Aim for the head! Shoot it in the head!

That is what I scream every time I come across a new “Left 4 Dead” PS3 rumor. Unfortunately, rumors can’t be killed so easily; thus I end up looking like a crazed, raving lunatic.

HMV, an electronics retailer that services the UK and Ireland, is currently allowing customers to pre-order a PS3 version of “Left 4 Dead.” According to the retailer’s site, the game will be available on June 5.

In an effort to clarify any confusion, CVG reached out to Valve for comment.

“Fantastic,” an employee said. “I can’t wait to see it.”

Anybody else detect some sarcasm in that comment?

CVG also found a similar listing on Play.com.

Rumors of a PS3 SKU surfaced in August of last year when the Official PlayStation Magazine reported that Electronic Arts, which publishes Valve’s retail games, was developing a PS3 version of “Left 4 Dead.” This seemed plausible, as EA UK had previously handled the PS3 port of Valve’s “The Orange Box.” However, Valve’s Doug Lombardi was quick to deny the rumor.

Since that time, rumors have continued to pop up.

Is this recent comment proof that “Left 4 Dead” will never come to the Sony’s black behemoth? Certainly not. Late last August, Lombardi said there was a “50-50” chance of a PS3 version and that the company would “re-evaluate” the situation as the console’s install base grew. Though, since Valve doesn’t have any internal PS3 teams, I suspect that EA would once again be in charge of the development duties. Apparently, the third-party publisher could use some extra funds right about now.

Rumors often persist for one of two reasons. Either they are the delirious hopes of a certain community, or they are partially (or completely) true. Before eventually revealing that “BioShock” was indeed coming to the PS3, 2K Games vehemently denied that such a SKU existed. I am not saying that there is any truth to these news rumblings, but don’t be surprised if “Left 4 Dead” heads to the PS3 at some point.

“Left 4 Dead,” which was one of Sarcastic Gamer’s 2008 Game of the Year nominees, released for the Xbox 360 and the PC in November of last year. EA recently revealed that, as of Dec. 31, the game had sold 1.8 million copies (not including Steam downloads). The 360 version of the game currently has an aggregate Metacritic score of 90, while the PC SKU has an 89. Valve is currently working on DLC for the game, which studio writer Chet Faliszek teased last December.

What about you Sony faithful? Would you still buy “Left 4 Dead” if it came to the PS3? The game looks tremendous, but I am not sure that it would make my must-have list for 2009. After all, I only have so much money to spend on the bazillion games that are coming out this year. Though, I certainly wouldn’t rule out a purchase, especially if a PS3 version shipped next year.

Source: CVG