interesting affair but ultimately just an average shooter. Played with friends the experience is definitely lifted, but no matter how much the AI director plays with the game’s tempo those spending extended periods with the game will be retreading an awful lot of ground.
I make my living as a programmer at a British games developer. In my spare time I try and spread myself between writing, gaming, drumming, goalkeeping, rolling dice and keeping my hair blue. Somewhere around that my wife fits in.
Disclaimer: the views expressed are my own and do not neccessarily reflect those of my employer. "
