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. WilliamD.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    I have played this game and it is wonderful. The animations are interesting and fluid and the gameplay has been perfected to something like an art form. The characters (while not much story is given) are still exceptionally realized. Its funny to think that this is Turtle Rock Studios' second game with valve, and (I don't think its really a coincidence) its also one of valves I have played this game and it is wonderful. The animations are interesting and fluid and the gameplay has been perfected to something like an art form. The characters (while not much story is given) are still exceptionally realized. Its funny to think that this is Turtle Rock Studios' second game with valve, and (I don't think its really a coincidence) its also one of valves worst reviewed games. I think that turtle rock added polish, but valve made it great. Also the optimization is great.… Expand
  2. RobertM.
    Nov 19, 2008
    9
    L4D is an amazing game.. The graphics and atmosphre blowed me away! The mulitiplayer is fantastic, playing with friends in versus mode 8v8 really makes it challenging and fun. Only a couple of downers... 1) No effort needed in aiming, im guessing its because the game was designed for the xbox too, so acurate aiming had to be dumbed down alittle. 2) no ability to select a server you would L4D is an amazing game.. The graphics and atmosphre blowed me away! The mulitiplayer is fantastic, playing with friends in versus mode 8v8 really makes it challenging and fun. Only a couple of downers... 1) No effort needed in aiming, im guessing its because the game was designed for the xbox too, so acurate aiming had to be dumbed down alittle. 2) no ability to select a server you would like to play on, so many times me and my friends ended up on a 3rd party server serving WAY more players than it should be and it was like playing in a flick book. But other than the above 2 things this game is awsome! its fun and easy to pick up. I personally rate it as a 92/100.... The metascore, which i totally disagree with is 88. 88? so what they are trying to tell me is that HL2:EP1 was only marginally worse than this game? are you crazy? HL2:EP1 was crap. No effort of story or new landscapes.. it was boring from begining to end and i thought it should have been given to us all free. Anyhow! Buy this game its great fun and will keep you entertained for a long time :) nyght… Expand
  3. MonkZ
    Nov 21, 2008
    9
    I'm an old gamer with very high standards when it comes to current games. There are so many games out there that are re-hashed from a decade ago. And most of them fail to impress... I like many of you have played it all and seen it all..
    Until Now!!!
    This is definitely one of the most unique games I've played in a long, long time. The best part of this game is the co-op    I'm an old gamer with very high standards when it comes to current games. There are so many games out there that are re-hashed from a decade ago. And most of them fail to impress... I like many of you have played it all and seen it all..
    Until Now!!!
    This is definitely one of the most unique games I've played in a long, long time. The best part of this game is the co-op play. It's fantastic and works extremely well. If you don't work together you die period.
    The story line aspect keeps you engaged and the stats and achievement system is a nice touch. The zombies are perfectly done and react well to all sorts of gun fire :). Physics are very well done and overall presentation is Top notch with a capital T. The game play is FANTASTIC and the replayability factor remains very high. Did I stress the fantastic fun game play enough??? :) Game play easily gets a 10 out of 10 in my book.
    As for flaws... well... I'm hard pressed to find any glaring flaws with this game. Maybe they could have added a flame thrower or something but now I'm being picky :)..
    Simply - A Brilliant Game.    … Expand
  4. DerekF
    Nov 24, 2008
    9
    This game rocks. that's all I have to say.. and to the haters, it's not meant to be a single player game with lots of content and story line....it's meant for multi-player TEAMWORK!! which means lots of action and pacing..the graphics AND game play and sound are incredible.. the immersion is brooding..and on my dedicated server I pay for...with my multi-game Community..weThis game rocks. that's all I have to say.. and to the haters, it's not meant to be a single player game with lots of content and story line....it's meant for multi-player TEAMWORK!! which means lots of action and pacing..the graphics AND game play and sound are incredible.. the immersion is brooding..and on my dedicated server I pay for...with my multi-game Community..we have a BLAST playing this game. I'd give a 20 for a job well done, it's better than ANY other weak "MOD" out there...this is a full GAME not just some crappy add-on. like the HL zombie mod, or the Killing Floor UT2004 abomination:) Valve.. good thing you bought that developer studio out to give us something better than the old boring half life episode 50 million and a half of the same game over and over again.:) CHEERS!

    ONLY ONE DRAWBACK.. take the matchmaking out. for pc. leave it for actual consoles.. it's worthless on the PC.!    … Expand
  5. ZanzarasOakenstaff
    Nov 27, 2008
    9
    Fantastic! Finally a good coop game and a zombie shooter to boot! Game play is excellent. My friends and I have waited a looong time for a good quality coop shooter. Give us more Valve.
    The only thing that stopped this game from getting a perfect 10 was the fact that there was no way to either turn off the foul language or bleep it out (that would be cool since it's suppose to be    Fantastic! Finally a good coop game and a zombie shooter to boot! Game play is excellent. My friends and I have waited a looong time for a good quality coop shooter. Give us more Valve.
    The only thing that stopped this game from getting a perfect 10 was the fact that there was no way to either turn off the foul language or bleep it out (that would be cool since it's suppose to be a movie) or even the ability to turn off the characters voices. Valve, please patch this feature into your games, this way everyone is happy... those who don't mind the foul language and those of us who don't want to hear it.

    Other than that... great job!    … Expand
  6. GeorgeO
    Nov 27, 2008
    9
    Briefly: a critique of the user critiques. You don't score a game based upon other people scoring it. Clearly this game is not a 0, even subjectively, not even the failure 6. The production quality of the game is very strong and highly polished. The gameplay is attractive, fun, and addicting. I do find that this game doesn't pull me with such an extreme obsession that some otherBriefly: a critique of the user critiques. You don't score a game based upon other people scoring it. Clearly this game is not a 0, even subjectively, not even the failure 6. The production quality of the game is very strong and highly polished. The gameplay is attractive, fun, and addicting. I do find that this game doesn't pull me with such an extreme obsession that some other games have, but I still feel compelled to play this game and can see myself playing this game for years to come despite that lack of a crippling addictive feel. Wait, I guess that's a good thing.
    Seeing as 10 is the best score, this game does deserve such a score because it is not the best game ever made. Sure, it's a subjective answer, but that's the entire point of attempting to be objective in your review.
    Another critique of reviewers and user reviewers: take the game for what it stands, and avoid using hyperbole and sweeping generalizations to avoid looking like a complete dolt. "Nobody types, nobody uses microphones, and everybody [presses the "laugh" button to frequently]", ... come on! In the 30 hours I've put in since this game's release, I've probably played three very brief matches in which no microphone was used, or I did not notice. Do not judge a game because you played all of one match and thought to yourself, "this is ****!" Also, I'm sickened by "expectations". I've had friends "expecting" a deep and compelling story ala Half Life 2. That's fine, but just because you misread the back of the box, don't spew what disappointed you just because of your lack of reading comprehension. Staggering to say the least.

    This game is a solid 9 on a score of 10. Fast paced and challenging fun, and I'm not afraid to admit that I have yet to beat a single campaign on expert. I was honestly shocked by the level of tactics really required to play this game, personally expecting just good ol' zombie killin' much like what my friends and I used to do back with the Counter-Strike bots going knives only. The AI director does a damn good job keeping me properly on my toes, and Valve's use of their home-grown tool to keep pacing at a fun level is proficiently exception to say the least. This game will set itself as a hallmark over the years as to what to aspire to in creating online multilayer games.
    Enjoy your time playing it, and death to morons globally. Thanks.    … Expand
  7. TomK.
    Dec 1, 2008
    9
    My review is going to be parallel with a reply to Steele X's terribly uninformed review. Not only does the man underrates the game much more drastically than others overrate it, he seems to base his review of a superficial experience.

    First of all, your team-mates can be idiots, who run off only to get slaughtered, don't help you when you're in trouble, and keep shooting    My review is going to be parallel with a reply to Steele X's terribly uninformed review. Not only does the man underrates the game much more drastically than others overrate it, he seems to base his review of a superficial experience.

    First of all, your team-mates can be idiots, who run off only to get slaughtered, don't help you when you're in trouble, and keep shooting you in the back. But Left 4 Dead isn't meant to be played with random people. If you think you can successfully cooperate with a stranger from the Internet, you must be new to this whole online thing. Unless you have friends and/or are willing to make new ones, this game isn't for you.

    Secondly, the game randomises everything. Perhaps not to the extent of Diablo, but enough to vary each playthrough. Only stashes of ammunition are found in the same places; the location of everything else can only be guessed.

    Thirdly, if you are bored playing Left 4 Dead, you might want to stop playing on Easy or Normal. The game should be played at least on Advanced, though you'll have the most fun on Expert. It'll take you half of a day to finish just one campaign full of unimaginably intense battles.

    Then there's Versus, where you get to play as one of the special Infected and slaughter the Survivors, ruining their attempt to escape. After all, that's what the game is about - surviving, and shooting zombies while you're at it. When playing with your buddies on Expert, you certainly won't see anyone going out of their way for some frags.

    This game is what you make it to be.    … Expand
  8. RichardK.
    Dec 15, 2008
    9
    Left 4 dead is a zombie-geek's dream come true: no story, no character background apart from what is obvious from their looks and mumblings, the odds firmly against you (on expert level), knee-deep in corpses, standing back to back with total strangers, who'll you be saving and be saved by many times without any reason beyond that you need them standing next to you with aLeft 4 dead is a zombie-geek's dream come true: no story, no character background apart from what is obvious from their looks and mumblings, the odds firmly against you (on expert level), knee-deep in corpses, standing back to back with total strangers, who'll you be saving and be saved by many times without any reason beyond that you need them standing next to you with a shotgun, simply to stay alive.

    L4D has obviously been playtested to perfection, with always the right level of tension, the constant threat of a catastrophic up-close Boomer kill or the AI director deciding you need a wake-up call, the need to preserve ammo and medkits, required tactics simply flowing from the layout of a map and the team's current levels of health and ammo. And those great finales, where the whole brawl usually turns into a total clusterfu*k, turning those who expected to 'win' into zombie lunch in seconds.

    Those tired old gamers who can't shoot straight without a story (no need) or character development (fu*king boring in most if not all shooters) should go buy a book instead. The other 99% of gamers, who actually enjoy SHOOTERS have this already - if you haven't, get in, quick!

    Sure, it ain't perfect. But not because of the lack of weapons: the shotfuns are perfect (limited range, realistic fire arc, top sound), the assault rifle wins out as the best allrounders, the uzi is pretty crap until you get crowded and it comes into its own. Even the single and double pistols are great. Limited characters? Don't care, since nobody can expect to survive in any case. Limited maps? Modscene will fix that soon.

    An instant classic.    … Expand
  9. Haxsys
    Dec 27, 2008
    9
    First Off: @ Steele X: Don't be a crackhead. "I had to give it a zero". Your rating stinks, as well as the logic (or lack there of) behind it. CS/CS:S aren't even in the same ball park, where you come up with the comparison pretty much explains away any applicability your "review" might have had. They didn't ask you for a vote based on others votes, but of your personal First Off: @ Steele X: Don't be a crackhead. "I had to give it a zero". Your rating stinks, as well as the logic (or lack there of) behind it. CS/CS:S aren't even in the same ball park, where you come up with the comparison pretty much explains away any applicability your "review" might have had. They didn't ask you for a vote based on others votes, but of your personal experience with the gameplay. On topic: Left 4 Dead is definitely a step in the right direction. It has excellent replayability, unless you're one of those kids who can sit in front of a computer / console for 20hours on end and beat the game. I highly recommend this game to all ages, it's definitely one to have in your online arsenal. ~Haxsys… Expand
  10. Kyle
    Dec 29, 2008
    9
    Steele X, did you actually play the game more than once? Or do you just like bashing video games to piss people off? Zombies always spawn from new spots, there is no set placement, if valve had done that, I too would find the game terrible. And you're blaming the game itself for your multiplayer woes. That's just wrong.
  11. PaulLahaie
    Dec 4, 2008
    9
    Absolutely great game, hands down. If I might start off with the drawbacks, let me just say that playing single player gets old fast. That's it. I started by playing the Multiplayer Campaign mode, which was fun, until I found the Versus Mode. I never looked back. You not only fight off the hordes, but then you take on zombies that not only have different mutations, but are alsoAbsolutely great game, hands down. If I might start off with the drawbacks, let me just say that playing single player gets old fast. That's it. I started by playing the Multiplayer Campaign mode, which was fun, until I found the Versus Mode. I never looked back. You not only fight off the hordes, but then you take on zombies that not only have different mutations, but are also controlled by players. Then you swap places and you get to control zombies, which is just as intense as trying to fight them. Teamwork as survivors is critical is almost always present. The best times are when every survivor has a microphone and everyone is coordinating. You work with that same team to stop the survivors and it's intensely satisfying to watch the survivors bogged down and not moving any closer to the target destination because you and your teammates are endlessly keeping them pinned down and weaning their health away. There are only 5 main weapons and two options for pistols, but that takes nothing away from the game. You always have the option of an automatic weapon or a shotgun (and a scoped rifle later on), which satisfies all your zombie killing needs in whichever way you choose to fight. Sound track is excellent as are the sound effects. Zombie killing is always exciting, watching the way zombies fall as they're mowed down by you and your teammates. Overall, I concur heartily with the 9.5 rating and recommend you play it. Well worth the money, my younger brother is saving his so that when I return for the holidays, we can commence "family bonding" in the form of slaughtering zombies.… Expand
  12. MichaelS.
    Dec 5, 2008
    9
    For those who gave this game a zero because they can't find players who will use team work...that isn't Valves fault and shame on them for feeling "obligated" to hurt this games rating. You find a group of people who actually use team work. It's a bonding experience that can't be beat. The game has everything a perfect zombie movie has and it does so in spades. PeopleFor those who gave this game a zero because they can't find players who will use team work...that isn't Valves fault and shame on them for feeling "obligated" to hurt this games rating. You find a group of people who actually use team work. It's a bonding experience that can't be beat. The game has everything a perfect zombie movie has and it does so in spades. People really need to grow up and give constructive reviews for this game. Even my GF likes this game and she doesn't play games at all. To me that's the sign of a great game, being able to entice non-gamers to be a part of a growing culture.
    If this game has faults it's the linear style of game play...which isn't really all that bad, it can get old, but honestly when you play with people who do infact use teamwork you forget that it is linear.

    Co-Op is becoming more popular and it's a new field for many people, give them a chance to forget that the game isn't a crappy counter strike game.

    You're playing humans who suffer from what I call the Ripley Syndrome, as in you have incredible survival skill and will power that exceeds the average human. You are the main characters in a zombie movie...what would you do?    … Expand
  13. Meef
    Dec 8, 2008
    9
    Do you have a group of friends you enjoy playing shooters with? Do you enjoy the more strategic elements like providing cover fire, working together to prevent flanking, etc? Do you like shooting zombies? For those who answer affirmatively to all three, this is a great game. For everyone else, you're probably looking at a pretty mediocre turd (and I probably woulda given it a 5 orDo you have a group of friends you enjoy playing shooters with? Do you enjoy the more strategic elements like providing cover fire, working together to prevent flanking, etc? Do you like shooting zombies? For those who answer affirmatively to all three, this is a great game. For everyone else, you're probably looking at a pretty mediocre turd (and I probably woulda given it a 5 or something). Looking at what you're given, it should be obvious that the emphasis is not in the story, fancy graphics, or wide array of zombie killing implements you have at your disposal. You only have a pistol and one other weapon, one med kit, and potentially a molotov/pipe bomb & temp health boost. On the contrary, it seems players are supplied with a limited arsenal to make them focus on the co-op and strategic elements! Getting overwhelmed or having a teammate pulled out of safety by a smoker can severely cripple the group's progress so maneuvering in such a way that minimizes these risks is what the real game is about -- and that's how the ai director provides replay value. You may pass through a wide open area with ease during one run, yet in another get assaulted by a tank. It's these on the fly strategic choices that provide the unique experience, not the level layout. So yes, the only things that change are item and enemy locations (no, Steele X, you generally don't know where the monsters nor the items are each play through), but that's all you need to completely change the strategy necessary to get through a campaign. Of course, perhaps you're only slightly into the strategy or don't have any interest in getting better at that sort of thing - if so, yes, you'll be pretty bored pretty quickly. This is also the reason I mention having a good group of friends - I imagine it's pretty hard to play a strategic game like this with mindless idiot strangers. Each campaign should take 1-2 hours, depending on how much you're struggling - not much content for those used to having 50 maps or whatever the norm for fps' is now. Personally, I enjoy improving with my friends so that our strategies are successful in the higher difficulties, but if that doesn't sound interesting, you only have 4 - 6 hours of game here! Bottom line, make sure this is the game for you before buying because those people giving it zero's aren't crazy - this game has a unique offering to the fps community and it's not for everyone.… Expand
  14. Miss
    Dec 8, 2008
    9
    In response to Steele X:

    Nobody talking or cooperating shouldn't really go against the game. I've had plenty of games where people are into it, talking, and actually cooperating. Unfortunately some people just don't have mics or don't want to talk. Even when people aren't talking you just have to go into it for fun, not take it so seriously. But, just wanted to    In response to Steele X:

    Nobody talking or cooperating shouldn't really go against the game. I've had plenty of games where people are into it, talking, and actually cooperating. Unfortunately some people just don't have mics or don't want to talk. Even when people aren't talking you just have to go into it for fun, not take it so seriously. But, just wanted to comment that that really shouldn't be against the game itself, just the people playing. (That goes for them running out of spawn without you as well.) And giving it a lower score than you really think because everyone else gave it a 9 or 10 (which they really thought it deserved) is kind of childish.

    Back to my review:

    I think the game has exceeded expectations. The maps are very well done, the zombies are very well done, the versus is amazing, and who could forget about the hordes? The hordes help make this game so intense and I love it. The last time I was this addicted to a game like this was 2 - 3 years ago when I was playing counter-strike. I do believe it's more fun when your entire team is talking and cooperating (in versus or co-op) but I think that if you just relax and have fun it's not too bad if people aren't talking. I'm very happy with what the game has to offer at this time but I do see a few things in the future that will need to be done to keep the game interesting and alive: 1) Adding more maps to both co-op and versus (versus especially), 2) working out the bugs, which I know they're doing, 3) And possibly adding a server list like other steam games. - I don't really care for it just searching for a random game. I like seeing what my ping is and having choices. I think if they can at least do the first two things, they'll be good to go for some time.    … Expand
  15. HaiGuise
    Jan 1, 2009
    9
    This game is amazing... I can't see why people are saying that the source engine is getting old, it looks very good on higher end computers. To all you people who are rating this low... start a L4D expert game, invite 3 good friends (preferably with microphones), and it's guaranteed you'll have a blast.
  16. LinusB
    Nov 28, 2009
    9
    A fantastic game that still works just as good as it did upon release. I'm playing this game every sunday with my friends and will probably do so for a good long time.
  17. AnonymousOne
    Dec 31, 2009
    9
    How can anything this simple and repetitive be so entertaining? I stopped asking myself that question after the first hour. Left4Dead has become one of my all time favorite Source games.
  18. GeneralA.
    Jan 3, 2009
    9
    This game is great - I haven't been able to play the multiplayer yet, but from just the single-player with AI teammates I can already see how awesome this game is. There's just something intrinsically satisfying about being swarmed by a ton of zombies, only to blast them all down with a combat shotty. The hitboxes are a little screwy on your teammates, as sometimes they get hit This game is great - I haven't been able to play the multiplayer yet, but from just the single-player with AI teammates I can already see how awesome this game is. There's just something intrinsically satisfying about being swarmed by a ton of zombies, only to blast them all down with a combat shotty. The hitboxes are a little screwy on your teammates, as sometimes they get hit by friendly fire even when your reticule is not over them, but it's not game-breaking by any means. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 is because this game /forces/ you to play it online if you want to get the best experience out of it. Yes, it is a co-op zombie shooter - John S, you didn't play the multiplayer, how can you rate this game poorly when you haven't even touched the main feature? Granted I haven't played multiplayer yet, but I'm intelligent enough to see that the multiplayer would be great (provided your teammates weren't idiots!). John, all I can say is, you fail. Epically.… Expand
  19. Comrade
    Oct 30, 2009
    9
    Awesome game. Its just missing a few things. Versus is the best mode ever, but everyone hates being survivers, so when its there turn, they leave! Good game, still. Just what i expected of Valve.
  20. DavidE
    Jan 4, 2009
    9
    Very fun game, youll get addicted to it. Single player mode is a blast, but the real fun is in multiplayer. When you have 4 guys yelling into the mike saying to help them while youre fighting a tank is a blast (it really is). My only problem I found was that in versus mode you can get a little lag and it can throw off aiming and can drag on a little near the end. All in all, one of the Very fun game, youll get addicted to it. Single player mode is a blast, but the real fun is in multiplayer. When you have 4 guys yelling into the mike saying to help them while youre fighting a tank is a blast (it really is). My only problem I found was that in versus mode you can get a little lag and it can throw off aiming and can drag on a little near the end. All in all, one of the best games of 2008.… Expand
  21. PDale
    Feb 10, 2009
    9
    There is nothing better than a blast and run saga. Some funny things happen when you blast a Hunter and watch him cartwheel of a pal who a second before was getting munched on, or see the back side of a patient zombie hording after a mate who has been barfed on by a Boomer (watch out for Zoe farting in the lift). Maps are just right when playing past normal mode anything under advance There is nothing better than a blast and run saga. Some funny things happen when you blast a Hunter and watch him cartwheel of a pal who a second before was getting munched on, or see the back side of a patient zombie hording after a mate who has been barfed on by a Boomer (watch out for Zoe farting in the lift). Maps are just right when playing past normal mode anything under advance mode is to easy after the first run through. I would like to say the things I don't like is the crappy Xbox type match up, which i find need sorting and the fact i would like to see my ping not some colour bars. The worst thing is they stitched all people who pre-ordered with a massive price only to find amazon selling half price on release date (filthy corporate scum). In short its a Valve game which means it will get better and better just like Team fortress 2 which has had some major addons with no cost (unlucky Xbox mob) so consider it as an investment and a very good team player game but remember some times it best to cut your pals lose and "run to the chopper".… Expand
  22. christopherj
    Feb 24, 2009
    9
    This is a interesting one-player FPS, but it a FANTASTIC multi-player game online. The VERSUS mode is GREAT! I can play it again and again. I shout orders and hurl insults. Never have I cared so much about what my teammates do in an multi-player FPS. You must rely on each other. MUST.
  23. Karl
    Apr 23, 2009
    9
    great co-op game play, especially when your team co-ops. The new survival mode is intense and makes a great game even better. Four to six more campaigns would help greatly as the four it comes with generally become less an less challenging, the unpredictable AI taken into account, as you gain experience Great for lan play as well as online Worth the money you pay for it, and as levels are great co-op game play, especially when your team co-ops. The new survival mode is intense and makes a great game even better. Four to six more campaigns would help greatly as the four it comes with generally become less an less challenging, the unpredictable AI taken into account, as you gain experience Great for lan play as well as online Worth the money you pay for it, and as levels are added that value will just go up.… Expand
  24. KaarleW
    May 10, 2009
    9
    A wonderfully thrilling game that can be played again and again. The graphics are great and yet, my poopy computer runs it like magic. The only minus I have to give is the fact that the number of weapons is very limited, which is strange for a Valve game.
  25. Kevin
    May 16, 2009
    9
    Over all, Left 4 Dead was a great game. The first time I played it I played for 6 hours straight. The running zombies got your addrenlin pumping and being able to work with team mates was really cool. The only things I would change about the game is the fact that your partners weren't the smartest (they should be more team oriented) and that the game wasn't very long (more Over all, Left 4 Dead was a great game. The first time I played it I played for 6 hours straight. The running zombies got your addrenlin pumping and being able to work with team mates was really cool. The only things I would change about the game is the fact that your partners weren't the smartest (they should be more team oriented) and that the game wasn't very long (more levels should of been added). Other than that, the game is a lot of fun to play, especially online.… Expand
  26. SamM
    May 19, 2009
    9
    Sorry, the reviews by Fox J and R L below me were pissing me off. They have obviously not even played the game. In fox's review, he claimed that one player plays as the director - not true. The AI director is the same in Campaign and versus, the infected play as the special infected (Boomer, Smoker, Hunter, and Tank). Of course, some people can ruin a gaming experience, but about 90 Sorry, the reviews by Fox J and R L below me were pissing me off. They have obviously not even played the game. In fox's review, he claimed that one player plays as the director - not true. The AI director is the same in Campaign and versus, the infected play as the special infected (Boomer, Smoker, Hunter, and Tank). Of course, some people can ruin a gaming experience, but about 90 percent of the time you'll get in a game with some cool people, or just play with friends (more fun anyways). OK, in R L's way down there, he's also wrong. I suppose survival mode is a preference, but they've already released community map tools. It's nothing like HL2 - much faster and more intense. The lack of weapons is for mere simplicity and a bit of realism. Games like HL2 and (sorry for the generic example) Halo have a lot of weapons because there are a lot of different situations, requiring different weapons. L4D is just killing zombies. Plain and simple fun. Oh, and there was a user-made mall level BEFORE the development tools were released. And remember, this is Valve. VALVE. Look at TF2. Its been out for close to 2 years, and updates of all kinds are still flooding out. Oh, and to prove that I'm not a fanboy, I do have some problems with the game. The AI wont follow you, they have to kill EVERYTHING before they go on. In one section, you have to climb ladders up an elevator shaft. Rather than climbing up, my AI buddies stood around shooting at smokers and were soon dragged to their deaths. Then again, its a Co-Op game. Bring Friends.… Expand
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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

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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.
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  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.
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  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.
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