If you’re a fan of the cinema or video games, there’s simply no escaping the undead. Whether they’re used as a clever disguise for political commentary or merely an excuse for violence and a lousy plot, zombies are everywhere – and now hundreds of them are ready to invade your PC courtesy of Left 4 Dead.

The game follows a well-worn cinematic plot: a handful of survivors are forced to fight their way to safety through a sea of zombies. The levels encompass many stereotypical horror movie sets, from backroads to subway tunnels and abandoned hospitals. Horror movie classicists might complain that the zombies of the game are of the modern, fast variety, but they are likely to appreciate the reference-heavy humour of the game’s own horror fan character, Zoe.

Unlike the many games that rely largely on the feeling of being alone to create tension, Left 4 Dead is focused on cooperation. Even if playing alone you’ll fight alongside three computer-controlled humans, and the only way to progress is to stick together. A few dim moments aside, this artificial intelligence does a decent job of working with you.

As a single-player game Left 4 Dead works fine, but it’s far better played online. You can battle through the survival routes with up to three friends – or pick three random companions from the many playing online – or do battle against another team of four controlling the zombies.

The computer’s brainpower is pitted against you, too. Rather than setting up each level with a set number of zombies, Left 4 Dead analyses the way that you play and places challenges accordingly. Play badly, for example, and it might give you a break, but stick around in one place for too long and it’ll send hordes of zombies your way.

All in all, this is an impressive zombie game that, just like zombies themselves, relies on braaaains.