Just played the Left 4 Dead demo. I'm sold.

I originally complained that Left 4 Dead wasn't worth fifty dollars. Some of you may remember my thread from a little while back, which stipulated, that while the game was going to be fun, it definitely wasn't worth fifty dollars.

But, now, after playing the demo, I've cast away that opinion. Yes, it is worth fifty dollars!

It's fun, fast-paced, and with custom maps and mods to be seen in the future, I have no doubt that Left 4 Dead will have plenty of value to draw upon.

But, I do have some criticisms and suggestions:

1. There is no server browser.

I wonder, why would Valve decide to "consolize" the experience by not providing an in-game server browser? A poor move on Valve's part. This blind matchmaking system bugs me a little.

2.  The characters could be more fleshed out.

While this is primarily a co-op experience, I would love it if Valve could provide some background on the characters in the game. 

3. Make the game less linear.

I'm a little disappointed that the game is so linear. It's a zombie invasion! The survivors should be taking any route possible to guarantee their survival.

Otherwise, an excellent title from Valve. They have my fifty bucks.

I originally complained that Left 4 Dead wasn't worth fifty dollars. Some of you may remember my thread from a little while back, which stipulated, that while the game was going to be fun, it definitely wasn't worth fifty dollars.

But, now, after playing the demo, I've cast away that opinion. Yes, it is worth fifty dollars!

It's fun, fast-paced, and with custom maps and mods to be seen in the future, I have no doubt that Left 4 Dead will have plenty of value to draw upon.

But, I do have some criticisms and suggestions:

1. There is no server browser.

I wonder, why would Valve decide to "consolize" the experience by not providing an in-game server browser? A poor move on Valve's part. This blind matchmaking system bugs me a little.

2.  The characters could be more fleshed out.

While this is primarily a co-op experience, I would love it if Valve could provide some background on the characters in the game. 

3. Make the game less linear.

I'm a little disappointed that the game is so linear. It's a zombie invasion! The survivors should be taking any route possible to guarantee their survival.

Otherwise, an excellent title from Valve. They have my fifty bucks.

 

The_Capitalist

I'm very glad to hear that you have changed your mind!!! This game is indeed a great one. But as to your server browser gripe, if you open the console (go to options, keyboard, enable developer console, then you can press ~ to open the console), you can type "openserverbrowser" (without quotes) and it will open a server browser for you! 

There is a server browser, type openserverbrowser in console.

Otherwise, that's great to hear!

A few of my mates are sold on this too.... I would be as well if I didn't get the rage-inducing error "this game is currently unavilable. please try again later".

Given that I've paid for this title, I'll be having a **** if this doesn't get fixed. I've researched the valve forums, tried all possible fixes there bar formatting my pc, and submitted a ticket, which only suggests to try the options that I've already tried. GRRRR, enjoy fellas.

I believe the characters' backstories are expanded upon as you play the game through their dialogue.

    * Louis is a assistant manager at a local retail electronics chain store. His clothing is an allusion to Shaun in Shaun of the Dead.
    * Francis is a tattoo-covered biker.
    * Zoey is a young woman from a wealthy family. She is also a college student.
    * Bill is an older Green Beret Vietnam veteran.
 

I believe the characters' backstories are expanded upon as you play the game through their dialogue.

    * Louis is a assistant manager at a local retail electronics chain store. His clothing is an allusion to Shaun in Shaun of the Dead.
    * Francis is a tattoo-covered biker.
    * Zoey is a young woman from a wealthy family. She is also a college student.
    * Bill is an older Green Beret Vietnam veteran.
 

Einhanderkiller

That's good, but I'd rather see some sort of character biography or something...

These characters could be as iconic as Gordon Freeman, the Heavy, or Alyx Vance, but only if Valve put an effort into it. (Like through promotional movies, skits, and the like.) I'd love to see Zoey or Louis at the same level as Gordon Freeman. Really!

There is a server browser, type openserverbrowser in console.

Otherwise, that's great to hear!

rcignoni

Well it's good they have that option but in this day and age, that should be available from the main menu.

[QUOTE="rcignoni"]

There is a server browser, type openserverbrowser in console.

Otherwise, that's great to hear!

zomglolcats

Well it's good they have that option but in this day and age, that should be available from the main menu.

I actually agree with you on this very much, as well as get rid of the bars and give us a ping. They made a game not a cellphone!

[QUOTE="zomglolcats"][QUOTE="rcignoni"]

There is a server browser, type openserverbrowser in console.

Otherwise, that's great to hear!

kilaan

Well it's good they have that option but in this day and age, that should be available from the main menu.

I actually agree with you on this very much, as well as get rid of the bars and give us a ping. They made a game not a cellphone!

I hope they fix these issues in the final release, I hate the feeling of consolized online gaming.