User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 4339 Ratings

User score distribution:
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  1. StevenSchockaert
    Aug 27, 2009
    10
    The mutliplayer Co-op in this game is one of the best at the current date. Imagine the word Co-op written in 10 feet high concrete letters! They should make more games like this.

    Zombies? nothing new actually, but yet it's so much fun, replayable and... well, one of my favourite games at the moment. Lets hope they might add more DLC's in the future. On a sidenote, i hope the
    The mutliplayer Co-op in this game is one of the best at the current date. Imagine the word Co-op written in 10 feet high concrete letters! They should make more games like this.

    Zombies? nothing new actually, but yet it's so much fun, replayable and... well, one of my favourite games at the moment. Lets hope they might add more DLC's in the future. On a sidenote, i hope the follow up 'Left 4 dead 2" will be a succes.
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  2. BrianH.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    Finally, the cooperative zombie shooter with a budget is here and it's kicks undead ass! The best thing about Left 4 Dead has got to be the AI director. It makes each game experience different from a steady stream of those good old fashion mindless zombies to smokers, hunters, boomers and more. Remember, help your team mates or you are all good as dead.
  3. TomC.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    Very Awesome game, i played the demo for hours and finaly buy the game to play more and more with my friend. The Co-op mode is one of the best i've ever seen in a shooter, and the the way you can kill, burn and explode these zombie is unbeleivable. I give 10/10 for the style and for making this game a scary and very exciting experience! Grats.
  4. EricL
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    I always wondered if someone would make a game with running zombies just like from the movie "28 Days Later" and now someone has! This has got to be the one of the best if not the best thriller game I have played. Keep it up Valve!
  5. JohnM
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    This has to be one of the most epic FPS games ever made, as well as one of the most epic survival horror games zombie games ever made and one of the best (if not the best) co-op game ever made. If you play this game with friends, or even just friendly people it will likely never get old. Due to Valve's great post release support we can expect plenty of new content in various forms This has to be one of the most epic FPS games ever made, as well as one of the most epic survival horror games zombie games ever made and one of the best (if not the best) co-op game ever made. If you play this game with friends, or even just friendly people it will likely never get old. Due to Valve's great post release support we can expect plenty of new content in various forms (maps, game types, weapons etc.). Due to the gaming community that supports Valve games, you can expect plenty of custom maps, mods, skins for models, weapons...You name it. The AI director is a great innovation in gaming and it is just like Valve to come up with it. The multiplayer "Vs" component to the game is also an incredible amount of fun where 4 players play as the "Survivors" and 4 players play as the Boss "Infected". Seriously, if your computer can run this game (most from the last 4 years could I am sure) and you enjoy action horror or FPS games you would be a fool not to buy this one. Expand
  6. StephenW.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    This is the most intense game I have EVER played. You will play for hours straight and be unable to blink because you'll think there's a zombie around every corner. Play with your friends for the maximum effect. You are guaranteed to have stories of your experience afterwards.
  7. Z900
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    This game is pure win in so many ways. It proves that basic gameplay, decent graphics and sound and a moderate budget can be better than most big budget titles. Just think what this game will e like after additions. Left 4 Dead 2 on a bigger budget will be even more spectacular (think the difference of Half life 1 and 2).
  8. Matt
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    This game is great. If you're a zombie fan, you'll love it. First, the graphics: Very good for the source engine. The facial animations on the main characters are great. I'll never forget the first time I saw one of my fellow players injured, lying on the ground screaming his head off, then to look and see that the facial animations followed this screaming: mouthThis game is great. If you're a zombie fan, you'll love it. First, the graphics: Very good for the source engine. The facial animations on the main characters are great. I'll never forget the first time I saw one of my fellow players injured, lying on the ground screaming his head off, then to look and see that the facial animations followed this screaming: mouth gaping, eyes wide open, a genuinely terrified look on his face. The zombies are great too. The way they shamble, run and stumble when you hit them is very impressive. As far as the gameplay, it's great. If you've played even 1 or 2 Valve shooters, you'll be fine with this game. The game helps you along nicely without being annoyingly easy. I think my favorite part of the game, overall, is the Versus mode. Basically, 4 players will play as humans and any players present over that 4 will be placed on the undead team. You can sort of "spectate" the map and figure out where you want to spawn. It tells you what kind of zombie you'll spawn as and whether or not you can spawn (you can't be too close to the humans). I honestly think I've had the most fun playing as the zombies, especially the one time I've gotten to be the "tank". Nothing like smacking people across the room or ripping up chunks of the ground to throw at them. Great fun. Most well-done, original and FUN game I've played since the Orange Box, hands down. Expand
  9. Samuel
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    The game Left 4 Dead is one of the best zombie apocalypse games ever made. You can do everything from comitting genocide in campaign mode against the zombies to playing in versus mode and shredding human flesh and even become the tank. Left 4 Dead provides excellent gameplay and scenarios to be one of the best games valve has ever made - that is why I am giving it a 10/10. recommended forThe game Left 4 Dead is one of the best zombie apocalypse games ever made. You can do everything from comitting genocide in campaign mode against the zombies to playing in versus mode and shredding human flesh and even become the tank. Left 4 Dead provides excellent gameplay and scenarios to be one of the best games valve has ever made - that is why I am giving it a 10/10. recommended for zombie-lovers, FPS' and multiplayer madness. Expand
  10. ParkerTemple
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    A great game! Even with the initial 4 campaigns and small supply of weapons, this game is endlessly entertaining! I played the same 2 levels in the demo for a total of 24 hours and never got bored. I HIGHLY recommend this game, it is a must buy, especially for the zombie movie/gamer lover enthusiast, like myself. This game is literally like being in 28 days later.
  11. PaulB
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    The game is simply amazing, i love everything about it. But if i had to complain about one thing, it would be that so far this game isn't modifiable. You can't skin it yet or make maps for it. At least we havn't figured out how to do it yet. The game levels are awesome, creative and even though there's been other zombie games out there, i think this one is unique. TheThe game is simply amazing, i love everything about it. But if i had to complain about one thing, it would be that so far this game isn't modifiable. You can't skin it yet or make maps for it. At least we havn't figured out how to do it yet. The game levels are awesome, creative and even though there's been other zombie games out there, i think this one is unique. The AI Director is truly an amazing feat and always gives you something different. The weapon system is great and i love how the pistol is unlimited. Great game, i'd definitely recommend it, especially if you liked the Zombie Panic! mod for cs:s. So apart from the modding great job Valve! Expand
  12. ErikAncheta
    Nov 22, 2008
    10
    I believe this game is what many zombie horror fans have waited for no longer do we have to play mods like zombie panic or zombie master or zombie whatever..... we now have left 4 dead it has graphics game play story line and everything all on one plate one word to describe this game is it's a winner
  13. NateH
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    Valve has created one of the best multiplayer games ever with Left 4 Dead. It raises the bar on what player expect from coop. This game may not have an original story or be a great single player game, but that was never what they were trying to do in the first place. If you enjoy deep stories and long single player campaigns stick to Half-Life because this probably isn't for you.Valve has created one of the best multiplayer games ever with Left 4 Dead. It raises the bar on what player expect from coop. This game may not have an original story or be a great single player game, but that was never what they were trying to do in the first place. If you enjoy deep stories and long single player campaigns stick to Half-Life because this probably isn't for you. If you just want to hang out with friends killing zombies(or survivors) this game was made for you. Expand
  14. AnonymousMC
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    This game is the best. The AI director ensures that you never know when you might get ambushed by zombies which creates fear and tension, and there is always a surprise every time you play. You can't go to the same place for supplies like in other games and you actually have to look for things like weapons and health. I only wish they had more levels.
  15. DanielPramik
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best and funnest first person shooter I have ever played. The campaigns are amazing and challenging, and versus mode is the most unique thing I have ever seen in a video game in my whole life. Even though there are only 4 campaigns, I never get bored playing them over and over again with my friends. Best co-op game ever.
  16. Liz
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    Amazing game. I've always had high standards for Valve, and this definitely was worth waiting for. The gameplay is interesting, and the sort of start-in-the-middle single-player opening is rather mysterious. Visually this game is stunning, and it was with a morbid curiosity that I carefully examined Boomer corpses. Or rather, what was left of them. Physics works well, but there areAmazing game. I've always had high standards for Valve, and this definitely was worth waiting for. The gameplay is interesting, and the sort of start-in-the-middle single-player opening is rather mysterious. Visually this game is stunning, and it was with a morbid curiosity that I carefully examined Boomer corpses. Or rather, what was left of them. Physics works well, but there are some minor clipping issues involving your teammates. When backing away from a horde of zombies eager to rape my face, I do NOT want to clip through Bill and end up shooting him instead of a snarling monstrosity. The AI Director works pretty well from what I've seen, making combat varied and intense. The game has this whole on-your-toes feel, with you simultaneously wanting light and yet fearing drawing the attention of the horde. I get a really antsy feeling when turning around corners and maneuvering in tight spaces, and I really don't want to touch anything in case it makes noise. The car alarm bits are quite clever in my opinion. Overall the game is challenging without completely kicking my ass. There are wide enough gaps between safe rooms and scattered ammo and health to make getting to the next deposit difficult but not impossible. Conserving your ammo plays a big role, what with the zombies outnumbering you and the worlds bullet supply 100:1. I tried to avoid confrontation as much as possible, choosing to take out zombies with the hunting rifle from a distance. That's good; if I wanted a confrontation then it's not survival horror anymore, is it? Top notch game, worth every penny and more. Expand
  17. JonTorres
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    I don't understand why this game has an 88. This game is immense fun. It is some of the most fun i have had in a while playing a game. People keep complaining about there is no story. Valve only said it was survive. And if you read the writings on the walls in the safe rooms and other places, they do fill in some question.

    The voice acting is great. The game is challenging but its
    I don't understand why this game has an 88. This game is immense fun. It is some of the most fun i have had in a while playing a game. People keep complaining about there is no story. Valve only said it was survive. And if you read the writings on the walls in the safe rooms and other places, they do fill in some question.

    The voice acting is great. The game is challenging but its not to the point where you get angry and want to smash something. Even when you are loosing, you are still having a blast. And the challenge only makes finishing a campaign that much more amazing. I was LANing this game with friends, and when we finally dead air after restarting the finale 4 times, we jumped for joy.

    Anyone who says this game isn't good or a disappointment... these people will never be satisfied. Valve DID do something NEW here. The amount of team work it takes is amazing. Simply put, get this game and don't listen to what the negative reviews say. You know "L4D shuns single players." I didn't hear people saying "Fallout 3 shuns multiplayer"! If you want fun with your friends, get this game.
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  18. JaredB.
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    Amazing game, it turned out to be even better than I'd hoped for. The tension and intensity in this game is palpable. I thought at first the lack of a solid storyline would bother me, but instead, I found myself wanting to go back and play again and again, both online and off. Haven't stopped talking to my friends about this for days.
  19. TimC.
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    This game is beyond fantastic. First off, I have to say it's great to have a proper co-op for the PC, something that's rare for this system platform. The campaign is a ton of fun to play in spite of there only being four movies (levels), and versus mode gives you the opportunity to try your skills as an Infected, making the Survivors' job just that more challenging. TheThis game is beyond fantastic. First off, I have to say it's great to have a proper co-op for the PC, something that's rare for this system platform. The campaign is a ton of fun to play in spite of there only being four movies (levels), and versus mode gives you the opportunity to try your skills as an Infected, making the Survivors' job just that more challenging. The AI director is a clever invention: not only does it make each run different than the last, but also for anyone who wants to expand the game, all they have to do is make a map and the director would handle the rest. One of my favorite pieces is the seamless shifts during mulitplayer between the computer and human players as people join, leave, or idle within the game. It allows you to not only join in on an open game at any time during its run, but also to leave a game whenever you choose without ruining it for your teammates. Overall, Left 4 Dead's got all the attention to detail, solid gameplay, and originality that has made Valve games a personal favorite for me. Even a friend of mine who rarely plays any games has become pretty addicted to it. Expand
  20. PhilH.
    Nov 24, 2008
    10
    Awesome game. Without a doubt after playing L4D I will never view online shooters in the same way. No game has had this amount of emphasis on Co-Op MP, and done it so well. The AI is good, and the game is made to allow for short breaks and let an npc take over. Great visuals and an updated source engine. Wouldn't mind seeing more content, but valve has promised to release new maps,Awesome game. Without a doubt after playing L4D I will never view online shooters in the same way. No game has had this amount of emphasis on Co-Op MP, and done it so well. The AI is good, and the game is made to allow for short breaks and let an npc take over. Great visuals and an updated source engine. Wouldn't mind seeing more content, but valve has promised to release new maps, and they're a developer we can trust to come through on this promise. Not to mention that people do know the Source Engine pretty well by now. AI director helps keep the games fresh, and versus is a blast. Simplistic and brutally entertaining, this game might be one of the best to come out this year on pc. Expand
  21. RedDarf(:TF2:)]-[|*
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    L4D is everything I expeted and more, A fantastic FPS, and quite frankly the mother of all coop shooters. (not counting TF2) The single player/mulitplayer coop campians are kind of short, but knowing valve they will add at least 1 New feature before the end of january. Deffinatly a good game to get, play it with your friends, your famly, but dont play it alone...
  22. Nick4xHoltz
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    Left 4 Dead is a good game from mechanics to replayability to intensity and everywhere inbetween. However, what puts it over the top is a very well thought-out and (often) unpredictible A.I. Director It never feels like you're playing the same game twice and as you and your team improve, the more challenging the A.I. Director makes things for you.

    What more would you possibly want?
  23. JimmyP
    Nov 26, 2008
    10
    Expands on the original in graphics, gameplay and storyline in significant ways. Graphics are most obviously a very strong point as the vistas are emmense the added color is pleasure to behold in the older maps and gives them added dimension and realism. Gameplay has been tweeked to put more weapons on a more equal playing field. Not to mention the new weapons! Storyline as with almost Expands on the original in graphics, gameplay and storyline in significant ways. Graphics are most obviously a very strong point as the vistas are emmense the added color is pleasure to behold in the older maps and gives them added dimension and realism. Gameplay has been tweeked to put more weapons on a more equal playing field. Not to mention the new weapons! Storyline as with almost all games could have been deeper but still is engrossing! AND did I mention HORDE! Great game and looking forward to DL content. Expand
  24. KyleMann
    Nov 27, 2008
    10
    Steele, how many times did you play through the game? Monsters' locations are different each time you play; that's one of the best features of L4D. Sounds like you tried the demo out once and wound up with a bad group if guys. In my experience, the players are generally nice and helpful compared with other online games. Awesome game.
  25. PhilE
    Nov 27, 2008
    10
    This game is another exceptional hit from valve. The intense multiplayer action requires you play and think as a team. If one man goes ahead of his group, he's done for. The tensity in this game is unparalleled. It puts Zombie Panic: Source to shame!

    I highly recommend this game! 23/10!
  26. YourFriend
    Nov 28, 2008
    10
    You need friends in order to play it, that is why Steele X and John S would only have fun if they got together and played.
    Other than that, it is a thoroughly awesome game that my friends and I have had fun playing since the demo and as of right now three weeks later.
  27. zdogjr
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    This is by far the best zombie game i have ever played its fast, fun and doesnt get old real quick. Dont listen to the people that give it zeros i read steele x review and he must not have been paying attention while playing, when i played through the first movie online my teamates worked along perfectley we stuck together helped eachother out and had a great time. when he said the game isThis is by far the best zombie game i have ever played its fast, fun and doesnt get old real quick. Dont listen to the people that give it zeros i read steele x review and he must not have been paying attention while playing, when i played through the first movie online my teamates worked along perfectley we stuck together helped eachother out and had a great time. when he said the game is linear i pretty much thought WOW THIS GUY KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT THIS GAME since there called movies its pretty obvious that its going to be well i dont know LINEAR AND ABOUT KNOWING WHERE THERE GOING TO BE IVE GONE THROUGH THE SAME MOVIE 6 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE BOOMER WAS IN A NEW PLACE AND THE SMOKERS WOULD BE STICKING THEIR TONGUES OUT FROM A DIFFRENT CORNER AND THE TANK WOULD BE PINNING ME AGAINST A CORNER 100 YARDS FROM LAST TIME SO IM PRETTY SURE YOU DONT KNOW WHERE THERE FOINF TO BE MOSTLY CAUSE OF THE AI DIRECTOR YOU KNOW THE THING THAT SPAWNS THEM. this game is great so dont listen to the idiots if your computer can run this and you like online shooters get this game Expand
  28. JohnBeers
    Nov 29, 2008
    10
    Man this game is freaking GREAT!!!!!!!! Im a major zombie movie lover, and this is just what I needed!! Its not like all the resident evil games tht are out there either. It kinda reminds me of like something fro the 28 days later franchise. The Infected coming at ya like cazy and FAST!! I liked the loks of it when I saw the trailer on TV fo it. And man I was NOT disappointed! So thisMan this game is freaking GREAT!!!!!!!! Im a major zombie movie lover, and this is just what I needed!! Its not like all the resident evil games tht are out there either. It kinda reminds me of like something fro the 28 days later franchise. The Infected coming at ya like cazy and FAST!! I liked the loks of it when I saw the trailer on TV fo it. And man I was NOT disappointed! So this game here is a MUST HAVE fo any true zombie fan! Definately give it a 10! Im glad I bought it! Expand
  29. StevenBehnke
    Dec 11, 2008
    10
    This is one of my favorite games ever, assuming you can get into a game with people who aren't idiots. Despite the fact that all gameplay elements are spelled out to you in the opening video, most people refuse to understand the basic concepts of this game. Compared to every other zombie game I have played, including most Counter-Strike: Source mods and Dead Rising, this isThis is one of my favorite games ever, assuming you can get into a game with people who aren't idiots. Despite the fact that all gameplay elements are spelled out to you in the opening video, most people refuse to understand the basic concepts of this game. Compared to every other zombie game I have played, including most Counter-Strike: Source mods and Dead Rising, this is absolutely phenomenal. The art direction is amazing, the graphics are great, the number of zombies on screen is fantastic, the voice acting is good, and I love the level design. Even after playing Co-Op, I am still stunned when I play versus, with one of the most balanced games next to Team Fortress 2. Games are often very close, with point values off by a dozen or less. That is, of course, the teams work together. I play only with my personal friends, so my team usually does very well. But I am not grading my friends, so that doesn't really enter the equation.
    Base line is, if you stick together and pay attention to your teammates, you will win. Period.
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  30. EarthBoundEnigma
    Dec 12, 2008
    10
    Love Zombies
    Love Zombipocolypse
    Love The Style Love The Sound Design Love The Presentation This game is right beside Portal on my quick-launch bar. The focus is 100% on gameplay and the story isn't told, it is implied. You can seek out information on the state of the world, or gun through every level. It is your choice. It is better than Team Fortress 2 by far. It is free from
    Love Zombies
    Love Zombipocolypse
    Love The Style
    Love The Sound Design
    Love The Presentation

    This game is right beside Portal on my quick-launch bar. The focus is 100% on gameplay and the story isn't told, it is implied. You can seek out information on the state of the world, or gun through every level. It is your choice. It is better than Team Fortress 2 by far. It is free from all the annoyances of that game.

    WARNING:
    When playing online, expect an occasional naughty teammate. Gang up on him and kill him with friendly fire. He will be left behind to die and have to spectate for a few minutes until the next checkpoint. The game punishes people who become selfish and run away from the group, find out who you can trust and stay close.

    The online play is amazing, but it is the people who can ruin it for you if you let them. (This is the case in any online game.)

    @ Steele X:
    "Because the second time I play it it's the exact same thing over again. We all know which monster is going to pop out from where and where are the medic packs are located."

    The game randomizes item locations, flood points, difficulty, and even character conversations. If you're getting bored of it, then stop playing on "Easy" and raise the difficulty. In the description it even says that the "Easy" setting is for people who are new to FPS games. "Normal" is for people who are new to L4D, and the highest difficulty is where the fun is at. Then the tables will be turned from "zombie hunting" to "Run? ...Or Shoot? RUN OR SHOOT? ZOMG! BOTH!"

    If you don't have any games from Valve, and you want a good starter, this is your game right here.
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Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 58
  2. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. 90
    There's absolutely no doubt that Left 4 Dead is one of the most social and exciting multiplayer games that we've ever played. It's almost pitch perfect in how it captures the tension and the action of a Hollywood zombie movie.
  2. 90
    The inventive and highly entertaining competitive multiplayer mode just adds to the experience, and we're looking forward to seeing what Valve's got planned for the game's future. Out of all the titles that have shaped the Year of Living Cooperatively, this may be the best experience of them all.
  3. 92
    One of the finest zombie games ever made, and one of the finest co-op games ever made. The potential for everything to go so, so wrong without warning, or conversely to pull off the most spectacular escapes against all odds, means this is an online shooter you can tell your finest anecdotes about without boring everyone else to tears.