Left 4 Dead for Xbox 360 Using Dedicated Servers on Live
Control and game tweaks also part of Valve's commitment to the console version
After spending a day at Valve's offices playing Left 4 Dead for the premier episode of the next season of the 1UP Show, the 1UP crew came away with a truckload of new info on the Xbox 360 version of the game. Without a doubt the biggest news is that Valve will be running dedicated servers on Microsoft's Live online service. And while they didn't indicate how many exactly they'd have going, they did imply that they'd have everyone covered, as in when you played online, you'd be on a dedicated server, period. That alone should go a long way toward making the game a great online experience, but they haven't stopped there. Splitscreen play will also allow you and a friend to play together on Live from one 360, and you'll be able to slice the screen whichever way you like -- horizontally or vertically.
Keeping on the online bonanza, writer Chet Faliszek said that Valve plans to get the DLC rolling much more quickly with Left 4 Dead than it has been able to for Team Fortress 2. Plans already in the works call for new campaigns, weapons, and boss infected (the game's zombie enemies). In addition, there were strong hints at a flamethrower coming not long after launch.
The team has also been conscientious about tuning the game to match the playing environment of the 360. Yes, a subtle amount of aim assist has been added, but it's unobtrusive. You also get a quick turn to flip around at a tap of the right bumper. Even with this, though, they've modified the A.I. some such that zombies are a little less likely to attack you from behind in the 360 version than in the PC version. And on the subject of the zombies, you'll see them doing a number of different actions as their A.I. responds to the world. They'll be attracted to loud noises for instance, including scrambling towards pipe bombs which emit loud beeping noises, or car alarms the player might accidentally set off. If completely enraged they may even start to attack one another.
Here are some of the other details we picked up:
There are four campaigns, with five chapters each
The hospital level seen in demos is based on Philadelphia
Another level is based on Pittsburg (evidently Valve has some Steelers fans)
Other levels cover a small town and an airport
Achievements are based on social engineering ideas and we got a couple of them:
"Bite your tongue" - Kill Smoker (Enemy with prehensile tongue) before he can pull you in
"Sharp Shooter" - Complete Co-op chapter without any friendly fire
If you haven't already, check out the brand new videos we made of Left 4 Dead on the 360 while playing it today we have on Gamevideos. And watch for the full video of our Left 4 Dead adventure at Valve coming on the season premier of the 1UP Show when it airs Friday, September 19.
