1090°

OXM Review: Left 4 Dead

Scans come thanks to mckillustrator on the gametrailers forums.

"It's amazing how quickly civilization can go straight to hell - like when a freak windstorm hit Bellevue Washington, a few years back. 'We had 10 days where people didn't have power,' says Valve's Chet Faliszek, part of the large team behind the zombie survival shooter Left 4 Dead. 'It was this weird thing - you could go into the city and be okay, or you could stay out by my house and wait three-and-a-half hours for gas. And all someone had to do was tell those people, buth they were angry, they were fighting... it was bizarre.'

That idea of a world in crisis that quickly boils down to its brutal essence is reflected in Left 4 Dead's gameplay. Grab gun, kill zombies, and survive you journey from point A to point B by any means necessary. Even the controls are basic: Right trigger fires or attacks. You can carry only pistols and one other gun. The D-pad handles your basic gear - flashlight, homemade bombs, first aid, and pain pills. But from that simplicity comes strength: Valve has cut the bloated survival-horror game down to the bone."
Boldy - contributor
Published: 423 days 6 hours ago | Review | Xbox 360
 
 

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Showing: 1 - 50 of 105 Comments
1 LightningPS3PS3 | 423 days 7 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
1.1 -Maverick- | 423 days 6 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Hububla - 423 days 4 hours ago
1.2 - its not really that great for the 360
im gettin it on PC.. wich will control alot better then on 360 so anyone that wants to play it can its not like its really exclusive
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jackdoe - 423 days 1 hour ago
1.3 -
You sir, are the definition of a fanboy. Jesus christ, I could have sworn I blocked you. Multiple accounts, eh? Anyway, getting this game off of Steam on day one. Looks so freaking sweet.

-edit- Got to love invisible disagreers! Especially when they don't tell you why they disagree with you because even they can't come up with something since I am making a truthful point. LightningPS3 is a fanboy, check. He has made multiple accounts, check. Game is sweet, check. I will get it off of Steam, check. What is there to disagree with?
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dexterwang - 422 days 23 hours ago
1.4 -
@Maverick, I agree 360 have a great 2008 line up and I am trying freaking hard to find time for all the new games across both systems...Fable 2, Tales of vesperia, LBP and Resistance 2. (Have just finished Geow2... fantastic game). BUT I am quite worried about the 2009 releases. Out of the 6 games announced you named, 3 were halo... if you are impartial to the halo franchise like me, that really isn't that exciting. Also Alan Wake, Splinter cell, and even probably gears 3 will end up on PC, which is my primary gaming platform. The only thing thats keeping me from selling my 360 (need cash T.T) after I finish the current kick ass line up is Mass effect 2... though that may be coming to PC too. Hopefully MS announce something really exciting soon.

Speaking about pc, and I know I will be killed for this...what is with all the disagrees to 1.2? FPS are made for PC and thats a fact. It'll still kick ass on the 360, but the complete experience is with the PC. And don't give the oh pc is too expensive crap, a rig required to play L4D can be made with 200-300$ (if you already have an existing rig- and you should).

PS- Unrelated, but I REALLY dislike how MS is milking the Halo Franchise... I can see why Bungie left. The series started to decline since 1 and only retain its massive popularity due to massive marketing
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BobDog - 422 days 21 hours ago
1.5 -
dont know why hububla is getting disagrees, every1 knows fps controls are always better on the pc
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Noctis Lucis Caelum - 422 days 21 hours ago
1.6 - L4D
Is just another shooter to me.
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y0haN - 422 days 20 hours ago
1.7 -
If you want this for 360 you're a fool. Have fun teamkilling.
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comm13 - 422 days 14 hours ago
1.8 -
lol, Gears is an average shooter (just like R2), it is only popular as much as it is because of the millions MS put into marketing.
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IdleLeeSiuLung - 422 days 12 hours ago
1.9 - @comm13
Everybody is entitled to their opinion, but so far 10% of the Xbox user base disagrees with you since 2.1 million copies sold already and more to come....

I love GeoW2. Next to Ninja Gaiden 2, this is game of the year for me.
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25 - 422 days 10 hours ago
1.10 - is this game an online only game like warhawk?
if not might pick it up. it looks interesting, but i don't want to get it if i have to pay for live. i dont play online too much is all.
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Bodhi - 422 days 10 hours ago
1.11 -
This is yet another must buy title for PC or Xbox 360. I got 3 demo keys so I gave one to my friend, gave one to my brother and used one myself and man did we have a hell of a time. Best multiplayer game ever. It's better than the Gears of War 2 Horde mode and Resistance 2 Co-op mode. It's amazing, Multiplayer GotY.

Anyone playing this by themselves is missing out on a lot of fun, wait until November 11th, download the demo with your friends and see for yourself. If playing with other people disgruntles you, the Survivor A.I. is a little too good. If you die and you watch the A.I. kill zombies, it's like a aimbot.

Trust me on this, most intense and visceral multiplayer/co-op game ever crafted.
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Hellsvacancy - 423 days 7 hours ago
2 - @LightningPs3Ps3
And wot other games does the 360 hav to offer after Gears 2 and Left 4 Dead - cough cough

Sad little man
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lowcarb - 423 days 6 hours ago
2.1 -
It's not a matter of how many games you have but more about how many great games you have for everyone. Sure PS3 has some decent games out but honestly 360 steals the show. I understand lightning said some fanboy crap but don't discredit an amazing lineup this year for 360.
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Nitrowolf2 - 423 days 6 hours ago
2.2 -
both console had amazing lineups
i just think 360 has a better holiday line-up
but next year
"There will be Choas"
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thewhoopimen - 423 days 2 hours ago
2.3 - @2.1
I think product diversity is what will determine the winner this holiday season. Left4Dead and Geow2 are conflicting genre titles. Thought they are somewhat different, they would be both considered shooters from the public perception.
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Foxgod - 422 days 17 hours ago
2.4 -
i generally dont like summing up, but you asked for it.

Mass effect 2
Halo wars
Peter jacksons halo
Halo 3 Recon
Alan Wake
Star ocean 4
Splinter Cell conviction
Forza 3
Beyond good and evil 2
Deus EX 3
Project Offset

And the following list are exclusives too, but i dont know if they will get high ratings.

Ninja Blade
Velvet Assasin
Blue dragon 2
Aliens : Colonial Marines.
Black Next
Elveon
Omikron Karma
Huxley

And rumored games

Killer instinct 3
New racer from Bizarre creations
Some metal gear clone

And i am sure i missed a bunch, and also who knows what more will be announced, as Microsoft has the habit to mostly anounce new games that will be released the same year, so coming spring a bunch of new exlcusives will probably be anounced.
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Foxgod - 422 days 17 hours ago
2.5 -
and if its diversity you want, then the PS3 loses as well, from MS this holiday we have shooters, rpgs, race games, adventure games, platformers, flight games, rts games, sports games etch.
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Sarcasm - 422 days 15 hours ago
2.6 -
YAY let's play the "list the games" game!

Killzone 2 - Shooter
God of War III - Action Adventure
Gran Turismo 5 - Racing
Infamous - Sandbox Adventure
FF Versus XIII - RPG
MAG - MMO Shooter
Quantum Theory - Third Person Shooter
White Knight Chronicles - RPG
Yakuza 3 - Sandbox Adventure
Heavy Rain - RPG? (Not sure)
Wardevil - Action Adventure
Eyepet - Family
The Agency - MMO
MLB '09 - Sports
NBA '10 - Sports
DC Universe - MMO
Uncharted 2 - Action Adventure (Unannounced but we know it's coming)
BlazBlue - Fighting
Fat Princess - PSN Only
LA Noire - Rumored PS3 exclusive, but Foxgod is also listing rumored
Ratchet & Clank Future 2 - Platformer

Yeah there's NO variety in PS3 exclusives... *rollseyes*
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Foxgod - 422 days 15 hours ago
2.7 -
the variation comment was about the discussion that went on about the exclusives out this holiday, not about the exclusives that come out in the future.

You would have known that if you read more then just my comment.
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BWS1982 - 422 days 7 hours ago
2.8 - Foxgod, some of those games last I read were
multi', like Deus Ex 3, Aliens, Black, and Beyond Good & Evil 2. I think both have something to look forward to, and I could be wrong on some of the ones you've listed, but I could have sworn that a good few of those are multiplat's....Someone correct me on this if you know more. I'm not trying to join any flaming here, just looking for fact checks.

This holiday, btw, there's a large variation of exclusives on all 3 if you look.
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silverchode - 423 days 7 hours ago
3 -
l4d>gears2,fable 2?
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BIoodmask - 423 days 6 hours ago
4 -
I'm not surprised by the good score. I am a big Valve fan. They have a pedigree for making great games. Left4Dead looks to continue that tradition.
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militant07 - 416 days 23 hours ago
4.1 -
im big valve hater ,how odd
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Dread - 423 days 6 hours ago
5 -
yes baby

bring it

i had a good feeling about this game. Hell of a gaming season

here here!

o and by the way save your "it is just anohter 360 fps" bull (dont hate)
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Firstkn1ghT - 423 days 6 hours ago
6 -
What are you doing to me Microsoft? Damn.
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harry190 - 423 days 5 hours ago
6.1 - They are not doing anything to you,
you're just going mental.
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Philip J Fry - 423 days 3 hours ago
6.2 - Harry
You literally made me lol! Thanks.
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jackdoe - 423 days 1 hour ago
6.3 -
Er... Valve is doing this to you. Not MS as they are not publishing nor developing the game. MS is doing something to you with Gears of War 2 though. They published that one.
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lowcarb - 423 days 6 hours ago
7 - good review
This is going to be my fps shooter of the year. Can't wait to pick it up and hop on live.
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kewlkat007 - 423 days 6 hours ago
8 - It's VALVE "What more Can you Say?"
Besides "QUALITY".

Another good one...
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RYSYND - 423 days 6 hours ago
9 - oh well
The one game i wish would come to the PS3....might have to spring for a 360...
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Ren - 422 days 17 hours ago
9.1 -
Im not trying to be a troll here, but you do know that Valve games are always better on Pc , good on the 360 and sucky on the PS3(Gabe Newell refuses to let his programers learn how to program for the PS3 , WTF?).

EA would do the port , and even though they have proven that they can work on the PS3 , i doubt they would do a good job with this game.
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XXXCouture - 423 days 6 hours ago
10 -
uhhh nice, should i get it for pc or 360????????

good point, thanks man. bubbles
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omni_atlas - 423 days 5 hours ago
10.1 -
PC > Xbox.

Free updates, mods, etc.
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lowcarb - 423 days 5 hours ago
10.2 -
Well that all depends on if you prefer keyboard and mouse or the 360 controller. For me it's 360 all the way regardless of the perks of owning a PC. There's just something about playing on 360 and Live that feels so satisfying.
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name - 423 days 5 hours ago
10.3 -
You do realize you can use gamepads for PC right?
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GUNS N SWORDS - 423 days 2 hours ago
10.4 - ........................
(omni_atlas -)

playing the game immediately >>>> mandatory installs and system requirements.
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jackdoe - 423 days 1 hour ago
10.5 -
@Omni_Atlas
Can't believe anyone could disagree with you Omni-Atlas. PC is inherently > than any console and no fanboy who tries to maintain a bit of credibility can deny that. Which means the fanboys posting here are beyond that level of fanboyism.

@lowcarb
You haven't played a multiplayer game on Steam then. That is even more satisfying than Xbox live. People communicating with each other civilly for the most part, private IMs on the fly with friends, and double the player count possible on Xbox live due to dedicated servers. TF2 is bliss on Steam and a headache on the 360 and a godawful nightmare on the PS3.

@name
Can't believe people are disagreeing with you as well name. Especially since MS ENCOURAGES the use of the 360 pad on the PC. Fallout 3 and Gears of War especially! Jeeezus christ! Gears of War PC has 360 button icons fer crying out loud!

@Guns N Swords
No, just no. A ONE time install which nets you better developer support in patches (cough TF2 timely updates on the PC but none on the consoles cough), free updates (cough TF2 $10 update on 360 which was free on the PC cough), better framerate, AND better graphics? Not to mention you pay a $10 premium for the 360 version? Nice try. Given the choice, people would always choose the PC. Unless you are a 360 fanboy who refuses to see the truth or an Achievement whore (for lack of a better word) who wants to raise his gamerscore.

-edit- Guess there is a phantom 360 fanboy disagreeing with the sane stuff that I same saying. Try to counter my arguments. This is a discussion after all.
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omni_atlas - 422 days 17 hours ago
10.6 -
I use to be a console fanboy (own a PS3) and saw the benefits over the PC (being lazy on the couch, works out of the box, etc). But after I built my own PC and I can say that the PC still has a lot going for it. For one thing, the graphics kick ass over the PS3/Xbox anyday. Playing COD4 on my PC was inherently clearer then on the console (maybe it was my 50" plasma tv?).

You can't hack the xbox version of L4D -- d'you know how much fun PC modders have had with the demo playing split screen, playing as the infected, delving into developer files to listen to the sound bytes for further clues of the story, spawning multiple hordes -- you can practically customize the gameplay to your liking.
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Nitrowolf2 - 423 days 6 hours ago
11 -
Man i really want this game.
is this coming to PC?
cause if it is i need to get my computer fixed
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XXXCouture - 423 days 5 hours ago
11.1 -
im pretty sure its coming to pc also
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jackdoe - 423 days 1 hour ago
11.2 -
It is coming onto the PC as Valve is and always has been a PC developer who likes to make extra cash on the side by making console forays.

-edit- Again, disagreeing with no basis. Left4Dead is PC bound, check. Valve is primarily a PC developer, check. Valve makes extra cash on the side with console ports, check. Tell me what is wrong with the statement?
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Covenant - 423 days 5 hours ago
12 -
*shuffle shuffle*

*moan*

*shuffle shuffle*

*moan*

"brains....brains....BRA AAAAAAAINS*

*BLAM!* *thud*

Can't wait!

Imagine what kind of "viral" marketing campaign they could create for this...
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OnslaughtX - 423 days 5 hours ago
12.1 -
I love the triple pun with the cover art frankly.
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Covenant - 423 days 5 hours ago
12.2 -
Me, too. The cover art is easily one of the cleverest designs I've seen in a while.
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darkride66 - 423 days 5 hours ago
13 - I finally bought a 360 game again...
Actually, two of them! After having not bought a single 360 game (nothing I wanted that wasn't already on the PS3) since Halo 3 my 360 is actually getting some use again. I picked up Gears 2 and Fable 2. Not quite the 15 games I picked up for my PS3 this year, but at least my 360 isn't collecting dust anymore. Sad thing is it continues to cost more money. Word to the wise - you must have to take your battery packs out of the 360 controllers or something. After sitting idle for a year neither of my two packs will hold a charge now, although they were all fine when I shelved it after I finished Halo 3 for the second time. So far that 360 has cost me over $900. Two years of XBL - $192 (I didn't know it was more expensive to pay per month. They just started charging me after a had a couple free months expire) $50 for extra controller, $100 for the network adapter, $500 for the console at launch, $75 for an extended warranty from MS (good thing too. Disk eating console is only covered under the one year warranty and I had one of the refurbed replacements they sent me chow down on Bioshock and a couple others before I figured out it was the console they shipped me) $50 for two play and charge kits, $30 for two more play and charge kits. And people say the PS3 is expensive. At least the $340 they charged me for two RROD was eventually rebated after fighting with them, faxing Visa statements to prove I paid them and a lengthy wait. Otherwise I'd be almost at $1300 for one 360 console. Can't wait till this one dies when the 3 year warranty is up this month.
13.1 THWIP71 | 423 days 1 hour ago - deleted by mod -
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joemayo76 - 422 days 21 hours ago
13.2 -
^^^ how is he an idiot, cuz he doesn't share the same interests as other 360 owners??!? although at the end there he does start to rant abit.... for me before fable 2 i hadn't bought a 360 game in a while (Jan '08), didn't mean i hated my 360, jus nothing out really appealed to me, now i got gears 2, fable 2, and soon to pick this up. This coupled with LBP, Valkyria Chronicles, R2, and mirror's edge and more to come is gunna make it a loooonnngg holiday season, thats gunna hit the wallet hard
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cherrypie - 422 days 7 hours ago
13.3 - give me a break troll.
Total troll FUD.

Reported as offtopic.
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