Left 4 Dead is very much survival horror for the new generation, a white-knuckle paced take on zombie games. It's a step up in panic on par with the speed boost that the walking dead have been fortunate to receive via films like 28 Days Later and the Dawn of the Dead remake. Trying to not only keep pace with your squadmates—and ensure that they don't get ensnared by a zombie tongue—but also with the parade of rotting hordes forces the player to focus like a laser between safe rooms.

Left 4 Dead managed to keep the frenetic pace of mowing down zombie hordes at a fun and frenzied level through at least one level. We hope that the excitement can be maintained throughout the game's five scenarios. It's looking good so far and we expect to be pre-loading this one in anticipation of its November 4th release date.

You should too.