A great multiplayer experience
Graphics: Good 8/10
Sound: Great – 8.5/10
Gameplay: Spectacular – 9.5/10
Replay Value – 9.5/10
Overall – Must Buy 9.5/10
Graphics: Good 8/10
The graphics are good for being built on an engine that was developed in 2004 by Valve. That being said, they have learned how to really use it and make it flow, both graphically and visually (speed). The textures, maps, and lighting are just right to put you in the mood that the apocalypse is really occurring, and you are a lone survivor. I will say that the speed that this game plays, you don’t notice that it is not the most beautiful game – but it is just right for what is being presented.
Sound: Great – 8.5/10
The sounds, music, effects, and voices take you immediately into the game. The voice acting, along with the zombie screams, yells, and cries, really push this game. With a 5.1 surround sound set-up, and a dark room, the sounds put you in the mix.
The voice acting and one liners are a nice touch and really play into the game well. The characters shout items locations, so that there is not too much chatter of non-sense.
The reason for the sub-nine ranking was actually do to the weapon sounds are actually the weak point. This is being picky, but I will say that overall, this is a good sound outing.
Gameplay: Spectacular – 9.5/10
Smooth animations, huge world design, and interactive and smart A.I. The A.I. in this system never does the same thing twice. That, with the fast, frantic, and yet fun shooter that this is, makes a great gameplay experience. There were times I was waiting for an attack, and the zombies that were there before, were not coming in that direction, but from behind. They did a great job of area and weapon change-ups and creating a game where co-op is needed (both computer aided and human) to win, and to survive.
The single player is fun, and will take a normal First Person Shooter (FPS) player roughly 6-8 hours to beat all the missions on normal or advanced. Where the real gem lies is the multiplayer – to be described in detail in the Replay Value.
Replay Value – High 9.5/10
Here is the real breakthrough. The multiplayer is fun, fast, and there is always a game to jump into. The servers link up fast.
Playing both in a game with strangers and friends, it is a real treat to see this co-op experience. Your team quickly learns not to go off by themselves, or they have to face the consequences. Also, if one of your teammates is acting up, you can vote to kick that person out of your group, and the computer A.I. will take over. Great planning on Valve’s part.
The versus mode is fun, especially on the Zombie side of things. Chasing after someone in undead mode is great.
Overall – Near Perfect 9.5/10
I like playing games online, but more often than not, like to experience the game alone because of the way people act online. With this co-op mode, people come together and don’t revert to name calling or yelling. This is a game where you have to work together.
It is so engrossing that others will want to watch you play and see just how you fight the zombie horde. The game is not perfect, but close to, and it is primarily because of the multiplayer and the A.I. never creating the same game experience twice.
If you are a fan of the undead, and movies like 28 Days Later, and the Dawn of the Dead remake, then this is the game for you. Play it a couple of times and you will try to get your friends to pick it up.Read full review
