Dead Echo

Description
Today, we bring you yet another Left 4 Dead campaign for your downloading pleasure. Dead Echo by Valar is an original project that continues where Valve left off as the Survivors make their way to Echo Base, the evacuation outpost mentioned at the end of Blood Harvest. In the traditional style of the original campaigns, Valar has chosen to omit any sign of how the Survivors got to the place they're in at the beginning of the first map. It evokes a feeling of nostalgia and familiarity and ultimately sets the tone well:

"You're here, get out."

The journey to Echo is a long and arduous one. It's safe to say that this is the most difficult campaign released. I have yet to complete it on Expert Campaign. The map throws horde after horde at you while you make your way through very open but linear maps. It's not on the same level as DeadCity in terms of how often they appear, but the proximity from one crescendo to the other can make it seem excessive.

The campaign also suffers from a few optimization issues. Lower-end graphics card users are going to suffer on the second map, as high-detail rain effects bog down framerate, even on the higher end of nVidia's 9000 series. Some of the level progression also seems to be a bit non-sensical. A toxic waste dump directly behind a supermarket doesn't exactly feel realistic. Item placement could also use some work, as I didn't know where to look for the items outside of the fourth map's safe room until someone literally pointed them out to me. Here's a hint: in the second room, on the left.

Despite this, the superb texture work, impressive map geometry, and sheer difficulty make this an easy enough recommendation for anyone who's looking for a fun campaign, or something to challenge their skills. Download it if you're interested.

--Odyssey1319