Left 4 Dead

Well, with the Left 4 Dead due date slowly (but surely) getting closer and closer I think that I can safely say that gamers all over the world are getting pretty psyched. We certainly have good reason to be happy, for if everything that Valve Software says is true, Left 4 Dead will be one freaking awesome entertainment product (but please-tell me-when has Valve ever disappointed?). The revolutionary AI, the stunning graphics, the immersive levels, the ballistic weapons, the swarms of zombies, the tanks, boomers, hunters, witches, and not to mention the dynamically flowing hair of Zoey are all things worth being excited about. Seriously, what could be better than getting yourself and seven other friends together solely for the purpose of consuming caffeine, owning zombies, and generally freaking each other out? I know that I’m going to be one of the many who get to enjoy these luxuries. Now, enough gloating over Valve’s future release, let’s get down to business. I would imagine that you already know this but for the off chance, Left 4 Dead is an eight player coop first person shooter that takes place in a “rabid zombie ridden world”(yes, they really do have rabies) that has no mercy for the four survivors and every bit of sympathy for the lucky four who get to play as the zombie “bosses”. Eight players in an online coop game? What happened to the swarms of zombies? Aren’t there more than four in a swarm? The answer to most of your questions is: The Director. Plain and simple, it is exactly what it sounds like. The Director is artificial intelligence at its finest. Valve and Turtle Rock Studios have put their heads together to create pure bliss, a program that tells the many computer controlled zombies and players where to spawn creating a unique style of game play that is never the same twice (for real this time, forget all of that “replay value” talk given by 2K Boston). When the four survivors are prancing down the creepy alleys of urban cities the Director is busy planning its next attack. Yes, I think you know as well as I do, Dave. Not only are you fighting the many rabid zombies, you’re fighting against the smarts of code. Don’t’ get me wrong, this evil cousin of Hal cannot be tricked. You aren’t fighting it as much as letting it mess with you. Creepy ‘eh? So, besides the world dominating Director what else is cool about Left 4 Dead? Lots, more than I want to tell you right now though! I’m going to cover the game in a few short articles, each focusing on one or two topics: The Director, the survivors and zombies, the levels, and the many weapons. Expect a few more articles from me regarding this beauty!


What I'm playing: DOD:S, TF 2, S.T.A.L.K.E.R
Games I'm into: Mirror's Edge, Mirror's Edge, and more Mirror's Edge