Left 4 Dead by Steam is a first-person shooter game that cleverly combines action with strategy to create a thoroughly unique gaming experience. The game centres on four “Survivors” of a devastating virus that has turned much of the immediate population into zombies. While this sounds like a very familiar plot line of countless movies and games, Left 4 Dead manages to take the zombie concept and make it all it’s own with engaging and enjoyable game play.
Basic Game Play
Players select one of the four main characters to play; Bill, the middle-aged army veteran; Louis, the junior business man, Francis, the biker or Zoey, the horror film loving college student and progress through the game by completing chapters of campaigns. Left 4 Dead has five campaigns to complete, each with unique scenery and tasks to complete in order to move forward.
Completion of each chapter is heralded by locating a “Safe Room” where the Survivors can recuperate before their next nightmare. Safe Rooms contain first aid kids, weapons and ammunition for players to re-stock their equipment before moving on. These items, in addition to various explosive devices are also located randomly throughout each chapter.
The primary task in Left 4 Dead is to, quite simply, survive to the end of each campaign. This is achieved by, of course, killing zombies and making way through to the end of each chapter.
Normal Infected
“Normal” infected are the traditional mindless zombies and generally pose little problem to the player until they swarm and attack in a large group, when they become known as “The Horde.” This happens randomly throughout each chapter, but can also happen if a player triggers certain environmental actions which can provoke the horde to attack.
Some of these events can be avoided, however some are required to progress through the chapters. High pitched noises, such as car alarms are one example of what can entice the horde to swarm and can be avoided with careful aim, however starting elevators and using two way radios, which also attract the horde, cannot. Ensuring the group is well armed and works together as a team is the best way to increase chances of survival against a swarming horde.
Special Infected
Among the “normal” infected mindless zombies are also what are called “special” infected, each with their own abilities and strategies required for taking them down. The special infected are much stronger than their normal infected counterparts and seem to have a higher intelligence which can make them tricky customers for the inexperienced player.
These include the Boomer, Smoker, Hunter, Witch and Tank. A brief guide for managing these critters is located here.
Features
The game contains the ability to play in both online and offline environments, catering for different player preferences.
Teamwork is a major positive of Left 4 Dead, and for those who prefer a more player versus player (PVP) environment, the online versions of the game provide opportunity for players to select to play as a Survivor or as one of the Special Infected.
There are four difficulty levels, catering for players of all skills.
A comprehensive achievements system ensures game play never becomes dull.
