BBFC Rates Left 4 Dead - 10/2/08

The British Board of Film Classification, the independent regulator of the film and video industry in the UK, has released their 18 rating for Left 4 Dead. It was given an 18 rating based on "frequest strong bloody violence and gore".

We hope Francis gets as pissed off in the cut scenes as he looks in the above new screenshot from IGN. The BBFC gave the following extended classification information:

LEFT 4 DEAD is a team-based action horror game played from the first-person perspective. Each player takes the role of one of four human survivors in a ruined city, desperately trying to survive against a horde of the undead. The game was classified '18' for frequent strong bloody violence and gore.

The player has at their disposal a range of weapons from a pistol to machine guns, shotguns and grenades. While weapons such as the pistol and small machine guns cause blood to spurt from characters' bodies when they are hit, higher-powered items such as the machine gun, shotgun and sniper rifle are capable of blasting off limbs or even heads, with chunks of flesh seen falling to the ground. The environments (e.g. walls, floors) are also covered with blood in an area where characters have been shot. Dead bodies are occasionally seen on the ground and some of these have been eviscerated with sight of entrails, missing limbs and so on.

At '15' The BBFC's Guidelines state that 'violence may be strong but may not dwell on the infliction of pain or injury', and that 'the strongest gory images are unlikely to be acceptable'. LEFT 4 DEAD includes frequent sight of such gory images, and the player is generally unable to progress through a level without shooting dozens of enemies, with an arsenal of realistic weapons that cause bloody damage throughout. The game was therefore classified '18'.

Language in the game includes mild and moderate language, such as 'shit' and 'bitch'.

Sounds like a blast.

In IGN's news that included the above screenshot, they said the following about the Left 4 Dead demo:

While a specific date for the demo was not confirmed, Lombardi told us to expect it in early November.

You can pre-order the full version of the zombie-killing first-person shooter at retail outlets now, or wait until October 15 to pre-order it off Valve's Steam service. Either way will save you an additional 10% off the regular price. Left 4 Dead will invade homes on November 17.

Look for Left 4 Dead on Steam in two weeks, and a demo possibly three to four weeks after that. Giggity.

We haven't pointed out the Left 4 Dead Hand Poster, which still features the old right hand - get it now and sell it for big bucks on eBay later! They're still selling the L4D hat, and now that fall and winter are coming you'll actually be able to wear the long-sleeve tee. What's on our L4D merchandise wishlist? More posters, shirts, a winter beanie, and most of all a Boomer plush toy. Make it happen Valve.