The chaps and chappettes at Valve have just posted a blog on the techniques they used to make Left 4 Dead so pants-wettingly frightening. The blog touches on the graphical touches that help the game feel like an old horror movie, and explains the visual cues used to make the experience more intuitive.

The read is worth your time if you're interested in the game or graphical techniques in general.

I'm always impressed with graphics, mainly cos I have no skill in the area - When I see a game like Half-Life II or Doom 3, I'm always amased at how these kinda guys make them look so awesome.

Will def give this a read.