Left 4 Dead (demo) Impressions

(Note that this post has also been posted at my new blog dedicated ENTIRELY to games. Why post it here as well? Why, because sometimes I actually like getting responses, that's why.)


Now that the full game has been released on steam ($49.99 as of me writing this), I think it is about time I give my impressions of the Left 4 Dead demo. Keep in mind that I may not be the best objective reviewer here, because I ran through those two map sections over and over.

Graphics:
Some people say the graphics are pretty bad, I couldn't tell through the screams and the blood. But no, seriously, the optimized steam engine is a great gaming choice. Sure, it's not giving Crysis a run for its money, but L4D can play on lots of systems and frankly look pretty good when you have the hardware for it (maxed settings at 1280x1024 on my system with a Geforce 8800GT). Appropriate atmosphere for a zombie game, and lots of nice models that add to the effect.

Sound:
The sound for Left 4 Dead is actually pretty satifying. Zombies are distinctive, weapons sound fun (maybe average for today's FPS?), and the voice acting seemed top notch. If there was a time when the sound was annoying, it would have to be when you're at the bottom of a pile of zombies that your friends are not shooting off of you, at which points I could see the frustration.

Gameplay:
Okay, the fun parts about this game are definiately the team based shooting. This game doesn't have a lot of inovative features, unless you call the complete inablity to solo affectively a feature. (Seriously, there are so many ways you can fail as a solo player its rediculious [or in my case, fun]) It's a fast, basic shooter. There really isn't a lot more depth to the game than shooting zombies, saving teammates, and running to the objective. Why is that so entertaining?

Summary:
Left 4 Dead is definitely a game to play if you like team-based action. If the thought of relying on another person in a game really sets you off, it probably isn't for you. But then again, it might just change your mind.

My only real gripe with the game is the "full" game price tag asocciated with it. This is a $50.00 (US) game right now, which is to say it costs the same amount as Fallout 3 and Farcry 2. I don't know why, but it doesn't seem like a "full" game experience. This shouldn't be in the same price category as those two previous games. It's not that long, and it's not that in-depth. It's basically just a really fun mulitplayer mode of a shooter. A price tag of $30.00 (US) would be much more appropriate, and I'm sure the Steam price will fall to that eventually. Right now, at its price, it's sort of difficult to recommend. It's an excellent, really fun game. If you pick your purchases solely based off those two aspects, it's a sure buy. If you are low on funds though, it might be more difficult to justify purchasing.

Personally, I'd consider buying the full Valve package from steam for $100.00 (US). Yeah, twice the cost, I understand that, but you get every single game by Valve ever. I don't have most of them, and the ones I do I'd just trade to friends for sexual favors. Just kidding, I'd trade them for drugs. Definitely drugs.