Left 4 Dead - hands-on
We go deep in zombie viscera to sample Valve's terrifying co-op
So while this isn't immediately similar to any iteration of Counter-Strike, it's apparent that inside its decaying veins flows the same congealing blood; the sort of blood that contains a careful measure of teamplay and fun. Yes, Counter-Strike and Left 4 Dead might be distant cousins - and the latter might also be the kick in the ass Counter-Strike players need to stop playing the increasingly stale but defiantly popular shooter, and start playing something infinitely more interesting.
Don't color us convinced just yet however, as Left 4 Dead 's proof will be found nowhere else but in the online pudding. Minimally multiplayer online gaming might just be the way forward.
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Steve Hogarty is a London-based freelance journalist covering games and technology. His bylines have appeared in publications including GamesRadar, The Independent, Yahoo, VICE, Eurogamer, and more. He is also the co-host of the pocast, Regular Features.