Why Left 4 Dead is the best Xbox 360 game ever made.

[DanTehMan]

Hello all, I haven't been on much recently, but with good reason, I have been ravishing Left 4 Dead.


So, on the 21st November, I got hold of Left 4 Dead, a game I have been hyping and anticipating since late 2006 and boy, was it worth it.
The game is very easy to drop in and play, but near impossible to master. At first the choice of weapons seemed limited but after many hours of constant gameplay you realise the limited choice actually enhances the squad based gameplay, meaning that your team ends up taking one particular type of weapon to deal with certain situations(auto-shotty with tank, Mac 10 with horde etc). The sheer amount of enemies on screen at once is stunning, this combined with the incredible AI director means every single game is intense and fresh.

The controls on the 360 version are as good if not better then Call of Duty 4's, bringing together realistic rumble and pin point accuracy with just the right amount of auto-aim, after playing L4D on the pc, I found myself favouring the 360's controls, yeah, I know, shocked. The maps are incredibly re-playable and have many paths, options and secrets to uncover. The maps also have a sense of being really sprawling and you never feel as if you have been in a certain area twice, thanks to the AI director.

I have heard some people complained about the graphics, let me just clear up a few things.
This game has some of the best graphics on any console, full stop. The dynamic lighting is nothing short of incredible, and this updated version of the source engine looks to be fully utilising this generation of consoles power. I have been playing on a Samsung HD-TV so I have seen what this game can do. The sound is also top notch, but what really makes the sound in L4D incredible is the neccesity of having to closely pay attention to any change in music or tempo, miss the tell-tale drumming music of a horde rush, and you will die.

One of the real suprises for me is the insane awesomeness of the versus mode. Playing as a boss zombie really mixes things up perfectly and it is incredibly satisfying to succesfully mess up a teams tactics and leave them helpless and dying/dead. There are currently only 2 campaigns available for versus, while they are absolutely incredible and satisfying, an extra 1 or 2 campaigns would just be mindblowing.

My hands are still shaking from the finale of Blood Harvest I have just played. After defending the farm-house, we were beaten up and pretty bloodied. Our team was running to the escape vehicle when we all got vomited on, all of us at this point were nearly dead, and out of nowhere, a tank. Long story short, I just managed to kill him, but the others were not so lucky, and there was me, limping pain-stakingly slowly to the ATV, shooting off mass hordes of zombies with my auto-shotgun. I took one step inside the vehicle and saw 2 hunters pounce at me, luckily, the ATV had already started moving and I was safe.

To summarise what I am trying to get across, this is the best game on the Xbox 360, and in my opinion, Valve's best video-game to date.


My review score 98/100 (2 percent will be added when DLC is released.)
__________________

[Faulty]

"Why Left 4 Dead is the best Xbox 360 game ever made."

Because every X-Box game that isn't also a made-for-PC release sucks?

[DanTehMan]

isn't also a made

Please edit you're post, I have no idea what you are trying to say.

[HunterPunter]

Gears of war came out for pc, so did alot of other good games.

[Faulty]

I was expecting an "I C WUT YOU DID THAR", because it was a console war joke.

[DangerWillRobinson]

Because every X-Box game that isn't also a made-for-PC release sucks?



i c wat u did thar...

[The 1 Deathgiver]

*Cough* Faulty is an ideal candidate for the special olympics *Cough*

*Fable 2
*Gears of War 2
*Halo 3
*Halo wars
*Ninja Gaiden 2
*Saints Row

Just to name a few, good xbox only releases...

[Faulty]

i c wat u did thar...

tyvm lol

*Cough* Faulty is an idea *Cough*

wth?

[HunterPunter]

Lol, Left 4 dead leaves all other games for dead...

[DanTehMan]

Just to point another thing out, Left 4 Dead's lack of mods on the 360 is really not as bad as most of you think it is. Games like Counter Strike and Half Life 2 have been intensely modded, yet still, people prefer to play de_dust, or We Dont Go To RavenHolm. Sure, there are some good mods, but their quality is far lacking from that of something produced from Valve(obviously).

I had a gaming PC, i've been there, community content is really not as big of a deal in this "console/pc war" as you think it is.

[The 1 Deathgiver]

Quoting: The 1 Deathgiver
*Cough* Faulty is an idea *Cough*

wth?

I see what you did there.

[Faulty]

Lol, Left 4 dead leaves all other games for dead...

I laughed.

We Dont Go To RavenHolm

Eh. Fighting the Combine is so much more fun.

[HunterPunter]

I try.
*MasterChief lying on the ground*
Bill: HA!

[The Red Cape Diver]

Here we have the hardcore game fan, or fanboyus maximus, in Latin.


Nevertheless, agreed.

[Faulty]

Here we have the hardcore game fan, or fanboyus maximus, in Latin.

I thought the bolded words meant something special and read the sentence as "Here the fan Latin."

[smilinjaks]

*Cough* Faulty is an ideal candidate for the special olympics *Cough*

*Fable 2
*Gears of War 2
*Halo 3
*Halo wars
*Ninja Gaiden 2
*Saints Row

Just to name a few, good xbox only releases...

halowars has all the potential to suck balls
and halo was a ground breaking game but it got stale after a while.
I hope recons better.

[DanTehMan]

Here we have the hardcore game fan, or fanboyus maximus, in Latin.


Nevertheless, agreed.


I'm not a fanboy, but i'm pretty sure most people have accepted that the Playstation 3 is a inferior gaming console, yet a much better media player. I love PC gaming yet prefer the Xbox, but the divide between the two is really a lot shorter then most would make out.

So yeah, I guess that makes me an Xbox 360 fan.

[redspike]

good review
however mods may not be officaly supported on the 360, they are still possible, for some of us anyways :P

[DanTehMan]

good review
however mods may not be officaly supported on the 360, they are still possible, for some of us anyways :P


Here's hoping the creme de la creme of community maps make it to the 360, still I would rather wait and get the proper Valve package.

[eRik]

No, Halo 2 is the best Xbox game ever made, its matchmaking system was just genius. I think Left 4 Dead needs something like that (And most games too, if such a system would become a standard on Xbox 360 games, it would double any game's replay value!) and some more versus maps.

[The Lorax]

No, Halo 2 is the best Xbox game ever made

No, just - no.

[eRik]

No, just - no.

Lol, the Halo series still holds the record of being the best selling Xbox/Xbox 360 games and being the most popular Xbox LIVE games. (Especially Halo 2.)

[FRAGious]

Waaait fooor it.... Waaaaaait... NOW (http://dagobah.biz/flash/Thread_Derailed.swf)!

On Topic
Good Review, Dude. I really want to just try L4D on the X360. I have it for PC and I would guess the X360-version is cool. Just haven't tried it yet and therefore I can't flame it ;) Oops... Did I just start a Console War? :'(

[Laser2150]

but the divide between the two is really a lot shorter then most would make out.

Or perhaps your peripheral vision is really poor.

Think about it:
To the simple fact that PC's aren't limited in any means, as your 360 will come to its own end in time.
PC's are at this point, ahead in technology in terms of graphics.
The controller argument is invalid, as most PC's can use controllers and most games welcome them.
Communities with modified content are usually more striving then those without. (compare UT3 for 360 to UT3 for PS3/PC)(TF2 for 360 to TF2 for PC)

While there isn't anything wrong with the 360, its certainly hard to say that the 2 are comparable.

[FRAGious]

PC's are at this point, ahead in technology in terms of graphics.
I totally called it (http://dagobah.biz/flash/Thread_Derailed.swf)! Well done, Laser.

[JakeCourtney]

As long as they give us constant and good DLC this game will be the best and played for a long time.

[DanTehMan]

As long as they give us constant and good DLC this game will be the best and played for a long time.


Agreed, here's hoping Microsoft aren't fussy bitches about DLC authorisation.

[Laser2150]

I'm not trying to flame the 360, I was merely pointed out the flaw in the idea that the 2 are comparable.

I myself enjoy my 360 from time to time.

[Funky Biscuits]

Left 4 Dead is a game

[JohnnyBoy]

Left 4 Dead is a game
yes, yes it is. :|

[Battered Nun]

Left 4 Dead is a game
lies

[Keptron]

Lol, the Halo series still holds the record of being the best selling Xbox/Xbox 360 games and being the most popular Xbox LIVE games. (Especially Halo 2.)
Because stupid things get famous and I can proof what I said. Come to my country and hear the national musics, only stupid shit and it make success here ... >_> So Halo series = Not that much

@Thread
If I had a Xbox 360 ( But I would buy a PS3 ) I would buy it only for easy split screen ...

[Z2ato]

This game is awesome.
But, for other xbox games,
I can't wait for Re5, that game looks wicked.

[Dead Fish]

Again, this has been posted in the Xbox 360 forum. It is not about the PC version of the game. Avoid any excessive arguments and at least try to stay on topic or this thread will be closed soon.

Forum Rules (http://www.left4dead411.com/forums/index.php?action=vthread&forum=1&topic=3967)

4. Do not participate in any debating over which console is better, whether PC or consoles are better, or why one happens to suck.

[DreadMonkey]

Oh come on.

Orange Box > Left 4 Dead

But both are insanely awsome.

[TWE SHELLSHOCKR]

No, just - no.

and i agree with you bigtime! man HALO 1 was wayy better than HALO2! too many cheap kills for noobs in HALO 2..... anyway L4D has so many other new features in it I can see L4D clones in its wake...

[iKissedABoomer]

Lol, the Halo series still holds the record of being the best selling Xbox/Xbox 360 games and being the most popular Xbox LIVE games. (Especially Halo 2.)

That doesn't make it the best, it makes it the most sold..

[eRik]

That doesn't make it the best, it makes it the most sold..

Yes, it does. It makes it the best Xbox/Xbox 360 game from a business point of view. And that's the only way to objectively measure how good a game is. Measuring content between games is impossible, it will always just be someone's opinion...

If you think a game like Gears of War/Gears of War 2 is better than the Halo series then that's perfectly fine, but that's just your opinion and that doesn't make it better saleswise.

[spoilerkid02]

I love this game but to me this review seems kind of fan-boyish if that's a word. First off you state that the graphics are the best of any console. This is definitely false I have seen better graphics in assassins creed and call of duty 4. Not to say that this is a bad game, because it definitely is not. Hell I spent so many hours playing versus. But anyways I agree that it is worth it, the controls are good, and versus mode is awesome. But I also have to say not every experience is new and fresh. Sometimes a map is the same and sometimes a few things change but nothing that really impacts the game. Also I feel the review was kind of overly dramatic, this game is exciting on the finales I have been screaming and yelling plenty but the whole review seems kind of forced. Anyways that is just my opinion. This is a great game and a mostly true review.

[Gregoryhi]

I love this game but to me this review seems kind of fan-boyish if that's a word. First off you state that the graphics are the best of any console. This is definitely false I have seen better graphics in assassins creed and call of duty 4. Not to say that this is a bad game, because it definitely is not. Hell I spent so many hours playing versus. But anyways I agree that it is worth it, the controls are good, and versus mode is awesome. But I also have to say not every experience is new and fresh. Sometimes a map is the same and sometimes a few things change but nothing that really impacts the game. Also I feel the review was kind of overly dramatic, this game is exciting on the finales I have been screaming and yelling plenty but the whole review seems kind of forced. Anyways that is just my opinion. This is a great game and a mostly true review.

Was this a review of the game or a review of his review?

[Thor-axe]

I just read the title and new no matter what that were is win.

[Bobic]

I think if it had 4 player it would be better.

[SkullsN Crossd wires]

its a good game....about the only zombie game i know u can play as zombies in

[armored cow]

I think if it had 4 player it would be better.
Seconded

[DraftRough]

its the best pc game too

[OneKplus337]

Lol, the Halo series still holds the record of being the best selling Xbox/Xbox 360 games and being the most popular Xbox LIVE games. (Especially Halo 2.)

Arnold also holds office in California.

http://www.americancitizenstogether.org/ACT/Pictures/GOVERNATOR.jpg

[smilinjaks]

"Why Left 4 Dead is the best Xbox 360 game ever made."

Because every X-Box game that isn't also a made-for-PC release sucks?
Gears of war came out for pc, so did alot of other good games.

Why are Half the PC games awesome? Because they were either planned for both PC and console or they were console exclusive and later Transfered to pc


So it works either way...

And yes halo2 was the best multi-player *console* game (for it's time) then halo 3 took the throne. After that Marcus Phoenix bashed his face in and took the throne by pure force Then as people got angry at the fact that GOW was insanely unbalanced They moved back to Halo3 GOW 2 took the spot back and now It all depends on what bungies working on currently to dictate the future of the 360

[Mustacio]

The dynamic lighting is nothing short of incredible

thats a bit much dont u think? the only thing dynamic about the games lighting is the shadows of movable objects (character models, propane tanks etc.), and the only time that looks incredible is the shadow from the flashlight. the shadows of the environment however are placed by hand, so not very dynamic. a lot of this review actually is pretty biased and it sounds like you just like the game too much that it affects your judgement.

it is possibly my favorite PC game, but there is better games out there that are specifically tailored for the xbox 360 alone.

[Elite]

I played Halo 2 and it was a piece of shit :P
The Singleplayer was horrid, it was pretty much Quake 3 all over again.
You could somehow super jump, and the hud looks ugly compared to the first game :P
The whole game looked like a downgraded version of Halo 1 with more weapons and enemies...

Anyways, Left 4 Dead is the BEST game in my list simply because its fun... I have not yet encountered another game as fun as Left 4 Dead that is also Multiplayer and isnt griefable. Im looking at you COD4 with your silly unrealistic nade spam and your Team Death Match 24/7.

[Funky Biscuits]

Anyways, Left 4 Dead is the BEST game in my list simply because its fun
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh95/Staaanky/PerfectDark_1boite.jpg
L4D is Beaten

[Poodge]

"people prefer to play de_dust"

psh, screw de_dust and regualr play. Gun Games, and literally only modded versions of counter strike are the only things me and my friends play in counter strike, regular play is so BOOOORING. And besides, the driving factor behind PC quality for me is that in the long run, it will retain more players, and the controls are so precise, and finally: more maps, both user made and valve made (which are free to play).

[mazouth]

Measuring content between games is impossible, it will always just be someone's opinion...
And it's fine this way.
Saying a best seller is anything else then a best seller is a bit stupid.
Look in books, painting, movies... Best-sold stuff does not mean is the best in it's gender, it's just the best sold...
Look at cannes, venise or other film ceremony, the awarded films are not the best sold one.

L4d is an awesome game, who cares beyond this ?

[G_X]

Oh come on.

Orange Box > Left 4 Dead

But both are insanely awsome.
Truth. I first played Half-Life 2 as part of the 360 ojbox and, holy shit. It had achievements, pop-up autosave, and HDR effects, whereas the PC version didn't. Isn't that weird?

[Poodge]

I disagree. Orange Box is no where near as good as Left 4 Dead. Portal was awesome yes, but short, and i have never replayed it. I have only played through Half Life series once, and it was cool, but lacked a certain something for me, maybe just multiplayer. I did not like Team Fortress however, it bored me to death, Counter Strike is infinitely better. Left 4 Dead is amazing, and better on all fronts than Orange Box.

[Mattbott]

xbox live community and l4d are a great combo. There are a few game exploits that are starting to spoil games sometimes though, and i hope they fix them soon for the 360. But if you have a good group playing this game is the bees knees

pc gamers can mod and get a better grasp of the game's mechanics which adds a dimension to the experience but this doesn't guarantee happiness.

I would like them to release the xbox content asap; let the pcs wait, they can mod themselves stupid, after all

[Nemesis_vs_Leon]

ostentatious debacle despises diabolically.

[Funky Biscuits]

I would like them to release the xbox content asap; let the pcs wait, they can mod themselves stupid, after all
Its the same content

[Mattbott]

well then there's no excuse

[one of them]

No, Halo 2 is the best Xbox game ever made, its matchmaking system was just genius.
ehhh... wasn't L4D's matchmaking made by the same people?

[Nemesis_vs_Leon]

L4D is Beaten
It had customizability and lotsa content XD

but no coop....

I just want the movie, defense, and survival maps that I mentioned in my masked_jester and my zombie mod thread.

[Cuantom]

Halo Wars didn't come out yet.
And Halo 3 was terrible

[DaSciz]

Halo kiddies always put a smile on my face. Quality =/= number of units sold. Psychonauts was an excellent game that did poorly. Mario Party is a shitty game that sells like hotcakes everytime they release a new one. While I wouldn't say L4D is the best 360 game (I'm a Bioshock man myself) I think it's certainly better than Halo. Tired FPS's ftl.

[YouGotDone]

lotr conquest ftw lol

(sorry but u can't take the game seriously lol)

[cear_MOAk]

still I would rather wait and get the proper Valve package.

the "Proper Valve Package" you speak of comes with lube for the 360 community.

[Funky Biscuits]

And Halo 3 was terrible

People love to hate it, but I like the game, its aesthetically pleasing.

[Papa Smurf255]

1 - The amount of money it would require for me to get a graphics card that is capable of playing L4D is equal to the cost of a 360.

2 - The PC will need hardware updates every few years, while a console can play up-to-date games for quite a while.

In conclusion: although PC gaming is superior than console gaming, the console is a better choice for the poor and cheap.

[A Shiny Potato]

Shitballs, why does everyone think Halo 3 sucks sooooo badly. It seems just because most console players love it all PC gamers hate it. If you want a BAD game go play Turok or Army of Two or something good god...

[Grieverlionhart]

Halo 3 is just annoying, all the modes are just variations on capture the flag and teamdeathmatch, the melee system sucks as the slower puncher wins, forge is a pain in the arse to use also with the limit aswell as budget limit on objects which is the most retarded thing I've seen in a mapmaker and the story blew harder than a tai hooker

Got army of 2 the other week and thought it was awesome, wondering why the hell people hated it, big customization a free download content for 2 more levels each level being about 20 to 60 mins long anyway. Plus the cover system beats gears hands down

[Funky Biscuits]

Griever, true, but what it does do, it does well.

[ZJake]

Halo 3 is just annoying

It all went downhill after Halo CE. It is one of my favourite PC games.

But yeah, Left4Dead is the game I'm playing mostly now. You'd think that things would start to get a bit dull after playing No Mercy countless times but hasn't.

I know that people are saying they hate the lack of skill of some teams, but I usually get a mix of players with different experience levels each time I play and that really adds to the replayability of the game as well.