Left 4 Dead
Preview
A horrifying co-op shooter breathes new life into survival-horror
by Kevin
previewed on PC
Dramatic flair
One of the things I'm most excited about in this game is its AI, mostly the AI Director. The Director makes the game more thrilling and suspenseful by changing the spawn areas for the Infected to either ease up on the action after an epic battle or to liven things up when the players think they're getting a break from all the fighting. This also ensures that no scenario will ever play out the same way twice. The computer-controlled Infected won't just stand there and let you shoot them, they'll run after and pounce on and claw and stomp any unlucky Survivors they happen to encounter with the same cunning and ferocity as any player-controlled creature.
Reward and Punishment
When either side has won the scenario, players are shown what rewards or penalties they received during the course of the game. Things such as aiding an ally with a medkit or saving them from a horde of Infected will yield rewards, whereas things like friendly fire or playing recklessly will have a negative effect on your reputation. When playing as an Infected, most rewards are given when you cause mayhem and damage to the Survivors, and things such as avoiding Survivors or murdering fellow Infected creatures receive negative points.
From what has been revealed, the game does have quality graphics. Fluid animations, cloth effects, realistic hair movement, and top-notch effects for things like blood and gore. The character models and textures seem to rival most Source games to date. Little touches like seeing your team mates through walls and having blood splash up onto the screen fit right in and don't detract from the atmosphere at all. Obviously PC players will need a decent rig to run the game at max settings, but the game will probably only be slightly more demanding than The Orange Box.
Overall, Left 4 Dead looks like it won't disappoint and Valve has a good reputation for making quality games that are well worth the money paid for them. I'm sure survival horror and FPS fans alike will find something they love in this game. As with all other Valve titles, the game will more than likely be available through Steam and/or a retail DVD. Barring any delays or unforeseen circumstances, keep an eye out for Left 4 Dead in early 2008.
