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Because you can't have enough Left 4 Dead videos
by Jim Sterling on 03.02.2008 69 comments

Considering those darlings of the game world at Valve are involved, it's hardly surprising that there is a lot of excitement surrounding the Turtle Rock Studios zombie shooter, Left 4 Dead. It's looking like it could be a lot of fun, but I certainly wouldn't advise people to start expecting the second coming.

The graphics look dated, but hopefully wave upon wave of screaming, rushing zombies should be more than distracting enough. The exclusive GTTV video above shows off plenty of undead genocide to whet your appetites. I expect a very fine shooter indeed, but nothing that will make my head explode with amazement.

MORE IN OUR Zombie Attack SECTION

Latest comment by mhmdkhamis |view all 69 comments
[/b] ...





Y0j1mb0's Avatar
Y0j1mb0 at 03/02/2008 09:15

I agree. Looks like a fun romp..we'll see if it's anything more substantial when it comes out.
Awesome Locks's Avatar
Awesome Locks at 03/02/2008 09:19

Yeah, this renewed my hope in Zombie mods for the source engine.
JtheYellow's Avatar
JtheYellow at 03/02/2008 09:28

Remember when Source was announced, and everyone from Warren Spector on down wanted to make games with it? How many professional studios outside of Valve have used it? Didn't they both more or less go out of business of making these kinds of games as a result?

Valve buying Turtle Rock is no big surprise, given how much work on contract they've done. But this looks like Ravenholm without the headcrabs. I guess this is why they pushed the release date back.
DeusPayne's Avatar
DeusPayne at 03/02/2008 09:29

Looks fun, not interesting, but fun. Can never get enough zombie slaughtering.
fyre's Avatar
fyre at 03/02/2008 09:35

This looks like a good game. But......is there something wrong with me if mowing down zombies doesn't excite me?
Jetsetlemming's Avatar
Jetsetlemming at 03/02/2008 09:35

I'm not sure what's "dated" about the looks.
Also, @JtheYellow: You're confusing Steam for Source. Everyone who's anyone is releasing their game on Steam anymore. Source WOULD have a booming license market, except Ritual Entertainment ruined it. Their colossal failure with Sin: Episode 1 soured the market. It doesn't help that Source just isn't as easy or as fast to work with comparatively to Unreal. Source still gets plenty of indie love in spite of that, though, and it's not like Valve's hurting any.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 03/02/2008 09:38

Jetsetlemming: Mostly the character models. While I won't say they look last-generation, they don't look especially current either. I'm no graphics whore or anything, just saying they look a little old, and this game could benefit from making the zombies look as real and grotesque as possible.
Eschatos's Avatar
Eschatos at 03/02/2008 09:39

Why would you want more Zombie mods if you can have this?
RJG's Avatar
RJG at 03/02/2008 09:41

This is pretty much perfect game for my group of friends. My lady friend loves the co-op element of TF2, and loves zombie games. That said, the game will need some awesome maps and a really great Director to keep things fresh. I could see it getting stale really quickly otherwise. Without real AI, it could get boring.
RJG's Avatar
RJG at 03/02/2008 09:41

"Real AI"? What the hell was I thinking? Not much, it's 3am. I meant to say "Without real people to play against who can get smarter, it could get boring."
notdryad's Avatar
notdryad at 03/02/2008 09:55

I hope this game comes out for 360 so it can lag behind PC in terms of updates just like TF2!
Holyetheline's Avatar
Holyetheline at 03/02/2008 10:22

Wow that's a whole horde of zombies! It will be fun to tear through this game... I hope. Graphics aren't too great... but I have a Wii too so I'm used to it.
Log1c's Avatar
Log1c at 03/02/2008 10:37

Gameplay looks fucking awesome. Those are huge hordes of zombies.

But the graphics?! come on, aren't they using the source engine, shouldn't it just look good by default? I mean do they have to try to make it pretty? It doesn't even look as good as HL2.. Hopefully they will fix this.
Jetsetlemming's Avatar
Jetsetlemming at 03/02/2008 10:48

The release date for the game IS in four months, guys.
@ Jim: I can see what you mean a bit, they have visible seams on their shoulders/joints in a couple scenes in the video. I didn't notice that the first time around. I think it's probably a given that they'll be spruced up a bit before it's Gold. The model work in everything else Valve and Turtle Rock has done has been just fine, so I think it's safe to say these are placeholders. The human models themselves don't appear to have any seams or issues. I guess they're done and ready.
Mxyzptlk's Avatar
Mxyzptlk at 03/02/2008 10:49

I call being the skeezy bearded guy.
Tragic Hero's Avatar
Tragic Hero at 03/02/2008 10:53

I call old man green beret guy!

And I do agree the graphics look a bit dated but when you have that many zombies running on screen I think its the best way to ensure the game runs at a smooth frame rate.

I'm also creeped out that they run like 28 days later "zombies" and they don't shamble like regular zombies.
B-Radicate's Avatar
B-Radicate at 03/02/2008 11:00

This game will be amazing fun. Sub-par graphics or not. When there's THAT much zombie slaughtering fun to be had, I don't think I'm gonna have time to stop and look at anything anyway.

Can't wait.
RivaOni's Avatar
RivaOni at 03/02/2008 11:03

One little thing I loved, the Shotgun seems to use the same sound effect from DOOM!
mix's Avatar
mix at 03/02/2008 11:06

I wonder how they will do ammo pick ups as it looks like you need one guy on the team to carry around a case of ammo....I want it released NOW!
diversionmary's Avatar
diversionmary at 03/02/2008 11:25

Can't wait. Will this be part of HL2:ep3 'orange' box?
l4d, portal2, ep3 = $60?
ZeroTolo's Avatar
ZeroTolo at 03/02/2008 11:31

@mix

In some interview that was online, one of the developers said something along the lines of all the characters being able to use all the weapons, that nothing was class-specific or anything like that. Based on that, I'd say that it's like any other shooter where you just pick up any ammo you find.
godkow's Avatar
godkow at 03/02/2008 11:46

Still want.
A Sexually Disturbed Jedi's Avatar
A Sexually Disturbed Jedi at 03/02/2008 11:51

I approve
Jetsetlemming's Avatar
Jetsetlemming at 03/02/2008 12:02

@diversionmary
No. This is coming out all by its lonesome in June. Don't expect Ep3 and company until 2009.
Spartacus's Avatar
Spartacus at 03/02/2008 12:04

If this becomes a series, what are they going to call the fourth game?
Ratcliff's Avatar
Ratcliff at 03/02/2008 12:25

@Spartacus

Left4Dead 4.
nukka jdav's Avatar
nukka jdav at 03/02/2008 12:37

AHHHHHHHHHhh I just get anxiety attacks thinking about this game!
Teta's Avatar
Teta at 03/02/2008 12:43

Looks stressing and fun. Not the best graphics on the market, but if the AI is as good as they have promised, the game is gonna rock.
Wedge's Avatar
Wedge at 03/02/2008 12:48

Do you really want super high quality graphics killing your framerate when fighting a mass of zombies at high speeds? I think not. Jim of all people should know you need to sacrifice some quality for quantity in these cases (ahem, Dynasty Warriors...).

And anyways, this is the first zombie mod I've ever seen that has remotely interesting looking movement and animation for the zombies (save for possibly Killing Floor). It looks wonderfully chaotic, and not just like a wall of zombies marching in a line towards you.
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 03/02/2008 12:52

Those criers freak me the hell out. EVIL LITTLE CHILDREN FTL.
cbre88x's Avatar
cbre88x at 03/02/2008 13:05

This is an instance when the look of the game shouldn't matter nearly as much as the gameplay...and obviously that's what they are focused on. If it wasn't this way..we'd just have another mediocre online shooter that looks pretty aka- UT3.
robotplague's Avatar
robotplague at 03/02/2008 13:11

I was looking forward to it before...but now that's it's a 100% Valve product through and through I'm absolutely stoked. I don't think they would ship a bad title, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if it's delayed a bit. It doesn't look nearly up to par as Episode two or TF2, etc.
vexed alex's Avatar
vexed alex at 03/02/2008 13:12

After everything inside the Orange Box was such great quality, I have no doubt in my mind that this game will be good.

@ Wedge

It makes sense that the number of zombies would take away some resources from the graphics.
Sadie G's Avatar
Sadie G at 03/02/2008 13:13

why are they so fucking fast??
MrSadistic's Avatar
MrSadistic at 03/02/2008 13:18

@Sadie

Because people think zombies need to be innovative (read: 16 year olds).
Crapsh00t's Avatar
Crapsh00t at 03/02/2008 13:23

This game's innovation has nothing to do with visual fidelity. The AI Director, if it works right, will be a new baseline by which all other single player and co-op games are judged.

Maybe I'm a dying breed, but I don't care how good it looks if it plays like shit.

Also, Wedge called it out so I don't have to.
trunxkam45's Avatar
trunxkam45 at 03/02/2008 13:59

Definitely looks better than halo 3.
JtheYellow's Avatar
JtheYellow at 03/02/2008 14:04

Actually, I wasn't confusing Steam for Source, but I was thinking about Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines: The Game That Broke Troika, and Sin: Emergence: Ritual Gets To Make Casual Games From Now On.

I just wish someone other than gmod makers would make a Source game that doesn't look like a Source game.
FuriousGeorge's Avatar
FuriousGeorge at 03/02/2008 14:09

the graphics are fine.... you're all whiny bitches over nitpicky bullshit this game is gonna rock...


TF2 doesnt have amazing graphics but it gets the job done being an amazing game.... stfuajpg!
Roryzilla's Avatar
Roryzilla at 03/02/2008 15:00

TF2 certainly has amazing graphics, it has an excellent sense of style. This game is no exception. I do think they can up the textures a bit, but saying these graphics are terrible is bollocks.

God damn you, Jim Sterling.
Roryzilla's Avatar
Roryzilla at 03/02/2008 15:01

I can't believe I said bollocks.
Wedge's Avatar
Wedge at 03/02/2008 15:03

Hah, nice Jetset, I just thought of that when thinking of cool Source games.
brosef's Avatar
brosef at 03/02/2008 15:24

Something needs to be said about zombies not being able to run...and I'm just the guy to say it:

ZOMBIES CAN'T FUCKING RUN!!!
George A. Romero is spinning in his grave right now.

...

What's that? He's alive? Well good for George, he's alive and pissed off too.
Clockwork's Avatar
Clockwork at 03/02/2008 15:35

@brosef

I agree with you 75%. Yes it's far creepier and awesome when zombies are coming at you at a snails pace, but there's certain circumstances where zombies have to run their asses off. Like with 28 Days Later, that movie would've been terrible if they walked slow. Yeah, I know their not technically zombies but who gives a shit, that movie's awesome.
ronneh's Avatar
ronneh at 03/02/2008 16:16

The creators never refer to them as zombies, just infected, so lets keep crying about how zombies can't run.
notdryad's Avatar
notdryad at 03/02/2008 16:18

@brosef

Then don't buy the game if you have that large of a stick up your ass about zombies.
nopk's Avatar
nopk at 03/02/2008 16:20

The graphics "look" dated because the game will focus on FPS I suspect.

FPS > bits of textures you don't really pay attention to like in Farcry, for games like this.
BlackSunEmpire's Avatar
BlackSunEmpire at 03/02/2008 16:28

@fyre Yes there is something wrong with you, mowing down zombies is one of the most fun pastimes yet conceived (if you ignore the fact that there has to be a zombie outbreak first, which may make things less exciting).

I quite like fast running zombies as something a bit different. I mean the shamblers are scary in their own right, but the only way to make them tough is to make them take 1000's of rounds, have endless numbers, or pin you in corners constantly. At least fast zombies can chase you down.
Steel Squirrel's Avatar
Steel Squirrel at 03/02/2008 18:24

All I care about is the co-op. I could care less how fast the zombies run. Do you guys have some secret zombie rule book that says zombies can't run? Last time I checked..... zombies weren't real..... so...... I think if the only issue you have with the "realism" is that zombies can't run, then you might want to rethink that.
Vigor's Avatar
Vigor at 03/02/2008 19:18

You guys are fucking retarted. Why would you want slow fucking zombies? This isnt a survival horror game. It's a first person fuck shit up shooter.
Jim Sterling's Avatar
Jim Sterling at 03/02/2008 19:24

Roryzilla: I never said the graphics look "terrible," that's your word.
Steel Squirrel's Avatar
Steel Squirrel at 03/02/2008 20:43

Dated graphics = not state of the art/cutting edge (i.e. not Gears of War 2 graphics technology).

Terrible graphics =
Sharpless's Avatar
Sharpless at 03/02/2008 21:56

FACT: Fast zombies are much scarier and more deadly than slow zombies. That's why they're fast. VALVE DOES NOT FUCK AROUND.
Schmo0zle's Avatar
Schmo0zle at 03/02/2008 22:10

The first video of this game that I saw really blew my mind.


You can play on either side, too...Which is a huge plus. Setting up a trap as a killer zombie with a 50 foot tongue = ownage.
KaL_YoshiKa's Avatar
KaL_YoshiKa at 03/02/2008 23:38

Infected looks pretty good for a PSP game..that's a bad call Steel Squirrel..
kawitchate's Avatar
kawitchate at 03/03/2008 00:20

god damn it. just when i was getting excited for this, along comes this video...


1) zombies are too fast
2) graphics are a little dated
3) too many "types" of zombies (fat zombie, steroid zombie, etc)
Steel Squirrel's Avatar
Steel Squirrel at 03/03/2008 00:24

Damn it YoshiKa, I was hoping nobody would know what game that was.
Monco Vega's Avatar
Monco Vega at 03/03/2008 03:40

Dunno to me this looks...crap, remind's me completely of that fucking horrendous remake they just did of Day of The Dead, screaming zombies: check, running zombies: check, zombies that jump around like howler monkey's on crack: check, now all we need is Mia Sorvino with her thunder thighs and a street smart, jive talking but good hearted black guy. Oh yeah and Ving Rhames.
Necros's Avatar
Necros at 03/03/2008 04:52

You're right, the graphics are meh, but the game still looks really fun.
HarassmentPanda's Avatar
HarassmentPanda at 03/03/2008 08:55

The graphics are 'meh' as other have stated, but I don't think they're any worse than Half-Life 2 and that's still an extremely enjoyable title. Fast zombies tweak me out, can you not get bitten by them once? That would suck.
HarassmentPanda's Avatar
HarassmentPanda at 03/03/2008 08:56

Nevermind, I just read that you're "immune."
MrSlippery's Avatar
MrSlippery at 03/03/2008 10:15

Graphics are fine, lrn2cope plz.


Infected was damn fun, arcadey zombie chaos. Did not like unlockable characters, aside from like, two guys from slipknot, just because they had cool masks.
Leathersoup's Avatar
Leathersoup at 03/03/2008 11:37

I like fast zombies. Plus it makes more sense from a gameplay perspective. It's easier to draw a few fast zombies than 100s of slow zombies. It's simply a matter of polygon count. :)

... and I really liked the recent Dawn of the Dead movie.
Unicorn's Avatar
Unicorn at 03/03/2008 13:07

@Leathersoup


Dead Rising did it.
CJSchmidt's Avatar
CJSchmidt at 03/03/2008 13:20

I vote for slow zombies. You'd have to play smart to make sure you don't get overrun. Throw in a little Gary's Mod to build forts to protect your team, create traps, and be creative. Best of all it wouldn't play like every other FPS out there.
RobotsAlive's Avatar
RobotsAlive at 03/03/2008 16:25

im all for zombies slow and fast, just not into the ones that hold like an explosive. those are wack. but yeah Left 4 Dead looks awesome, now i just need to find 3 other friends who want to play with me. cause id rather do multiplayer than just have 3 AI teammates. (www.consolepatrol.com)

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