These days it looks like zombie slayer games are almost as common as World War II games. With the arrival of Left 4 Dead, it makes you wonder if this game is any different then the Resident Evil and Silent Hill games that have already saturated the market. You can even blast zombies in Call of Duty: World at War. Left 4 Dead however, is a fresh look at a genre that feels a little stale as of late.

Left 4 Dead plays out like you typical "B-Movie" horror flick. You play as one of four survivors who must band together to escape a city full of infected zombies. This is nothing new since Hollywood has already made movies with the same plot (Dawn of the Dead, Night of the Living Dead, Resident Evil, 28 Days Later, etc.). Each of the characters are pretty generic in nature, and are exactly what you would expect in zombie movies from the Sci-Fi Network. You have Bill, the old combat vet, Francis, the badass biker, Louis, the office worker, and Zoey, the cute "eye candy" girl. There are no differences in styles in any of the characters in terms of strength or defense, so don't worry if you get stuck with the eye candy rather than the badass.

The game plays out in four basic scenarios, with each scenario consisting of five areas. Each area is separated by a "safe house" where you can stock up on weapons and supplies. Each area is also filled with other supplies like pipe bombs, pain pills, gasoline cans, etc. The pipe bombs are pretty cool because when you throw them, the zombies will all flock to it like a dog playing with a new toy. The end result is a bloody mess of dead zombies. The goal is to make it to the safe house alive while killing as many zombies as possible along the way. Teamwork plays a large role in Left 4 Dead so you must learn how to work together or else. This is not a "run and gun" style of game because once you lose track of your teammates, your as good as dead.

Zombies always love to prey on the weak and the loners so stay together. Also pay attention to your surroundings because any slight noise you make or even the setting off of a car alarm will send a swarm of zombies after you. Once you complete an area, you'll see the stats of kills, revives, best teamwork, etc. The scenarios play out like a movie which features a movie poster as well as an ending credits when completed. Another cool factor is the fact that when you die, you'll see an "In memory of (insert characters name) in the ending credits.

The scenarios play out like a movie, but unlike the survivors who are listed as the stars, it's the zombies who are the true stars of Left 4 Dead. Unlike the slow and predictable zombies found in the Resident Evil and Silent Hill games, Left 4 Dead features quick moving hordes of zombies relentless on killing you. Along with your basic zombies, you'll also encounter boss zombies like the Boomer who spits vomit which blurs your field of vision, but also attracts the horde of zombies to you. There is the Hunter who leaps at you and beats you to the ground. There is the Smoker who leaves a trail of toxic smoke when you kill him, but more importantly, he shoots out a 50 foot tongue that can wrap around your character and suck the life out of you. There is the Tank, which looks like The Incredible Hulk, and requires a ton of ammo to take down. Finally, there is the Witch who looks like a little girl hunched over a crying, but don't be fooled because she can kill you with a single swipe if you get to close.

Left 4 Dead is clearly a game that screams out for multiplayer. Even though there is a single player option, playing this game with friends makes the experience more intense and exciting. Make sure your using your headsets for this game because you'll need it. Teamwork is key here as you play in each scenario so don't try to be "the hero." You'll find yourself calling out to your teammates the zombie locations as well as incoming bosses. While someone opens a door, another player should be ready to shoot. If you need to reload, step away from the action and let other players shoot. The better you work as a team, the better your odds of survival. Multiplayer consists of playing each scenario in co-op or a scenario where two teams (survivors vs boss zombies) play it out. Each feature the same situations, but in competitive 4v4 play, one team plays the survivors and the other team plays the the boss zombies. The survivors team must try to avoid the boss zombies team along with the hordes of other zombies on their way to the safe house. The boss zombies may not have any guns, but you can use their special attacks on the survivors.

While everything I've told you so far makes Left 4 Dead sound like a must buy, but there are a couple of issues in terms of replay value that may make you think twice. First off, the scenarios are short. It should only take you no more than two to three hours to finish them all. Valve has said that each time you play a scenario, it's a different experience. Then again how many times do you want to play the same scenario over and over again with only minor differences. The biggest question is how long will the Xbox 360 community be playing this game especially with other big name titles (Gears of War 2 & Call of Duty: World at War) released just before this game and feature excellent multiplayer. Only time will tell.

Even though the game's replay value leaves a big question mark hovering over it, Left 4 Dead is still a great game. It's easy to pick up and fun to play. Once again remember that teamwork is a big key to your success, because without it, you could be finding yourself staring at your dead body over and over again as the zombies eat you alive. Unfortunately, Left 4 Dead comes at a time where players are playing other big name games which could lead to this game being in the bargain bin sooner rather than later. Whether you get it now or down the road, Left 4 Dead is game not to pass up.