What it lacks in content, it makes up for it in addictive fun.

Left 4 Dead is a game that defies what you think it should be: a short, mediocre shooter with a bunch of zombies. But, despite the simple concept of the game, it has this special "it" factor about it that makes it a great game, and an ultimate party game for you and a few friends.

Explaining what makes L4D so good, is rather difficult. It doesn't really offer anything innovative as far as shooter controls or concepts. There aren't a lot of weapons. There are not a lot of characters to choose from. The graphics are only OK. There are only 4 chapters to play through, and the campaign is not very long. So, from that list, you could wonder what it is about this game that is just so special.

Well, with everything the game lacks, it makes up for it in fun. And that fun comes from having 4 Live buddies (or system link friends) to share the experience with. Its obvious that this game is meant for co-op play. Teamwork is essential, and you have to work with your friends in order survive your last stand moments as your team waits for the evac vehicle to pick you up.

While 4 chapters doesn't seem like enough, the game makes every experience different from the last if you decide to replay. The majority of the time, the games AI director will be pretty random with boss placements and large horde attacks. Depending on how well you or your team are doing, the Director seems to scale things accordingly, making survival tougher or easier for you and your friends.

When a game relies so much on teamwork and cooperation, it can be be problematic depending on your circumstances. If you're playing with friends that you know will stick with you to the end, then all is fine. But playing with random strangers over live can be hit or miss at times. You may occasionally come across a group that's willing to work together, but there are also times that you will find people that like to Rambo their way through the game and do their own thing. This of course leaves you and/or your teammates at a disadvantage and makes it harder to clear through a chapter.

Also, be aware that you will also come across people without mics in online games, which of course makes it hard to communicate things properly. Of course, there is a way boot people who are less helpful or just annoying, and the game will let bots take over until someone else jumps in. Although the bots are helpful at times, they tend to have a mind of their own in crucial moments.

The single player is pretty much the same game as the online co-op. But if you have a Live connection, there really isn't much of a need to go through that unless you just want to play alone. Of course, doing so will take away half of the fun this game provides. On the other hand, for a change of pace, there is the online versus mode which allows you to play as the survivors, or as the infected. As the infected, your job is to wear down the survivor team and keep them from making out in one piece. Its a nice adittion to the game, and should offer some more funny moments between friends.

Overall, L4D is a game that has the potential somehow suck you in and keep you coming back for more. Its not full of content, and its not the longest game in the world. And there are people who will be turned off by paying 60 bucks for this type of game. However, if you have a gold subscription to Xbox Live, you owe to yourself to play this game with a group of friends, even if you have to rent it. You'll at least be able to get some enjoyment out of it, and should come away with a satisfying good time and great stories of how you survived.