You can now play the original prototype for Left 4 Dead in all its zombie goodness

techradar.com:

The latest bunch of Valve leaks have revealed the original map sources and prototype for the beloved and classic Left 4 Dead. 

We haven’t had any real news from Left 4 Dead or its developers since Back 4 Blood released in late 2021. So when Youtuber Tyler McVicker(opens in new tab) posted a video revealing that the earliest prototype for Left 4 Dead had been leaked, we were pretty intrigued.

The leaked footage depicts a forgotten level of Counter-Strike: Source, codenamed Terror Strike, along with some map sources for the game that have never been seen before. This unreleased map is the second stage of prototyping that began with the Counter-Strike: Condition Zero and the map Zombie City.

When it comes to the scenery in this unfinished level, there’s not much to write home about. Its abandoned grey cityscape is eerily quiet and empty as you make your way through the onslaught of infinitely respawning counter-terrorists. On the bright side, you can see the first inklings of the popular undead game within the dimly lit city streets. 

But don’t take our word for it. You can go play the original prototype for yourself right now. You can download the Zombie City map for yourself at GameBanana(opens in new tab), or you can set up your own server on Counter-Strike: Source. Just make sure to allow a lot of counter-terrorists to respawn and then have you and some buddies try to make it across the map. 

The leaked prototype and map sources aren't the first thing that surprised us about Left 4 Dead. The game’s production had a bit of an unconventional and rocky start. 

For those who remember, Counter-Strike: Condition Zero had a turbulent time in production, being passed around from studio to studio in search of someone who could finally