Left 4 Dead

[Peregrine]

Anyone interested in Valve's newest game, coming out soon? I pre-ordered it and have been enjoying the early access demo - I believe the full demo comes out on the 11th.

So far it's quite a fun game, it does a great job of simulating survivors fighting against waves (and I do mean waves) of zombies. The basic premise is there are four survivors working as a team to get through levels to reach a safe house at the end. You start with various weapons, and can find more throughout the levels, as well as explosives and ammo supplies. There is a lot of destructable environment in the game, so as you explore you can blast through doors, destroy objects, etc.

The game experience is a real roller coaster - sometimes you see a few passive zombies in a room, but other times (without warning) dozens of them will start swarming you, and you have to gun them down or use a melee attack to knock them back. If your teammates are knocked down you have to revive them and there's a lot of teamwork in terms of dealing with the dreaded Boss Zombies. These are four zombies with special powers who cause a lot of havoc - the Hunter can leap huge distances, and pin a player, the smoker has a huge tongue that will grab a player and start dragging him away, the Boomer will explode when shot, and his "goo" will attract more zombies, and semi-blind you, and the Tank is a huge zombie who is amazingly tough and hard to take down.

What's great is the "AI director" which makes sure the game is different each time. The director controls not only the number of zombies, and where they are, but also sound effects, changes to the map (some areas may be blocked off, forcing you to go a different way,) and the placement of the Boss Zombies. The zombies are not only really fast but they can climb - so you'll be looking around thinking you're safe when all of a sudden zombies start jumping down from rooftops, climbing fences, and swarming you in a hurry.

All in all, there's a lot to like here. I love that it's very cooperative - there's really no reward to try being a loner - you'll just get killed easier and weaken your team. There's voice and text chat, plus your character will yell out things like "Reloading!" or "Better help soandso!" There's also (in the full game) a versus mode, where 4 players play the heroes, and 4 players play the boss zombies.

Sounds like fun for the FOFC gang!

[Calis]

I pre-ordered this as well because I'm a sucker for anything Zombie-related.

Really had a blast with the demo. Definitely looks to be one of the best coop games around, and I've really enjoyed the games I've played with just random pickup groups so I'd love to play with an FOFC group.

Some really neat stuff with that AI Director also. I've seen some people already drop the map assets from Counter-Strike Maps into Left 4 Dead and the Director works with it, increasing and decreasing the zombie spawns and such. It's really neat, but obviously the map isn't made for the type of gameplay, but it bodes well for people modding down the road. I even saw some people that filled Portal with Left 4 Dead zombies.

I was able to use a few console commands to get access to playing the infected side and that was really fun as well.

Shaping up to be a very good game.

[hukarez]

I pre-ordered this.

I'm told that Valve is offering an additional $5 off the game for those who pre-ordered. Not sure if this will apply to future (or existing) Valve games, but essentially it'll come down to $49.99 for me at the counter when I pick it up.

EDIT:

On a side note - WAAAY too many games coming out this month that's overwhelming me! Been playing Valkyria Chronicles on PS3 and enjoying the hell out of that game, but L4D, EndWar, GoW2, Fable 2, The Last Remnant and Chrono Trigger are titles that I really want to pick up, but would have to wait considerably for before I can scoop them all up..

[DeToxRox]

Pre-ordered too. Call of Duty 5 tonight, then L4D soon. Then I am done till January.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've been looking forward to this for a while. My PC wont be able to run it, so I will have to check it out on the Xbox 360.

[DeToxRox]

I will add - This will tide me over until Resident Evil 5 .. Online co-op? Oh fuck yes.

[DeToxRox]

Picked this up this morning .. Played online with some buddies on hard .. My favorite MP experience ever. It's so amazing. Words don't do it justice. Hard makes me want to eyefuck myself though. It's so god damned hard. We took a break and plan on starting back on normal to get used to it, then try our luck again on hard.

I cannot suggest this game enough.

[Atocep]

Picked this up this morning .. Played online with some buddies on hard .. My favorite MP experience ever. It's so amazing. Words don't do it justice. Hard makes me want to eyefuck myself though. It's so god damned hard. We took a break and plan on starting back on normal to get used to it, then try our luck again on hard.

I cannot suggest this game enough.

What he said.

If you like Co-op shooters or a fan of TF2 then you'll love this. Just keep in mind that the game is not fun in single player.

[DeToxRox]

What he said.

If you like Co-op shooters or a fan of TF2 then you'll love this. Just keep in mind that the game is not fun in single player.

Agreed totally.

I'll be on XBL later on today or late tonight if anyone who has it wants to play.

My XBL name is DeToxRox.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Picked this up this morning .. Played online with some buddies on hard .. My favorite MP experience ever. It's so amazing. Words don't do it justice. Hard makes me want to eyefuck myself though. It's so god damned hard. We took a break and plan on starting back on normal to get used to it, then try our luck again on hard.

I cannot suggest this game enough.

I played the demo over the weekend with my brother. It was awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Detox, I know you can play 2 player co-op split-screen on one counsel. Can you play 4 player co-op split-screen on one Xbox as well?

Or do you need to system-link or go on-line (2 players per machine) to get 4 player co-op?

[DeToxRox]

I played the demo over the weekend with my brother. It was awesome. Awesome. Awesome.

Detox, I know you can play 2 player co-op split-screen on one counsel. Can you play 4 player co-op split-screen on one Xbox as well?

Or do you need to system-link or go on-line (2 players per machine) to get 4 player co-op?

I am under the impression you can play 4 people on one screen. Don't quote me on it but when I picked it up today the guy at Gamestop talked as if he and his buddies played it last night when he left work on one TV.

[RainMaker]

I played the demo and it's tons of fun. Should be picking this up soon. Only problem is there are so many good games out right now.

[mrsimperless]

Just got the game and according to the manual and from my attempts at trying it you can only play up to two players split-screen. :(

However, both of you can then play online.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Just got the game and according to the manual and from my attempts at trying it you can only play up to two players split-screen. :(

However, both of you can then play online.

Bummer.

That was the impression I got after looking into it a bit more.

Disappointing since if any game should come with 4 player split screen it's this one.

[DeToxRox]

Bummer.

That was the impression I got after looking into it a bit more.

Disappointing since if any game should come with 4 player split screen it's this one.

Honestly HB, I couldn't fathom playing this split screen, let alone 4 people on one. Shit comes at you from every direction. It'd be impossible.

[RainMaker]

Honestly HB, I couldn't fathom playing this split screen, let alone 4 people on one. Shit comes at you from every direction. It'd be impossible.
I agree, I don't think you can appreciate the game split-screen.

[Peregrine]

Really fantastic game - I love it. It's great because it really makes you work as a team, even when playing with strangers. With voice chat, people are communicating and are more organized than in most games of this style. The way the zombies attack, the keen of a watch, rumbling as a tank approaches, etc, are all excellent. I think one of my favorite parts is how destructible the game world is - need to shoot through a window? No problem. Shoot a painting and it flies off the wall with a bullet hole in the wall behind it. Shotgun blast through a door, and you can see the zombies as they pile up in front of it (until they destroy the door completely, of course.)

Just a great game all around.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I agree, I don't think you can appreciate the game split-screen.

I played it split-screen with and had a blast. I could see where 4 player might get overwhelming.

[Atocep]

Got a chance to play some 3v3 and 4 player co-op last night and although this game isn't going to be for everyone, if you this is the type of game you're interested in its as good as it gets.

I can't imagine a more fun FPS co-op experience.

[hawk4669]

Got home from work this morning and played split-screen with the wife. Holy cow, what a riot!

Tons of fun, and can get pretty intense. I was laughing hysterically not only at stuff happening in the game, but how the wife and I were talking to each other.

"Cover me, I'm reloading!!" "I've got your back!" etc etc etc. Not your typical married couple banter.

We finished the first campaign and will be on the the second later.

If we're on, hit us up on XBL. I'm Billntip, and she appropriately enough, is Tiffnbill.

Cheers!

[Honolulu_Blue]

I was laughing hysterically not only at stuff happening in the game, but how the wife and I were talking to each other.

"Cover me, I'm reloading!!" "I've got your back!" etc etc etc. Not your typical married couple banter.

http://www.robotskirts.com/images/wp/mrsmith2.jpg

[Calis]

This mod has made me laugh way more than it should have. It's a must-have for any PC players of the game. It's the Randy Savage Mod for Left 4 Dead. There's a youtube video included in the link.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage mod for Left 4 Dead (http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/01/02/macho-man-randy-savage-mod-for-left-4-dead/)

It's a thing of beauty.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Good stuff there Calis.

[MizzouRah]

Who's up for some Left 4 Dead tonight?

[MizzouRah]

I can't get enough of this game..

[Kodos]

I bought this, but haven't had a chance to play it yet.

[BrianD]

I might be looking for a game sometime today. I've played a little bit alone, but haven't tried online yet.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I got on last night with a couple of friends. I wish I had checked this thread, Mizzou. I would have invited you to join.

It was a blast. I am not very good at this game.

[MizzouRah]

We need to set up a night to play a little.. this game is fantastic!!!

[EagleFan]

What platform is everyone playing on?

[BrianD]

I'm playing it on the 360. My tag is BrianLD. Feel free to add me and send an invite if you see me on. Or send me your tags and I'll keep an eye out for you.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm playing it on my PC.

My tag is: Ajax19

[MizzouRah]

360.. MizzouRah0971

I'll ping you this week Brian!

[BrianD]

360.. MizzouRah0971

I'll ping you this week Brian!

Sounds good. I have already added you, so you should see a friend request. I should have lots of availability on Wednesday and Thursday. The rest of the week is a little bit tight.

[MizzouRah]

Sounds good. I have already added you, so you should see a friend request. I should have lots of availability on Wednesday and Thursday. The rest of the week is a little bit tight.

Those nights are fine for me!

[CleBrownsfan]

Those nights are fine for me!

What time do you guys think you'll play? I could hook up with you two if the timing is right... Gamertag is Pronk32

[Peregrine]

I've been playing so much Team Fortress 2 I haven't been doing much Left 4 Dead lately, but I'd love to play with some of you guys sometime.

[LionsFan10]

My tag is PRBoricua23 on Xbox Live if anybody wants to play some L4D.

I love this game.

[MizzouRah]

Just post a time and I'll get on if I'm around... I'm in the central time zone..

[Kodos]

Finally got a chance to fire this one up last night. It was fun, but I died trying to get to the helicopter. I got swarmed, and my cpu buddies were all already on the helicopter. Thanks, guys!

[BrianD]

Finally got a chance to fire this one up last night. It was fun, but I died trying to get to the helicopter. I got swarmed, and my cpu buddies were all already on the helicopter. Thanks, guys!

I had the same thing happen, but it was my own fault. I was trying to back my way into the chopper while gunning down everyone I could - in true action movie fashion - and I accidentally side-stepped off the landing and down one level. I couldn't find the way back up before I ran into a tank.

In Memory Of:
BrianLD

[B & B]

I've been playing so much Team Fortress 2 I haven't been doing much Left 4 Dead lately, but I'd love to play with some of you guys sometime.


Was playing a lot of TF2 simply because my old PC couldnt really run L4D.

Just got a new rig and the game , its pretty amazing. Must have if you are a zombie fan.

[SportsDino]

This game soaked up two days of my life when I first played it. I'm avoiding it like the plague until I get some free time...

But the concept is good and addictive. It can use some more variants in the objects/entities in the game world (i.e. give the AI director more zombie types and objects to choose from so that you really start to feel like every level you don't know what is coming up). This could be a modder's or content expansion fan's dream, especially if they make the level director just a touch more variable (and hopefully it is already scalable).

The quality of your team is critical, I was a noob, but a well intentioned one, and one veteran actually thought it was one of his funner games because he thought of himself as the grizzled survivalist helping a panicky piece of zombie bait. But I also followed directions, and apologized when in true zombie movie fashion I did something completely retarded and set a horde of zombies on us. In particular I had a problem with doing the 'oh f***' shoot when boomers where close (because zombies freak me the hell out) and subsequently getting mobbed.

Versus mode is a great concept with playing as the villains, its almost two games in one really as a lot of the techniques and playing styles change dramatically.

[SportsDino]

dola, one reason I hope for more variability is I also played games (once I was a little practiced) with some obvious pros. And I learned quick enough so I was proficient at least... and the game was not as fun. With a mix of players with personality the game is a lot more seat of your pants... with experts who have the levels down cold, the play got very mechanical. Humans are just too smart sometimes!

But ya, using all the tricks and replaying the level too much actually makes the game worst in my opinion. The best thing is the feeling of 'oh crap its a zombie apocalypse, what the heck do we do'... not the achievement of getting through the level perfectly but in a very 'gamey' way (i.e. exploiting artificial chokepoints or AI weaknesses, taking the perfect path, etc..)

Also the level design really needs to break from the 'corridor' design (A to B along a path X with some shortcuts/variability, but an obvious progression)... and make some levels with a more free roam feel (like a hospital or a small town, which you can go in any direction). This game is begging for an 'assault' mode (some of the finale's already do this) where you are trying to defend survive in some territory as the primary objective. Also a mode with temporary safe houses (as in you can refresh and such, but the safe house is destructible so the zombies will not be held off forever) spread at random across a free roam territory, and then some final safe house (that could also be random) which you can stay in to complete the level. If you don't know how you will get to safety, you only know something general (like a helicopter is coming and the final safe house is going to be a building with a flat roof) it will emphasize the strengths of the AI Director design even more. Complete goal and level variability will make this very replayable, although certainly harder in difficulty (just make it a mode you can pick).

[Ryan S]

Left 4 Dead is half price on Steam this weekend.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've been playing it quite a bit. I've actually managed to get me and three good friends on for some decent stretches.

The game is a ton of fun. I love it.

I am definitely looking forward to some new maps and new game modes.

Valve recently announced that they will be releasing a small expansion pack. Included in it will be a new mode called "Survival". This mode will see up to four player set records for the longest time surviving hordes of zombies on over 12 maps. Not sure if these are old maps or new.

They are also expanding the "Versus" play to Dead Air and Death Toll.

No word on new maps for the Campaign mode or new weapons or anything like that.

[SportsDino]

Add a flamethrower and chainsaw, necessary for any zombie apocalypse...

[Poli]

I had no idea this game was available on PC. I'm buying it today.

[Kodos]

I wish I had more time to play this. Right now my very limited gaming time is pretty much used up on my NCAA 09 online dynasty.

[Poli]

I so want to go ahead and just buy a 360 and buy the game as well.

Gah, the decisions I have to make!

[MizzouRah]

I so want to go ahead and just buy a 360 and buy the game as well.

Gah, the decisions I have to make!

Do it!

..and then add me to your friends list on XBL and we'll kill some zombies!!!

[Poli]

I've nearly talked myself out of it. Do you know how many coaching manual/videos I could buy with that money!?

Plus, the Glazier clinic is coming up at the end of the month. I could use that money there for sure. :)

[Yellow5]

Picked this up thanks to the Steam 50% off sale this weekend. I am weak.

[EagleFan]

I so want to go ahead and just buy a 360 and buy the game as well.

Gah, the decisions I have to make!

You can't go wrong with a 360. They are great and it's nice to get a game and not have to worry if the PC specs will run it.

[MizzouRah]

I've nearly talked myself out of it. Do you know how many coaching manual/videos I could buy with that money!?

Plus, the Glazier clinic is coming up at the end of the month. I could use that money there for sure. :)

Reward yourself big boy!

[Calis]

If you have a PC that can run it, it's a much superior version. I still own both because it's still a great game on 360, but it looks exponentially better on the PC and I think we'll start to see some good user generated content on the PC version soon.

So if money's an object you can rest easy knowing you got the best possible version.

Although a 360 purchase is not a bad idea either, plenty there..but you'll end up spending way more than you even think you will now. :)

[EagleFan]

If you don't mind Steam it's on sale for the PC version for 24.99 until tomorrow.

[Poli]

I'm fearful of buying this thing for my laptop only to have it not work.

System Requirements

Minimum:

Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / Vista64
Processor: Pentium 4 3.0GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Graphics: 128 MB, Shader model 2.0, ATI 9600, NVidia 6600 or better
Hard Drive: At least 7.5 GB of free space
Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card
Recommended:

Supported OS: Microsoft Windows XP / Vista / Vista64
Processor: Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
Memory: 1 GB
Graphics: Shader model 3.0, NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better

[Poli]

Now the OS, hard drive, memory, graphics, I know I have all that.

What I don't know...processor. I have a Intel core 2 duo...but it's 1.6 GHz each. That doesn't sound like it meets the minimum to me.

[Poli]

I bought this last weekend for the PC.

Loving it.

[Pyser]

im still playing the shit out of this game on xbox

[SirFozzie]

My Steam nick is SirFozzie, and I'm up for Campaigns or for Versus games

[Poli]

I am Poli Rules.

edit: At least I think I am. I'll check tonight.

[Blade6119]

im Blade6119 on steam as well

[SirFozzie]

I am Poli Rules.

edit: At least I think I am. I'll check tonight.

You're not :P

[Poli]

I'll have to see what it is, then. Maybe et2polston.

The thing is, I need the practice, now more than ever. I'm totally freaked about this zombie invasion.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'll have to see what it is, then. Maybe et2polston.

The thing is, I need the practice, now more than ever. I'm totally freaked about this zombie invasion.

I've found it harder than it should be to find people on Steam. It's some weird thing with ID name or user name and screen name. It's odd.

[SirFozzie]

Was able to add binky.. er.. blade without issue ;)

[Kodos]

I wish I had the spare time to play this, but the baby has killed my videogame time except for the RFL...

[Poli]

steam account: rpolston

I think. Part 3.

[Poli]

FWIW, I've added you both.

[Poli]

I've been recording coaching DVDs nearly all night. I haven't got to shoot a single zombie yet.

[SirFozzie]

If you want to pop on, I'm on now.. I need to shoot a few zombies..

[EagleFan]

I've been recording coaching DVDs nearly all night. I haven't got to shoot a single zombie yet.

The world is being overrun by zombies an you are making DVD's!!!!! Grab your weapons man, join the resistance....

[Poli]

The good news is I'll have plenty of time to kill zombies after I mail these dvds out this afternoon.

[Blade6119]

FWIW, I've added you both.

And ill confirm you when I get back in the USA in June :)

[Poli]

Have fun in Africa.

[EagleFan]

My brother says it hot in Africa...

[Poli]

I can say for a fact that it is hot in Africa.

[Yellow5]

I'm going to add a bunch of you to friend list this weekend and see if we can't get a little FOFC Left 4 Dead going! Have not played for a few weeks and want to get into a game with folks that I know wont act like idiots.

[Pyser]

anyone on 360 have headset problems with this game? is there a trick to getting them to work?

[Antmeister]

I'll throw my hat in the ring.

steam account: Antmeister

[SirFozzie]

I'm on if anyone wants to play.

[Yellow5]

Ok just sent a bunch of friend requests out for Steam.

[Ryan S]

Now the OS, hard drive, memory, graphics, I know I have all that.

What I don't know...processor. I have a Intel core 2 duo...but it's 1.6 GHz each. That doesn't sound like it meets the minimum to me.

Any Core 2 Duo is easily better than a 3ghz Pentium 4.

This benchmark chart might be useful for anyone trying to figure out how powerful their processor is.

PassMark CPU Benchmarks - Common CPU's (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/common_cpus.html)

[Ryan S]

I bought this last weekend for the PC.


I knew I should have read the next post...

[Poli]

I'm not following you.

[Pyser]

ok, any tips for beating the boat house?

[Kodos]

Wish this game had a save function.

[SirFozzie]

The boathouse: I get everyone on the top floor. Use the pipe bombs to give your team a break in between waves. Save the Molotovs for the Tanks. You'll probably be scattered somewhat after defeating the first wave. get back up stairs asap for the second wave.

The instant you defeat the 2nd tank, make a break for the dock.. if you don't.. you risk being overwhelemd

[Honolulu_Blue]

The boathouse: I get everyone on the top floor. Use the pipe bombs to give your team a break in between waves. Save the Molotovs for the Tanks. You'll probably be scattered somewhat after defeating the first wave. get back up stairs asap for the second wave.

The instant you defeat the 2nd tank, make a break for the dock.. if you don't.. you risk being overwhelemd

That's a solid tactic. Have one guy on the mini-gun, one guy watching the left, another the right, and the last covering the back. Once the tank comes disperse to the ground outside the house, kill him, re-ammo up and head back upstairs. It's not a bad idea to save a pipe bomb or molotov to cover your escape to the dock after Tank #2.

Another tactic is two men in the bathroom and two in the closet. The guy in front crouches down. You can create a wicked crossfire. Disperse when the tanks come. It's a bit easier, but a bit chumpier.

[Antmeister]

The best place for the boathouse is the rock to the right of the pier. It is a little tough getting on the rock, but if you get the whole team up there, the tank can't reach you and you can blast away at the zombies. The only thing you have to be careful of is the smokers since they can pull you off the rock if they are at the right angle.

[Kodos]

I died at the airport right next to the ramp onto the plain. :(

[Honolulu_Blue]

I died at the airport right next to the ramp onto the plain. :(

It's ok. I shot my buddy right in the face as we were getting on the boat. It was just the two of us left. I climbed on the boat, turned around, saw a swarm of zombies around him, opened fire with my automatic rifle, shot him in the face, he goes down, boat leaves.

It was tragic, but only one of my 44 friendly fire incidents during that campaign. I tend to panic.

[SportsDino]

I've had many a moment where the tank/APC/helicopter is about to take off and I yell into my mic "Just go I'm zombie food!". Particularly if there is someone who is not too clever (or perhaps thinks they are too clever) at the end, and needs to be rescued from a wave of zombies. I tend to shoot a wave off of them only to get captured by some foul creature (usually smoker/tank, I'm good at dodging hunters).

[Kodos]

And I spelled "plane" "plain." :(

[Kodos]

And I am always getting yelled at by my AI buddies to not shoot them. ;)

[judicial clerk]

l4d simply has some of the best moments in gaming

[Pyser]

The best place for the boathouse is the rock to the right of the pier. It is a little tough getting on the rock, but if you get the whole team up there, the tank can't reach you and you can blast away at the zombies. The only thing you have to be careful of is the smokers since they can pull you off the rock if they are at the right angle.

testing this in 10 minutes.

[SirFozzie]

How'd it go, Pyser..

Hopefully we can get four FOFCers together for a game tonight or this afternoon :)

[Eaglesfan27]

I'm not a fan of shooters usually, but this thread is making the idea of picking this up later this week seriously tempting just to play with some of you (and hopefully not get shot by you ;))

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm not a fan of shooters usually, but this thread is making the idea of picking this up later this week seriously tempting just to play with some of you (and hopefully not get shot by you ;))

I am not a huge fan of shooters either, but this is really a cut above. Great cinematic feel to it and a ton of elements that encourage, if not, require strong team play.

I couldn't recommend it enough.

[Eaglesfan27]

Do the majority of people have it for the PC or the 360? It seems fairly split from reading this thread.

Nevermind. I've seen enough users who I'd like to play with have the 360 version, and I imagine this game will look much better on my 360 and big screen TV than my PC which is starting to show its age.

[SirFozzie]

Trust me, shooters play MUCH better on PC.

[Eaglesfan27]

An article on Gamespot says that the game has sold over 2.5 million copies not including the Steam sales.

2.5 million Left 4 Dead at retail - News at GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/6207042.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;3)

[Pyser]

the tank can definitely get on that rock, but man, great plan. survived rather easily. thanks!

[Honolulu_Blue]

For the first time last night, I played the game on "Expert." Wow. It's a totally different experience. It's very hard and makes the game very tense. It really forces the group to work as a team.

Fun stuff.

[Antmeister]

the tank can definitely get on that rock, but man, great plan. survived rather easily. thanks!

They must have fixed that with the latest patch then because he never got on that rock with the groups I played with.

[Pyser]

free expansion pack is available tomorrow!

[Pyser]

left for dead 2!!!!!!

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSfsMJgypdw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dSfsMJgypdw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[Karlifornia]

I bought this game about a month ago, played it once, and haven't touched it since. The one time I played it was a single player experience, and I read that this game is best enjoyed in a multiplayer setting.

I'm a bit worried that my lack of experience might piss off the other players. Is there a "beginners room" where I can get my feet wet?

[Pyser]

you can choose your difficulty level in mp, so you can join an easy game

also, having a weak player can add to the fun of being in a zombie apocalypse. it makes stronger players more respsonsible

just play mp. its hella fun, i think

[JediKooter]

Nice! I'll add that one to my list of games to get.

[DataKing]

Super-slow sports night tonight. Anybody on Xbox Live up or some zombie-bashing?

[Blade6119]

Just finished getting all 16 golds on survival mode, which wraps up all 58 achievements for me!!

[SirFozzie]

One of these days, I wanna get a FOFC team together to take on Death Aboard, one of the first add-on campaigns to come out after the mod tools were released. I've played some of it, there's a really nutso level in there :)

[Blade6119]

Id be game, i just beat it for the first time on expert with a buddy of mine and wouldnt mind at all tackling it again

[Kodos]

Anyone else have trouble laying off of the witches? I just love to toss a Molotov their way, even though I know I'm going to get my ass kicked for it.

Really looking forward to the sequel. I think this has been my favorite game so far on the 360.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I finally had a chance to play "versus" for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I had 5 other friends on, so we did three-on-three. It was awesome. A totally different experience.

I guess they are coming out with a new campaign in a few weeks.

I'm totally looking forward to the sequel. I still can't get over the outrage and call for boycotts because people felt the sequel was coming out too soon. It boggles the mind. I totally feel like I got my $50 worth in the first game. I played it a lot more than I do the vast majority of games I bought and had a blast playing it each time. I feel like Valve supported it well and has come out with more than enough new content for it. I don't understand why people feel that they are entitled to more "free" (for PC at least) stuff.

I wouldn't mind if they came out with sequels every year.

[Kodos]

Yep. The more zombie games, the better.

[MizzouRah]

I finally had a chance to play "versus" for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I had 5 other friends on, so we did three-on-three. It was awesome. A totally different experience.

I guess they are coming out with a new campaign in a few weeks.

I'm totally looking forward to the sequel. I still can't get over the outrage and call for boycotts because people felt the sequel was coming out too soon. It boggles the mind. I totally feel like I got my $50 worth in the first game. I played it a lot more than I do the vast majority of games I bought and had a blast playing it each time. I feel like Valve supported it well and has come out with more than enough new content for it. I don't understand why people feel that they are entitled to more "free" (for PC at least) stuff.

I wouldn't mind if they came out with sequels every year.

My kids would agree.. I love video games, but this title on the X360 really became the staple at our house for my daughter and her friends.

[Calis]

I'm totally looking forward to the sequel. I still can't get over the outrage and call for boycotts because people felt the sequel was coming out too soon. It boggles the mind. I totally feel like I got my $50 worth in the first game. I played it a lot more than I do the vast majority of games I bought and had a blast playing it each time. I feel like Valve supported it well and has come out with more than enough new content for it. I don't understand why people feel that they are entitled to more "free" (for PC at least) stuff.

I wouldn't mind if they came out with sequels every year.

Honestly this one of those weird deals where Valve is held to a different standard because of everything they've done with TF2. If they hadn't released so much for that I don't think there would be half the outrage. That's how frothing internet fanboys think.

I had a blast with the original but stopped playing it pretty quickly. It had the downside of being too long for quick games. You really need to set aside a chunk of time.

I'm not sure there is enough in the sequel to warrant me spending another 50 on it already, but I know very little about it. Might wait until it goes on sale.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Honestly this one of those weird deals where Valve is held to a different standard because of everything they've done with TF2. If they hadn't released so much for that I don't think there would be half the outrage. That's how frothing internet fanboys think.

I had a blast with the original but stopped playing it pretty quickly. It had the downside of being too long for quick games. You really need to set aside a chunk of time.

I'm not sure there is enough in the sequel to warrant me spending another 50 on it already, but I know very little about it. Might wait until it goes on sale.

You do have to set aisde a chunk of time. The other thing is that I can really only play it when my wife is either asleep or not home. It's pretty much impossible to do anything other than play, since there are only a handful of breaks and if one person goes idle things can go to hell very quickly for everyone.

The reason I ended up playing it so much is because a good number of my close friends bought it and we played it together a lot. It's been pretty rare that I've played with just random people. Playing with friends makes it a lot more enoyable and negates the risk of running into those assholes who just sign on randomly to kill everyone.

[Kodos]

Like I mentioned before, it really needs a save option. It generally takes me 2 hours or so to get through a whole mission. Rarely have that much free time available.

[Kodos]

I've only had one multiplayer experience with it, when my buddy was visiting from Chicago. I'm missing out, it sounds like.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I've only had one multiplayer experience with it, when my buddy was visiting from Chicago. I'm missing out, it sounds like.

Yeah, you really are. There's no comparison really. I've played a few times with just me and one friend and bots, but usually I will hold out until we have the full compliment of four players. It's awesome and, frankly, necessary since most of my friends demand we play on 'expert' level. I am not really that good at the game, so if we're even down one player there's really no shot at us every winning a map.

[Pyser]

wait, wait...they are releasing a new map??

[Honolulu_Blue]

wait, wait...they are releasing a new map??

Yes. Crash Course. It's scheduled to be released later this month. Free for PC, but it costs some Microsoft Points or whatever for the XBOX 360.

[PineTar]

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-db9qgn99o&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-db9qgn99o&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[Honolulu_Blue]

The new campaign, "Crash Course", is available today. It's free for the PC and costs Xbox points or whatever for Xbox 360 owners.

[Kodos]

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-db9qgn99o&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/c-db9qgn99o&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>


Can we get a Barney version? And maybe Louis can be Charles Barkley?

[MizzouRah]

The new campaign, "Crash Course", is available today. It's free for the PC and costs Xbox points or whatever for Xbox 360 owners.

Thanks! My kids are going to be really happy tonight!!!

[gstelmack]

Mentioned in Fozzie's new thread, but the game is half off ($15) on Steam right now, or $45 for a four-pack of licenses you and your friends can share.

[Kodos]

So has anyone tried Crash Course out yet?

[SirFozzie]

I did a quick run..

Some funny dialogue there..

the finale can be easy as hell if you're smart and save your "extras" to when they're most needed.. although with all the propane and gas cans.. one false shot, and you've created the Great Fire of L4D.

I still want to get a group together.

[Blade6119]

I did a quick run..

Some funny dialogue there..

the finale can be easy as hell if you're smart and save your "extras" to when they're most needed.. although with all the propane and gas cans.. one false shot, and you've created the Great Fire of L4D.

I still want to get a group together.

Want me to bother you when i see you on FM09 sometime? Every time I log in to play your over on FM :lol:

[SirFozzie]

That's because I just leave the computer on FM when I'm off doing other things (and come back and hit advance, etcetera :D)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Quick question for any XBox Live L4D players: generally speaking, I don't allow my son to use the headset for online gaming outside of people he knows. Too many stories about the tone being somewhere between frat boy and boys night out probably sums up my concerns well enough, as well as just the general "too many idiots" complaint I've heard frequently about what comes through their headset.

But he's (for the first time with any game) kind of asked for a little relief from that specifically for Survival mode in L4D. He's not nearly as good at L4D as he is several other shooters so it might just be opening him up for some verbal abuse for various mistakes but I figured I'd at least ask whether the tone of the L4D players might be better than I'm giving it credit for.

[gstelmack]

You might want to be there next to him. You can mute players who are abusive, and after the match report them / avoid them (marking them as "avoid" modifies the matchmaking algorithms to try to avoid games with them in the future).

I don't know about the L4D community itself, but yeah there are some nutjobs online who love to spew filth.

[JonInMiddleGA]

You might want to be there next to him.

It's extremely out of the ordinary for him to play with me more than 10 feet away, even if it's just single player. 360 is here in the bat cave with my computer.

[Kodos]

I haven't had a lot of luck running into non-idiots when I've played with people that I don't "know" from FOFC. Or in Hell Atlantics case, even with some I do "know".

[Honolulu_Blue]

Quick question for any XBox Live L4D players: generally speaking, I don't allow my son to use the headset for online gaming outside of people he knows. Too many stories about the tone being somewhere between frat boy and boys night out probably sums up my concerns well enough, as well as just the general "too many idiots" complaint I've heard frequently about what comes through their headset.

But he's (for the first time with any game) kind of asked for a little relief from that specifically for Survival mode in L4D. He's not nearly as good at L4D as he is several other shooters so it might just be opening him up for some verbal abuse for various mistakes but I figured I'd at least ask whether the tone of the L4D players might be better than I'm giving it credit for.

In my experience, the level of maturity for L4D players is a bit higher than your typical multi-player shooter. I am not sure why that is, but I think a part of it has to do with how the game sort of forces you to work as a team in order to be successful. That tends to galvanize the four players together more than your typical game. Also, in versus mode I think you can only hear your own side, not the opposing side (except for in the game lobby), so that should reduce the amount of garbage your son hears.

That said, I only play it on the PC and not Xbox Live and, again, I would assume that the level of maturity is slightly higher for the PC crowd than the Xbox Live crowd.

I also rarely tend to play with anyone who I don't know. The few times I have played with random people I've been pretty lucky. The biggest issue is players who just sign in to fuck up your game. They sign in, fuck things up, you vote them out and that's that. I really haven't had any problem with abusive language.

I just started to play the Versus mode for the first time a few weeks back and it's awesome. A totally different experience.

[Honolulu_Blue]

That's because I just leave the computer on FM when I'm off doing other things (and come back and hit advance, etcetera :D)

Are you SirFozzie on Steam? If so, I'll look you up. I'm Ajax19.

[Kodos]

Played the 360 version last night. Pretty fun, although it looks like it'd be more fun with people who would help you light the zombies up with all the explosives/gasoline that is available. I wish the cpu-controlled players would use them once in a while.

[SportsDino]

Would not suggest playing audio if your playing mostly in the wild, at normal and expert I've seen my share of potty mouths. I will say if you are running well, a lot of times you can get through a match with some nice folks, but I've seen players I had good matches with turn bitter when the crap hits the fan. As a player that varies greatly from awesome to bonehead (I'll make the stupidest mistake like shooting the Witch out of shock, later on in the same level I'll save one person from a smoker, another from a hunter, fend off a horde of zombies by myself, and give up my medic pack to the most injured person...)

Its best to find a group of people you can play with. I personally could care less about someone swearing at me because I shot the stupid witch, but it depends on how developed your kid's moron filter is.

[SirFozzie]

Are you SirFozzie on Steam? If so, I'll look you up. I'm Ajax19.

Yup, that's me.

On after 10 PM tonight :)