Left 4 Dead

 PC
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 4339 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,834 out of 4339
  2. Mixed: 339 out of 4339
  3. Negative: 166 out of 4339
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  1. MylesG
    May 9, 2009
    10
    I confess bias. I love everything with zombies in it, but ever since "Resident Evil 3: Nemesis", I haven't seen any really good zombie games. Until now! The fear, the adrenaline, the darkness, and above all, the sensation that one false step means death. That is what a zombie game needs. Others are more action oriented and make the zombies seem like crash test dummies to be ripped to I confess bias. I love everything with zombies in it, but ever since "Resident Evil 3: Nemesis", I haven't seen any really good zombie games. Until now! The fear, the adrenaline, the darkness, and above all, the sensation that one false step means death. That is what a zombie game needs. Others are more action oriented and make the zombies seem like crash test dummies to be ripped to shreads and walked over. They forget that zombies are horror and should be feared. The music creates the mood and doesn't get in the way. As it should, but then the idea of music personalized to the experience of the player and not the game. That was genius.… Expand
  2. JoostL
    Jun 1, 2009
    8
    Great fun, decent game. The first campaign will leave you wanting more and more. Yet as soon as you play the other campaigns you notice that they are all sort of the same. Its still a fun game but the lack of variety in modes and the after a while predictive enemies makes this game give you a unfinished feeling. Yet, for some reason it feels like everyone should try this one at least once.
  3. BT
    Jun 13, 2009
    10
    Great game, can be very competitive, even though very few say that there is not much content the levels are very massive and nothing ever happens the same twice and with almost every multiplayer game there will be a couple of favourite maps that the majority only want to play on, you could consider this barely any content if you only play on a couple of maps, yet L4D is great the whole Great game, can be very competitive, even though very few say that there is not much content the levels are very massive and nothing ever happens the same twice and with almost every multiplayer game there will be a couple of favourite maps that the majority only want to play on, you could consider this barely any content if you only play on a couple of maps, yet L4D is great the whole way through, and for the fact that theres not many weapons, there's no need for more they have basically got all they need a long range sniper, short range shotty and mid range assault rifle.… Expand
  4. RyanC
    Jun 16, 2009
    10
    one the best games out there. I can play it on the highest graphics settings and it is amazing. Online is fun same with the new Survival mode. Expert Difficulty will keep you occupied if you get bored.
  5. P0nwz0rTheNoob
    Jun 5, 2009
    9
    Left 4 Dead is a fantastic FPS that does someting different: letting you slaughter millions of zombies instead of headshoting terrorists/soliders. The weakness of this game is the single player part and that it contains few levels. But whit a splendid multiplayer mode and the Source SDK tool, it doesnt mather much. The gameplay is perfect, the grapichs is as good as you can get whit Left 4 Dead is a fantastic FPS that does someting different: letting you slaughter millions of zombies instead of headshoting terrorists/soliders. The weakness of this game is the single player part and that it contains few levels. But whit a splendid multiplayer mode and the Source SDK tool, it doesnt mather much. The gameplay is perfect, the grapichs is as good as you can get whit Source and the sounds are awesome. You will love the scary piano riff that plays when exploring dark, abondend rooms!… Expand
  6. JasonBlack
    Jul 1, 2009
    10
    I think this game is sick and it is by far one of the most fun games in America, but thats my opinion. This game was the second game I purchased on Steam. PS: I cant wait until Left 4 Dead 2 comes out, that will probally be even betterI think this game is sick and it is by far one of the most fun games in America, but thats my opinion. This game was the second game I purchased on Steam. PS: I cant wait until Left 4 Dead 2 comes out, that will probally be even better than the first game!… Expand
  7. Anonymous
    Jul 15, 2009
    10
    Well, i cant really say anything bad about it, other than the players, if you've had this game for awhile and are decent at it you know how bad some public players can be, but the gameplay is amazingly addicting, especially being able to play as zombies, the weapons admittedly get old after awhile, but, i usually use the same weapon for a long time, til i get bored of it, then i Well, i cant really say anything bad about it, other than the players, if you've had this game for awhile and are decent at it you know how bad some public players can be, but the gameplay is amazingly addicting, especially being able to play as zombies, the weapons admittedly get old after awhile, but, i usually use the same weapon for a long time, til i get bored of it, then i switch to a different weapon, then repeat! the infected classes, boomer, smoker, hunter, and tank, are all playable and can all be fun depending on your gaming style, hunter for fast paced, smoker for snipers/tacticle players, boomers for.... eh.... im really not sure but i have friends that love the boomer, and the tank for basically owning everything, when playing online a lot of strategy can be involved, but im not gonna sit here and explain it to you, you'll just have to get it and find out yourself.… Expand
  8. D.L
    Jul 25, 2009
    9
    Short review: Likeable characters, true co-op gameplay, great design, but only 5 weapons (Hunting Rifle, Assault Rifle, Auto Shotgun, Pump Shotgun, SMG). Long Review: This is a truly awesome game. You need to cooperate to survive, and that is one of the best parts. In most multiplayer games, a "team" means a bunch of players that run off and do their own thing. Even in "co-op" modes Short review: Likeable characters, true co-op gameplay, great design, but only 5 weapons (Hunting Rifle, Assault Rifle, Auto Shotgun, Pump Shotgun, SMG). Long Review: This is a truly awesome game. You need to cooperate to survive, and that is one of the best parts. In most multiplayer games, a "team" means a bunch of players that run off and do their own thing. Even in "co-op" modes there's no chain of command. However, in Left 4 Dead, I see players knowing where the (extremely smart) AI Director will place hordes of zombies and prepare accordingly. Now that the game has additional content such as player-designed levels and Survival modes, the game has amazing scale. The one downer is there are only 5 weapons, and one is a great weapon but useless in Left 4 Dead (the hunting rifle), which leaves you with a choice: shotgun or automatic weapon. It's something completely shocking for a developer like Valve with their Counter-Strike arsenal. In any case, Left 4 Dead is still the best co-op shooter and one of the best zombie shooters.… Expand
  9. ToriC
    Jul 29, 2009
    10
    i love this game! its so addicting... and every time you play its unique and exciting. The only thing is that you have to make sure you play with people willing to play as a team... but oh well its still an awesome game. non stop thrills. non stop action. and i can not wait untill l4d2 comes out... so what if it doesnt have a story... big deal! story lines get boring after you play them ai love this game! its so addicting... and every time you play its unique and exciting. The only thing is that you have to make sure you play with people willing to play as a team... but oh well its still an awesome game. non stop thrills. non stop action. and i can not wait untill l4d2 comes out... so what if it doesnt have a story... big deal! story lines get boring after you play them a few times... you get use to them... left 4 dead always keeps you guessing...… Expand
  10. GrimS
    Jul 6, 2009
    9
    Let's start with something I have to say. I do not like zombie games. The idea of mowing down a horde of brainless flesh simply doesn't appeal to me. I do however, love L4D. Why? The zombies have brains (almost). Upon picking up the game at my local store (For 19.99), I was shoved into a scenario called Dead Air, which takes place in an airport. The graphics in the game Let's start with something I have to say. I do not like zombie games. The idea of mowing down a horde of brainless flesh simply doesn't appeal to me. I do however, love L4D. Why? The zombies have brains (almost). Upon picking up the game at my local store (For 19.99), I was shoved into a scenario called Dead Air, which takes place in an airport. The graphics in the game aren't thrilling, but it's source. Source is becoming old technology. However, if you're not a graphics nut, and gladly jump into the original Doom and enjoy it (as I do) you have nothing to worry about. The suspense throughout the game is great. I often found myself looking behind me, guns ready only to find that it was my ally closing a door. The immersive qualities combined with the weakness of a lone wolf character make sticking together vital. The most impressive feature of the game (aside from the gameplay) is the audio. Different boss zombies make different noises when they become a threat. The Witch cries and shrieks, and the Tank stomps and is accompanied by a music change. (play with headphones) The gameplay is the flawless shooting you've come to expect from valve. Fully customizable controls (on PC), fermiliar weapons (for CS players especially) and great hit detection, all of the guns feel satisfying and rival each other in performance. One aspect of the guns I loved was the fact that according to the situation ahead (This only happens on a re-run of a level) I would change weaponry. E.g. Use a shotgun for the corridors in No Mercy, and switch to an assault rifle for the rooftop shootout. The game utilizes player mistakes to increase the difficulty. If a survivor shoots a boomer right next to the party, Loads of zombies swarm in. Cooperation between survivors is essential to survival. On the negative side, There arent many weapons to fool around with. Oh, and my fiancee keeps yelling at me for stumbling into bed at 6am.… Expand
  11. hello
    Jul 7, 2009
    9
    This game is addictive and fun for the up to 8 people playing. With the ability to build your own levels, battle zombies until you and 3 others die, verse each other as a zombie or survivor, or just get from point a to point b without dying this game has everything EXCEPT a story mode. Well there isn't a long one, just a few quick ones that can be beat in about an hour, but This game is addictive and fun for the up to 8 people playing. With the ability to build your own levels, battle zombies until you and 3 others die, verse each other as a zombie or survivor, or just get from point a to point b without dying this game has everything EXCEPT a story mode. Well there isn't a long one, just a few quick ones that can be beat in about an hour, but that's cuz this game is meant to be played with friends, and that is wat makes it FUN!!!!!!!!… Expand
  12. JimmyThomas
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    Basically one of the best damn games i have played. the AI director keeps me on my seat, the ideas for infected and special infected are great, and for me its a very high replay value.only problem i have is the Team Killers online. i cannot wait for left 4 dead 2.
  13. BladeDiesel
    Aug 31, 2009
    10
    One of the best games ever created. amazing multiplayer and hell of a lot of fun. The campaignes do not stop there you can always go to third party sites and download new maps for any kind of game even zelda and mario world :) Love it! only problem is its too addictive. enjoy
  14. TracyC
    Sep 24, 2009
    9
    Each game is so different and can be played so many ways. The downside is not enough campaigns. Sure, new ones are created all the time, but it's not easy for a lot of people to d/l them. I love the variety of co-op, vs and survival. Versus has all the elements of a great game all on it's own. The frustration, anxiety, excitement and sometimes hilarity make it a game to play overEach game is so different and can be played so many ways. The downside is not enough campaigns. Sure, new ones are created all the time, but it's not easy for a lot of people to d/l them. I love the variety of co-op, vs and survival. Versus has all the elements of a great game all on it's own. The frustration, anxiety, excitement and sometimes hilarity make it a game to play over and over and over again!… Expand
  15. SeriousS.
    Sep 29, 2009
    9
    Addictive, demands teamwork, zombies. The game was addictive from the start, but actually lacked content for its high price of more than 50 bucks, which is why I'm not giving it a 10. Since it's being continously updated and allows custom content like whole self-made campaigns to be installed however, this is not a huge problem. It has three convincing game modes by now Addictive, demands teamwork, zombies. The game was addictive from the start, but actually lacked content for its high price of more than 50 bucks, which is why I'm not giving it a 10. Since it's being continously updated and allows custom content like whole self-made campaigns to be installed however, this is not a huge problem. It has three convincing game modes by now (I'm not counting in Singleplayer since it's simply campaign mode with bots instead of human players), whereas Versus is the one I am playing most of the time. In fact this is the most varied mode, since you experience a very individual game every time with individual ways of playing on both teams here The fact that this demands teamwork can also screw the game up really fast though, if one of your mates messes around like walking stray and gets himself killed, it means trouble for the rest of your team as well. It is best for you to bring some friends (preferably real life friends) instead of random people. Even though the amounth of content has improved over the one year it's been released it's still not THAT much, and I hope they will keep updating the game with new content even after the release of Left 4 Dead 2. What I've also been missing is that there isn't such a variety of weapons, you either find an Uzi and a pump shotgun or an M16 assault rifle, a hunting rifle and a combat shotgun... Not really that much.… Expand
  16. Warfunn
    Nov 17, 2008
    10
    If you like fast paced, co-op first person shooters this is the game for you. The directer AI ensures an unique gameplay through each map. I have only played the demo so far, but already have wasted over 5 hours on it.

    This game is not for everyone, but if you like blowing the heads off of zombies, while screaming at your pal to watch out for that hunter this is a must buy.
  17. CharlesP.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    Rated a 10. The game is a breath of fresh air. It took what could have been crappy "mow down the zombies" game and made it a really fun and intense co-op game. This game's hype should not be allowed to be drowned out by the noise of the many other games coming to market right now. It is worth the buy.
  18. ChrisT.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    This game is simply superb, it forces players to stick together and work as a close team in order to survive, and especially on harder difficulty settings, without amazing teamwork, the levels simply can't be completed. It's the teamwork aspect of this game that makes it truely special!
  19. E3pOMonster
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    This is a great game out of the start. There where many bugs in the demo that where fixed in the release. This shows something that not many other games can beat. I have always loved valve games, constant updates and bug fixes shows they care as a game developer. Go valve!
  20. KrispyK.
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    This is quite possibly one of the best multiplayer games out there right now, BAR NONE. Valve has got it right here, zombies, fps(ala counterstrike), and cooperative play. The graphics of the source engine have been amped up to beautiful quality, the charachters all have personalities, the gameplay is INTENSE. In other words, BUY THIS GAME.
  21. MichaelLowrey
    Nov 18, 2008
    10
    This game is just about perfect. As a person that has just about given up on singleplayer games it's great to have a game the has massive replayerbility in multiplayer and that everyone can agree to play, sort of the middle ground between coop players and TDM lovers it gives you alot. It is defently true that every time you play the game it can be radicly different, so if you thought This game is just about perfect. As a person that has just about given up on singleplayer games it's great to have a game the has massive replayerbility in multiplayer and that everyone can agree to play, sort of the middle ground between coop players and TDM lovers it gives you alot. It is defently true that every time you play the game it can be radicly different, so if you thought the same tactics would always work every time your wrong, what was going well can turn into a nightmare is a few seconds. I have to give this game a 10 because quite frankly a game that finnaly gives an almost flawless multiplayer experience mixed in with great NPCS has just never been done(well) before now.… Expand
  22. KyleM.
    Nov 18, 2008
    9
    It is a great game with great features and plenty of play time in it. It has a solid 20 hour minimum worth in total gameplay time before anyone will get bored of it. You do ofcourse have to like shooter games... In terms of fps games and shooter games in general, this is one of the best ever made, but it was to be expected... after all it is made by Valve who made previous hit titles like It is a great game with great features and plenty of play time in it. It has a solid 20 hour minimum worth in total gameplay time before anyone will get bored of it. You do ofcourse have to like shooter games... In terms of fps games and shooter games in general, this is one of the best ever made, but it was to be expected... after all it is made by Valve who made previous hit titles like Half-Life 1 and 2, Counter-Strike 1.6 and Counter-Strike Source, Portal, Team Fortress 2. A must buy game for anyone on steam and a definite must buy for anyone who likes fps games. It will give you your moneys worth, probably the average gamer being able to get 40 hours out of it before getting bored.… Expand
  23. MattS.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    My friend and I pre-ordered this game. and the demo was very fun. The day it came out, we set up out computers next to each other, stayed home from school, and played all day! This game is amazing! Valve is one of the few video game companies that gives a crap about their products, I love Valve!
  24. JohanM.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    I think its a great game, nice graphics, nice sound, nice controls and a really good AI-system. It would have been more fun if you we're able to play Versus mode on all four maps, instead of only 2. But that is not enough to drag it "down" into a nine.
  25. GregK.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    if you're buying this game for the single player, then give it a lower score, but if you're buying it for the online aspect, this game is a ten in the full experience. No, it isn't perfect, but the fun level is so high, you won't even notice the flaws (unless your team is getting decimated on versus mode)
  26. DiogoS.
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    Ok, i dreamed of a perfect game which would suit me, number one, multiplayer, team fortress 2 best example, but left4dead has one of the best multiplayer experiences ive ever seen, guns and good effects when using them, again left4dead has the same effects as counterstrike so very good, good story line and loads of zombies, half life had this but left4dead just made it alot more Ok, i dreamed of a perfect game which would suit me, number one, multiplayer, team fortress 2 best example, but left4dead has one of the best multiplayer experiences ive ever seen, guns and good effects when using them, again left4dead has the same effects as counterstrike so very good, good story line and loads of zombies, half life had this but left4dead just made it alot more intresting and fun by using it online!… Expand
  27. DanJ.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    Your gameplay rises to a feverish pitch in battle with entire hordes of zombies while the cries of your comrades getting pinned by Hunters, burped on by Boomers, pummeled to death by Tanks, or getting slashed into tiny bits by Witches achieves a realism that is the epitome of zombie films. The taunts of your team mates and cries, howls, and snarls of the furious Undead goad you further Your gameplay rises to a feverish pitch in battle with entire hordes of zombies while the cries of your comrades getting pinned by Hunters, burped on by Boomers, pummeled to death by Tanks, or getting slashed into tiny bits by Witches achieves a realism that is the epitome of zombie films. The taunts of your team mates and cries, howls, and snarls of the furious Undead goad you further into the tormented maze of each movie. Down to every second of time, every last drop health, and every last bit of ammo, you will spare nothing to blast the Horde into oblivion. The safe-houses become fewer and farther between as the AI Director continues torment you with every possible scenario of hordes and boss zombies, destroying any small shreds of hope in knowing where or when your next battle will be. You feel that this must be a nightmare, and it is, till you wake up and find you have been... ...Left 4 Dead. This game follows the classic idea of zombie mods, get from point A to point B without being killed or getting your team slaughtered while taking down as many of the Undead as possible along the way. I have found it to be spectacularly realistic and am comforted by the time-tested designs of Valve in the game engine and graphics. I miss a straight up storyline that was classic in the Half Life games. I hope this will be changed in the future.… Expand
  28. JonathanP.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    Nearly a ten, soooo damn close. A brilliant game almost every eay. The co-op campaign is tense, involving and just plain good! Especialy with a group all on mic shouting "F*** horde, horde" while another shrieks "Hunter's got me, heeeelp!". Intense! But that's just the start, versus.... sweet, sweet verses. Two teams of 4 scrap it out through the campaign, tearing/shooting each Nearly a ten, soooo damn close. A brilliant game almost every eay. The co-op campaign is tense, involving and just plain good! Especialy with a group all on mic shouting "F*** horde, horde" while another shrieks "Hunter's got me, heeeelp!". Intense! But that's just the start, versus.... sweet, sweet verses. Two teams of 4 scrap it out through the campaign, tearing/shooting each other apart. My only negative point is the lack of variety in the whole concept, which is kind of unfair, since it is supposed an all out Zombie shooter, but a 10 needs to all round perfect, and I like a little more sophistication in a story. Still... AWSOME!… Expand
  29. IntelliMoo
    Nov 19, 2008
    10
    Valve pulls off another gameplay victory with L4D! As well as atmosphere and intense shoot'n'kill fun. A refreshing change from Team Fortess 2, too. And the graphics are just fine, I don't see why critics always have to bash the Source engine -- maybe it's because they feel it should have the overall look of everything covered in aluminum foil like modern Unreal engine Valve pulls off another gameplay victory with L4D! As well as atmosphere and intense shoot'n'kill fun. A refreshing change from Team Fortess 2, too. And the graphics are just fine, I don't see why critics always have to bash the Source engine -- maybe it's because they feel it should have the overall look of everything covered in aluminum foil like modern Unreal engine games. LOL.… Expand
  30. ArticX.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    Maybe it's not the game of the year, but it's close. We can see the usual attention to detail Valve brings in every project, and also the replayability they promised. It's the most intense online I've ever played.
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2008
4
#4 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
10
#10 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
89

Generally favorable reviews - based on 58 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 58
  3. Negative: 0 out of 58
  1. IGN
    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.
    Read full review
  2. GameSpy
    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.
    Read full review
  3. IGN UK
    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.
    Read full review
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